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Inside Tokyo’s New Pokemon Cafe: Bask in Pikachu’s Yellow Glory

My meal was interrupted by the staff heralding his coming.

‘Everyone, we have just received some great news!’

I ceased cutting into the Pikachu omlette face, mouth agape. Could it be?

‘Pikachu is coming! He’s coming here soon! Just wait a bit please!’

Unadulterated joy erupted around me. He’s coming! Women cradled their babies close as tears of happiness fell from their eyes. The hype, was palpable.

He appeared resplendent in a chef’s uniform, his shuffling steps set to a fanfare. Pika Pi Pikachu!

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We laymen were under strict instruction to stay in our seats. But his presence was too much for the kids who surged forward passionately. The staff scolded them, but Pikachu said, ‘let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of Pokemon belongs to such as these.’

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We basked in his yellow glory for as long as possible but sadly, we were informed, our time with him had ended. We waved our teary goodbyes as he wobbled out, and everyone clapped with a religious fervour. The fanfare seemed to take on a more solemn tone this time around. Pika… Pi… Pikachu…

‘Ganbatte Pikachu!’ we cried, ‘Good luck!’

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In the excitement I’d let my Pikachu rice omelette get cold, but it still tasted pretty good. I also found solace in an awesome Gengar grape smoothie which actually glowed red. I am of course talking about the new permanent Pokemon Cafe which has recently opened in Nihonbashi, Tokyo.

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All orders are taken through a multi-language touchscreen tablet, so if you can manage to get through the Japanese only reservation system, anyone can enjoy the Pokemon Cafe easily. Full menu can be found on the website. After finishing up my Pikachu Lunch, I turned to dessert. The Pokemon Cafe has a wide range of mains, desserts and drinks that take on the likeness of various adorable pocket monsters.

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My Pokemon Cafe experience was perfectly finished off with a Jigglypuff Cheesecake, which like its namesake was soft and jiggly.

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There's plenty of Pokemon goods to be had on the way out of course, and if that's not enough for you the brand new Pokemon Center DX is on the same floor.

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If you too are a convert of Poke-ism, Tokyo’s new Pokemon Cafe is located in the Takashimaya department store, just a few minutes from Nihonbashi station. Although it’s a bit difficult to navigate, the department store staff are incredibly kind and will help you out. Arrive early and head straight to the elevator to ask one of the attendants.

Even non-believers will be converted. Chant with me! Pika Pi Pikachu!

You will need to reserve a table though, do so here.

Address: Tokyo, Chuo, Nihombashi 2-11-2, Nihombashi Takashimaya S.C. East Building (5th Floor)

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By - grape Japan editorial staff.