New Delhi: In an exciting development for Pokémon fans worldwide, Japan is set to host its first-ever Pokémon World Championships in Yokohama next month. To mark this historic occasion, the official Pokémon YouTube channel released a lively anime teaser created by CoMix Wave Films, the renowned animation studio celebrated for its work on masterpieces like ‘Kimi no na Wa’ and ‘Suzume,’ as well as various Makoto Shinkai films.
Titled ‘Challenge to the World’ (or ‘Kimi ni Aeta’), the one-minute animation, directed by Asuka Dokai and featuring character designs and animation direction by Maho Takagi, provides a captivating glimpse of some of Yokohama’s grand venues, including the prestigious Pacifico Yokohama convention center, where the Championships will take place from August 11 to August 13.
The delightful animation introduces a host of iconic Pokémon and showcases the diverse battle formats that attendees can look forward to. From video games and trading card games to Pokémon Go and Pokémon Unite, the Championship offers something for every type of Pokémon enthusiast.
Yokohama’s Pokémon Festival
Beyond the thrilling competition, Yokohama will also host a week-long Pokémon festival packed with various activities across the city. The Pokémon Matsuri Park event, held from August 11 to 14 in Rinko Park, will feature exciting games such as Magikarp fishing, Poké Ball Pokémon catching challenges, and intriguing stone puzzles. Participants will earn points based on their performance in the games, which can be exchanged for exciting prizes.
As the sun sets, spectators can enjoy the ‘We Move’ live show from August 8 to 14, where numerous Pikachus will dazzle the audience with synchronized dance routines set to music and laser beams at Rinko Park. Additionally, the ‘Imagination! Into the Next’ live show at the Yokohama Red Brick House area, held during the same period, will showcase Pikachu, Lucario, Greninja, and other beloved characters in a captivating stage performance with music and colorful lights.
For a unique experience, visitors can watch the ‘Let’s Celebrate! The Pokémon Parade’ featuring Pikachu, Sprigatito, Fuecoco, Quaxly, and friends as they march down Keyaki-dori Avenue on August 14 at 4 pm.
Admission to all of these fantastic events is free, but participants must apply for tickets through a lottery system on the website before July 3, 1.59 pm JST.
In addition to the scheduled events, Pokémon enthusiasts can gather twice daily for the ‘Pikachu Gathering’ from August 8 to 13 and on August 14 at Grand Mall Park without registration. Witness a delightful parade of adorable Pikachus strolling through the neighborhood during this extravaganza. Furthermore, Pokémon street art and installations will adorn nine locations across Yokohama, including Queen’s Square, Cosmoworld, and Landmark Plaza, providing an immersive Pokémon experience for visitors.
For the die-hard Pokémon trainers, the Pokémon Trainer Cruise awaits aboard the Nippon Maru ship, docked at Shinko Pier from August 11 to 13. Here, fans can battle and trade their trading cards or Nintendo Switch games with other passionate players.
The upcoming Pokémon World Championship and the accompanying festival promise a memorable and exciting experience for fans and participants alike. As Yokohama embraces the Pokémon spirit, enthusiasts from around the globe are eagerly anticipating the unprecedented event in the heartland of Pokémon culture.