In perhaps the strangest form of merchandising yet, Pokémon fans can now purchase toilet paper with various beloved characters from the franchise on it. With the success of so many different video games, card game sets, and television series, Pokémon is no stranger to branded merchandise. Over the years there have been countless plushes, figurines, clothing, and other assorted collectibles for fans to purchase, but until now Pokémon merchandise has generally steered clear of the bathroom.A tweet from Monpoke (via Prima Games), Pokémon's dedicated children's brand, has announced the release of themed toilet paper that will feature some of the best Pokémon of several different generations. The special rolls have four different print options, with Pokémon like Pikachu, Dedenne, Gengar, Eevee, Piplup, and Mimikyu all making appearances. The toilet paper is only available for fans living in Japan, and is sold in packs of eight for ¥4,800, which converts to just over $34. Each pack contains 12 rolls, making the bundles a sizable amount of toilet paper for the price, and it's both double-ply and scented.
Pokémon Toilet Paper Raises Some Questions
This new Pokémon toilet paper merchandise is bound to catch a lot of fan attention for the sheer weirdness of it, as well as the questions it raises. It's not often that the franchise introduces products mean to be consumed like this is, barring branded snacks and other food products. Of course, Pokémon has had some weird collaborations and crossovers in the past, with releases like Pikachu cologne and brand-themed X-Ray machines turning heads and making many wonder why that particular merchandise was necessary. Even so, this Pokémon toilet paper stands out from the pack as one of the strangest releases yet.
While this toilet paper isn't outlandishly expensive for the amount included, it's not cheap either, begging the question of whether it's meant to be purchased more for its form or function. Pokémon toilet paper isn't necessarily something a fan would want to display proudly on a shelf, but it seems a bit strange to put it to use as well. The cuteness of the characters involved certainly doesn't help the case for actually using the paper either, since that would doom them to an unpleasant fate.
Pokémon fans never have a shortage of good merchandise options, like the new Pokémon shoes featuring Pikachu and other starters, to choose from when it comes to showing their love for the franchise. Sadly, this toilet paper is only available for buyers in Japan, but there are always plenty of other options for dedicated fans of the series. While this toilet paper release is quite odd, it's certain to excite many nonetheless, and might even help a few young Pokémon fans with potty training.
Source: Monpoke/Twitter (via Prima Games)