Fun in the sun with [Anessa x Pokémon]

It’s no secret that the Japanese value light skin as a sign of beauty. 

As it starts getting warmer in Japan, the imperative need for sunscreens is on the rise during this time of the year in Japan— many Japanese women and men alike are concerned about signs of ageing that are brought by harsh UV rays. Drugstores are stocked with a variety of brands that function as a barrier, skincare, or makeup. Anessa, the sunscreen brand of beauty brand Shiseido, has been on the forefront for a few years with their ultra-waterproof and moisturising formula. Priced  on the higher end of the sunscreen spectrum, it was surprising to see an announcement for a collaboration with Nintendo’s Pokémon franchise. How would young womens’ protection from UV rays and collectable monsters fit together?

(Image credit: Ilse Montald)

The collection has perfectly answered that question with two amazing marketing ploys. Anessa’s strongest point is that its small bottles with its highly concentrated product  can go a long way, and as such you do not need to carry around a big bottle of sunscreen.  This matches with the concept that Pokémon are your loyal ‘pocket monsters’  that you can bring  anywhere. The adorable limited edition bottles feature Pikachu, Eevee, and Squirtle as your companion on sunny days. 

(Image credit: Ilse Montald)

The Pikachu and Eevee bottles have two different designs, either male or female, while there’s only a single version of Squirtle. Fans will know that female Eevee and Pikachu have a heart-shaped pattern on their tails. It’s a small fun fact to share with your friends if you ever spot it on other official merchandise.

(Image credit: Ilse Montald)

While the bottles were set to be released on 20 March 2021, they appeared in drugstores about two days earlier so I saw my  chance to snag one of the Eevee bottles. Readers of some of my other articles may have noticed that I am a huge Eevee fan. 

To protect the bottles from being bought in bulk for resale purposes, as is what often happens for these popular collaborations, you have to bring a cardboard dupe to the cashier. I was in luck as this cashier surprised me by asking if I wanted a male or female Eevee. As a Pokémon fan himself, he taught me a trick to see the backside of the bottle while it’s still packaged so you can pick the tail of your choice. Simply slowly slide the bottle around in the plastic packaging without damaging the wrapping and catch a glimpse of the back. Now that the collection has slowly been released in drugstores all over Japan, I was able to easily get both the male and female Eevee designs. 

(Image credit: Ilse Montald)

If you want to catch ’em all, you not only have to go to a Japanese drugstore but also travel far and wide to China, and other hubs in Asia for the special Jigglypuff and Charmander bottles that are only available at select locations. 

For more information on the collaboration, you can check out their official English site here. 

Header image credit: Ilse Montald

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