When Pokémon Center Kyoto first reopened back in 2019, the Petal Dance Campaign was held to mark the occasion. In honor of the store’s relocation from Kyoto Takashimaya to Kyoto Economy Center Suina Muromachi, everyone who made any purchase from a Pokémon Center, Pokémon Store, or from the Pokémon Center Online between 16 March and 7 April 2019 would receive a copy of this promotional Pokémon TCG card.

As one might expect, it’s the exclusivity of this card that’s largely responsible for its status as a much-prized get. Its public availability for less than a month and via a specific medium has made copies of the card exceptionally scarce. In addition, the card has the logo of Pokémon Center Kyoto on its right side. This adds a further layer of authenticity and prestige to the card.

The fact that this is a promotional card featuring Pikachu also contributes to its desirability. As the face of the Pokémon franchise, every card depicting Pikachu will always have its own inherent fanbase—what more so in the case of this card which is not only a promotional card, but was released to commemorate a major Pokémon-related event.

Finally, several other details add the finishing touches to this card. Pretend Tea Ceremony Pikachu’s Petal Gather attack not only refers to the Petal Dance campaign; it also references hanami, the annual viewings of cherry blossoms in bloom which are a cultural touchstone of Japan. The pair of Pikachu are shown in traditional Japanese clothing for this same reason. Adding to this dimension is the fact that the Pokémon Center from which this card originates was the one in Kyoto—the Japanese cultural heart.

This card was never launched in English.

The sale price of a Pretend Tea Ceremony Pikachu (325/SM-P) card is 16,300 JPY (~US$103).

In other TCG-related news, check out the Cosmoem card from the 25th Anniversary Collection [S8a]. Alternatively, you can also head over to the SNKRDUNK App via the banner below and find the top trending and latest single cards and boxes.