This is an original Japanese B2 licensed character poster published by Movic in 1998 for Pikachu’s Vacation. Featuring an oversized portrait of Pikachu, this film-related edition retains its Pikachu Project ’98 copyright, Movic imprint, and original SHOPRO label. It belongs to the first chapter of Pokémon’s theatrical history.
Directed by Kunihiko Yuyama, Pikachu’s Vacation opened in Japan on 18 July 1998, accompanying Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back. The short follows Pikachu and his companions through comic misadventures at a Pokémon recreation park, placing the characters’ personalities and friendships at the centre of the story.
The timing gives this edition particular collecting interest. Pokémon’s original Japanese games appeared in 1996, followed by the television anime in 1997 and the first theatrical programme in July 1998. This poster represents that early expansion from games and television into cinema, before the American television and game launches later that year.
Printed on one B2 sheet, the design enlarges Pikachu to fill almost the entire composition. Brilliant yellow dominates, punctuated by enormous black eyes, red cheeks, and a cheerful pink mouth. The close crop extends the character beyond the upper and side edges, giving the familiar image considerable presence.
Pikachu’s forepaws reach into the white band below, framing the compact orange title with its dark shadow and lightning-bolt motifs. The simplicity of the layout allows expression, colour, and silhouette to carry the design.
The Japanese title reads:
「ピカチュウのなつやすみ」
“Pikachu’s Summer Vacation.”
The lower-right imprint includes the printed reference 0798G-A beside the Movic mark. A small SHOPRO licensing label remains attached to the reverse. These details identify the specific licensed edition and complement its association with Pokémon’s first cinematic summer.
The bold portrait and uncluttered composition make this an appealing example for collectors of Pikachu, early Pokémon merchandise, the original Pokémon films, and Japanese character design.
Condition: Excellent+. Original, unbacked paper with vibrant colour and crisp outlines. Light handling creases, small pressure impressions, and gentle paper undulations are visible, including within the yellow field and lower title area. The reverse is generally clean, with the SHOPRO label retained.
Please review all photographs, including the reverse and licensing details, as they show the exact poster for sale.
B2 format: approximately 51 × 73 cm.
Stock code: U33.
It is an original vintage licensed issue, not a modern reproduction or reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
About Japanese B2 posters
Japanese B2 posters, typically measuring around 51 × 73 cm, have been used for both theatrical advertising and licensed character merchandise. Original editions preserve the artwork, typography, and publisher’s imprints of their period, forming an important part of Japanese film and animation collecting.
