UNIQLO Launches Pokemon 30th Anniversary T-Shirts Featuring Original Starter Pokemon in Classic Watercolor Art
Nostalgia Returns: 30 Years of Pokemon Celebrated Through Original Artwork
To commemorate the 30th anniversary of Pokemon in 2026, UNIQLO's graphic T-shirt brand "UT" is releasing a special collection. Scheduled for late March 2026, the collection will be priced at ¥1,990 (approximately $13 USD) for men's sizes and ¥990 (approximately $6 USD) for kids' sizes.
The defining feature of this collection is its use of the original watercolor artwork from the 1996 debut games "Pokemon Red and Green." Rather than modern 3D renders or anime-style designs, these shirts showcase the hand-painted, ethereal illustrations created by Ken Sugimori during Pokemon's earliest days. This authentic approach to the 30th anniversary creates a truly special commemorative collection that honors the franchise's roots.
From Starter Pokemon to Pikachu: Original 151 Pokemon Lineup
The men's collection features five distinct designs. These include a group design showcasing the beloved starter trio of Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle, a design featuring the fully evolved Charizard, the franchise mascot Pikachu, the sleeping giant Snorlax, and the popular Ghost/Poison-type Gengar.
The kids' collection also offers five unique designs, featuring Eevee along with its three original evolutions (Vaporeon, Jolteon, and Flareon), as well as a design combining the legendary Mewtwo with the mythical Mew. These designs are sure to delight young Pokemon fans.
Size ranges are extensive, with men's sizes spanning XS to 4XL and kids' sizes ranging from 100 to 160, ensuring accessibility for Pokemon fans of all ages.
Kicking Off Pokemon's 30th Anniversary Celebrations
The year 2026 is set to be monumental for Pokemon, beginning with Pokemon Day on February 27th. This UNIQLO collection is expected to be one of the first major collaborations marking this historic milestone. Throughout the year, fans can anticipate additional partnerships, including a rumored Pokemon x adidas Originals capsule collection and LEGO Pokemon block sets, making 2026 an unforgettable year for the franchise.
This isn't UNIQLO's first collaboration with Pokemon. Previous releases have included collections themed around Pokemon Trading Card Game designs and customizable options through their "UTme!" service. However, this 30th-anniversary collection stands apart by focusing exclusively on the original games and utilizing authentic watercolor artwork, making it a uniquely nostalgic offering.
Affordable Anniversary Memorabilia for All
The pricing structure—¥1,990 for men's and ¥990 for kids'—reflects UNIQLO's commitment to accessible, high-quality collaborations. These price points make it easy for fans to collect multiple designs or coordinate matching outfits with family members, a particularly appealing option for parents who grew up with Pokemon and now share it with their children.
The generation that first discovered Pokemon in 1996 is now introducing the franchise to their own kids, creating a multigenerational experience. This collection beautifully captures that cross-generational appeal, allowing families to celebrate Pokemon's 30-year legacy together.
The collection will be available at UNIQLO stores nationwide in Japan and through their online store. Given the anticipated popularity of this commemorative release, early planning is recommended for those wishing to secure their favorite designs.
In Japan, the Pokemon journey that began 30 years ago continues to captivate audiences across generations. How do you remember Pokemon in your country? What are your thoughts on the original Pokemon designs? We'd love to hear your Pokemon memories and perspectives!
References
- https://www.uniqlo.com/jp/ja/spl/ut-graphic-tees/pokemon-26ss/men
- https://hypebeast.com/2025/12/uniqlo-ut-pokemons-30th-anniversary-new-spring-2026-collaboration-release-info
- https://essential-japan.com/news/uniqlo-to-release-new-pokemon-red-and-green-t-shirt-collection-for-series-30th-anniversary/
- https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-uniqlo-30th-anniversary-collection/
- https://bulbagarden.net/threads/uniqlo-announces-new-30th-anniversary-merch-collection-inspired-by-early-watercolor-pokemon-art-launching-in-japan-march-2026.309374/
Reactions in Japan
Using the original watercolor art is absolutely perfect! I loved Sugimori's art from back then, so I'm definitely buying. Want to collect all three starters
So happy I can wear matching shirts with my kids! I started Pokemon in elementary school, and 30 years later I can enjoy it with my own children - it's so moving
The ¥1,990 price point is perfect. It's affordable for a collaboration T-shirt, and easy to buy multiple. The designs are simple enough for everyday wear too
The Pikachu design recreates that chubby original look and it makes me emotional. I love the chunky original Pikachu, not today's sleeker version
Late March release... This will probably be popular so I need to go on release day or it'll sell out. Previous Pokemon collabs disappeared quickly too
As a Bulbasaur fan, I wish they weren't grouped together on one design... But I'll still buy it. I will!
Honestly I don't really know recent Pokemon, but I know all the original ones. Feeling nostalgic enough to buy
UNIQLO collaboration tees can be see-through depending on the fabric... I'll decide after seeing them in person
Ken Sugimori's early illustrations are truly artistic. The gap between the pixel art in games and these watercolor paintings was amazing
Grateful for the XS to 4XL range. UNIQLO tees run pretty large, so women might want to size down
Is this Japan exclusive? I hope overseas UNIQLO stores carry it too. Guess I'll have to buy when I visit home
Honestly, isn't the lineup a bit small for a 30th anniversary? I wanted designs with more different Pokemon
The Eevee evolution design for kids is too cute! My daughter will love it. At ¥990 I can buy several
If it gets popular, resellers will swarm it... I just want to buy at regular price
I like the simple Snorlax design. Character tees are often flashy, but this could work as regular clothing
UNIQLO's printed tees fade quite a bit after repeated washing. I'll need to take good care of it
So happy Gengar is in the lineup! Been a fan since Gen 1, buying immediately
I want all of them, but 5 men's designs would be ¥10,000... Need to check my allowance
Might be perfect as loungewear. A bit embarrassing to wear outside, but great for home
As someone from the '96 generation, this is emotional. I was in elementary school then, and it's already been 30 years... Time flies
Love that they're using the original watercolor art. Ken Sugimori's original illustrations are truly artistic, with a completely different charm from modern 3D renders. Hope this releases in the US too
Chonky Pikachu is back! I always preferred the '90s Pikachu design, so this collection is perfect
Around $13 is reasonable. But will it be available at UNIQLO in Brazil? Would be sad if it's Japan exclusive
Grouping the three starters on one design is a nice idea, but I wish they had individual designs too
Only 10 designs for a 30th anniversary? I wanted to see more Pokemon designs, especially Pidgeot or Gyarados
The Mewtwo and Mew kids design is adorable. Would love to gift it to my niece, but can I buy it in Poland?
UNIQLO Pokemon collabs always sell out fast. If it releases in Canada, I'm going on day one
So nostalgic and wonderful. Brings back memories of playing Pokemon Red for the first time in 1996
The Gengar design is nice and simple. Not too flashy, so it'd be easy to wear as everyday clothing
Love that parents and kids can match. Can enjoy the Pokemon of my childhood together with my children
Definitely buying the Charizard design. Been my favorite Pokemon since Gen 1
Wondering when it'll release at UNIQLO Singapore. Hope it's simultaneous with Japan
Great that the price is affordable. Better than expensive collector items - a price anyone can afford is wonderful
My daughter would love the Eevee evolution design. But can I wait until it's available in the US?
Want to sleep in the Snorlax tee. Would make perfect pajamas
2026 looks like it'll be a huge year for Pokemon. Also excited about the adidas and LEGO collabs
Nordic UNIQLO stores have limited selections, so worried if this collection will come here
The watercolor style is truly beautiful. Has a warmth that's different from modern digital art
The wait until March is long, but it's a worthy collection for the 30th anniversary
UNIQLO always does good work with Pokemon collabs. This quality at this price is excellent