Otakuwriter
Shonen Jump and Pokémon Share More Collab Illustrations from Sakamoto Days, Kagurabachi, and More
Weekly Shonen Jump, Japan’s leading manga magazine published by Shueisha, has continued its special collaboration project with Pokémon, the globally renowned multimedia franchise. Building on the success of previous joint efforts, this new artwork campaign showcases collaborations between several contemporary manga creators from Weekly Shonen Jump and iconic Pokémon characters. The latest round of illustrations appeared in the magazine’s latest combined issue released in Japan on August 3, 2025.
Weekly Shonen Jump x Pokémon Collaboration Continues with New Artworks
This collaborative initiative features exclusive illustrations created by current Weekly Shonen Jump manga artists, each reimagining their characters interacting with different Pokémon. These illustrations have been specially curated to celebrate both Shonen Jump’s legacy and Pokémon’s enduring popularity. The featured artwork appears as a full-page collage on the magazine’s cover and includes several unique contributions from notable manga creators.
Leading the collection is an illustration by Yuto Suzuki, the author of the popular action-comedy manga Sakamoto Days. His contribution sees a younger version of the series’ main character, Taro Sakamoto, accompanying the Grass-type Pokémon Chikorita. This detailed piece showcases a charming and nostalgic tone, highlighting Sakamoto’s youth and the Pokémon’s warmth.
Kagurabachi Manga Author Joins with Tepig in Original Art
The artwork series also includes a piece by Takeru Hokazono, the mangaka behind the dark fantasy series Kagurabachi. His contribution features Chihiro Rokuhira, the protagonist of Kagurabachi, alongside the Fire-type Pokémon Tepig. The pairing brings together two strong-willed characters, blending the themes of fierce resolve and warmth.
Since its debut, Kagurabachi has garnered attention for its detailed world-building and intense action. Hokazono’s distinctive art style complements the appearance of Tepig, offering fans a visually engaging crossover that retains the essence of both series.
Ichi the Witch and Mega Gallade in New Collaborative Piece
Joining the collaboration is Osamu Nishi, the creator of the fantasy manga Ichi the Witch. Nishi’s illustration features the mysterious character Ichi paired with Mega Gallade, a Psychic/Fighting-type Pokémon known for its elegant design and powerful abilities. This combination creates a striking visual that embodies magic, mystique, and strength.
Ichi the Witch is recognized for its unique art style and supernatural narrative elements, and the pairing with Mega Gallade—who evolves through Mega Evolution mechanics introduced in the Pokémon series—adds an extra layer of fantasy and drama to the collaboration.
Project Overview and Future Releases
This artistic crossover between Pokémon and Weekly Shonen Jump highlights the enduring cultural synergy between manga and video game media in Japan. All illustrations featured in this special collaboration were published in the August 3, 2025 combined issue of Shonen Jump. Official sources have also confirmed another wave of collectible content associated with the project.
Specifically, a second volume of original stickers featuring these collaborations is scheduled for release in the magazine’s next issue on August 18, 2025. These stickers follow the initial set released earlier in the campaign, offering collectors and readers additional visual tie-ins between Pokémon and their favorite Jump series.
Production Details and Official Sources
While the illustrations are the centerpiece of the current campaign, it’s important to note that these are part of a broader marketing and promotional strategy involving Japan’s top pop culture brands. Shueisha, the publisher of Weekly Shonen Jump, and The Pokémon Company officially sanctioned the artwork project, as reported by Comic Natalie and corroborated by licensed media outlets.
The Pokémon franchise, managed by The Pokémon Company, continues to span a diverse range of entertainment platforms, including video games, trading cards, toy lines, and an internationally successful anime series. The current anime adaptation, titled Pokémon Horizons: The Series, is produced by long-time animation house OLM, Inc., with direction by Saori Den and writing by Dai Sato. The voice cast includes Minori Suzuki as Liko and Yuka Terasaki as Roy, adding fresh voices to Pokémon’s next generation of main characters.
The collaborative illustrations do not involve new animated productions but serve as part of the franchise’s expansive multimedia storytelling and branding initiatives. Official merchandise and digital previews of the artworks are being released in coordination with Shueisha’s marketing team.
Confirmed Platforms and Availability
The latest issue of Weekly Shonen Jump, which features the Pokémon collaborations, is available in Japan via print and digital platforms including Shonen Jump+ (Shueisha’s official digital app) and Manga Plus, accessible globally in English and Spanish. The illustrations are exclusive to the magazine and have been promoted across official Shonen Jump and Pokémon Company social media channels.
As part of these updates, no new anime series or game crossovers have been announced. The focus of the initiative remains on artistic collaboration and mutual celebration of the creative worlds of Shonen Jump manga and Pokémon.
This unique visual showcase continues to draw attention to the synergy between manga and video game culture, reinforcing both franchises’ legacy and broad influence on global entertainment media.
