TL;DR
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Authentic 1999–2000 TOMY Pokémon Charatoru film pack, Japan-only release
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Designed for the TOMY Charatoru Pikachu camera with character overlay feature
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24 exposures, factory-sealed inner foil (unused)
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Expired film (2000-01) — sold strictly as a display collectible
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Highly nostalgic late-1990s Pokémon merchandise with iconic red Pikachu box art
Quick Specs
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Product: Pokémon Pikachu Charatoru Camera Film Pack
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Brand: TOMY
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Year: 1999–2000
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Film Count: 24 exposures
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Compatibility: TOMY Charatoru camera system
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Condition: New old stock (unused, sealed foil)
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Expiration Date: January 2000 (expired)
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Language: Japanese
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Country of Manufacture: Made in Japan
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Box Size: Approx. 11 × 5.5 × 3.5 cm
Overview / What It Is
This is one of those Pokémon items that perfectly captures the creativity of the franchise during its explosive late-1990s peak.
The Pikachu Charatoru film pack (キャラトル, Charatoru) was released by TOMY for use with the matching Charatoru Pokémon camera, a novelty point-and-shoot that could superimpose Pikachu directly into your photos. Long before smartphone filters, this was Pokémon-themed “AR” — fully analog and delightfully weird.
While the film inside is expired and not guaranteed for photography, the real value today lies in the packaging itself. The bright red box, playful Pikachu illustrations, and sample photo graphics make this an excellent display piece for vintage Pokémon collections.
Product Images
Image copyright usage rights: You may use these images for any of your posts or projects, so long as you attribute Japan Bound as the creator and link to this post as the source of the images
How It Works (Originally)
When new, this film was used exclusively with the TOMY Charatoru camera:
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The camera projected a Pikachu image into the frame at the moment of capture
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The built-in flash synchronized with the overlay system
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Photos developed with Pikachu “appearing” beside the subject
Today, because the film expired in January 2000, performance is unpredictable. Most collectors treat this item as non-functional memorabilia, not a consumable.
Who Should Buy This
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Vintage Pokémon collectors focusing on late-90s Japanese merchandise
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Fans of odd, experimental Pokémon products (cameras, toys, tech hybrids)
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Display-focused collectors seeking colorful boxed items
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Anyone building a Charatoru camera display set
🚫 Not recommended if you’re looking to actually shoot film — this is a display collectible first and foremost.
Pros & Cons
👍 Pros
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Authentic Japan-only TOMY Pokémon item
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Factory-sealed inner foil pack (unused)
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Eye-catching Pikachu box art from peak Pokémania era
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Excellent companion piece to the Charatoru camera
👎 Cons
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Film is expired (2000) and not guaranteed usable
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Outer box shows light storage wear
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Niche appeal compared to figures or cards
Setup / Display Tips
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Display alongside the Charatoru Pikachu camera for maximum impact
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Keep sealed — the intact foil pack significantly boosts collectible value
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Store away from heat and humidity to preserve box color
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A small acrylic stand helps show off the front artwork cleanly
Popularity / Collectibility
Novelty Pokémon items like the Charatoru camera system represent a short-lived but highly creative period in Pokémon merchandising:
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Released during Pokémon’s 1998–2000 global boom, when experimental products flooded the Japanese market
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Camera-related Pokémon items were produced in far smaller quantities than figures or cards
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Today, Charatoru-related products are noticeably scarcer than mainstream Pokémon toys
While exact production numbers were never published by TOMY, collector demand has steadily increased as late-90s Pokémon memorabilia continues to rise in value — especially complete, boxed, unused items like this film pack.
FAQs
Q: Can the film still be used?
A: Possibly, but results are unpredictable. It’s sold as a collectible display item, not guaranteed for photography.
Q: Is the inner film opened?
A: No. The inner foil pack is factory-sealed and unused.
Q: Is this compatible with normal cameras?
A: No. It was designed specifically for the TOMY Charatoru camera system.
Q: Is this a reproduction?
A: Absolutely not. This is an original 1999–2000 TOMY release.
Where to Buy
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Japan Bound eBay Store — your trusted source for authentic vintage Japanese collectibles
If you message us on Japan Bound, you can buy it from us directly for 15% off the eBay price. -
Secondary options:
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Yahoo! Auctions Japan
- Surugaya Japan
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About the Author
Limarc Ambalina is a longtime Japan culture and pop-culture journalist. He lives in Japan and is a longtime video game and japanese pop culture memorabilia collector. The product images in this article were taken by him directly. The information in this article has been verified by his personal testing/usage of each product listed.
