KFC Launching Japanese Nanban Chicken & Pokémon Merch, Including $99 Jacket

Reversible Pokémon blind pouches

The first merch drop arrives on Aug 19 with these Pokémon Reversible Everyday Blind Pouches ($14.95 each).

All four come disguised as Poké Balls. Turn yours inside out and it'll transform into either Pikachu, Eevee, Mew or Snorlax, so which character you get is down to luck.

The pouches can be purchased with a Japanese Nanban Zinger or Chicken Bites Box for dine-in or takeaway at all KFC outlets except Singapore Zoo and Sentosa, while stocks last.

$99 Charizard jacket, Poké Ball bucket & gaming chopsticks

The second merch drop on Sept 9 is considerably bigger, and includes the priciest item in the collection: a Pokémon Evolution Jacket ($99).

The black jacket has a Poké Ball-inspired design on the front, but turn around and there's no mistaking the Pokémon reference: the back features Charmander, Charmeleon and Charizard.

It's limited to one per person and will only be sold with a Japanese Nanban Zinger or Chicken Bites Box at KFC Kallang, Jurong Point, Bedok Town Square, Causeway Point and SCAPE.

For something a little cheaper, there's a Poké Ball Bucket ($12.95) measuring around 23cm across. The oversized Poké Ball opens up like a container, so you could use it to carry fried chicken or stash snacks. It's available with a 5-pc Chicken Bucket from Sept 9.

There’s also the Pokémon Gaming Chopsticks ($15.95) in Pikachu and Gengar designs, presumably for eating your fried chicken without getting your hands greasy. These are available via delivery only with every order of a Japanese Nanban Zinger or Chicken Bites orders from Sept 9.

Last but not least, a pair of Pikachu Car Neck Pillows ($32.95), sold at selected drive-thru and extended-hours outlets. From Aug 19, diners can also get a complimentary Pokémon sticker sheet with selected breakfast meals before 11am.

The Pokémon theme spills over into five KFC outlets too, with each getting a makeover inspired by a different type: Water at NEX, Fire at JEM, Electric at Kallang, Ghost at Compass One and Grass at Jurong Point. Expect themed decor, photo spots and Pokémon decals throughout the stores.

And if you're still playing Pokémon GO, 71 KFC outlets will become PokéStops and Gyms from Aug 19, where players can pick up in-game items or battle other trainers.

Japanese Nanban fried chicken & sweet potato mochi balls

All that merch requires food purchases, which brings us to KFC's limited-edition menu.

The Japanese Nanban Zinger ($7.50) takes the chain's spicy fried chicken thigh and brushes it with Nanban sauce, a sweet and tangy soy glaze with vinegary notes.

It's then piled with shredded cabbage and chunky Japanese-style tartar sauce made with onions, chopped egg and mayo, before being sandwiched between a toasted brioche bun.

Don't want a burger? The same combination of Nanban glaze and creamy egg tartar comes with the Japanese Nanban Chicken Bites ($6.90 for six) and Japanese Nanban Loaded Fries ($5.95).

Dessert is a little different from KFC's usual offerings. The Sweet Potato Mochi Balls ($3.95 for six; $7.80 for 12) come in purple and golden shells with chewy, mochi-like centres.

Available at all KFC outlets except Singapore Zoo and Sentosa, while stocks last. Delivery is also available via KFC Delivery, GrabFood and Foodpanda.

Pokémon fans can also meet Pikachu at KFC Kallang, SCAPE and Jurong Point on Aug 29. More than 200 free beginner Pokémon Trading Card Game tutorials will also be held at selected outlets in September.

The collab runs from Aug 19 to Sept 29 at participating KFC outlets islandwide. More info via website and Instagram.

Photos: KFC Singapore