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Event

Hige Dandism in Singapore: Concert + Pop-Up at 313@Somerset

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If you’ve watched Tokyo Revengers, Spy x Family, or Blue Box, you already know Official Hige Dandism — even if you didn’t realise it. The Japanese pop-rock quartet behind some of the biggest anime opening themes of the last few years is in Singapore this August, and there’s still a way to be part of the action even if the concert is sold out.

Concert at The Star Theatre — 21 August, 8PM

Official Hige Dandism Asia Tour 2026 Singapore concert poster at The Star Theatre
Image courtesy of Official Hige Dandism / SOZO

OFFICIAL HIGE DANDISM ASIA TOUR 2026 comes to The Star Theatre (1 Vista Exchange Green, Singapore 138617) on Friday, 21 August 2026. Doors open at 7:00 PM, show starts at 8:00 PM. The one-night-only showcase is presented by SOZO, with tickets originally priced from S$98 (CAT 7) to S$288 (CAT 1).

All tickets are now sold out — the official site confirmed the full sell-out with a note thanking fans for the support. If you’re still hoping to attend, secondary platforms are your best bet; demand has been high across the region.

Official Hige Dandism Asia Tour 2026 Singapore seating chart and ticket price categories for The Star Theatre
Image courtesy of Official Hige Dandism / SOZO

Ticket holders can also grab the Asia Tour 2026 concert merchandise — the range includes a Singapore City Exclusive Keyholder (S$13), Asia Tour T-Shirts in off-white or black (S$59 each), a Hawaiian Shirt (S$80), a towel (S$30), a rubberband (S$12) and a passport case (S$25). Pre-orders run through the official concert-goods store until 19 August at higedansgp26shop.sozolive.asia, with walk-in sales at The Star Theatre on show day.

Official Hige Dandism Asia Tour 2026 concert merchandise catalogue with Singapore prices
Image courtesy of Official Hige Dandism / SOZO

Still Open: Pop-Up at 313@Somerset, 15–23 August

The Official Hige Dandism 2026 Asia Pop-Up at 313@Somerset runs from 15 to 23 August 2026 and is open to everyone — no ticket required. Its lineup is separate from the concert merchandise: the store carries 20 specially curated items, headlined by a set of Singapore City Exclusives you won’t find at the tour’s other pop-up cities:

  • Singapore City Exclusive LED Magnet
  • Singapore City Exclusive T-Shirt
  • Singapore City Exclusive Poster

Beyond the city exclusives, the pop-up stocks LP coasters inspired by the band’s album artwork, random keychains, bandanas, tote bags, and live concert posters. Fans can also pick up past albums and special releases, including the recently released Official Hige Dandism LIVE at STADIUM 2025 on DVD, Blu-ray and CD. Running alongside the store is an Official Hige Dandism × PHOTOISM photo-booth collaboration, live from 1 August to 30 September 2026.

The Anime Connection — Why Singapore Fans Know This Band

Official Hige Dandism (正式名称: Official髭男dism) have quietly racked up more anime soundtrack credits than most J-rock acts of their generation. If any of these sound familiar, that’s them:

  • “Cry Baby” — opening theme of Tokyo Revengers Season 1 (2021)
  • “Mixed Nuts” — opening theme of Spy x Family (2022)
  • “Same Blue” — opening theme of Blue Box (2024)

Beyond anime, their single “Pretender” helped introduce the band to listeners across Southeast Asia, and their genre-blending sound — pop, rock, jazz, and soul in the same breath — has earned them a cross-generational fanbase with over 10 billion cumulative streams globally.

OFFICIAL HIGE DANDISM — MIXED NUTS (Spy x Family OP) via Official髭男dism on YouTube
Official髭男dism — Cry Baby (Tokyo Revengers OP) via Official髭男dism on YouTube

The pop-up at 313@Somerset is worth a visit even if you couldn’t get concert tickets — Singapore-exclusive merch from a sold-out Japan culture show doesn’t come around often. For more Singapore events, keep it locked to GameTrader.

Game News, Shop and Merchandise

Pokémon x Baskin-Robbins Japan: 31 Poké Summer Campaign Is Live

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Pokémon’s 30th anniversary is still going strong, and Japan’s Baskin-Robbins just turned up the sweetness. The annual 31 Poké Summer Campaign (31ポケ夏！キャンペーン) is now live at Baskin-Robbins Japan — and this year’s lineup celebrates three decades since Pokémon Red and Green first launched in 1996. For Singapore fans making the Japan trip this August school holidays, this one is a worthy side-quest.

What Is the 31 Poké Summer Campaign?

Running throughout August 1–31, 2026 at B-R サーティワン locations nationwide in Japan, the 31 Poké Summer Campaign is an annual collaboration between Baskin-Robbins Japan and The Pokémon Company. Each year it draws long queues, and the 2026 edition makes it the biggest yet: the 30th anniversary of Pokémon Red and Green means Kanto’s original starter Pokémon — Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle — take centre stage, joined by Pikachu, Eevee, Ditto, Slowpoke, and starter Pokémon from all nine main-series regions.

Check out more Pokémon news on GameTrader as we head into a packed August for the franchise.

The Signature New Flavour: Pikachu’s Volt Tackle

The star of the 2026 lineup is Pikachu’s Volt Tackle Pine Squash (ピカチュウのでんきショック！パインスカッシュ), priced at ¥420 per scoop. It’s a pineapple-and-cider sorbet laced with popping candy — 31% more than Baskin-Robbins Japan’s own popular Popping Shower flavour — so it fizzes and crackles on your tongue like a miniature Electric-type attack. It’s one of those flavours that sounds gimmicky on paper but reportedly delivers.

Joining it is the Ditto Crush Soda (メタモンクラッシュソーダ) at ¥760: grape and pineapple soda poured over crushed ice with a Ditto stirrer stick and grape gelatin. Mix the red and blue layers until they bleed into purple, and you’ve got a drink that transforms in real time — just like its namesake. A scoop of your choice flavour can be added on top.

Baskin-Robbins Japan Pokémon 2026 ice cream cone with Pikachu-themed decoration
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company and Baskin-Robbins Japan

Poké Ball Sundae, Double Cups, and All Nine Regions

The most coveted item this year is the Poké Ball Sundae (モンスターボールサンデー) at ¥820. It’s a scoop of any flavour topped with Pikachu-shaped chocolate whipped cream, sprinkles, and served inside a reusable Poké Ball container — the kind you’ll want to keep. The spoon is a random one of three Kanto starters (Bulbasaur, Charmander or Squirtle). Catch: it’s only available through 9 August and is limited to three cups per group, so plan ahead if you’re in Japan early this month.

The Pokémon Double Cup (ポケモンダブルカップ, from ¥510) lets you pick two scoops, and the cups are decorated with starter Pokémon from all nine main-series regions — Kanto to Paldea. For group orders, the Summer Special Set (from ¥3,520) packs nine scoops with stainless steel Pikachu and Eevee spoons; an upgraded version includes nine plastic starter spoons as well.

Pokémon Variety Box 6 Flavors at Baskin-Robbins Japan 2026 featuring Pikachu and Slowpoke
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company and Baskin-Robbins Japan

Pokémon Ice Cream Cakes for the 30th Anniversary

Returning for another summer are the Pokémon face-shaped ice cream cakes, available to pre-order. The Pikachu Ice Cream Cake (¥3,800) is a spot-on sculpted Pikachu head in yellow fondant and chocolate, filled with Popping Shower and strawberry ice cream. There’s also an Eevee Ice Cream Cake for fans of the Evolution Pokémon, filled with caramel ribbon and milk chocolate — arguably the more sophisticated option of the two.

Pikachu face-shaped ice cream cake at Baskin-Robbins Japan 31 Poké Summer 2026
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company and Baskin-Robbins Japan

Singapore Fans: Plan That Japan Trip

The 31 Poké Summer Campaign is Japan-exclusive — B-R Japan is a separate franchise from Baskin-Robbins outlets here in Singapore, and none of these Pokémon products will appear at local stores. However, August is school-holiday season and one of the most popular months for Singapore families to visit Japan. Baskin-Robbins branches are everywhere in Japan’s major cities (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka), so picking up a Poké Ball Sundae or a Ditto Crush Soda is an easy Japan trip addition.

The Pokémon Variety Boxes — available in 4, 6, 8, and 12-scoop configurations in Pokémon-branded boxes — also make decent takeaway gifts if you’re heading back to Singapore after your trip, though ice cream logistics on a flight are naturally your own adventure.

The 31 Poké Summer Campaign runs August 1–31, 2026 at participating Baskin-Robbins Japan stores nationwide. Full product details and a store locator are available on the official site (Japanese). Via SoraNews24 and Game Watch (Japanese).

News, Shop and Merchandise

BEAMS x The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Collection Is Out Now in Japan

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If you caught The Super Mario Galaxy Movie in Singapore cinemas earlier this year and came out wishing you could take a piece of it home, Japanese fashion label BEAMS just answered that call. The long-teased collaboration between BEAMS and Nintendo’s blockbuster sequel officially went on sale in Japan today, 1 August 2026, and the nine-piece collection is exactly the kind of loud, character-forward streetwear that BEAMS does best.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie – Official Trailer — via Nintendo of America on YouTube

What BEAMS Brought to the Galaxy

The collection takes the vibrant visual language of the Nintendo/Illumination film and runs it through BEAMS’ distinctly Tokyo-casual design sensibility. The standout piece is the all-over print open-collar short-sleeve shirt (¥13,200), which covers every inch of fabric with Coins, Fire Flowers, Super Mushrooms and Question Blocks in a pattern that somehow manages to feel wearable rather than overwhelming. It comes in white and navy, and there is a matching all-over print tote bag (¥7,700) in the same two colour options if you want to commit fully to the look.

BEAMS x The Super Mario Galaxy Movie — open-collar shirts, character tees and Bowser pieces
Image courtesy of BEAMS / Nintendo

The Bowser items deserve their own spotlight. The Bowser T-Shirt (¥7,920) and matching Bowser Sweatshirt (¥13,200) go full rock-poster with a massive KOOPA graphic across the chest — the kind of design that works for a casual weekend but also reads clearly enough that fellow fans will clock it immediately. Both come in white and black (fade black for the sweatshirt).

The Full Line-Up

BEAMS x The Super Mario Galaxy Movie — sweatshirts, long sleeve tees, tote bags and logo cap
Image courtesy of BEAMS / Nintendo

Here is everything in the collection with pricing in Japanese yen:

  • All-Over Print Open Collar Shirt — ¥13,200 (White, Navy, sizes S–XL)
  • Character T-Shirt — ¥7,920 (White, Grey, S–XL) — full cast graphic across the back
  • Bowser T-Shirt — ¥7,920 (White, Black, S–XL)
  • Logo T-Shirt — ¥7,920 (White, Black, S–XL) — clean movie logo treatment on the back
  • Character Sweatshirt — ¥12,100 (Grey, Black, S–XL) — character print with Yoshi detail on the sleeve
  • Bowser Sweatshirt — ¥13,200 (Fade Black, S–XL)
  • Long Sleeve T-Shirt — ¥12,100 (Navy, Black, S–XL) — cast storyboard strip running the full length of the sleeve
  • Logo Cap — ¥8,250 (Black, One Size)
  • All-Over Print Tote Bag — ¥7,700 (White, Navy)
BEAMS x The Super Mario Galaxy Movie long sleeve tee detail — BEAMS logo and character strip on sleeve
Image courtesy of BEAMS / Nintendo

Getting It to Singapore

The collection is Japan-exclusive for now and available through the BEAMS Online Store and BEAMS retail locations across Japan. There is no confirmation of a wider international release or a Singapore-specific retail drop at this stage.

Singapore fans who want to order will need to use a Japanese proxy shopping or forwarding service — these typically charge a service fee on top of the item price and shipping, so factor that in before hitting checkout on the pricier sweatshirts. Items are priced between ¥7,700 and ¥13,200, putting most pieces in the same ballpark as a mid-range streetwear purchase once shipping is added.

The movie itself crossed USD $1 billion at the global box office and had a strong run in Singapore cinemas this April, with Nintendo’s local site carrying full movie information. If you missed the Uniqlo UT collaboration from earlier in the year (which did land in Singapore stores), the BEAMS pieces occupy a slightly more premium, Japan-fashion-brand position — fewer pieces, more distinctive designs, and import-only for most of us.

For other Japan culture drops and Singapore pop-culture news, check our merchandise and shop coverage.

News

Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo Reopens 24 August 2026

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Japan’s largest Pokémon store has a confirmed comeback date: Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo, the iconic flagship location inside Sunshine City in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, will reopen on Monday, 24 August 2026 — five months after a tragic incident forced its indefinite closure. For Singapore fans who put this Ikebukuro landmark at the top of every Japan itinerary, the wait is nearly over.

A Tragic Closure: What Happened on 26 March

On 26 March 2026, a fatal stabbing occurred at Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo. A stalker entered the Sunshine City store and killed a female employee before taking his own life. The Pokémon Company immediately closed both Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo and the adjacent Pikachu Sweets by Pokémon Café out of respect and concern for staff and customers. Other Pokémon Centers across Japan and the official online store remained in operation throughout the closure.

Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo entrance featuring the iconic Poké Ball logo and Pokémon Legends: Z-A promotional display
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company

This wasn’t just any store going dark. Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo is the largest Pokémon Center in the world, occupying the second floor of Sunshine City Alpa in Higashi-Ikebukuro and stocking more than 2,500 items — from limited-edition plush and stationery to exclusive regional products and trading card supplies. Its closure for five months has been keenly felt by Pokémon fans visiting Japan.

Confirmed: Reopening Monday, 24 August 2026

In an official announcement published on 27 July 2026, The Pokémon Company confirmed that both Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo and Pikachu Sweets by Pokémon Café will resume operations on Monday, 24 August 2026.

“We sincerely apologize for the concern and inconvenience caused during the temporary closure,” the company stated, with the goal of creating “an environment where customers can visit and shop with peace of mind.”

Key details for the reopening:

  • Partial renovations have been carried out during the closure period
  • Employee safety measures have been significantly strengthened
  • Temporary entry restrictions will be in effect after reopening — the specific admission method will be announced separately
  • No campaigns or events will be held at this location during August; expect the usual event schedule to resume from September onwards
  • The Pokémon Company noted the date “could still change depending on circumstances”

What’s Inside Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo

Pikachu Sweets by Pokémon Café official logo
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company

For those visiting for the first time, Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo is far more than a souvenir shop. Alongside thousands of Pokémon products spanning plush toys, clothing, accessories, games, cards, and collectibles, the complex houses several dedicated zones:

  • Pikachu Sweets by Pokémon Café — Pokémon-themed desserts, drinks, and sweets
  • Pokémon Card Station — a dedicated area for Pokémon Trading Card Game products, booster packs, and singles
  • Pokémon GO Lab — a zone for Pokémon GO players with themed activities and exclusive merchandise
Pokémon Card Station logo
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company

The store operates daily from 10:00 to 20:00, and is a three-minute walk from Higashi-Ikebukuro Station.

Inside Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo | Tokyo Store Tour 2026 — via Rokka Biyori | Explore Japan with Rokka on YouTube

Planning Your Visit from Singapore

The 24 August reopening lands squarely in Singapore’s August school holiday period, when Japan trips are among the most popular destinations for families and groups. If you are heading to Tokyo this August, Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo is finally back in play — but plan ahead for the entry restrictions that will be in effect. The admission process will be detailed by The Pokémon Company before opening day, so check the official store page and the Pokémon Center’s social channels before your visit.

For more Pokémon news and Japan gaming updates, stay tuned to GameTrader.SG.

Manga Anime, News

All 146 Kamen Rider Works Hit Prime Video Japan on 29 August

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The 55th anniversary of Kamen Rider is shaping up to be the franchise’s biggest year yet. From 29 August 2026, Amazon Prime members in Japan will be able to watch all 146 works in the Kamen Rider franchise for free — no extra charge, no gaps in the library.

146 Works, Zero Extra Charge

The announcement, confirmed via Japanese media including natalie.mu (Japanese) and Denfaminicogamer (Japanese), covers the full breadth of the franchise on Prime Video Japan:

  • Full TV series catalogue — the original 1971 Kamen Rider through the entire Heisei era (Kuuga through Zi-O) and all Reiwa-era entries including Zero-One, Saber, Revice, and beyond
  • V-Cinema films making their unlimited streaming debut — including Kamen Rider Faiz 20th: Paradise Regained and Kamen Rider OOO 10th: Core Medals of Resurrection
  • TV specials and streaming originals — such as Rider Time: Kamen Rider Ryuki

One small exception: Kamen Rider Geats joins the library on 1 September rather than the 29th. Everything else drops together.

The timing is deliberate. The archive unlock coincides with the Prime Video premiere of Kamen Rider Agito: Super Power War, the 55th anniversary theatrical film. Toei and TV Asahi ran a fan vote earlier this year to choose which Heisei-era Rider would receive the anniversary treatment; Agito — which achieved an average TV rating of 11.7%, the highest of any Heisei Rider — was the clear fans’ choice.

KAMEN RIDER MY-TH | Official Teaser — via TOEI TOKUSATSU WORLD OFFICIAL on YouTube

Kamen Rider My-Th: A Mouse Takes the Belt This September

Kamen Rider MY-TH full suit official photo
Image courtesy of Toei / TV Asahi

While the archive headlines are huge for long-time fans, the franchise’s future is also being mapped out. Kamen Rider My-Th — the next mainline series — is confirmed for September 2026 on TV Asahi, replacing Kamen Rider Zeztz in the Sunday-morning Super Hero Time block alongside Kakusei Hunter Omegahorn.

It marks a franchise first: the lead Rider’s motif is a mouse. Kamen Rider MY-TH himself is silver and blue, wearing the MY-TH Driver diagonally across the chest in a style reminiscent of Zeztz. Two rival Riders have also been revealed: the crimson, crystal-armoured Maou (with the Maou Driver worn at the waist) and the blue-accented Rid, who uses the MY-TH Driver augmented by a Hammer Bone Buckle.

The series follows Sora Otosumi, a butler-turned-hero who serves as “meister” to a young girl named Yuna Mizuki and transforms on her behalf. Toei’s tagline: “Awakening from a century’s slumber — people’s wishes endure, and a falling star becomes a MYTH.”

Kamen Rider Maou official suit photo — the crimson antagonist Rider
Image courtesy of Toei / TV Asahi

For Singapore Tokusatsu Fans

The 146-work streaming deal is confirmed for Prime Video Japan — not yet for other regions. Singapore fans who want to dig into the full archive now will need a Japanese Prime Video account.

That said, Toei has a consistent track record of bringing Kamen Rider to Prime Video globally. Kamen Rider Black Sun and Shin Kamen Rider both launched on Prime Video Singapore, and new Reiwa-era series have generally followed within months of their Japanese broadcast start. Based on that pattern, Kamen Rider My-Th is the one to watch: once it airs in Japan this September, a global Prime Video window is the most likely path — though no SEA date has been confirmed.

Whether you are coming back to the franchise after years away or discovering it for the first time, 29 August is shaping up to be a landmark date for tokusatsu. Keep an eye on GameTrader’s anime and manga coverage for updates as they land.

News, Shop and Merchandise

Godzilla × Sanrio Characters: Hello Kitty Goes Kaiju — Merch Hits Japan 22 July

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Toho and Sanrio have pulled off one of the sweetest cross-franchise collabs of 2026: seven of Sanrio’s most beloved characters are suiting up as Godzillas from five different film eras, and the merchandise arrives at Japanese retailers on 22 July 2026.

Sanrio Characters Dressed Across 70 Years of Godzilla

The lineup draws from the full sweep of the Godzilla franchise rather than sticking to a single era, which is exactly what makes it so nerdy-fun. Each Sanrio character is paired with a specific version of the King of the Monsters:

  • Hello Kitty — the 1954 original, grey-scaled and roaring
  • Cinnamoroll — also the 1954 Godzilla, complete with his floppy ears still visible inside the suit
  • My Melody — the Heisei-era Burning Godzilla, rendered in warm reddish-brown
  • Kuromi — a dark, spiked version drawing on the MechaGodzilla design
  • My Sweet Piano — a creamy beige kaiju variant all her own
  • Pompompurin — a fire-chested Godzilla with glowing orange accents
  • Hangyodon — a sleek dark-blue variant with distinctive shoulder fins

The official key art shows all seven marching side by side, Godzilla footprints and Sanrio motifs — bows, skulls, apples, swirls — scattered across the background. It should not work as well as it does.

Godzilla Sanrio Characters flat merch — stickers, acrylic stands and keychains
Image courtesy of Toho / Sanrio

Full Merch Lineup and Prices

The collection spans a wide range of price points, from affordable flat goods to collectible plush pieces:

  • Plush mascot keychains (マスコット) — ¥3,080 (~S$28) each; Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, My Melody, Kuromi, Pompompurin, Hangyodon, and My Sweet Piano all available, each with a ball-chain and a hidden zip detail at the back
  • 3D rubber keychains (立体マスコットキーホルダー) — seven characters in soft-rubber form on coloured strap clips
  • 3-link acrylic keychains — three characters on a single keychain set
  • Random mini acrylic stands (blind box) — ¥660 (~S$6); 10 types plus one secret variant
  • Die-cut stickers and flake sticker sheets — from ¥660 (~S$6)
  • Embroidered mini towels (刺繍ミニタオル) — ¥990 (~S$9) in three colourways, printed with character motifs and Godzilla footprints
  • Melamine tumbler (メラミンタンブラー) — ¥935 (~S$8.50); features a sweet surprise — once the drink is gone, a hidden Piano-chan illustration appears at the bottom of the cup
Godzilla Sanrio 3D rubber mascot keychains featuring Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, My Melody, Kuromi, Pompompurin and Hangyodon
Image courtesy of Toho / Sanrio

On Sale 22 July at the Godzilla Store, Don Quijote and Bic Camera

The collection hits three retail channels simultaneously across Japan on 22 July 2026: the official Godzilla Store (Tokyo and other locations), Don Quijote branches nationwide, and Bic Camera stores. The wide retail spread gives the collab real reach beyond the niche collector market.

Godzilla Sanrio embroidered mini towels and melamine tumbler with hidden Piano-chan surprise at the bottom
Image courtesy of Toho / Sanrio

No international shipping or online storefront has been confirmed at time of writing, which makes this effectively an import-only line for Singapore fans. If you have a Japan trip planned this summer’s school holidays — and Don Quijote is already on your Tokyo itinerary — this is one more reason to budget some extra baggage space. Proxy and forwarding services are the other obvious route if you cannot make it in person.

Godzilla Sanrio plush mascot keychains — Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, My Melody, Kuromi, Pompompurin and Hangyodon in full kaiju costume
Image courtesy of Toho / Sanrio

Check the official Godzilla website for any additional stockist updates closer to the launch date, and keep an eye on our merch coverage for any word on regional availability.

Manga Anime, News

Pokémon Summer Mac Burgers Revealed: Bulbasaur Beef, Charmander Chicken and Squirtle Shrimp Drop 22 July

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McDonald’s Japan has just dropped the details on the Pokémon 30th Anniversary Burgers — the next phase of the Pokémon Summer Mac campaign we covered when it launched. Eight new menu items go on sale 22 July 2026, and every main burger comes wrapped in the face of one of the original Kanto starters. (Japanese source: Famitsu.com)

Three Starter-Themed Pokémon 30th Anniversary Burgers

Tartar Demi Thick Beef burger for Pokémon Summer Mac at McDonald's Japan
Image courtesy of McDonald’s Japan

The three burgers each carry the packaging design of one original starter, and the flavour profiles lean into each Pokémon’s personality:

  • Tartar Demi Thick Beef (タルタルデミ肉厚ビーフ) — Bulbasaur packaging. A thick beef patty on corn-dusted buns with tartare and demi-glace sauce. ¥580 single / ¥880 value set.
  • Juicy Chicken Spicy Garlic (ジューシーチキン旨辛ガーリック) — Charmander packaging. Crispy chicken with a pepper garlic mayo that delivers a Charmander-worthy kick. ¥490 single / ¥790 value set.
  • Sesame Tartare Shrimp (焙煎ごまタルタルシュリンプ) — Squirtle packaging. A breaded shrimp cutlet finished with roasted sesame tartare sauce. ¥490 single / ¥790 value set.
Juicy Chicken Spicy Garlic burger — Charmander design, Pokémon Summer Mac 2026
Image courtesy of McDonald’s Japan
Sesame Tartare Shrimp burger — Squirtle design, Pokémon Summer Mac 2026
Image courtesy of McDonald’s Japan

The Full Lineup: Evening, Morning and Sides

Beyond the three mains, the campaign adds five more items to round out every daypart:

  • Evening (夜マック, from 5 pm): Tartar Demi Double Thick Beef — two patties for ¥840 single / ¥1,140 value set.
  • Morning (朝マック, until 10:30 am): Tartar Demi Sausage Muffin with Pikachu packaging, ¥420 single.
  • Side: Shaka Shaka Potato Seaweed Salt (シャカシャカポテト のり塩味) — shake-to-season fries with a nori-salt sachet, +¥50 to any fries order.
  • Drinks: Mac Fizz Okinawan Pineapple at ¥300 and Mac Float Okinawan Pineapple at ¥380, available all hours.

All items run from 22 July to early September 2026 at participating McDonald’s Japan locations.

Full price chart for Pokémon Summer Mac burgers at McDonald's Japan 2026
Image courtesy of McDonald’s Japan

The Official TV Campaign

McDonald’s Japan × Pokémon Summer Mac 2026 official TV commercial — via oricon on YouTube

PokéStops and What Singapore Fans Need to Know

The wider campaign still has two more beats incoming. From 20 July, every one of McDonald’s Japan’s roughly 3,000 outlets becomes a sponsored PokéStop and Gym in Pokémon GO — running through 1 September. And on 31 July, the Pokémon Happy Meals arrive, details to be confirmed.

The entire promotion is Japan-only with no Singapore rollout announced. If you are planning a Japan trip this summer, 22 July is the date to mark — the burgers are available nationwide and the GO PokéStop tie-in starts just two days earlier. For those staying in Singapore, the latest gaming and Japan culture news will keep you covered.

News, Shop and Merchandise

FFX Turns 25 This Week — Daimaru Tokyo Pop-Up Opens Tomorrow

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Twenty-five years of Spira. Final Fantasy X marks its silver anniversary on 19 July 2026, and Square Enix is celebrating with a dedicated pop-up store that opens tomorrow, 17 July, at Daimaru Tokyo. The timing is sharp for Singapore fans: the FFX/X-2 HD Remaster hits Nintendo Switch 2 in Southeast Asia on 23 July, so anyone passing through Japan this week can grab exclusive merchandise before the game even drops locally.

Official Final Fantasy X 25th anniversary chibi art of Tidus and Yuna by Square Enix
Image courtesy of Square Enix

Daimaru Tokyo Pop-Up: Dates, Hours and How to Get In

The Square Enix Pop-Up Store — Final Fantasy X 25th Anniversary runs at two Daimaru Matsuzakaya department stores in Japan.

  • Daimaru Tokyo (11F Event Hall, 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku): 17 July – 3 August 2026, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (closes 6:00 PM on the final day). Entry passes for 17 and 18 July are distributed from 8:30 AM at the ground floor near the Louis Vuitton entrance — plan to arrive early on opening weekend.
  • Daimaru Shinsaibashi (9F Event Space, 1-7-1 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo-ku, Osaka): already open and running through 30 August 2026, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM.

Both stores feature 25th anniversary commemorative wall art and deformed character mini panels alongside the merchandise. Purchase receipts from either location count towards the free-gift spend thresholds, so splitting purchases between Tokyo and Osaka is fine.

The Full Merch Breakdown — ¥400 Capsule Toys to the Fashion Collab

The pop-up carries an extensive range across collectibles, lifestyle goods, and premium fashion. All prices are tax-inclusive.

Collectibles and Daily Goods

  • Character plushies — Tidus, Yuna, Wakka, Lulu, Auron, Kimahri, Rikku, Jecht: ¥4,400–¥4,620 each
  • Graphic T-shirts: ¥4,620 | Shoulder bag: ¥5,280 | Tote bag: ¥6,050 | Canvas pouch: ¥2,420
  • Mini clear poster box set (12 designs, two variants): ¥11,880
  • Capsule toys (mini acrylic blocks): ¥400 per play

Music and Art Books

  • LP Vinyl set −Eternal Calm− (clear-coloured pressing, 20 curated tracks, includes MP3 download): ¥9,350
  • Eternal Spira visual art book (new Tetsuya Nomura illustrations, A4 hardcover, approx. 128 pages): ¥2,750
  • Memorial album: ¥3,520
Final Fantasy X 25th anniversary premium metal pin badge tin set, featuring three enamel and metal pins with the FFX logo tin
Image courtesy of Square Enix

Free Gifts With Purchase

Spend ¥6,600 or more and you receive one random rubber coaster from a set of eight character designs (Tidus, Yuna, Lulu, Kimahri, Auron, Wakka, Rikku and Seymour) — limited to one per customer while stocks last. Spend ¥3,300 or more for a random cup marker from a separate eight-design set. Both bonuses are distributed on the day of purchase.

Final Fantasy X 25th anniversary promotional rubber coasters showing all 8 character portrait designs including Tidus, Yuna, Auron, Seymour, Rikku and more
Image courtesy of Square Enix

The Daimaru Matsuzakaya Fashion Collection

Alongside the regular pop-up is the Final Fantasy X 25th Anniversary × Daimaru Matsuzakaya Collection — over 20 fashion and accessory pieces designed around the game’s themes of ephemeral beauty and elegance. Highlights include a Stadium Jumper (¥38,500), Seymour Jacket (¥22,000), character graphic tees (¥7,700), logo cap (¥5,500), and a backpack (¥15,400). Square Enix has confirmed that post-event mail-order sales are planned online (Japanese), so SG fans not making the Japan trip will be able to order select pieces after the stores close.

Watch the Switch 2 Remaster Trailer

FINAL FANTASY X/X-2 HD Remaster | Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date Announcement Trailer — via FINAL FANTASY on YouTube

FFX/X-2 HD Remaster Arrives on Switch 2 in SEA on 23 July

If Japan isn’t on your travel calendar, Singapore gamers still have reason to mark the calendar: Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster drops digitally on Nintendo Switch 2 in Southeast Asia on 23 July 2026, four days after the anniversary itself. The Switch 2 version adds a high-speed mode, a random encounter toggle, and sharpened visuals at full HD in handheld mode. Owners of the Torna ~ The Golden Country expansion also receive the visual upgrade free.

Final Fantasy X scene image panel strips featuring in-game screenshots of key moments, available as merchandise at the 25th anniversary pop-up store
Image courtesy of Square Enix

For those who cannot visit Japan, the Osaka Shinsaibashi store runs through 30 August, and the online sales window is coming. Check our shop and merchandise coverage for updates once Square Enix opens international ordering.

Game News

The Novel That Started Persona Is Now in English — Read It Free Before July Ends

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Aya Nishitani has quietly fulfilled a three-year-old promise: the Digital Devil Story novels — the 1986 light-novel trilogy that directly inspired Atlus to create the entire Shin Megami Tensei franchise — can now be read in English for the first time, and the window closes at the end of this month.

What Is Digital Devil Story? The Novel That Spawned Persona

Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei Vol. 1 — the 1986 light novel by Aya Nishitani
Image courtesy of Tokuma Shoten

Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei is a trilogy of science-fiction light novels written by Aya Nishitani and illustrated by Hiroyuki Kitazume, published by Tokuma Shoten’s Animage Bunko imprint between March 1986 and February 1988. The story follows Akemi Nakajima and Yumiko Shirasagi — reincarnations of the Shinto deities Izanagi and Izanami — as they use computer technology to summon demons, with consequences that spiral out of their control.

The series sold 800,000 copies in Japan, spawned a 45-minute anime OVA co-produced by J.C. Staff and Animate Film in 1987, and became the direct source material for Atlus’s landmark Megami Tensei video game the same year. That 1987 Famicom title launched a franchise that has since grown into Shin Megami Tensei, Devil Summoner, Digital Devil Saga, and — the branch most Singapore gamers know best — Persona. Despite that enormous influence, the original novels have never been officially translated into English, until now.

The Complete History of Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei — via DATALOG on YouTube

Read the Digital Devil Story English Translation Free on Note.com — Until 31 July

In July 2026, Nishitani published his own English translation of the first novel — Prologue through Chapter 3 — on his Note.com page at note.com/aya_nishitani. The backstory: three years ago he made a personal promise to an American reader that he would translate the series himself. As Nishitani wrote on his Note page, “In order to fulfill that promise, I am publishing this translation.”

A caveat the author states upfront: the translation is faithful to the original Japanese but has not received professional editorial polish. That is partly by design — Nishitani and a partner have resolved the underlying contractual matters and are now in active talks with an overseas publisher about an official, properly edited English release. The self-translated text is intended to serve as a reference for a professional translator down the line. No publisher, release window, or edition details have been confirmed yet.

The temporary translation will be taken down at the end of July 2026 regardless of where those publisher talks stand. There is a real deadline.

Forty Years from Light Novel to Persona 30th Anniversary

Persona 30th Anniversary key visual featuring protagonists from every mainline entry, by Shigenori Soejima
Image courtesy of Atlus

2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the Persona sub-series, making this an unusually fitting year for the source material to surface in English. The lineage runs in a straight line: Nishitani’s 1986 novels led to the 1987 Atlus game, which built through the 1990s Megami Tensei line, branched into Persona with the first entry in 1996, and eventually reached the modern run of Persona 3, 4, and 5 that turned the franchise into a global cultural phenomenon.

Persona 3 Reload — a direct descendant of the Digital Devil Story lineage
Image courtesy of Atlus

For Singapore fans of the Persona series — and the community is substantial, with Persona 3 Reload recently surpassing three million copies worldwide — this is a rare chance to read the fiction that started it all. The atmosphere of Digital Devil Story maps directly onto what makes Persona distinctive: teenagers wielding technology and mythology against forces beyond their control, with Shinto cosmology underpinning the world-building. Reading it now, while it is still free, is about as close as you can get to the beginning of the whole lineage. Head to note.com/aya_nishitani before the month is out.

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