Pikachu 227/S-P is a Japanese promotional card that brings together traditional Japanese art and the Pokémon Trading Card Game.
The card was included in the “Pokémon Stamp Box: Pokémon Card Game – Beauty Looking Back & The Moon and Wild Geese Set,” released by Japan Post in 2021. It was not included in any regular expansion pack and could only be obtained through this exclusive box.
Its most distinctive features are its composition inspired by the Edo-period masterpiece “Beauty Looking Back” and its artwork by Mitsuhiro Arita, an illustrator who has worked on the Pokémon TCG since its earliest years.
This article explores the basic details of Pikachu 227/S-P, the contents of the Pokémon Stamp Box, the artistic background behind its illustration, its appeal to collectors, and other related promotional cards.
- Product Details
- What Is the Pokémon Stamp Box?
- Contents of the Pokémon Stamp Box
- A Design That Reimagines “Beauty Looking Back” with Pikachu
- Three Reasons Pikachu 227/S-P Attracts Collectors
- About Mitsuhiro Arita
- Related Cards Illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita
- Pikachu Promo Cards Created for Special Products and Collaborations
- A Special Promo Card Blending Japanese Culture and Pikachu
Product Details
Product Name
Pikachu 227/S-P
Pokémon Stamp Box “Beauty Looking Back & The Moon and Wild Geese” Promo Card
Basic Information
| Card Name | Pikachu |
|---|---|
| Card Number | 227/S-P |
| Series | Sword & Shield Promotional Card |
| Release Year | 2021 |
| Card Type | Basic Pokémon |
| Type | Lightning |
| HP | 60 |
| Attack | Switch Out |
| Illustrator | Mitsuhiro Arita |
| Language | Japanese |
| Distribution | Promotional card included with the Japan Post Pokémon Stamp Box |
Pikachu 227/S-P has the attack “Switch Out.” This attack allows you to switch Pikachu in the Active Spot with one of your Benched Pokémon.
Its in-game effect is simple, but the card’s true appeal lies less in its competitive value and more in its exclusive distribution and exceptional artwork.
What Is the Pokémon Stamp Box?
Source: Japan Post Group, “Pokémon Stamp Box”
The “Pokémon Stamp Box: Pokémon Card Game – Beauty Looking Back & The Moon and Wild Geese Set” was a special collaboration between Japan Post and the Pokémon Trading Card Game.
It was released on August 25, 2021, with a retail price of ¥4,000 including tax. Unlike a standard Pokémon TCG product, it was distributed through Japan Post.
The box was originally scheduled to be sold at post offices and through the Japan Post Online Shop. However, the overwhelming response before release led Japan Post to change the sales method to a lottery system.
In an announcement made in July 2021, the planned production quantity was increased from 80,000 to 100,000 units. An additional 7,000 units were later released in 2022.
Because the product was primarily distributed within Japan, it was not easy for overseas collectors to obtain directly at the time of release.
Contents of the Pokémon Stamp Box
Source: Tokyogoodies
In addition to two promotional cards, the Pokémon Stamp Box contained a postage stamp sheet, die-cut cards, the “Pokémon Card Game: Family Pokémon Card Game Anytime, Anywhere” set, and more.
The box included the following items:
- Pikachu 227/S-P
- Cramorant 226/S-P
- Pokémon postage stamp sheet
- Three die-cut cards
- Pokémon Card Game: Family Pokémon Card Game Anytime, Anywhere
- Original Poké Ball-themed box
Cramorant 226/S-P
Source: Official Pokémon Card Game Website
Cramorant 226/S-P is the companion promotional card to Pikachu 227/S-P.
Its card number is 226/S-P, it has 90 HP, and its artwork was also created by Mitsuhiro Arita. Its attack is “Continuous Peck.”
The design is based on “The Moon and Wild Geese,” a famous work associated with Utagawa Hiroshige. The illustration shows Cramorant flying through the sky against the moon.
Displaying the ground-bound Pikachu looking back alongside Cramorant flying across the moon allows collectors to experience the full atmosphere of the “Beauty Looking Back & The Moon and Wild Geese Set.”
It is undoubtedly the card most closely connected to Pikachu 227/S-P.
Pokémon Postage Stamp Sheet
Source: Japan Post Group, “Pokémon Stamp Box”
The box contained one sheet of self-adhesive postage stamps.
The sheet included ten stamps in total: eight ¥84 stamps and two ¥120 stamps.
The following ten Pokémon were featured in the designs:
- Venusaur
- Charizard
- Blastoise
- Scorbunny
- Yamper
- Skwovet
- Zacian
- Zamazenta
- Pikachu
- Cramorant
Among them, Pikachu and Cramorant were specially illustrated around the themes of “Beauty Looking Back” and “The Moon and Wild Geese”. The same artwork featured on the stamps was also used for the promotional cards.
The fact that the same illustrations appear on both Pokémon cards and genuine Japanese postage stamps is one of the most distinctive features of this set.
Other Accessories and the Original Box
Source: Japan Post Group, “Pokémon Stamp Box”
Source: Japan Post Group, “Pokémon Stamp Box”
The box also contained three die-cut cards featuring Pikachu, Eevee, and Charizard.
Unlike standard Pokémon cards, these uniquely shaped cards were designed primarily for display and collecting.
The “Pokémon Card Game: Family Pokémon Card Game Anytime, Anywhere” set included a 60-card Cinderace V deck and a 60-card Pikachu V deck.
It also came with damage counters, status markers, a half-size playmat, a Pokémon coin, and deck boxes. The set contained everything a family or beginner needed to start playing the Pokémon TCG immediately.
All of these items were packaged inside an original box featuring a large Poké Ball design.
Collecting the promotional cards, stamps, accessories, and outer box together allows fans to enjoy the product’s complete theme in its most authentic form.
A Design That Reimagines “Beauty Looking Back” with Pikachu
One of the defining features of Pikachu 227/S-P is its artwork inspired by traditional Japanese art.
Hishikawa Moronobu’s “Beauty Looking Back”
Source: Wikipedia
“Beauty Looking Back,” the inspiration behind the card, is a work by Edo-period artist Hishikawa Moronobu.
The piece portrays a woman glancing back over her shoulder and has a deep connection not only to Japanese art but also to the history of Japanese postage stamps.
“Beauty Looking Back” was featured on a Philatelic Week stamp issued in 1948. It is widely recognized as one of the most iconic subjects used on Japanese special-issue stamps.
In the Pokémon Stamp Box, this masterpiece with deep ties to Japanese philatelic culture was reimagined through Pikachu, one of the world’s most beloved characters.
Pikachu Looking Back, Illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita
Source: Official Pokémon Card Game Website
Unlike many Pikachu cards that emphasize the character’s bright and energetic personality, Pikachu 227/S-P has a quiet, refined atmosphere. It is a card that can be appreciated like a miniature work of Japanese art.
While preserving Pikachu’s familiar charm, the artwork adopts a backward-looking pose that recalls “Beauty Looking Back.” Even among Mitsuhiro Arita’s many Pikachu illustrations, this card stands out for its strong Japanese artistic influence.
Three Reasons Pikachu 227/S-P Attracts Collectors
Reason 1: A Promo Card Unavailable in Regular Packs
Source: Japan Post Group, “Pokémon Stamp Box”
Pikachu 227/S-P was not available in regular expansion packs or starter sets.
One copy was included in the Pokémon Stamp Box sold by Japan Post, together with one copy of Cramorant 226/S-P.
It was not a standard product sold through card shops, but a special card available only by purchasing an exclusive Japan Post product.
Reason 2: A Unique Fusion of Japanese Art and Pokémon
Source: Japan Post Group Special Website
Pikachu 227/S-P is inspired by Hishikawa Moronobu’s “Beauty Looking Back.”
Artwork based on the same theme appears on both the promotional card and an official postage stamp, allowing collectors to enjoy Japanese art, postal culture, and the Pokémon TCG in a single product.
Among the countless Pikachu cards released over the years, this one has an especially clear and meaningful connection to Japanese culture.
Reason 3: Pikachu Artwork by Mitsuhiro Arita
Source: Mitsuhiro Arita’s Official Website
The artwork was created by Mitsuhiro Arita, an illustrator who has contributed to the Pokémon Trading Card Game since its earliest development.
His portfolio includes Pikachu, Charizard, Pikachu & Zekrom-GX, and many other cards representing different eras of the game.
Even among Arita’s extensive body of work, Pikachu 227/S-P is especially notable for its strong incorporation of traditional Japanese art.
It is also an important card for collectors who focus on Mitsuhiro Arita’s artwork.
About Mitsuhiro Arita
Profile and Career
Source: Mitsuhiro Arita’s Official Website
Mitsuhiro Arita is an illustrator born in Fukuoka Prefecture in 1970. He began working professionally as an illustrator in 1996, and his first major project was the Pokémon Trading Card Game.
He joined the project while the Pokémon TCG was still in its prototype stage and also designed the original seven Energy symbols: Grass, Fire, Water, Lightning, Psychic, Fighting, and Colorless.
He has continued creating card artwork since the Pokémon Trading Card Game was first released in Japan in 1996.
His work spans multiple generations of the game, including early illustrations of Pikachu and Charizard.
Work Beyond Pokémon
Source: FINAL FANTASY XI Anniversary Website
Mitsuhiro Arita has also contributed to games, books, and animation projects outside the Pokémon franchise.
One of his best-known projects is FINAL FANTASY XI. Over many years, he created illustrations depicting the game’s world as well as artwork for seasonal events.
He also worked on concept designs for the animated film series Berserk: The Golden Age Arc and has illustrated books centered on mythology, history, and fantasy.
His career extends far beyond Pokémon cards, covering a broad range of fantastical and historical subjects.
Related Cards Illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita
Pikachu 033/087
Source: Official Pokémon Card Game Website
Pikachu 033/087 was included in the Concept Pack “Pokémon Card Game Expansion Pack 20th Anniversary,” released in 2016.
The artwork features a rounded Pikachu standing in a grassy field, creating a composition and atmosphere very different from the Japanese art-inspired Pikachu 227/S-P.
Displaying the two cards side by side allows collectors to appreciate how Mitsuhiro Arita’s portrayal of Pikachu has changed across different eras and product themes.
Pikachu & Zekrom-GX 041/173
Source: Official Pokémon Card Game Website
Pikachu & Zekrom-GX 041/173 was included in the High-Class Pack “TAG TEAM GX: Tag All Stars”.
The card features Pikachu together with the Legendary Pokémon Zekrom.
In contrast to the calm atmosphere of Pikachu 227/S-P, Pikachu & Zekrom-GX emphasizes powerful lightning and the intensity of battle.
Although both Pikachu cards were illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita, they offer completely different artistic expressions for collectors to compare.
Charizard 011/087
Source: Official Pokémon Card Game Website
Charizard 011/087 is another Mitsuhiro Arita card included in the 20th Anniversary set.
Its powerful composition shows Charizard breathing fire directly toward the viewer, making it one of Arita’s most recognizable Pokémon card illustrations.
For collectors inspired by Pikachu 227/S-P to explore more of Mitsuhiro Arita’s work, this is an essential card beyond his Pikachu illustrations.
Pikachu Promo Cards Created for Special Products and Collaborations
Pikachu has appeared not only in regular expansion packs but also in numerous promotional cards released through commemorative products and special collaborations.
Cards distributed through particular products or campaigns often feature exclusive costumes, backgrounds, and themes that cannot be found in standard releases.
Below are several special Pikachu cards worth exploring alongside Pikachu 227/S-P.
Pretend Comedian Pikachu 221/XY-P
Source: Official Pokémon Card Game Website
Pretend Comedian Pikachu 221/XY-P is a promotional card featuring two Pikachu dressed in traditional Japanese clothing.
One Pikachu is dressed as a court noble, while the other wears an outfit inspired by a maiko. The background also features distinctly Japanese architecture and scenery, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of Kyoto.
The official Pokémon Card Game website lists the card in connection with a Pokémon Center campaign held in March 2016.
Its use of Japanese culture gives it a strong thematic connection to Pikachu 227/S-P and its “Beauty Looking Back” inspiration.
Displaying the two cards together offers a fascinating comparison between Pikachu cards inspired by traditional Japanese clothing and art.
Mario Pikachu 294/XY-P
Source: Official Pokémon Card Game Website
Mario Pikachu 294/XY-P is a promotional card that combines Pikachu with Nintendo’s iconic character Mario.
The illustration features Pikachu dressed as Mario, complete with his red cap and overalls.
The card was included in the “Pokémon Card Game XY BREAK Mario Pikachu Special Box.” Rather than appearing in a regular expansion pack, it was distributed exclusively through this dedicated special box.
While Pikachu 227/S-P represents a collaboration between Japanese art and postal culture, Mario Pikachu brings together two world-famous characters born in Japan.
Although the concepts are very different, both are standout Pikachu cards that symbolize Japan’s globally influential character culture.
Poncho-wearing Pikachu 230/XY-P
Source: Official Pokémon Card Game Website
Poncho-wearing Pikachu 230/XY-P features Pikachu wearing a poncho inspired by the Legendary Pokémon Rayquaza.
The card was included in the “Special Box: Poncho-wearing Pikachu – Rayquaza.” In addition to card number 230/XY-P, the box also featured a different design numbered 231/XY-P.
Costume-themed Pikachu cards, in which Pikachu dresses as another character or Pokémon, are especially appealing because they present the familiar mascot in a completely different form.
Like Pikachu 227/S-P, which was created through a collaboration with Japan Post, this card was available only through a specific special box.
A Special Promo Card Blending Japanese Culture and Pikachu
Pikachu 227/S-P is a promotional card that brings Pikachu, Edo-period art, and Japanese postal culture together in a single collectible.
It was not included in a regular expansion pack, but was distributed exclusively with the Pokémon Stamp Box released by Japan Post. Its defining features include a composition inspired by “Beauty Looking Back,” specially commissioned artwork shared with an official postage stamp, and an illustration created by Mitsuhiro Arita.
Collecting it alongside Cramorant 226/S-P and the original postage stamp sheet allows fans to appreciate the complete theme of the “Beauty Looking Back & The Moon and Wild Geese Set.”
For collectors seeking Japanese-exclusive Pikachu promo cards, Pokémon cards inspired by traditional Japanese art, or works illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita, Pikachu 227/S-P is an exceptionally appealing piece.
Collectors looking for Pikachu 227/S-P can check the current availability through the eBay listing below.
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Pokémon Pikachu Beauty Looking Back Stamp Box Promo 227/S-P 2021 Japan Post
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