“Pokémon – Ash, Pikachu & Friends” (ポケットモンスター), Original 1998 Japanese Banpresto Character Poster / Prize Promotional Poster — Not for Sale, B2 Size (51 x 73cm) O193A

This is an original Japanese B2-size Pokémon promotional prize poster printed in 1998 by Banpresto, produced as part of the Banpresto Character Poster Series. It is a 非売品 — Not for Sale item, issued for Japanese amusement arcades and prize distribution rather than standard retail sale.

Series background
First aired in Japan in 1997, Pocket Monsters — Pokémon — quickly became one of the defining entertainment franchises of the late 1990s. By 1998, the television anime, Game Boy titles, trading cards, toys, and arcade prize goods had created a major cultural phenomenon in Japan. Early Banpresto Pokémon posters from this period are now highly collectible, particularly examples connected to the original Kanto-era anime artwork and character line-up.

Poster design
A bright and charming early Pokémon composition featuring Satoshi / Ash, Pikachu, Charmander, Eevee, Togepi, Rapidash, and Ponyta in a sunlit landscape. The inclusion of Togepi alongside first-generation favourites places the design firmly within the important late-1990s transition period of the original anime, before the full arrival of the Johto generation in the games.

The artwork has the clean, hand-drawn cel-animation quality associated with the earliest Pokémon television era, with vivid colours, open scenery, and a cheerful character arrangement designed for strong visual impact. The lower-left area includes the Banpresto character poster branding, Pokémon logo, and production details, confirming its period Japanese promotional origin.

Condition
Very Good / Excellent. Please review the photos—they show the exact poster for sale.

It is over 28 years old!

It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

Certificate of Authenticity included.