Japan, I am very happy for you that American fast food franchise Kentucky Fried Chicken has made its way overseas. It’s not Church’s, or even Popeye’s, but in a country otherwise devoid of the culture directly responsible for Southern food, it’s not a bad option.
But what I will not tolerate is if these adorable Pokémon toys are limited to KFC Japan and never come to the U.S. We made that restaurant! The food is a national symbol. It’s just not fair.
Starting March 17, visitors to KFC locations in Japan will have a number of options to add a little Pokémon to their meal, starting with these straw figurines, available for about $2. Featuring Froakie, Chespin, Fennekin, Sylveon, Pikachu, Pancham, these can be purchased as a six piece set that comes with free drink coupons, a display stand and an original tote bag. Also available are two cardboard Pokémon games, where the player uses a small ball to “catch” Pokémon by knocking down their card, as seen below.
To coincide with the days leading up to Golden Week (a Japanese holiday period celebrating several special occasions within the same week), on April 21 KFC Japan will also begin selling a commemorative Pikachu bucket and placemat set so you can eat on Pokémon while you eat with Pokémon. Pokémon. Check out the cuteness in the photo below.
To be honest while I want these very much, I think it’s a bit bold to offer little Pokémon figurines with tiny, bite sized meaty body parts in a bucket with Pikachu’s face on it. It kind of begs the comparison.
