Fans of the long-running Pokémon franchise have a recent reason to celebrate: Bandai Spirits will release two waves of “一番くじ Pokémon 30th ANNIVERSARY” lottery sets this year, beginning May 30th and continuing with a second release on July 18th. The announcement, made today, February 26, 2026, marks a significant milestone for the globally beloved series, offering collectors and fans a chance to commemorate three decades of Pokémon adventures.
The “一番くじ” (Ichiban Kuji) system is a popular Japanese lottery-style merchandise release, known for offering a range of collectible prizes. Whereas specific details regarding the prizes within the Pokémon 30th Anniversary sets remain under wraps, the initial promotional materials highlight the Pokémon that trainers choose as their very first partner – Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle – as central figures. This nostalgic focus is clearly intended to appeal to the dedicated fanbase who have grown up alongside the franchise.
The official X (formerly Twitter) account for Ichiban Kuji posted about the upcoming releases, stating, “??? 発売決定 ???” (??? Release Decision ???) and encouraging fans to “get your first Pokémon!” The post included a link to further information and images of the upcoming lottery sets.
??? 発売決定 ???
一番くじ Pokémon 30th ANNIVERSARY#ポケモン30周年 を記念した一番くじが2弾にわたって登場！
あなたが選んだ最初のポケモンをぜひゲットしてください?
?vol.1:5/30(土)より順次発売予定https://t.co/kGSzvT6YyQ
?vol.2:7/18(土)より順次発売予定https://t.co/SGhpMxlLNu pic.twitter.com/MWRUDyGPBC
— 一番くじ（BANDAI SPIRITS） (@ichibanKUJI) February 26, 2026
A Legacy of Collecting: The Appeal of Ichiban Kuji
The “一番くじ” system has turn into increasingly popular outside of Japan, attracting collectors with its unique blend of chance and desirable prizes. Unlike traditional blind boxes, Ichiban Kuji offers a tiered system where each ticket corresponds to a specific prize level, ranging from smaller, more common items to highly sought-after rare collectibles. This format adds an element of excitement and anticipation to the collecting experience.
The Pokémon franchise itself has a long and storied history of collectible merchandise, from the original trading card game to a vast array of plush toys, figures, and apparel. The 30th Anniversary celebration builds on this legacy, offering fans a new way to express their passion for the series. The Pokémon Center, the official retail site for Pokémon merchandise, is also celebrating the anniversary with a dedicated 30th Celebration collection, featuring holographic apparel, pins, and TCG accessories.
What to Expect from the Pokémon 30th Anniversary Lottery
While the exact contents of the “一番くじ Pokémon 30th ANNIVERSARY” sets remain a mystery, the emphasis on starter Pokémon suggests that prizes will likely include figures, keychains, and other collectibles featuring Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. Given the anniversary theme, it’s also possible that the lottery will include items referencing other iconic Pokémon from throughout the series’ history.
The timing of the releases – May 30th and July 18th – positions the lottery sets as key items for fans looking to celebrate Pokémon Day, which falls on February 27th. According to Tom’s Guide, numerous retailers are currently offering deals on Pokémon merchandise to mark the occasion.
Looking Ahead: Further Details and Release Information
Bandai Spirits has not yet revealed the full range of prizes that will be available in the “一番くじ Pokémon 30th ANNIVERSARY” sets. Fans are encouraged to follow the official Ichiban Kuji X account for updates and announcements in the coming weeks. The first volume of the lottery is scheduled to launch on May 30th, with the second volume following on July 18th. Availability may vary depending on region, but the lottery sets are expected to be available through a variety of retailers specializing in Japanese collectibles.
As the 30th anniversary celebrations continue, Pokémon fans can glance forward to a year filled with nostalgic callbacks and exciting new merchandise. The “一番くじ Pokémon 30th ANNIVERSARY” lottery sets are just the beginning of what promises to be a memorable year for the franchise.
What are your thoughts on the upcoming lottery sets? Share your excitement and predictions in the comments below!
