A new commercial for Pokemon GO’s second ‘Let’s GO to the Hills’ campaign is now airing nationwide, calling on all players of the smartphone game to work up a sweat while exploring new scenery around Japan. Set in the Fukiya district of Takahashi, Okayama, the ad stars the popular actress Mitsuki Takahata. The ‘Let’s GO to the Hills’ campaign focuses on hills and slopes, and players might find some fun new Pokemon on their travels.   The new commercial began airing nationwide on January 20, and its setting–the Fukiya district of Takahashi, Okayama–has flourished since the Edo period as a leading copper and red ocher producer. Red ocher is a byproduct of copper production and is used in many traditional Japanese crafts, even called Japan Red by some.  

 

Several popular Pokemon appear alongside Takahata in the ad, including Chimchar, Fletchling, Hisuian Voltorb, Nyabby, Darumaka, and Charizard. Be sure to listen out for Takahata’s Okayama accent!

From January 20 until July 19, a 4-meter-high real-world PokeStop will appear at the former Fukiya Elementary School in Fukiya Furusato Village. Yes, it will be linked to the game as well!

Curtains and tapestries featuring Pokemon silhouettes and dyed Japan Red will also appear in the village, and each will point the way to real PokeStops. While it might be a little off the beaten path, come enjoy Fukiya and see what kinds of Pokemon you can find!

  ©2023 Niantic, Inc.©2023 Pokémon. ©1995-2023 Nintendo/Creatures Inc. /GAME FREAK inc.ポケモン・Pokémon は任天堂・クリーチャーズ・ゲームフリークの登録商標です。

On January 13, McDonald’s Japan released a colorful music video on YouTube featuring two of the biggest J-pop mega-hits of the last year! The remix combines Ado’s Odo and asmi’s PAKU with the familiar sound of the French Fry buzzer. A rhythm game using this song will also be available on TikTok starting on January 30!   In March 2019, the McDonald’s French Fry buzzer became a popular theme on TikTok with over 150 million views.   This remix may not be what most people expected, but it’s incredibly catchy and might make you hungry at the same time. Check out the McDonald’s Fry Buzzer Remix at the link below!

The neon-drenched music video features 3D models of both Odo-chan and PAKU-chan along with the three French Fry Brothers hanging out at an incredibly colorful and futuristic McDonald’s restaurant.   Be sure to check out the rhythm game coming to TikTok for a limited time starting January 30!

U-Treasure, a company offering proper jewelry inspired by pop culture, has announced a Pikachu engagement ring! The item was made available on December 13 and can hold large diamonds from 1-1.999 carats. Each ring features a male and female Pikachu, perfect for the Pokemon master in your life. Along with this, a silver version made from cubic zirconia featuring the same design is available to pre-order until January 31, 2023.   [Pokemon] Pikachu Carat Solitaire Ring

On December 9, Original Japan released 32 new patterns for the popular Pokemon Shirts line, this time from Pokemon Diamond & Pearl.   With the addition of these new designs, customers can choose from a total of 493 patterns. These patterns can also be used in masks and bandanas.   32 New Patterns from Pokemon Diamond & Pearl!The new patterns were inspired by ‘Evolution and Legends.’ Fans can find popular Pokemon like Giratina, Rotom, and Weavile, so be sure to check out the website for more details.    Dark Ball and Quick Ball Buttons are Now Available!To celebrate these new patterns, new buttons inspired by the Dark Ball and Quick Ball are now available. Fans can also choose from the traditional Pokeball, Great Ball, Hyper Ball, Premier Ball, Moon Ball, and Dive Ball. 

Puma and Pokemon are joining forces for the first time. The Puma x Pokemon collection officially went on sale on November 12, offering fans a collection of sneakers, bags, apparel, and more.   The playful new collection incorporates iconic images of popular Pokemon like Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. The shoe lineup includes popular models like the Slipstream, Suede Classics, and Rider FV. Pokemon can be found hiding on the shoe’s tongue, insole, and heel, and fans are sure to love these stylish kicks. For apparel, customers can grab cotton T-shirts, crew-neck sweatshirts, hoodies, sweatpants, and more. Complete your look with a beanie or messenger bag. The Puma x Pokemon collection is on sale at Puma Store Harajuku Cat Street, Puma Store Osaka, Puma Store Odaiba, Puma Store Fujimi, Puma Store Kyoto, Puma Sapporo Factory, Puma Store Fukuoka, and the official Puma online store. 

Mister Donut has revealed its annual Pokemon Christmas collaboration. This marks the 5th year that the popular sweets chain is teaming up with the legendary franchise, and starting on November 9, fans can find themed sweets and merchandise for a limited time.    Pikachu Snowman Donut   Christmas Collection Donut Set   New to the lineup in 2022 is the Pikachu Snowman Donut. This will be sold alongside the always-popular standard Pikachu Donut which will be sold in a cute Christmas sleeve. Customers can also look forward to the sleepy Pikachu Donut and the fluffy Jigglypuff Donut this holiday season.  

Mister Donut Blanket (White)

Mister Donut Glasses (Set of 2)

  The Christmas Set will include the Mister Donut Pokemon Blanket, which is available in two patterns, as well as a pair of Pokemon glasses. Fans are sure to enjoy these new illustrations of Pikachu and Jigglypuff made exclusively for the collaboration. 

Pikachu Donut

 The popular Pikachu Donut is back! The fluffy yeast pastry is filled with whipped cream with a pudding flavor and chocolate coating. 

Pikachu Snowman Donut

 Also filled with whipped cream, the Pikachu Snowman Donut is coated with white chocolate.   Be sure to check out this exclusive collection of sweets and goods before they're gone!   ©2022 Pokémon. ©1995-2022 Nintendo/Creatures Inc. /GAME FREAK inc.ポケットモンスター・ポケモン・Pokémonは任天堂・クリーチャーズ・ゲームフリークの登録商標です。 Nintendo Switchのロゴ・Nintendo Switchは任天堂の商標です。