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Entries

• More than 5000 Participants! A White-hot "Hoopa's Appear! Quiz" Report (2015/6/4)
• An Account From the Public Dubbing Held Monday June 8th!! (2015/6/9)
• A Report from Tomohisa Sako's Live Stage Show "Pokémon Tretta Special Stage Show" Saturday June 20th (2015/6/20)
• A Report from Rei Yasuda and Little Glee Monster's "Pokémon the Movie XY Special Stage Show" Sunday June 21st (2015/6/26)
• A Report from the "PokéTV Presents: A Pokémon the Movie XY Special Stage Show" at the Next Generation World Hobby Fair '15 Summer Saturday June 27th (2015/6/27)
• A Report from the Pre-Premiere of Pokémon the movie XY: "The Arcdjinni of Rings - Hoopa" Saturday July 5th (2015/7/5)
• A Report from the Sumitomo Mitsui Pokémon VISA Credit Card/Prepaid Card Launch Celebration Event Saturday June 26th (2015/7/8)
• Congratulations! All 600 questions have been answered! And we got more than 10000 participants! A report on "Hoopa's Appear! Quiz (2015/7/15)
• Summer Means Pokémon! A Report from the Premiere Day's Stage Greetings: Part 1 (2015/7/18)
• Summer Means Pokémon! A Report from the Premiere Day's Stage Greetings: Part 2 (2015/7/19)
• Congratulations! The Pokémon Movie Premieres and the Pokémon Center Hiroshima Opens! Pikachu Appear! in Hiroshima! (2015/7/24)
• An Opening Event Report from the "Summer Vacation Pokémon Carnival in Sunshine City", Starting Today! (2015/7/25)
• A Report from the "Stage Greetings! To Celebrate the Movie Becoming a Major Hit! With an Outbreak of Pikachu" Held Saturday August 14th! (2015/8/15)
• A Report from the "Pokémon Elections 720" Results Announcement Ceremony (2016/6/8)
• A Report from the Next Generation World Hobby Fair '16 Summer! (2016/6/25)
• A Report from the Public Dubbing of "Volcanion and the Ingenious Magearna!" (2016/6/29)
• A Report from the Pre-Screening of "Pokémon the movie XY&Z: Volcanion and the Ingenious Magearna"! (2016/7/4)
• A Report from the Odaiba Illumination "YAKEI" DECKS 20th Anniversary Pokémon ver. Light Show at the "Glittering Pokémon Summer Vacation Festival"! (2016/7/13)
• It Premiered Today! A Report from the "Volcanion and the Ingenious Magearna" Premiere Day Stage Greetings!! (2016/7/16)
• Mayu Matsuoka Appears at the Pikachu Outbreak-chu! Opening Commemoration Parade in Order to Commemorate the Blockbuster's Premiere!! (2016/8/7)
• A Report from the "The Pikachu Song" Release Commemoration Event at Yokohama World Porters! (2016/8/10)

More than 5000 Participants! A White-hot "Hoopa's Appear! Quiz" Report (2015/6/4)

The quiz has exceed 5000 participants in only 4 days since it started June 1st!
We're bringing you a status report on the answer accuracy rates and participating teams, as well as intriguing information on "Hoopa's Appear! Quiz", which is truly on fire!



What is the participation status of the teams?
In addition to working together to solve all 600 questions, the participants are divided into four teams that compete against each other, with their relative ranking determining which prizes the team members can apply for!

At present, Team "Latias/Latios" has the most points!
Since point bonuses are awarded every time a team reaches certain numbers of members, their lead may not be as big as it looks, though.
The ranking list can still change!

Make sure to invite your friends to join your team and attempt to catch up and change the order on the ranking list!
Also, note that you can see the current rankings and the teams' current points when you log in to participate!

Which question has been answered correctly the most?
At present, the question with the most correct answers submitted is this:



3721 people have answered it correctly!
Of course, the answer is the name of Satoshi's partner!
By the way, 41 people have answered it incorrectly. Hihihi, that's too bad!

Also, the question with the highest rate of correct answers is this:



Once you figure out what you're supposed to do, I guess there's no way to not arrive at the correct answer!?
Only one person has answered it incorrectly! Be careful to avoid making typos in your submissions!

Which question has been answered incorrectly the most? Which question has the lowest rate of correct answers?
At present, the question with the most incorrect answers submitted is this:



This is a really hard question that has turned down 562 attempts so far!
If you just enter a guess, it seems hitting the jackpot is pretty hard!

The question with the lowest rate of correct answers is this:



Only 12.58% of those who submitted an answer got it right!
Make sure to search really hard for differences between the right and left picture! If you're using a smartphone, we recommend enlarging the pictures!
Also, things that are divided into multiple parts, like the lawn, should be counted as a single difference!

100 more questions will be added tomorrow, June 5th
The update is scheduled to take place around 5pm!
Since you need to register in order to answer questions, those of you who are going to participate from here on should get your registration in today!

The total number of tough and strange brainteasers will be 600!
If you participants work together and manage to solve all 600 questions, you'll get the chance to win a "pure gold Pikachu" and other extravagant prizes!

Make sure to steadily answer the questions you're capable of solving!

Link: Hoopa's Appear! Quiz"

An Account From the Public Dubbing Held Monday June 8th!! (2015/6/9)

"The Archdjinni of Rings: Hoopa" is finally premiering next month!
This is an account from the public dubbing held Monday June 8th!

All the extravagant guest voice actors are present and lined up!
Pikachu and Hoopa were there as well, standing at each end of the line!
We'll start with the narration for the short, "Pikachu and the Pokémon Musicians"!
Mizuki Yamamoto heads to the mike.

Scene 1:
The narrator is worried about Luchabull after it ran off due to a lack of confidence in its singing

Yamamoto (Narrator):
"We suddenly have a major problem on our hands! What can be done?
Pikachu, chase after Luchabull!"



Mizuki Yamamoto's narration has a very gentle tone that matches the short's atmosphere well! The director immediately gave it his OK!

Next up is a scene from the feature movie, "The Archdjinni of Rings: Hoopa"!
It features Tatsuya Fujiwara as Barza, Koichi Yamadera as Hoopa Unbound and Shoko Nakagawa as Mary!

Scene 2:
In this scene, the Prison Bottle has just been opened. Hoopa's original form appears

First off, a test take:

Nakagawa (Mary):
"You found the Prison Bottle!"



Yamadera (Super Hoopa):
"Hoooo-paaaaaa!!
Nghh... This here, this power! Hoopa is strong! Gahahahaha!"



Just then, a massive shadow appears behind Tatsuya Fujiwara as he is about to speak his lines!!

Shinichi Shinohara:
"Mary, why are you...?"

How was that, director? (heh)



Shinichi Shinohara just stole Barza's voice actor Tatsuya Fujiwara's line!!

Fujiwara: Hey, my line!
Shinohara: You'll OK that, won't you, director?
Director: Once again from the beginning, then!
Shinohara: What, why!? What part of that did you find off!?


The entire room is roaring with laughter!
Next up was the proper take!

Fujiwara (Barza):
"Mary, why are you...?



This time everyone takes things seriously and Fujiwara's line gets an OK.

Director: This gets an OK from me. What do you think, Shinohara?
Shinohara: I think Fujiwara's delivery was pretty close to mine...
Director: In other words, it gets an OK from you too! Thank you!
Shinichi Shinohara did a satisfactory take as well!?

Finally, we have the last scene of the day!
It features Tatsuya Fujiwara as Barza, Shoko Nakagawa as Mary... and Shinichi Shinohara as Hippopotas!



Scene 3:
In this scene, everyone is working together to create a new Prison Bottle

First off, a test take:

Nakagawa:
"Brother, the bottle was..."

Fujiwara:
"Rejected by Hoopa, the... shadow had no... where...
the shadow had nowhere to go, destroying the bottle...
We have to create a new Prison Bottle!!"



Nakagawa:
"Our great grandfather created the bottle using earth, fire and water... the three forces of nature!"



Fujiwara:
"Then, as long as we can find Pokémon of all those types, we should be able to create a Prison Bottle as well."

Voiceover: Citron: "But none of our Pokémon have the power of earth... that of the Ground type"

Voiceover: Eureka: "Oh, I have an idea!"

Shinohara: "Hippo?"

Voiceover: Hoopa: "Appear!"

Shinohara: "Hiii-ppooooo-prr!"



Shinohara:
Director! I can hear the staff laughing!
...and since Fujiwara was fumbling his line so bad, I think I should play Barza...

Nakagawa:
You still haven't given up, have you? (laughs)

Shinohara:
Rejected by Hoopa, the shadow had nowhere to go...



Shinohara suddenly starts reciting Barza's lines out of nowhere!

Director: If only you'd channel that kind of passion into voicing Hippopotas... (laughs)
Nakagawa: These public dubbings have never been this much of a mess before (laughs)



Of course, everyone delivered their lines perfectly during the actual take, giving the public dubbing a powerful finish!

With that, the public dubbing was over and Shinohara won an ippon victory with his comedy techniques!
The powerful deliveries the guest voice actors gave during the real take truly showed how eagerly they're looking forward to the premiere!

The double feature "Pokémon the movie XY: The Archdjinni of Rings - Hoopa/Pikachu and the Pokémon Musicians" premieres Saturday July 18th!

A Report from Tomohisa Sako's Live Stage Show "Pokémon Tretta Special Stage Show" Saturday June 20th (2015/6/20)

We're reporting from the live stage show held by Tomohisa Sako, singer of "Getta Banban", the opening theme to the anime TV series "Pocket Monsters XY", at the Takara Tomy Booth at the Tokyo Toy Show 2015.



"Getta Banban", the opening theme to the anime TV series "Pocket Monsters XY", was playing on the stage monitor before the show started, as both children and many fans were all eagerly awaiting Tomohisa Sako's appearance.



Finally, the show started!
The lady hosting the show briefly introduced Sako as he made his way onto the stage!
Sako was asked what his favorite Pokémon was and replied "Tyltalis".
The show then started with a performance of "Kirakira", the song that accompanies "Getta Banban"!



"Kirakira" is written as a letter from Citron to Satoshi, and the friendly singing voice fits Citron's image perfectly!

Next, we got a presentation of the movie "The Archdjinni of Rings: Hoopa", which premieres in just one month!
And while we were watching the trailer alongside everyone...

We presented the Tokyo Toy Show 2015 Takara Tomy Booth-exclusive question to "Hoopa's Appear! Quiz"
Sako then gave out a valuable hint for the question.



There will be another question tomorrow, on the 21st, which you can find at the Takara Tomy Booth's Pokémon Tretta Corner, so make sure to go there and find out the solution!

Next, it was finally time for the "Pokémon Tretta" segment!
We did a presentation of the "Special Hoopa Pokémon Tretta" you'll receive when you go see "The Archdjinni of Rings Hoopa" in the theater!



Its black metallic color is really cool! We also showed off the special "Appear!" move it can use!

*This tretta will be given to 3 million attendants nationwide. Distribution will end once supplies are exhausted.
*There is no age limit to receiving the tretta.
*The special Hoopa Pokémon tretta that's being distributed can be used starting with the "Pokémon Tretta Ultimate #3" update, which will be installed starting Thursday July 16th.

For more details on the "Special Hoopa Pokémon Tretta" being distributed, see this page!

Sako then rushed over to be the first to play "Pokémon Tretta Ultimate #3"!
A highly motivated Sako said it was because "I'm aiming towards becoming a Pokémon Sommelier!"



The game started with the familiar cry "Get! Pokémon Tretta!"

Finally, Sako performed what the crowd had been waiting for: Getta Banban!
Wanting the children in the audience to dance along, he went over the dance steps with them before the performance!



"Getta Banban"



The show ended with a bang, as everyone cheerfully sang along!

The Tokyo Toy Show 2015 continues tomorrow, Sunday the 21st, as well!
There will be a "Special Pokémon the Movie XY Stage Show" held at the Takara Tomy booth, where Rei Yasuda, performer of "Tweedia", the theme song to "The Archdjinni of Rings: Hoopa", and Little Glee Monster, performers of "Gaogao All Stars", the theme song to the short, will appear!
The show starts at 12:30pm!

There will also be a Takara Tomy Booth-exclusive question for Hoopa's Appear! Quiz!
Make sure to visit the Tokyo Toy Show 2015 tomorrow as well!
It takes place at Tokyo Big Sight Sunday the 21st from 9am to 4pm!

A Report from Rei Yasuda and Little Glee Monster's "Pokémon the Movie XY Special Stage Show" Sunday June 21st (2015/6/26)

The "Pokémon the Movie XY Special Stage Show" was held at the Takara Tomy Booth at the Tokyo Toy Show 2015.

This was an extravagant stage show where both Rei Yasuda, performer of this year's movie theme song, and all the members of Little Glee Monster, performers of the short's theme song, appeared!
We will describe the show for all those of you who weren't able to come watch!

First up was Rei Yasuda, performing "Tweedia", the theme song to "The Archdjinni of Rings: Hoopa"!



The audience was spellbound by her unparalleled singing!



Rei Yasuda sings as if she's talking to Pikachu!
We're all looking more and more forward to listening to Tweedia in the movie theater now!

Next up was Little Glee Monster!
Little Glee Monster is an energetic female vocal unit made up of middle and high schoolers with an average age of 15!



Little Glee Monster performer Gaogao All Stars, the theme song to the short "Pikachu and the Pokémon Musicians"!



People instinctively began to dance, as a fun rhythm spread through the venue!



We were having so much fun the show was over before we knew it!
The 6 members of Little Glee Monster have plans of going all together to watch "The Archdjinni of Rings: Hoopa" this summer vacation!

You guys go invite your friends to see "The Archdjinni of Rings: Hoopa" in the theater too!
The special pre-order movie tickets are on sale until Friday July 17th!

Also, here are some good news for those of you disappointed you missed the show:
Rei Yasuda and all the members of Little Glee Monster will be at the Next Generation World Hobby Fair '15 Summer, which takes place Saturday June 27th and Sunday June 28th at Makuhari Messe!
That will be your chance to listen to the movie's theme song and the short's theme performed live! Admission is free!

For further information, go here!
Come, come to the Pokémon booth!

A Report from the "PokéTV Presents: A Pokémon the Movie XY Special Stage Show" at the Next Generation World Hobby Fair '15 Summer Saturday June 27th (2015/6/27)

The Next Generation World Hobby Fair '15 Summer takes place at Makuhari Messe Saturday June 27th and Sunday June 28th!

We'll do an instant report of the "PokéTV Presents: A Pokémon the Movie XY Special Stage Show" held Saturday June 27th!
In addition, we'll do a smashing report on the Pokémon Booth!

First off, the "PokéTV Presents: A Pokémon the Movie XY Special Stage Show".
Hoopa was there on the stage!



So now what? Is it going to make something "Appear!"?
Indeed it is: Shortly after, Anchor Shoko-tan, Director Yukito and Director Robin, known from Pokémon Get TV, all appeared.



Hoopa then made someone else Appear!...
It's the performer of "Getta Banban", the opening theme to the "Pocket Monsters XY" TV series: Tomohisa Sako!



The group then presented lots of the latest bits of news on the Pokémon movies, right before their premiere!

Tomohisa Sako and Anchor Shoko-tan had a Pokémon battle using the legendary Pokémon you can receive with the special preorder movie ticket and the Hoopa you can receive in theaters!
Anchor Shoko-tan clinched victory using Hoopa Unleashed's move Hyperspace Fury!



Next, Director Yukito did a "Today's Recommended Scene" segment, just like he always does on PokéTV, presenting the story of the new Pokémon movie "The Archdjinni of Rings: Hoopa".
This was followed by a special Next Generation WHF-exclusive clip from the movie, which made the audience really pumped.



Hoopa then made Rei Yasuda, performer of the movie's theme song, Appear!



She performed the theme song, "Tweedia"!



Rei Yasuda was singing with a soft and powerful voice, with Hoopa and Pikachu at her side!



And of course, Tomohisa Sako performed "Getta Banban" as well!
Everyone in the audience remembered the steps and danced and sang along.



There will be another "PokéTV Presents: A Pokémon the Movie XY Special Stage Show" held tomorrow, Sunday June 28th!

The show can be seen even without tickets or prior reservation. For further information, go here!

The special stage show wasn't the only thing at the Next Generation World Hobby Fair '15 Summer that attracted a crowd, the Pokémon Booth did as well!
The Pokémon booth's stage also had presentations of the latest news on the movie, as well as the latest news on Pokémon Tretta and the like!



There were also "Legendary Pokémon Battle Attractions" where you could experience the world of the movie in person!
Which will you choose, the Primal Groudon Route or the Primal Kyogre Route?



The special pre-order movie tickets were also being sold at the fair!
If you bring your Nintendo 3DS and a compatible game, you can have a legendary Pokémon Appear! at the Next Generation WHF!



The Next Generation World Hobby Fair '15 Summer takes place at Makuhari Messe!
It's open from 9am to 4pm and admission is completely free!
The Pokémon booth is marked by the Pikachu balloon you all know so well!
All of you, make sure to visit the Pokémon booth for tons of fun!!

"A Report from the Pre-Premiere of Pokémon the movie XY: "The Arcdjinni of Rings - Hoopa" Saturday July 5th (2015/7/5)

Summer means Pokémon! The Pokémon Summer is finally here!
Only two more weeks remain until the premiere of "The Archdjinni of Rings: Hoopa"!!
To celebrate the completion of the movie, we held a pre-premiere screening (in cooperation with Shogakukan)!
Here's a report with details on how it turned out!



About 1600 children were gathered at the venue, having won invitations via lottery!
First off, Hoopa and Pikachu appeared!
Next came Director Yuyama and Satoshi's voice actor Rica Matsumoto, followed by the entire lineup of extravagant guest voice actors!



They were all dressed in beautiful yukata, one reason being that Tanabata is in two days!
They all looked really fancy!

It was then time for their individual greetings!
First up was Director Kunihiko Yuyama!



I am very excited about us showing the movie to the public for the first time ever today.
Because this is the first time we have an audience watch the movie, I think of this as the day the movie is truly completed.
Please enjoy it.

He was then asked what he thought was the highlight of the movie...

Both for the short and the feature film, the accumulation of experience we got from the last 18 years has helped us create something new.
In the short, the Pokémon create a musical performance using nothing but their voices, something that's being done for the first time through all the years we've been developing Pokémon voice acting.

While in the feature film, legendary Pokémon from earlier movies appear all together at once.
I've been doing these movies for 18 years now, and while I can tell from the viewers' ages they have different opinions on which Pokémon they have a strong attachment to, I hope you will all have a good time discussing which Pokémon you prefer with each other.

Next up was Rica Matsumoto, voice of Satoshi!



I'm grateful to be allowed to do this greeting this year as well.
Ever since the first movie, "Mewtwo Strikes Back", Satoshi has continued his journey to become a Pokémon Master, and even though 18 years have passed in the blink of an eye since then, he still hasn't given up on those feelings, but keeps doing his best with undying optimism and positivity!
Please look forward to the role he'll play in this year's movie as well!

Next up was Tatsuya Fujiwara, the voice of Barza, the young man who grew up together with Hoopa and who holds the key to the movie's story!



I was really surprised when I heard these movies had been running or an entire 18 years. It's almost unbelievable I get to play in movies so beloved by children that they can go on for so long, and I had a lot of fun with my role.



Also, since Shokotan and I play brother and sister, in the finished movie there are places where I speak my line and Nakagawa's voice comes in as well. So I played these parts as if we were having an actual, normal conversation.

Next up, for his 18th consecutive annual role! Koichi Yamadera, voice of Hoopa (Unleashed Form) = Super Hoopa!

Yama-chan, Aaaappeeaar!!

And when you think of Yama-chan, here's his famous greeting...

HooPa～～～！！



Oops, got that wrong. Once again: OHA!

I've been in these movies for 18 years now, but I've played different roles every time. This year I'm Hoopa (Unleashed Form).
When it comes to Hoopa, you usually think of the small cute one (Confined Form), but I want you all to root for the big Hoopa I play as well.



Hoopa goes "Appear!" all the time, so this summer I want you all to imitate it and run around saying "Appear!" all over the place!
That way you'll create an "Appear!" boom! I think it'd be really great if you managed to keep it going until the end of the year and we'd win the Buzzword-of-the-year award!

Next, for her 9th consecutive annual role! Shoko Nakagawa, voice of Mary!



Shokotan appears with her famous greeting from Pokémon Get TV!

The Pokémon movies have 18 years of history to them now! The games have been out for 19 years! And I just reached level 30!
I have become an adult through Pokémon!



This year's movie is something else, though!
A rush of legends, legends and legends that leaves even Hollywood astounded!
This year's movie Mega Mega Mega Mega Evolved to an absolutely astounding level, creating a truly historical, cutting-edge moment for the world, humanity, the universe and the Pokémon anime before our very eyes, and when I first watched it in the preview room, I truly felt that I was alive!!
You will all be able to live and witness a Pokémon summer and a Japanese summer this year as well! It's amazing!

In this year's movie, Pikachu and Hoopa do their best to keep on going; When you're an adult, you sometimes hit a brick wall and wonder if you should keep trucking on, and that's where Pokémon once again has a lot to teach you.
Even if you're an adult, I want you to have fun watching the movie, constantly discovering how delightful Pokémon is and wondering about what kind of fantastic secrets it hides.

Following Shokotan's proclamation of love for Pokémon, judoka Shinichi Shinohara, the voice of the Hippopotas playing an important role in the story, stepped forward.

You all know what to do, right? Do your customary "Hippossu!" greeting!!



"Hippossu!!"

I'll count on you to popularize that "Hippossu" saying!

This is your first time voice acting, but you're providing a voice for a Pokémon, was that so?

My first reaction was "I'm a Pokémon!?", but well, I already knew I had a talent for voice acting, so I had no problems with that... Nope!

You asked if you could get a different role, a cooler role, is that right!?



Actually, I was originally going to play Barza, Fujiwara-kun's role. And Fujiwara-kun was supposed to play Hippopotas... but then they suddenly switched us around!

So he claims..

Shinohara-san is always trying to steal my role!, Fujiwara said.
We asked the director if Shinohara had been cast as Hippopotas from the very beginning, and got an immediate That's correct!

Hippopotas plays an essential role in this year's story, though!
You need to play close attention to what it does so you don't miss out on anything important, so please make sure to do so!

Finally, we got Mizuki Yamamoto, an expert at narrating as if she's talking to children.



I've been watching Pokémon since I was 5 years old, so Rica Matsumoto's "I got a Pokémon!!" line earlier really hit me!

Mizuki doesn't just narrate, during "Pikachu and the Pokémon Musicians" she also joins in when the Pokémon are singing!

I always did poorly in music classes in the past, so I initially didn't really feel up for it, but when I pictured the children that would be watching this, I worked as hard as I could on it.

Mizuki is really humble here,
but the director comments "I think she has a really good and cute singing voice!"

There's one more guest after this, too! Here's Rei Yasuda, performer of the theme song "Tweedia"!
Yasuda, what kind of song is Tweedia?



It's a song about thinking of someone dear to you. Even though you all surround yourselves with people that mean much to you, such as friends and family, it always comes across as hard to directly tell them how thankful you are to them. It'd make me very happy if listening to Tweedia makes people feel like telling their loved ones how much they appreciate them!

And of course, she then sang Tweedia, theme song to The Archdjinni of Rings: Hoopa!



Her crisp singing spread through the room like a crystal clear blue sky!
Pikachu and Hoopa danced along too!!



And then! A giant shadow appears behind her... could it be!?

Oh my! Shinohara isn't just happy with trying to steal Fujiwara's role as Barza, now he has his eyes set on the position of theme song perormer as well!



Ariiii-gatooo-! Tonaaa-ri ni iteeee-kurereeee!

Yamadera and Fujiwara desperately attempt to stop him!



The two keep singing as if nothing is happening!!



I thought I was supposed to sing the third stanza, Shinohara said,
with Yamadera playing the straight man with with a quick "As if!

The pre-premiere greetings ended with this amusing incident!



And here's what the audience had been waiting for:
They all enjoyed the first ever screening of The Archdjinni of Rings: Hoopa!

The "The Archdjinni of Rings: Hoopa/Pikachu and the Pokémon Musicians" co-feature has its public premiere Saturday July 18th!!

The special pre-order tickets with which you can receive a double giveaway of not only the mythical Pokémon Arceus, but also your choice of one of six legendary Pokémon, is currently on sale and doing very well!
It will be available until Friday July 17th! Don't forget to buy one!

A Report from the Sumitomo Mitsui Pokémon VISA Credit Card/Prepaid Card Launch Celebration Event Saturday June 26th (2015/7/8)

The "Pokémon VISA Card" and "Pokémon VISA Prepaid" from Sumitomo Mitsui Card was available for respectively sign-up and sale starting June 26th!

A launch event for the cute credit cards and prepaid cards with Pikachu pictures on them was held at Ikebukuro Sunshine City!
Here is a detailed report from that event!



For further information on the "Pokémon VISA Card" and "Pokémon VISA Prepaid", see this news article!

Shoko Nakagawa aka Shoko-tan, who plays Mary, the girl who grew up together with Hoopa, in this year's movie "The Archdjinni of Rings: Hoopa", was at the launch event as a special guest!



We started off with an interview with the topic "Pokémon and me"!
When asked "How long is Pokémon's history now?", Shokotan replied "19 years"!

It's been an entire 19 years, and now that you can easily trade Pokémon with people all over the world via wifi, Pokémon has truly become a subculture that connects people! Nostalgic Pokémon are still showing up, or getting new Mega Evolutions, so I really think these 19 years have passed in the blink of an eye!



Every year, when summer comes and Pokémon Movie season is in session, I like watching older movies as well. I was watching "The Guardian Gods of the Water Capital: Latios and Latias" the other day and ended up crying at it! Your childhood memories of the summer when you first watched a movie truly engraves it into your heart, but I feel that as you keep growing older and gain more life experience, the movie just becomes more and more emotional to you. This is why I pour my heart and soul into the dubbing of this movie, for the sake of all the children who will be watching a Pokémon movie for the first time this year.

We can't wait for this year's movie to premiere!
This is a truly heartfelt interview with Shoko-tan, where she really lets her feelings out!!
Now we're curious, can you tell us a bit about the character you play in "The Archdjinni of Rings: Hoopa"?

Mary is a girl with slight magic powers who watches over Hoopa alongside her brother Barza, played by Tatsuya Fujiwara. She and Hoopa have been together ever since she was a child, and grew up like siblings. She currently keeps watching over Hoopa, feeling both like an older sister and a mother to it, coming across as a noble, strong and cool woman.



Tell us some of the highlights of this year's movie!

It's Hoopa's special ability that lets it summon all kinds of Pokémon! It's incredibly showy! More legendary Pokémon than ever before show up, making for a veritable legendary festival that leaves even Hollywood astounded!

Groudon! Giratina! Lugia! And more! Which do you like better? Even if you enjoy multiple different generations, when your favorite legendary Pokémon shows up, you still really feel all that excitement and good emotions bubble up inside you and go all "whoosh!"

You only get to experience watching this year's Pokémon movie on the big screen this one summer, and I think it'd be an extremely valuable experience that'll create memories for a lifetime! I want you all to go to the theater and make sure you get the experience of seeing this year's Pokémon movie, this rush of legends, right there in the theater chair, with your own naked eyes!



As she tells us how much she wants us to get the true theatrical experience of the movie, Little Glee Monster, performers of the theme song for this year's short, "Pikachu and the Pokémon Musicians", come on stage!
They perform the short's theme song "Gaogao All Stars live!





Pikachu and Hoopa start dancing, too!



Children, other family members, this is a playful song made for singing and dancing along to, so we hope you'll all enjoy listening to it in the theater, manaka from Little Glee Monster said.
I almost cried just from seeing Pikachu and Hoopa dance along with you, Shoko-tan added.

And here is the "Pokémon VISA Card" and "Pokémon VISA Prepaid" you've been curiously awaiting.
"How do you want to use it?", we asked.



"Even as an adult, I love casually using Pokémon merchandise. Things that can just peek out of my wallet. This is perfect for me. I'll let LGM talk about the prepaid card!"
"They said that the color yellow gives you more luck with money!"

The card makes them all excited.

Here's another bit of surprising news: Incredibly, one of those who sign up for the "Pokémon VISA Card" will be selected by lottery to win a special home visit from Pikachu this Christmas!!!

"Santa is a genius to come up with something like that!"

"If you win, that Christmas will go down in your family history!
"If Pikachu were to come to us, I'd never let it leave!

The event then concluded with Shoko-tan giving the card a very Shokotan-y tagline!



Referring to age as "levels", and thinking of how you gain experience points over time and thus gain levels as your age increases is a positive way of thinking! Pokémon get more fun around level 18 too! Level 18 means you're an adult!, Shoko-tan said.

This has been the Pokémon Credit Card/Prepaid Card Launch Celebration Event, which built excitement with talk about both the movie and the cards!
For more information on the "Pokémon VISA Card" and "Pokémon VISA Prepaid", see this news article!

Congratulations! All 600 questions have been answered! And we got more than 10000 participants! A report on "Hoopa's Appear! Quiz (2015/7/15)

"Hoopa's Appear! Quiz" has been livening up the official movie site since June!
Since someone has managed to give the correct answer to every single question in the quiz, we're going to give out the magnificent "pure gold Pikachu" as a prize!
Congratulations, participants!

The "pure gold Pikachu" is still in the process of being made, but since the prototype is done, we'll now unveil that!



It's a Pikachu striking an adorable pose while wearing Satoshi's hat!
This Pikachu will be given to one randomly selected applicant as part of a set with a case and pedestal, complete with a plaque with the "The Archdjinni of Rings: Hoopa" logo chiseled in.

All participants have a chance to win this "pure gold Pikachu"! Even if you haven't participated yet, you'll still be able to apply for it! The condition for applying is that you must have 10 points or more by the deadline at noon July 21st.
There are some very easy questions in the quiz too, so make sure to participate!

Also, the team battle from here on until the end will be intense!
In this battle, the gifts you can apply for changes with your team's rank!
Let's first go over what the prizes are again:



1st Prize: A New Nintendo 3DS (20 winners)
2nd Prize: An original Pokémon Center Plushie: "40 Inch Pikachu" (5 winners)
3rd Prize: A "The Archdjinni of Rings: Hoopa" poster signed by the voice actors (Rica Matsumoto, voice of Satoshi, Ikue Ohtani, voice of Pikachu, and Rie Kugimiya, voice of Hoopa) (10 winners)
4th Prize: An original "Appear!" rotating keychain (100 winners)

Wooow, such extravagant gifts!
We've already prepared the signed posters!



It may look like there's a big difference in points between the teams, but there's still a chance for a turnaround!
There's currently over 10000 participants, and the difference between the teams in second and third place is just about 200 people.
A team that has 2500 members can increase their score by up to 7500 points in just one day!
There's still a chance to turn things around, so invite your friends and add more members to your team!

The results of the team battle will be finalized at noon July 21st!
The quiz has questions from "The Archdjinni of Rings: Hoopa", which is right aroun the corner, too!
Enjoy Hoopa's Appear! Quiz till the very end!

Summer Means Pokémon! A Report from the Premiere Day's Stage Greetings: Part 1 (2015/7/18)

Summer means Pokémon!
The premiere day for "Pokémon the movie XY: The Archdjinni of Rings: Hoopa/Pikachu and the Pokémon Musicians" is finally here!!!

We're making a report from the premiere stage greetings held at TOHO Cinemas Nichigeki 2 at the movie's premiere date!
It was a bustling stage greeting filled with laughter and surprises!
We will give a status report on it across two separate reports!



First of all, Pikachu and Hoopa came on stage.
They were then followed by the movie's guest voice actors, with Tatsuya Fujiwara in the lead!
Satoshi's voice actor Rica Matsumoto and director Yuyama came on as well!
All of them were dressed in coats colored like Hoopa.

Once they had all come onto stage, it was announced that today, with the premiere of the 18th Pokémon movie, the total attendance for the entire movie series had exceeded 70 million people!

It was then time to welcome this commemorative movie premiere with individual greetings!
First up was director Yuyama's greeting!



70 million people and 18 years are both really huge numbers, but it's because people come watch our movies that we've been able to keep making them for 18 years now.

In this year's movie, lots of legendary Pokémon from earlier movies appear, so you can call it a huge stack of 18 year's worth of material; However when it comes to legendary Pokémon, which Pokémon the audience like differs between which generation they're from.

For me personally, the scene where Lugia first appears gave me this feeling of happiness while I was working on it...



When he says this, he's met with applause from the hall.
Lugia's first reappearance in 16 movies is met with standing ovation!

I also have to mention the short. Creating music with Pokémon cries is something I've always wanted to do. It's something I wasn't quite able to make happen for 10 years now, so it made me extremely happy I could do it this year.

This short could only be completed because the voice actors who are recording Pokémon voices weekly (for the TV series) made me understand that this is what Pokémon should sound like. I truly hope you'll enjoy this movie that's filled with 18 years' worth of experiences.

In another interview, Director Yuyama said you could call the movie a culmination of 18 year's worth of material.
These greetings truly get people interested in the movie's highlights.

Next up is Satoshi's voice actor Rica Matsumoto! And of course, she greets the audience with...



"I got a Pokémon!"

I am Rica Matsumoto, voice of Satoshi, and I've been saying this line for 18 years now!
Every year I work my hardest so that I can see all your smiles in the theater like this.

70 million attendants total for the series is an amazing number, isn't it?
It's more people than you'd ever meet during a normal lifetime.
Thinking about it made me once again realize how grateful I am that I'm able to bring smiles to so many people's faces.

Let's aim for a 100 million! Deal?

Next up was the voice of Barza, Tatsuya Fujiwara.



I almost had my role as Barza stolen by Shinohara-san many times, (see the report from the public dubbing)
but I won my way through the audition and was specifically allowed to get it (laughs), and as such got to play an important character in the movie.

As I'm now part of a movie series with an 18-year-old history, one that's dearly beloved by many children, I feel like I've appeared in something I'll remember fondly when looking back later in life.
I'm also really happy I wasn't robbed by Shinohara-san...



During the public dubbing, Fujiwara nearly had his role as Barza stolen from him by Shinohara, so he's getting back at him now by laughing about it!
Next up is Koichi Yamadera!

Yama-chaaan, Aa-pee-eee-ear for the 18th time!!



Yamadera then greets the audience with his famliar "OHA!" as well.
This is his 18th consecutive movie role, so you might as well call him "Mister Pokémon" by now... or at least the moderator, Annnouncer Aiuchi from TV Tokyo thinks so, but as Yamadera turns down that title,

Rica Matusmoto interrupts, going "So you're MistAKE Pokémon, then?"



Yamadera: "What is that supposed to mean!? ...Well, (Rica and I,) we're on good terms... yeah.

See, every time an offer like that comes, I get all nervous..."

Rica: "Every time an OHA! comes??"

Yamadera: "No, I did an OHA! just now and that went ok... now I forgot what I was going to say!"

Yamadera and Rica play off each other as if this is a comedy skit.



70 million people, that's more than the entire population of Italy, more than the entire population of Britain, more than the entire population of France!
We've been delivering smiles and excitement to even more people than live in those countries.
I think these movies have turned into something it just won't be a real summer without!

Next, Shoko Nakagawa calls out the familiar greeting "Pokessu!" from "Pokémon Get TV", which airs Sundays at 7:30am, into the audience and gets the same greeting back!



This is Shoko Nakagawa, who's bubbling over with love for Pokémon!

Delight, love, dreams, courage and infinite happiness!
I am so extremely grateful for the Pokémon movies that teach us these things!
Thank you sooooo much for this premiere!

This year, Pikachu-sama is this amazing, extreme hunk of a guy! It fights side by side with legendary Pokémon, riding on top of of one of them all by itself; nothing has ever carried this must charismatic energy ever before!
It's exceeded level 100! It's so incredible! It's so cool!



This year's movie truly is a legendary festival! It's a rush of legends, an onslaught!
Just like Director Yuyama said, all these nostalgic legendary Pokémon appear in the movie as well, and when they did, these feelings, these memories of when I went to see those movies hit me like whoosh!
Each and every one of those Pokémon has a full, dramatic story to it, and all of them can be linked to parts of my own life!
Adults watching this movie will have these scenes from their childhood suddenly well up inside their heads like whoosh, truly giving them rewards to carry with them through their lives! It's that amazing a movie! Yeah!

Next up: Shinichi Shinohara in his first ever voice acting role, playing Hippopotas!

"The Archdjinni of Rings: Hoopa".
This movie is supposed to be the culmination of 18 years worth of material.
What remains in our minds after all those years is Hippopotas.
Don't forget Hippopotas, now!
Ok, let's do that usual thing now, come on!
Huh? You don't know it? It's "Hippossu."

OK! GET READY! AAAAND... HIPPOSSU!



Shinohara's aloof way of talking turned the place into a veritable Shinohara theater for an instant!
We then asked him what he'd want to play next if he got cast in another Pokémon movie. Would it be a Pokémon? A hot guy?

See, I can do everything.
For example,

"Hooo-paaa strooooong!", he said, playing the role of Super Hoopa.

"Hey, stop that! You're after all our roles!", Yamadera said.

Then,

"Mary, why are you...", he said in his unique Barza voice.

Then,

"Pika Pikachu", he said, even showing off a Pikachu voice.



He was then followed by Mizuki Yamamoto, who provides the narration for the short.

I remember dancing to Pokémon songs at Sports Day back when I was in first grade.
Pokémon has been close to me since I was very little, and it makes me extremely happy to be able to work with it on this level I am now.



When I heard that Pikachu over there talk a little while ago, it actually moved me to tears!

Mizuki unintentionally gets caught up in her emotions!

I watched this as a regular audience member as well, which made me feel the same happiness as the people in the Pokémon world felt.

Thank you so much for all you've done for me, Pikachu, Mizuki says, her voice filled with gratitude,
and Pikachu lets out an embarrassed Pii-kaaa!



I'm so happy I get to celebrate this day together with Pikachu!

In the short "Pikachu and the Pokémon Musicians", Mizuki Yamamoto sings together with Pikachu and the other Pokémon!
Announcer Aiuchi asks the audience, who have already seen the movie, what they thought of it, and is met with sound applause!

I was extremely nervous about all this, so thank you so much for listening to me!

,she says, having been moved to tears by the entire episode.



Pikachu then started talking eagerly to announcer Aiuchi from TV Tokyo, the moderator of the stage greetings.



What is it, Pikachu?

To be continued in part 2!

Summer Means Pokémon! A Report from the Premiere Day's Stage Greetings: Part 2 (2015/7/19)

We're making a report from the premiere stage greetings held at TOHO Cinemas Nichigeki 2 at the movie's premiere date!
We will give a status report on it across two separate reports!

Part 1 can be found here!

Mizuki Yamamoto was finishing her greeting, when suddenly...!
Pikachu started talking to the event's moderator, announcer Aiuchi from TV Tokyo, about something!

Pikapikaa! Pikaachu!!



What about today? Oh! It's Mizuki Yamamoto-san's birthday!

Incredibly, July 18th isn't just the premiere date for the Pokémon movie, it's also Mizuki Yamamoto's 24th birthday!
It's a true miracle that these two anniversaries coincidentally overlap!

Announcer Aiuchi: "Congratulations! I wish you a wonderful 24th birthday!"



I am truly happy to be able to greet this day together with Pokémon! Thank you so much!

She receives a thunderous applause from the audience!!



HEY HEY HEY, WAIT A SECOND!

Is this all!?
Normally you provide a cake or something, don't you? Right? Come ON, guys!

Shinohara says this, pointing out that this is way too simple a celebration for such a momentous day.
Despite that, it's plain impossible to get something ready that quickly...

But then!



Fujiwara: "...We have Hoopa here."

That's it! Hoopa can make anything and everything "Appear!" from its "rings"!
But will it really be able to do something like this?

Pikachu: "Piika? Piikachu, Pika?"

Announcer Aiuchi: "Pikachu just asked Hoopa if it could, but..."



Hoopa: "All right! Hoopa can do anything! Hihihi!"



Appeaaaaar!

......


Happy birthday to you!

Suddenly, a high quality, live birthday song can be heard sung from the stage wing!



Happy birthday, dear Mizuki-saan!

Incredibly, what Hoopa made "Appear!" was all the members of Little Glee Monster, the performers of the theme song for the short "Pikachu and the Pokémon Musicians", as well as a giant, specially made birthday cake!!



Mizuki Yamamoto is completely unable to hide how surprised she is!!

Hihihi! Did Hoopa startle you?, Hoopa says!



In honor of her 24th birthday, this specially made birthday cake is decorated with 24 Pikachu!
Even the other guest voice actors got surprised at that!



I'm so happy right now!
Out of the 70 million people who have watched Pokémon movies so far, I think I'm the happiest of them all! Thank you SO much!
I want to keep loving Pokémon forever!

Announcer Aiuchi: "Since everyone from Little Glee Monster went through the trouble of coming here, we'll now let them sing the short's theme song "Gaogao All Stars""



Serina from Little Glee Monster: "Mizuki Yamamoto-san, everyone in the audience, please sing along with us!"

Announcer Aiuchi: "All right, let's get ready!"



Shinohara: "All ready!"

Shinohara gives an awfully cheery response!
Does he have his eyes set on the short's theme song too!?



The Big Glee Monster Shinohara takes the center!



However, when the song begins, the dancing gets too hard for him and scares him off!



MONSTERS! MONSTERS! OH YEAH!!!!!!!



Clap, clap, let us all
Clap our hands together, everybody

The audience has already seen the movie, so they act like "Pokémon Musicians" themselves!
The entire room clap their hands together along to "Gaogao All Stars" as one entity!



Finally, it's time for a commemorative photo to pray the movie will be a huge hit!



Summer has finally truly started!

Summer means Pokémon!
Go watch the Pokémon movie in the theater this summer vacation!!

"Pokémon the Movie XY: The Archdjinni of Rings - Hoopa/Pikachu and the Pokémon Musicians" is now in theaters!

Congratulations! The Pokémon Movie Premieres and the Pokémon Center Hiroshima Opens! Pikachu Appear! in Hiroshima! (2015/7/24)

In order to commemorate the premiere of the Pokémon movie and the opening of the Pokémon Center Hiroshima, Pikachu Appear! in Hiroshima!
We will bring you a status report!


Even Hoopa gets startled at what Appear! in Hiroshima! It's a total of 20 Pikachu!
First off, they head to the Pokémon Center Hiroshima!


The Red Gyarados from the Pokémon Center Hiroshima welcomes them!


The Pikachu shop according to their fancy.
What could they be buying?


They're purchasing the limited Pokémon Center "Pikachu Playing Koiking Plushies" made to commemorate the opening of the Pokémon Center Hiroshima!
And so many! Are they buying souvenirs for someone?


Now that the Pikachu have finished shopping, where are they headed next?


Pikachu, chu're on your way...


When you think of Hiroshima, you can't help but think of this place!

This is the Hiroshima Toyo Carp's home stadium, "MAZDA Zoom-Zoom Stadium Hiroshima"!
The Pikachu are going to join the CC Dance (Carp Cheer Dance) performed at the end of the 5th inning of today's baseball game!


...but it's raining!!

(the game got canceled due to rain this day)


................


The Carp's very own "gloomy weather man" Kenta Maeda was the starting pitcher that day.
The Pikachu's intrusion caused Maeda's Ability "Drizzle" to kick in with devastating results.


Still, the Pikachu had lots of fun interacting with all the Carp fans that had come to the stadium that day.

The next event is not dependent on the weather, however!

Tomorrow, Saturday July 25th, the "Summer Vacation Pokémon Carnival in Sunshine City" will start in Sunshine City, Ikebururo, Tokyo!
The entire Sunshine City will be drenched in Pokémon events, including "Save Sunshine City!", a participation puzzle event hosted by SCRAP Entertainment, known for their "Real Dasshutsu Game" events, and the "Pikachu and the Pokémon Musicians Café by Sweets Paradise", which is themed after the movie short!

Make sure to go!

For further information on that event, see the Summer Vacation Pokémon Carnival in Sunshine City page!

"An Opening Event Report from the "Summer Vacation Pokémon Carnival in Sunshine City", Starting Today! (2015/7/25)

The "Summer Vacation Pokémon Carnival in Sunshine City", held in Sunshine City, Ikebukuro, Tokyo, starts today!



Both "Save Sunshine City!", a participation puzzle event hosted by SCRAP Entertainment, known for their "Real Dasshutsu Game" events, and the "Pikachu and the Pokémon Musicians Café by Sweets Paradise", which is themed after the movie short, will take place here!

The entire Sunshine City will be drenched in other Pokémon events as well, such as the "Sea Lion Time: Pikachu & Hoopa Appear! Show" held in collaboration with Sunshine Aquarium, and the planetarium movie "Pocket Monsters XY: Sky Fragments" shown at the Manten planetarium!

For further information, see this page!

We will now present a status report from the opening event that took place today!

Prior to the event starting, legendary Pokémon had attacked and invaded the Alpa B1 Fountain Plaza, the sign-up location for "Save Sunshine City!" They were now quietly waiting for challengers to come by to solve their riddles!



The opening event, however, took place at Sunshine Aquarium!
It started off with Hoopa and Pikachu coming in!



Next, the special guests, Shoko Nakagawa, Shinichi Shinohara and Mizuki Yamamoto, all of which also play major roles in the movie as guest voice actors, Appear!



Shokotan and Shinohara greeted the crowd with their usual "Pokéssu!" and "Hippossu!"!



Shinohara plays the major role of Hippopotas!
Shokotan introduces him by mentioning that he's even been making full use of Hippopotasese on Twitter!



I-it's true!

It's then time for the next special guest, the sea lion Totto-chan!



The biggest event taking place at the "Summer Vacation Pokémon Carnival in Sunshine City" is the "Sea Lion Performance Time: Movie Premiere Commemoration Pikachu & Hoopa Appear! Show" at Sunshine Aquarium, which will be held from Monday July 27th and on!
The audience will now be shown a performance in advance of that!

As a special treat, it will also perform tricks per the guest voice actors' signals!



Totto-chan waves its hand at Shokotan's signal



It does a handstand at Mizuki's signal!



And it laughs loudly back at Shinohara's signal!

Totto-chan has shown off some amazing tricks so far, but Shinohara refuses to let it upstage him!
This leads to a ring toss competition between Shinohara the voice of Hippopotas and Totto-chan the sea lion!

A Hippopotas VS a sea lion!
This will truly go down is history as a legendary bout!
Let the fierce battle over the rings begin!!!

Shokotan is the first to throw!



Totto-chan catches it without difficuly!

But where will the ring Shokotan throws to Hippopotas Shinohara land!!!?



What an incredible catch!



Shinohara truly has reason to be proud of his physical capabilities!

Mizuki is the second to throw!



Totto-chan catches this one too! Its stability is incredible!!



And then Shinohara unfortunately misses!

Totto-chan the sea lion now has a lead of one!
If Satoshi was here right now, he'd surely encourage Shinohara by telling him not to give up!
You mustn't give up, Hippopotas!



The third to throw is a boy from the audience named Sora Kato!



Totto-chan once again doesn't miss! It got 3 rings perfectly!





And unfortunately, Shinohara ends up with a result of just one caught ring.



Totto-chan has shown us a truly amazing performance!

There's a lot more fun to be had at the "Sea Lion Performance Time: Movie Premiere Commemoration Pikachu & Hoopa Appear! Show", which will be held starting this Monday!



After the battle, everyone takes a commemorative photo!
Totto-chan Appears! from inside the ring!

Go visit Sunshine City, Ikebukuro, after watching the Pokémon movie!

The "Summer Vacation Pokémon Carnival in Sunshine City" is held in Sunshine City, Ikebukuro, Tokyo!
It runs from July 25th till August 23rd! Make sure to come visit!

A Report from the "Stage Greetings! To Celebrate the Movie Becoming a Major Hit! With an Outbreak of Pikachu" Held Saturday August 14th! (2015/8/15)

Stage greetings just got held to commemorate that that the double feature "Pokémon the Movie XY: The Archdjinni of Rings - Hoopa/Pikachu and the Pokémon Musicians" became such a major hit!

The greetings were held in the Yokohama Minato Mirai area, where the "Dancing? Pikachu Outbreak-Chu" is currently taking place. As a special service, there was also a Pikachu outbreak at the "Aeon Cinema Minato Mirai"!
This is a status report from this Pikachu-filled stage greeting, where guest voice actor Shoko Nakagawa also appeared!

-----------

The movie has just finished screening in the theater, and the audience are standing by for the stage greeting, having all turned into Pikachu themselves!



The moderator, Annnouncer Konno from TV Tokyo, walks in!
Her Pikachu hairband is super cute!



She was followed by Shoko Nakagawa, aka Shokotan, the voice of Mary!



Today, the blockbuster "The Archdjinni of Rings: Hoopa" passed the 1.8 million attendees mark!
Shokotan even went to see it twice!



Announcer Konno:
Yokohama is currently filled to the brim with the Pikachu from the "Dancing? Pikachu Outbreak-Chu", but there's a huge outbreak of Pikachu in the movie as well, isn't there?

Shokotan:
There is! There's a whole ton of them!
When all those Pikachu appeared, what really left an impression on me was that each and every one of them were moving completely independently of each other! Since this in a movie, you get to fully enjoy the various Pikachu in gorgeous animation, including Pikachu you don't normally see, like Madame Pikachu and Doctor Pikachu!

Announcer Konno:
Every time you watch the movie, you discover new things, so I'd love for you to go see it both two and three times!
Also, the thing is, lots of Pikachu have come to this theater as well!



Shokotan:
Yes, I was really looking forward to that! It looks like it's finally time!
These stage greetings filled with Pikachu take place today only!

Let's all call for them! Ready? Aaaand!

"Pikachuuuuuu!"



It's a Pikachu...



It's a Pikachu...!



It's a Pikachu...!!



It's a Pikachu... Outbreak!!!!



The theater explodes with excitement!





Shokotan gets a commemorative photo as well!



And then another one together with Announcer Konno!





These Pikachu are really obedient and nice little fellows!
They move according to Shokotan's signals,



"Face right!"

and dance along as Shokotan sings "DreaDrea", the ending theme to the "Pocket Monsters XY" anime!



DreaDreaDream Power!

This was a fun stage greeting with a total of 20 Pikachu, one that even allowed for the audience to take photos!



The double feature "Pokémon the Movie XY: The Archdjinni of Rings - Hoopa/Pikachu and the Pokémon Musicians" has now exceeded 1.8 million attendants! It's a massive hit!

Hurry up and get yourself to a theater before summer vacation ends!

A Report from the "Pokémon Elections 720" Results Announcement Ceremony (2016/6/8)

The "Pokémon Elections 720" results announcement ceremony was held at TOHO Cinemas Roppongi Hills Tuesday June 7th!



At this venue filled with Pokémon fans, this announcement ceremony held by the extravagant guests that walked onto on the stage turned into a truly special event!

And the one to brilliantly win first place was "Gekkouga"!
Further information on the "Gekkouga" that will be given out in theaters is set to be announced June 15th!



The "Pokémon Elections 720" results announcement ceremony, which was further enhanced by Tomohisa Sako's personal ranking prediction show, Rica Matsumoto's performance of "Mezase Pokémon Master" and the lively post-show roundtable discussion, can be seen at LINE LIVE even now after the show has ended!



And for those of you who haven't seen the rest of the results of the "Pokémon Elections 720" yet, check out this page

A Report from the Next Generation World Hobby Fair '16 Summer! (2016/6/25)

The Next Generation World Hobby Fair '16 Summer is held at Makuhari Messe over two days: Saturday June 25th and Sunday June 26th!
This is a status report from day 1!



First of all, we went to the Pokémon Booth, marked by the Pikachu balloon!
It's built around a stage designed after the movie "Volcanion and the Ingenious Magearna", which premiere is rapidly approaching!

From the right of the Pokémon Booth stage, we can hear what sounds like something being shot out!



It turns out to be the interactive attraction "Volcanion's Steam Eruption Heatbursts"!
You move your body to make Volcanion shoot out a "Steam Eruption"!



In the back of the booth, you can see the 10 Keywords that will make you enjoy the movie even more, as well as a new video clip you can't see anywhere else! In this video clip, you can see... What!? The Magearna from 500 years ago!?



Next to that, there was a stage show featuring "Pocket Monsters Sun/Moon", which we just can't wait to get released!
Only the people that went to the fair knows what secrets were revealed here!



Near the stage, the staff were handing out "Volcanion Sun Visors" and "Keyword Quiz Rally" forms!



Once you've traveled around the booth and solved the "Keyword Rally" quiz questions, you'll be given original merchandise at the goal!
The goal area is to the left of the stage!



When you combine this sticker with the sticker you get when purchasing the pre-order ticket, it forms a full picture!

The Special pre-order ticket was on sale right next to the goal area!
It's on sale until Friday July 15th!
Those of you who haven't bought one yet, get yourselves one while attending the Next Generation WHF!



Abareru-kun and Rinka-chan from Pokémon no Uchi Atsumaru?, as well as Tomohisa Sako, were holding a stage show presentin the latest information on the movie!
This extravagant stage show is a must see!

Also, on Sunday June 26th, there'll be a special stage show at 10am!
All the regular hosts of Pokémon no Uchi Atsumaru? will be there!
It starts early in the morning, so those of you wanting to watch it can't sleep in!



Right across the Pokémon Booth, there's also a corner presenting "Pokémon Ga-Olé", which will be available from July!



You can also take a commemmorative photo with Pikachu and Volcanion!

There's fun to be had all day! The Next Generation World Hobby Fair '16 Summer is held tomorrow, Sunday June 26th, as well! Admission is free!

Come visit it at Makuhari Messe!

"A Report from the Public Dubbing of "Volcanion and the Ingenious Magearna!" (2016/6/29)

The public dubbing for the press for "Pokémon the movie XY&Z: Volcanion and the Ingenious Magearna" took place Tuesday June 28th!!
This is a status report from that!



A line-up of extravagant guest voice actors!



One of them just can't hide how nervous he is...

First up is Somegoro Ichikawa, who plays Volcanion!



"Don't ya touch me so familiarly!"

He even acts out the role of the human-hating Volcanion with his facial expressions.
It's almost like he's been possessed by Volcanion!

Next up is Shoko Nakagawa and Mayu Matsuoka!
Nakagawa plays Azoth Kingdom's prince Racel, and Matsuoka plays its princess Chymia.

In this scene, the older sister Chymia is confronting the younger brother Racel.



Prior to the dubbing, these two have been getting along as if they were sisters, but...



"I saw you went to the rampart tower! Jarvis was there with you too, so what were you two doing there?"



"I am researching the art of science. There are still a lot of ingenuities made by Éliphas left in that tower."

As the two of them get into their roles, the atmosphere gets tense...
Just what kind of sibling relationship does Chymia and Racel have...?

Last up is Somegoro Ichikawa, Koichi Yamadera and Abareru-kun all together.
In this scene, Jarvis is fighting Satoshi and Volcanion!



Abareru-kun is so nervous he's frozen solid...

Yamadera has been in 19 Pokémon movies in a row now. This time around, he's playing Azoth Kingdom's cabinet minister Jarvis!



"Mega Wave!"

He uses the "Mega Wave", which can forcibly mega evolve Pokémon, to mega evolve the Onigohri Abareru-kun plays into Mega Onigohri!



"...O ...Oni ..Onigo... Oni...!!"

But the normally wild and crazy Abareru-kun is "not wild enough", and we get a take 2!



Hey, this thing is hot, can I take it off...?



He's been sweating with nervousity and passion under his Onigohri headgear!

During take 3, Abareru-kun wild acting finally blooms forth, and he gets an OK.
The passion all the guest voice actors put in their acting truly shined in this public dubbing!



The premiere of "Pokémon the movie XY&Z: Volcanion and the Ingenious Magearna" is finally right around the corner!
Don't miss the extravagant guest voice actors' impassioned performances! The movie premieres Saturday July 16th!

We're also giving out the mythical Pokémon Volcanion!
The special pre-order tickets are on sale until Friday July 15th!

Related links:
Character/Pokémon presentations
Cast

10 Keywords that will help you enjoy the movie
Pre-order ticket

A Report from the Pre-Screening of "Pokémon the movie XY&Z: Volcanion and the Ingenious Magearna"! (2016/7/4)

The Shogakukan-sponsored pre-screening took place Saturday July 3rd at Tokyo Dome City Hall!
This is a status report from this pre-screening, where the completed movie was shown to an audience for the first time!

The theater was filled with intense heat brought forth by the burning enthusiasm of the audience that had been invited via lottery!

The screening started with stage greetings!
Walking onto the stage were Director Kunihiko Yuyama and Satoshi's voice actor Rica Matsumoto, followed by the extravagant guest voice actors, all dressed in stylish yukata!



We started with a greeting from Director Yuyama!

Yuyama:
Thank you all so very much for being here today.
This is a movie that was finished just a few days ago.
Being able to watch this brand-new movie together with you all makes me truly happy.



Moderator: What would you say are the highlights of this year's movie?

Yuyama:
There are a lot, like the battles against the Mega Evolution Army and the cute Pokémon from the plateau.
For one, Magearna's body being entirely mechanical is something that's never been the case with a Pokémon before. This movie will be the first time you see it come to life, so I'd like you to pay close attention to that.

And I just have to mention Volcanion!
Up until now, legendary and mythical Pokémon have somewhat resembled gods, but Volcanion is more like a human, and the way it acts in the movie is similar to how a human would act.

And Volcanion actually dislikes humans, too.
The exchanges between the human-hating Volcanion and the Pokémon-loving Satoshi start out amusing, but towards the end of the movie they take a dramatic turn that can move you to tears.
I'd really appreciate if you paid extra attention to these exchanges between the two.

Next up was the voice of Satoshi, Rica Matsumoto!
As she starts off with her usual "I got a Pokémon!" line, Yamadera chimes in with a "You sound just like him!"
"I've been doing this for 19 years now, so I've got quite good at it!", Matsumoto replies.



Matsumoto:
Even though I knew the plot from having read the script and acted out my lines during the dubbing, I still cried while watching the early screening.
This movie is an especially touching one, so you should all look forward to it!

Moderator: The movie uses a movie version of the anime theme song "XY&Z" as its opening theme, so what is this arrangement of it like?



Matsumoto:
A battle takes place on the big screen in tune with the song.
It's absolutely amazing!

It's like "Whoosh!!!"

When you watch it in the movie, your emotions overflow as if you're riding a roller coaster! I really want you to pay close attention to it!

Next up was Shoko Nakagawa, aka Shokotan, who has been playing in Pokémon movies for 10 years now, and who can also been seen on "Pokémon no Uchi Atsumaru?"!
This time, she plays Racel, the prince of Azoth Kingdom.



Nakagawa:
Make your voices mega evolve! Come on, scream it out:
"POKENCHIWA!!!"
It's time for Pokémon summer and Japanese summer!
I've been in these movies for 10 years in a row now, and coincidentally, Satoshi is 10 years old!
Thinking about how I've played all these roles in Pokémon movies for as long as Satoshi has been alive makes me incredibly happy!!



Nakagawa:
Pokémon don't lie!
Pokémon have hearts that preach love!!
And, while we're on the topic of Volcanion's manliness:
All men in mankind, I want you to follow Volcanion's example!
And you wouldn't believe how much I cried at Satoshi's words in this movie!
Seriously, I couldn't control myself! Now I've seen how much of a man he is!
It touched me so much! I can't wait to discuss the movie with you all!
Please experience this movie in the theaters many times this summer!!

Next up was Mayu Matsuoka, who plays Chymia, the princess of Azoth Kingdom.



Matsuoka:
Even though I encountered Volcanion for the first time ever this year, standing here with it, as well as Yama-chan, who I've watched for ages on Oha Suta, and Rica Matsumoto, who's the voice of Satoshi, has been a dream of mine!



Matsuoka:
I have watched Pokémon ever since I was around your age, and being a part of it has been my dream for a long, long time.
Now that I stand here today, I feel like it's okay to wish for such dreams to come true.
Now it's almost Tanabata.
And I believe that it's okay to wish for your dreams to come true, and that it's okay for dreams to actually come true.

Next up was Abareru-kun, who won himself a position as voice actor by pleading directly with director Yuyama!

Abareru-kun:
I managed to Windie it, but if I had Bloster it, Fiarrow! That'd have put me in a Yayakoma!



He shows off a bunch of his Poké-jokes:
"Huh? Not even the kids found them funny!?", Matsuoka comments.



Moderator: Onigohri was your first ever movie role, can you tell us about that?

Abareru-kun:
It was an honor to get this role, and I concentrated hard on perfecting it!
From the day before the dubbing started, I kept practicing the "Gori gorii gorii!" cry, but when the day actually arrived, it turned out its cry was actually "Onii!"
So I had to start over from scratch, though I still did nicely!



Moderator: Director, did he do all right?

"He did. It's an ice type, but he still made it a hot-blooded Pokémon!"

And finally, we have Koichi Yamadera! Having been in 19 Pokémon movies in a row, his presence is absolutely indispensable!



Yamadera:
Although I moved on from "Oha Suta" April 1st this year, I'm staying on as a Pokémon voice actor!
It's been a while since I've done this, but let's give it a try! We got former Oha Girl Mayu here and all!
Ready? Aaand:

"OOO-HAAA!"



Yama-chan screams out an "OHA!" yell for the first time in a while!



Yamadera:
This time I play a villain, Jarvis.
I played the role as evil as I could!
"Even if you end up hating Jarvis, please don't hate Yama-chan!"
-quote, Kintalo

And then, we get a message from YUKI, who sings the theme song "Throw Your Voice in the Mailbox"!



YUKI has actually often watched Pokémon movies in the theater.

YUKI:
I made this movie's song after getting to read the script in advance, and thought that the movie might have depicted the relationship between humans and Pokémon in a much deeper way than Pokémon movies usually do.

Whenever someone thinks of the people that are dear to them, or about wanting to protect their family and friends, they think about how they want to be strong and kind. It's like that for me as well.
When I do, I've always challenged myself to treasure the way I feel about cherishing my dear friends and my desire to protect them the same way I treasure myself.

When I wrote this song, I included these thoughts in it. I'd be really happy if you all even just slightly recalled the people that mean a lot to you and the people you hold dear when you listen to this song.

And "Throw Your Voice in the Mailbox" truly is the perfect theme song to this movie.
And, taking inspiration from that song, one of the guests has actually prepared a surprise letter today.

As her name gets called, Matsuoka gets really surprised.



"But I haven't written anything...

Back when Yamadera moved on from "Oha Suta", the former Oha Girl Matsuoka wrote him a letter.
This letter made him very happy, so he's now written what you could call a reply to it.



Yamadera:
"Dear Mayu.
Getting to co-star with you in this year's Pokémon movie makes me extremely, extremely happy."



Matsuoka has grown a lot since he first met her back when she was an Oha Girl, into the actress she is now. And in this letter, Yamadera is describing his appreciation for how she still cherishes the encounters and experiences she had on Oha Suta.

Yamadera:
My greatest hope is that you will always remain the way you are and live a happy life.
Finally, I will say that I'm grateful I got to meet you, and that I wish for you to have many wonderful encounters in the future.

This will be my Tanabata wish.

To Mayu, a girl I'm very proud of. From Yama-chan, your eternal cheerleader."



After Yamadera finishes reading the letter, Matsuoka gives him a spontaneous hug.

Matsuoka:
Yama-chan is a true legend who has been doing a show called "Oha Suta" since looong before you guys were born, maybe even since your mothers were small.



Matsuoka:
This is the Yama-chan who's been playing in Pokémon movies for an entire 19 years, and who said that this year's movie is the movie that's touched him the most.
When I watched this movie, I also truly felt I wanted to watch it with the people that are dear to me.
Kids, while you may not be telling your mothers and fathers how grateful you are for them, once you reach my age you'll be able to do this.
My own mother is actually here in the theater today, and I will always be extremely grateful towards her. Likewise, I'm also extremely grateful towards my showbiz world father, Yama-chan.
After you've seen this movie, I'm sure you'll all go back home feeling happy. On your trip home, I'd like you all to say thank you to the ones that took you here.

And thus, the stage greetings concluded with Yamadera's letter and Mayu Matsuoka's touching message!

Next, the movie screenings, with breaks inbetween, bring about great excitement!
You'll learn what happens in those Saturday July 16th!



At last only two weeks remain until the premiere!

Receive the mythical Pokémon Volcanion! Pre-order tickets are currently on sale!
The tickets will be on sale until Friday July 15th!
Keep in mind that even if you want to get a Volcanion after having seen the movie, you won't be able to unless you got yourself a preorder ticket before the movie's premiere!

There will also be premiere day stage greetings! Tickets are currently on sale!
Come watch the Pokémon movie at special screenings where the extravagant guest voice actors will be there on the stage!

A Report from the Odaiba Illumination "YAKEI" DECKS 20th Anniversary Pokémon ver. Light Show at the "Glittering Pokémon Summer Vacation Festival"! (2016/7/13)

The "Glittering Pokémon Summer Vacation Festival" started up on Tuesday July 12th!
The night view of Odaiba lights up with the world of the Pokémon movie!
This is a status report from the "Odaiba Illumination "YAKEI" DECKS 20th Anniversary Pokémon ver. Light Show"!



The illumination show "Odaiba Illumination "YAKEI"" operates all year round, which is unusual even on a national level!
It spans a total of 200 meters!
As night gradually falls, anticipation for the light show rises!



"Oha Suta" Pokémon Club Leader Yamamoto from Robert and Club Member Maru, as well as Pikachu, are there as special guests!
Volcanion also gets called in, as they get asked about the movie's highlights!



While Volcanion is stubborn in its views and doesn't easily trust humans, it's also amazingly cool!
It can use this awesome move called "Steam Eruption", and even in the movie this move ends up being the key to everything... once you've seen the entire movie, you'll realize just how cool Volcanion is!!

Maru hasn't seen the movie yet, and is visibly somewhat envious when she hears Club Leader Yamamoto talk so passionately about it!
Maru is then asked what she looks forward to in the movie...



I want to watch the battle portions of it so bad!
They fight the Mega Evolution Army in the movie, don't they!? I'm so impatient about getting to watch that!

When these two start talking about the movie, they just won't stop!
...however, the light show is about to begin!

They need "Electricity" for the light, so the two of them press the lighting button together with the Electric type Pikachu!



5, 4, 3, 2, 1...

As the illumination gets turned on, lights flash in tune with "Throw Your Voice in the Mailbox", the theme song to "Volcanion and the Ingenious Magearna"!



This theme song sung by YUKI is another great Pokémon movie theme song!
"When I watched the movie, I was brought to tears when this theme song was playing",
Yamamoto said.



In the dome illumination "ILLUSION DOME", the Pokémon move around and react with cries and movements when touched!
The children look like they're having a lot of fun!

The "Glittering Pokémon Summer Vacation Festival" runs until Wednesday August 31st!
Go visit Odaiba DECKS Tokyo during your summer vacation!

It Premiered Today! A Report from the "Volcanion and the Ingenious Magearna" Premiere Day Stage Greetings!! (2016/7/16)

Summer means Pokémon!
Pokémon summer has finally arrived!!
"Volcanion and the Ingenious Magearna" premiered today!!!

And we're bringing you all a status report from the premiere day stage greetings that took place at TOHO Cinemas Nichigeki!

Director Kunihiko Yuyama, Satoshi's voice actor Rica Matsumoto, and all the extravagant voice actors were all there on the stage!
They were all wearing matching happi coats and were ready to drum up excitement for the movie's premiere!



All of them then offered greetings to the audience that had come to this first screening on the premiere day!
First up was Director Yuyama's greeting!



I am Yuyama, the director of the movie.
This is the 19th of these movies, do we have anyone in the audience today that have watched them since the very first one?

I've put a lot of thought into making every single one of these movies, but the thing about movies is that not only do they exist in just the specific moment you watch them, the way every individual person sees them also differs.
When I think of the fact that there are not only 19 movies, but also individual movies inside the heads of everyone that watched them, I'm really happy I made them.
Everyone, I hope that once again, this movie will make you discover your own personal Pokémon movie.

Next up was Rica Matsumoto!



It's been 19 years now!
And if we add in the TV series as well, we're apparently pretty close to a 1000 individual stories now.

For this movie, we've done a movie version of "XY&Z", the song that also plays as the opening theme to the TV anime "Pocket Monsters XY&Z", which means it's been rearranged and become really extravagant and lovely!
And since it plays during a battle scene, the entire thing feels like you're riding a roller coaster!
If you guys want to sing along, then by all means, go ahead!
You're going to sing too, right Pikachu?



Next up was Shoko Nakagawa, the voice of Racel!



Everyone, let your excitement Booburn! Aaand...
"POKENCHIWA!"

This season has come this year as well! It's Japanese summer! It's Pokémon summer!
We have both children, adults and families, and even people all around the world beyond our borders that feel "I love Pokémon", all being on the same page as each other, and it makes me believe that I'm not alone, which is something my heart is so, so packed full of gratitude towards Pokémon for today!
My ultiMagearna thanks to you!



Over these 10 years, I've played all kinds of roles, including an android, Pokémon Trainers and Pokémon, but Prince Racel has been the hardest of them all! While playing the voice of this pubertal, impressionable and indecisive young boy, I faced the challenge of delicate scenes, scenes where I had to act troubled or where I had to act out summoning up the mental strength to confront myself, while recalling these past 10 years, as well as the words I was told exactly 10 years ago, when I met the director for the first time.

Next was Mayu Matsuoka, who plays Chymia!



When I was working with Yama-chan as an Oha Girl on the TV show "Oha Suta", back during the time of "Giratina and the Sky Bouquet Shaymin", Shokotan came on the show since she had a role in that movie.
That was the point when I truly wished from the bottom of my heart that I'd one day get to co-star with Yama-chan as well, and I'm extremely honored that it's now come true!

Hey, is it okay if I let myself go a bit?

And with that, it's like a switch is flipped inside Matsuoka.



FIRST OF ALL, I HAVE TO SAY THAT YOU (WHO CAME TO THE THEATER TODAY) DEFINITELY LOVE POKÉMON MORE THAN I DO!!
That's why I didn't want to say too much!
I mean, I thought it'd be a bit too much if I stood here talking to people that love Pokémon more than I do about how "I really love Pokémon", "It's always been my dream to play in Pokémon" and such things...

BUT I AM JUST SO HAPPY, OKAY?
Satoshi,
and Pikachu,
are both standing here right next to me!!

And then Yamadera said, "If you talk to it, it'll say something back! Give it a try!"

A sudden love confession! And then she hugs Pikachu!



And that's why I'm so genuinely happy to be in a movie like this!
This is a dream come true! Thank you so much!

And then, Onigohri's voice actor: Abareru-kun!



1 Abare, 2 Abare, 3 Abare, Ababababa, Abareru-kun is here!

Abareru-kun has got a sunburn on his face, and is met with comments that its "become the color of a monster ball!".

I am not a monster ball!
Nor am I a Marumine!
For this movie, I went directly to the director himself, and he happily agreed to let me have a role...
What, he didn't do it "happily"...!?

Well, as I've always thought, what truly matters is to stick to your guns.
This has turned out to be a wonderful movie, so all those of you curious about what happens in it, hurry to a theater right now!



As he greets the audience in the theater with these words, Abareru-kun gets "They're already here!" quipped back at him!

Last up was Yamadera!



Even though it's true that I've been in 19 movies in a row now, I play different roles every time, so I get to approach these movies with an "a new movie, a new role to try my hand on" mindset every time.
I record together with all the regular voice actors like Matsumoto, and every single time, all the way up until I speak my first line, the director and sound director feel really scary to me... and so do the regular cast.

I get really nervous thinking about what I'd do if they went "How are you going to play your role this time, Yama-chan? Really, that way?" or something along those lines. What I'd do if I get told I'm doing it wrong right off the bat.
And then, after I perform my line while being super nervous about the delivery, they just go "let's have you play him that way, then".



Really? But weren't you standing there munching on snacks while waiting for your turn?,
Matsumoto comments.

Yamadera and Matsumoto talk about what the dubbing session was like, acting just like a pair of married comedians!

And then, after the entire stage greeting session was over, there was a special surprise for Nakagawa in order to celebrate her 10th Pokémon movie appearance in a row!
Rushing onto the scene was the winner of the "Pokémon Elections 720", Gekkouga!!



"GEKKOUGA-SAMAAAA!"

Shokotan explodes with excitement when Gekkouga appears!

"I HAVE A REQUEST...
I'D LIKE YOU TO DO A "TONGUE-DON": PIN ME TO THE WALL WITH THAT TONGUE SCARF OF YOURS!!"



"Aaaah!! This is the best!!"

The naughtiness of the "Dark type" keeps exciting me, Shokotan screams.

And then it's time for a present from Gekkouga!
It presents a huge bouquet decorated with the characters Nakagawa has played over these 10 years!



And then, Director Yuyama comments on Nakagawa's 10 years of Pokémon movie roles...



I think it's amazing how much you've grown over these 10 years.
You've played many different roles throughout these years, but when I spoke to sound director Mima after he had finished this year's movie, he told me how much you enjoyed playing these roles, and that above all else, your acting truly had soul. I agree with him.
And I think that is the best side to you.



Thank you.
Every single moment these past 10 years, I've embraced the words "Put your soul into every moment, and put your realization of how far you've come into every line you speak" that I were told during my first ever Pokémon movie dubbing session deep in my heart no matter what I was doing, and since it's been an entire 10 years, it truly is the Pokémon movies that have created the life I now have, something I'm sincerely grateful towards them for.
Thank you so, so much!



The movie premiere started with a heatburst of excitement and emotion in no way inferior to this year's movie itself!!

Summer means Pokémon!
The blockbuster "Pokémon the movie XY&Z: Volcanion and the Ingenious Magearna" is currently screening in theaters!
Go to the movies during this extended weekend! Go to the Pokémon movie!

Mayu Matsuoka Appears at the Pikachu Outbreak-chu! Opening Commemoration Parade in Order to Commemorate the Blockbuster's Premiere!! (2016/8/7)

The "Pikachu Outbreak-chu: This Time You'll Get Wet???" event started up in the Yokahama Minato Mirai area today, Sunday August 7th!!

And incredibly, Mayu Matsuoka, who plays Princess Chymia in the movie "Volcanion and the Ingenious Magearna", made a surprise appearance at the huge parade of Pikachu that was held to commemorate the start of the event!!

While roughly 5000 spectators were attentively watching the parade, Matsuoka appeared accompanied by 50 Pikachu! The entire audience were thrilled at this surprise!!
And as they were watching Matsuoka march down the street while dancing to the songs alongside the Pikachu, some children started dancing along as well!

And as Matsuoka was parading together with all these Pikachu, she screamed out
"I'm surrounded by Pikachu!! This is paradise!!",
completely intoxicated with excitement over how overly cute the Pikachu are!

After the parade ended, Matsuoka gave the following comment:

A comment from Mayu Matsuoka:

While we were standing by, the Pikachu made me play a shoving game with them!
But before the game could even start, three energetic Pikachu fell on top of me and crushed me. I'll definitely not experience that again!

Everyone that were watching the parade from the roadside were in really high spirits, and hearing shouts of "I watched the movie!" and even children shouting "Mayu-chan!" as I was walking past them made me really happy!
This turned into a parade so cheerful the excitement will even reach the athletes currently over in Rio!!
There are Pikachu no matter where I turn... Truly, this place is paradise on Earth (laughs)

And while this is also partially because people everywhere enjoy Pokémon, the fact that so many foreigners came here today once again made me realize that the whole world truly loves Pikachu.

Finally, I'd like to once again offer my gratitude for getting to play in a Pokémon movie, getting to co-star with Yamadera again, and even getting to meet Satoshi... all these things that were like a dream to me.

This parade that painted all of Yokohama in bright, cheery Pikachu colors right in the middle of summer vacation truly was a great success!

The blockbuster "Volcanion and the Ingenious Magearna", which is passionately moving people all across the country, is currently screening in theaters all over Japan!
Summer means Pokémon! Make sure to go watch it in the theater!

Theaters screening the Pokémon movie
The Pikachu Outbreak-chu: This Time You'll Get Wet???

A Report from the "The Pikachu Song" Release Commemoration Event at Yokohama World Porters! (2016/8/10)

The "Pikachu Outbreak-chu: This Time You'll Get Wet???" event has been held in the Yokahama Minato Mirai area since Sunday August 7th!!
And in the middle of this Pikachu Outbreak, a release commemoration event for "The Pikachu Song" was held at Yokohama World Porters!

The song's lyricist and composer Tomohisa Sako was there on the stage, as was Pikachu!



"The Pikachu theme song "The Pikachu Song" which is sung entirely by Pikachu, is complete!!"

Sako is also the executive producer of the "Pocket Monsters XY&Z" character song project. We interviewed him about the untold stories of "The Pikachu Song"'s production!

Q: What kind of image did you compose "The Pikachu Song" in?

It all started with me wanting to make a song that was being happily sung by a group of Pikachu. I was thinking really hard about the lyrics, imagining what I would sing about if I was a Pikachu...
But since they're Pikachu, they actually just sing "Pika" and "Chu" all throughout the entire song (laughs)

But when you listen to the song, you mysteriously enough actually realize what the Pikachu are saying. I'd like you to first listen to the song without looking at the lyrics and just let your imagination wander.
Since the Pikachu are singing so happily, this is a song that makes you really happy from listening to it!

Pikachu then debuted the new song "The Pikachu Song"!



Sako sung together with it!



And so did everyone in the room!



They even got the microphone for a bit!



The atmosphere was amazing as the entire audience joined in on the fun and merrily sung along with "The Pikachu Song", which is really easy to sing!

Lots of events are held at Yokohama World Porters between Sunday August 7th and Sunday August 14th, including the excursion rally "Search with the Help of Hints! Where is Satoshi's Pikachu?" and the reopening of Aeon Cinema Minato Mirai's on-site café "Cafe 35mm" as the "Volcanion and Magearna Café"! In addition, a special venue set up next to the front gate to the second floor promenade area hosts daily Pikachu Hula Dance Shows!

The "Pikachu Outbreak-chu: This Time You'll Get Wet???" event is being held in the Yokohama Minato Mirai area right now as well! Enjoy Pokémon a whole 120% in Yokohama!
For more information, check out this news entry

The digital distribution of "The Pikachu Song", the first ever Pikachu theme song, sung entirely by Pikachu, has started!
For further information, go to the Official Anime TV Series "Pocket Monsters XY&Z" Character Song Project Website!

The blockbuster "Pokémon the movie XY&Z: Volcanion and the Ingenious Magearna" is currently screening in theaters!
Summer means Pokémon! Go to the theater for a heatburst of emotions!

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