Pokémon Baby Star Deka Ramen launches May 18

Pokémon-themed Baby Star Deka Ramen is getting a wider retail release in Japan on May 18, according to product information published by The Pokémon Company and snack maker Oyatsu Company. The item is part of a limited collaboration tied to the 30th anniversary of the original “Pocket Monsters Red” and “Green” games, which first went on sale in Japan in 1996. The rollout covers a nori salt flavor that has already been sold at convenience stores since April 20 and a BBQ sauce steak flavor scheduled for supermarket release on May 18. The listed price is 152 yen including tax. ### Which Pokémon snack is actually going on sale on May 18? The May 18 date applies to the supermarket and general retail release of “Pokémon Baby Star Deka Ramen Nori Salt Flavor,” according to the official Pokémon goods page. The same page says the nori salt version debuted earlier at convenience stores on April 20. The official listing also says “Pokémon Baby Star Deka Ramen BBQ Sauce Steak Flavor” will go on sale on May 18 at supermarkets and other outlets nationwide. (pokemon.co.jp) That means May 18 is not the first appearance of the collaboration overall, but the broader launch date for the nori salt product outside convenience stores and the debut date for the BBQ flavor in those channels. ### What did the companies say about the product itself? Oyatsu Company said on April 17 that it was releasing original-design Baby Star products featuring generations of partner Pokémon to mark the 30th anniversary of “Pocket Monsters Red” and “Green.” The company’s website lists the Pokémon collaboration among its recent product announcements. The Pokémon goods page identifies Oyatsu Company as both the manufacturer and seller of the products. (pokemon.co.jp) It lists the nori salt flavor and the BBQ sauce steak flavor under the “Baby Star Deka Ramen” line and says both are sold as Pokémon-designed packages. ### How much does it cost, and where will shoppers find it? The official Pokémon listing sets the price at 152 yen, tax included. (oyatsu.co.jp) The same listing says the nori salt product will be sold through convenience stores and supermarkets, while the BBQ sauce steak version is slated for supermarkets and similar retailers. Japan retail availability can vary by store, the Pokémon page says. (pokemon.co.jp) It adds that actual in-store start dates may differ by location, that quantities are limited, and that some outlets may impose purchase limits. ### Why is Pokémon using this packaging now? April 17 product materials tie the collaboration to the 30th anniversary of the Japanese launch of “Pocket Monsters Red” and “Green.” Oyatsu Company’s product page says the packaging brings together partner Pokémon from across the series, with the BBQ version using a red package themed around fire-type partners. (pokemon.co.jp) The official Pokémon page does not describe the release as a permanent addition. (pokemon.co.jp) It presents the products as a themed collaboration item, and Oyatsu Company’s announcement frames the launch as a commemorative release linked to the anniversary campaign. ### What should buyers watch for next week? May 18 is the next key date for the collaboration because that is when supermarkets and other retailers are scheduled to begin carrying the nori salt flavor nationwide, according to the official product page. (oyatsu.co.jp) The same date also marks the retail launch of the BBQ sauce steak version outside convenience-store-only distribution. (pokemon.co.jp) Store-by-store timing may still differ after May 18, the Pokémon listing says, and the page directs customers to retailer information and Oyatsu Company’s customer service line for the latest availability. (pokemon.co.jp)