It’s fairly common knowledge that it can be possible to find Pokemon merchandise at Japanese airports when heading back home, either at official Pokemon Center stores or standard retail shops. However, some are a little different. There is an actual Pokemon Stand vending machine at the Haneda Airport in Tokyo, Japan that involves opportunities to get things like plush and stickers that is also home to exclusive flight attendant and pilot Pikachu plush. The thing is, due to the execution and placement, they’re probably one of the better types last minute souvenirs. (Much like the similar ANA Mofusand plush.)
Now, the official Pokemon Stand vending machine in Haneda Airport is very visible if you are in Terminal 3 and departing Japan to return home from Tokyo. You’ll find it right near the 108 gates, past the small Don Quijote branch and 7-11. It’s the gigantic yellow box with three screens and a sign on top with “Pokemon” next to Pikachu’s head. Using it is also relatively effortless, given there are Chinese, English, Japanese, and Korean language options, a touch-screen interface, and the fact it accepts cash, credit, and e-money payments. You tap the icon for the item you want to buy it, and a digital Pikachu keeps you company while you shop. Once you acquire your item, it arrives in the slot below inside of a themed bag. Essentially, you’re getting a merchandise that could be ready to immediately give as a gift.
Photos by Siliconera
Also handy is the fact that it seemed like it actually unlocked additional waves of stock if you stayed near the Pokemon Stand in Haneda Airport while waiting for your flight out of Japan. When I first arrived at my gate, only a flight attendant Pikachu plush keychain appeared in-stock for 1,650 yen (~$10.40). About two hours later, right before I was about to board, new stock showed as available and I ended up able to grab the pilot Pikachu plush keychain as well. So if you are at Haneda waiting for a flight out of Tokyo and the machine is empty, don’t lose hope!
As for the flight attendant and pilot Pikachu plush keychains at the Haneda airport in Japan, I think they are probably two of the coolest souvenirs I found and easiest to manage. They’re easy to acquire. Just head to the machine and, if they are in-stock, it takes under five minutes to get. If you’re low on carry-on space, you can just clip them onto a backpack or bag. The included paper bag is good for gift-giving purposes. Each one is also standard Pokemon Center level quality when it comes to the construction of the plush. Both also are very clearly marked as exclusive merchandise thanks to the embroidered HND patches on the front for the Haneda airport.
Photos by Siliconera
I will say that I actually favor the flight attendant Pikachu keychain plush over the pilot one from the Haneda airport Pokemon Stand machine. Both are well-made, to be clear. And yes, that one is slightly smaller than the pilot I acquired. But the build and design choices are a little more favorable for a number of reasons. I like the more subtle yellow used for the plush fabric, for one. The scarf is also a different type of fabric than the dress, whereas the pilot’s tie feels the same and isn’t as detailed. The proportions seem slightly different, which leads to a more relaxed sort of pose for the arms and feet. I also like the metal chain keychain option with actual lobster clasp and feel it’s more secure and substantial than the plastic clip standard for most Pokemon Center plush keychains used for the pilot.
Granted, you don’t get a choice when it comes to picking them out. You take what the Pokemon Stand machine in Haneda Airport gives you. It struck me that the flight attendant variant almost seemed like an older model, while the pilot was newer due to the size, fabric choice, and clip.
Photo by Siliconera
This isn’t to say the pilot isn’t without the character’s charms. The additional hat is quite cute. That does feature embroidery too. The plastic clip does feel secure enough for daily use. And, while I liked the proportions of the flight attendant variant a bit more, the slightly larger character and brighter shade of yellow for the fabric aren’t bad.
The Haneda Airport Pokemon Stand and its exclusive pilot and flight attendant Pikachu plush standard sized toys and keychains both turn out to be some of the easiest, nicest, and most affordable final souvenirs from Japan. I mean, if you can get them. The vending machine is really easy to find and seems to regularly restock and offer additional amounts of its exclusives. The quality on both plush is very good. They arrive in bright bags that could let you immediately give one as a gift when you land. I will say that when I made my purchases, it seemed like the flight attendant was a little better quality when it came to some wardrobe choices and the keychain element. Both are definitely lovely little plush friends who feel really special because of the exclusivity, however.
The Pokemon Stand vending machine with pilot and flight attendant Pikachu standard and keychain plush is available at Terminal 3 gate 108 at Haneda Airport in Tokyo, Japan.
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