“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) O190A

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. 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.