article_snippet.sent: Lisa fixation with the Japanese characters started at the age of nine when one woman saw a picture of the cartoon's protagonist, Pikachu in a Nintendo magazine.
article_snippet.sent: The devoted fan even travelled to Japan when the 11th Pokemon movie was released to get hold of exclusive merchandise that wasn't available in Europe.
article_snippet.sent: I went for the release of the eleventh Pokemon movie in an attempt to get some exclusive Shaymin merchandise - it was amazing,' Lisa Courtney said.
article_snippet.sent: The first toy I ever got was a large Psyduck plush toy from Japan - my mother and grandmother ordered The first toy I ever got from a mail order company before Pokemon hit the UK,' Lisa Courtney said. '
article_snippet.sent: We had to guess what We were ordering because the names of the Pokemon hadn't even been translated into English yet.'
article_snippet.sent: I try and get new merchandise as soon as the new characters come out - it's often difficult as new merchandise are only available in Japan and America or are too expensive,' one woman added.
article_snippet.sent: My most valuable piece is my large Ho-Oh plush toy, My most valuable piece was a prize in Japan, only available in raffles and in their amusement arcades.
article_snippet.sent: I bought mine for £60 online. '
highlights_snippet.sent: The 26-year-old started amassing the items after being bullied aged nine .
  
highlights_snippet.sent: Vast hoard ranges from cuddly toys to cornflakes made in Japan .