The Pokémon Company has announced the opening of a virtual theme park―Pokémon Virtual Fest―in Japan which will open from August 12 to 31 this year.
Pokémon Virtual Fest will be accessible via the ‘cluster’ app on mobile or PC. Pokémon Trainers can look forward to jumping into a fully-realised Pokémon world with themed attractions, events, and much more. Let’s take a look at just some of the content players can look forward to experiencing.
Entrance
The first place that users will come to when entering Pokémon Virtual Fest is the Entrance. Just like a real theme park, Pokémon Virtual Fest has its own proper entrance too, beckoning players to the fun that is to be had. This first virtual area will feature holograms of Pikachu, Polygon, and other Pokémon. At the centre of the entrance is a board which displays the results of players’ who have completed missions in the park.
Avatars
Choose your own avatar from Grookey, Scorbunny, or Sobble. More avatars are in the works to be added to the roster. Users can take photos in the virtual space too. Find an ideal spot and snap some pictures with friends.
Mission
The missions are in the style of an escape game. Created by escape game specialists SCRAP, players must figure out how to escape the room which will earn them a clear. There is the “Maze Mission” where you must navigate through twists and turns while answering questions, the “Word Puzzle Mission” where you must collect letters scattered around the room to solve the puzzle, and the “Riddle Missions” where you must decipher codes to figure out the riddle.
Theme Park
When players approach the gate, they are welcomed by an enormous Pikachu. As they walk around the park, checking every nook and cranny, they may even find Pokémon hidden here and there.
Attractions
Since this is a theme park, you’ve got to have attractions. At Pokémon Virtual Fest, there is a Pokémon Ferris Wheel, the Galarian Weezing Train which gives players a tour of the park, and many more.
Store Area
Numerous shops will line the park where players can get themselves a range of virtual souvenirs, ice cream, and other fun summertime things.
Beach Area
There’s even a beautiful beach in the park. Players are invited to listen to the sounds of the waves while doing some beach athletics on the water with friends, take photos, and make some great summer memories.
Event Stage
Sat underneath the giant Pikachu monument is a stage where a flurry of exciting events will take place. Players can watch Pokémon Sword and Shield Pokémon battles amongst other things. And from August 29 to 31, a special event will take place which includes a Pikachu dance show, fireworks, and more.
Pokémon Virtual Fest will open from August 12 to 31 in Japan.
©2020 Pokémon. ©1995-2020 Nintendo/Creatures Inc. /GAME FREAK inc.
Pokémon, ポケットモンスター, and ポケモン are registered trademarks of Nintendo, Creatures Inc., and GAME FREAK inc.
© 2017 Cluster, Inc.
*Photos are of a product still in development
Information
Pokémon Virtual Fest
Running: August 12, 2020 – August 31, 2020
Compatible Devices: Smartphone (iOS/Android), PC (Win/Mac), VR HTC VIVE/VIVE Pro, Oculus Rift/RiftS)
How to Acess: Create a free account on the ‘cluster’ app. The app must be installed on your device. For full details, visit the Pokémon Virtual Fest website below.
Pokémon Virtual Fest: https://pokemon2020.cluster.mu/
Cautions
*Information and content subject to change without notice.
*Time slots are allocated, and so there may be restrictions on the number of people who can enter at once.
*Please note that it is possible for devices (smartphone, PC or VR device) may overheat if you play for long periods of time. If you are concerned about this occurring, you are encouraged to close the ‘cluster’ app and let your device cool down for a while before playing again.
RELATED ENTRIES
-
U-Treasure Announces Pokemon Ring and Necklace Inspired by Snorlax
20.May.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FASHION
The U-Treasure brand is known for releasing incredible jewelry for adults based on beloved brands and characters. The company is now taking orders for two pieces of Pokemon jewelry inspired by everyone’s favorite chunky roadblock, Snorlax! Orders are open until June 21, 2022. Snorlax appears in all his glory and is covered with a glossy black finish.
Snorlax Silver Ring / Snorlax Silver Necklace
How about grabbing some Snorlax jewelry for yourself or a loved one? (Maybe it’s not the best ring to propose with, though.)
Information
Snorlax Jewelry
Orders Open: May 17 – June 21, 2022
Where to Buy: U-Treasure Concept Store Ikebukuro, U-Treasure Online Shop
https://u-treasure.jp/licensor/pocketmonsters -
New Pokemon Anime Visual Released to Tease Show’s World Championships
12.May.2022 | ANIME&GAME
TV Tokyo has revealed a flashy new visual for the Pokemon anime series! The visual features the eight trainers and their Pokemon who will be participating in the show’s Pokemon World Championships tournament, and notes that the “climax” of the show is about to begin. Pokemon airs every Friday at 6:55 PM on TV Tokyo.
Satoshi (or Ash, in the English dub) has been taking on plenty of tough trainers in Pokemon Journeys including Kibana from the Galar region. This means that he has earned his spot in the Masters Eight!
The new key visual features all eight trainers who will be participating in the upcoming tournament: Leon, the Champion of the Galar region; Cynthia, the Champion of the Sinnoh region; Steven, the Champion of the Hoenn region; Lance, the Champion of the Indigo Plateau; Diantha, the Champion of the Kalos region; Alain, another Champion of the Kalos region; and Iris, the Champion of the Unova region. Ash is currently the Champion of the Alola region.
The first 12 episodes of Pokemon Journeys premiered in the United States on Netflix in June 2020.© Nintendo・Creatures・GAME FREAK・TV Tokyo・ShoPro・JR Kikaku © Pokémon
Information
Pokemon
On Air Fridays at 6:55 PM on TV Tokyo
*Date and time of broadcast may differ in some areas.Official Site: https://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/pocketmonster/
-
The North Face Collaborates with Pokemon at GOLDWIN PLAY EARTH PARK in Tokyo Midtown
Goldwin Inc. has announced a special event for both children and families to enjoy! The GOLDWIN PLAY EARTH PARK event, running until May 29, has taken over the lawn at Tokyo Midtown. Five architects have created playground equipment inspired by five elements: fire, earth, water, wind, and sky. The event wants to inspire children to be more curious about the world around them. What better way than to get Pokemon involved?
For the event, Goldwin, The North Face, Helly Hansen, Speedo, and Canterbury all collaborated with artists, designers, and of course, the Pokemon series.
Goldwin is known for providing incredible sports and outdoor apparel, and behind its sturdy technology lies a deep curiosity regarding nature. This new collaboration has brought new perspectives and ideas to the collection, and those visiting the venue won’t want to miss out.
Collaboration Items at a Glance
THE NORTH FACE ✕ Pokemon
YOUNG EXPLORERS Jacket: ¥10,890 (Tax Included)
YOUNG EXPLORERS Hat: ¥6,380 (Tax Included)
Just like everyone’s favorite Pokemon Pikachu, the event wants to inspire children to be filled with energy as they explore the world around them and take on new adventures. These new jackets come inside a pouch inspired by a Pokeball and are mde of environmentally friendly recycled nylon material.
*Products in The North Face x Pokemon collection will be sold by lottery starting April 22. Check the official website for details on how to enter.
©Pokémon.
©Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.
TM, ®, and character names are trademarks of Nintendo.HELLY HANSEN ✕ minä perhonen
Left: VINDKRAFT PEP Tote: ¥9,900 (Tax Included) / Middle: VINDKRAFT PEP Patch Tote: ¥19,800 (Tax Included) / Right: VINDKRAFT PEP Pochette: ¥3,300 (Tax Included)
Based on Helly Hansen’s ‘VINDKRAFT’ project to recover and upcycle sailboats’ sails, minä perhonen has designed a bag by combining scraps from its own production process. Nothing goes to waste, making this perfect for those aware of the current problems facing our environment.
*As this is an upcycled product, the number of pieces is limited and each piece is unique.
Collaboration items are available at a pop-up shop at the GOLDWIN PLAY EARTH PARK event. A number of workshops are also open for children to enjoy, with a focus on their relationship with nature while living in the city. Check out the special site for more information!
Information
GOLDWIN PLAY EARTH PARK
Address: Tokyo Midtown Lawn (9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
Running: April 23 – May 29, 2022
Hours: 11:00-18:00
Special Site: https://playearthpark.goldwin.co.jp/ -
Pikachu and Eevee Appear on New Apparel from Graniph
30.April.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FASHION
Japanese brand Graniph has started selling 22 new Pokemon-inspired apparel items on its official online store and in brick-and-mortar locations across Japan.
Over 25 years have passed since the original Pokemon Red and Green games were released in 1996, and characters from the series continue to be popular around the world. It’s hard to imagine a world without the franchise!
Check out these new items featuring Pikachu, Eevee, and other popular characters.
©Pokémon. ©️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。Information
Where to Buy:
Graniph Online Store: https://www.graniph.com
Graniph stores nationwide (Excluding kid’s locations)
-
Shueisha’s Haruman!! 2022 Festival Celebrates Manga this Spring
29.April.2022 | ANIME&GAME
Shueisha is currently offering a ton of manga for free as part of Haruman!! 2022. The campaign is running until May 15 at participating locations and tons of digital manga series are available for download.
©Shueisha
During Haruman!! 2022, users can read over 305 digital titles for free. This year’s theme is ‘Manga Festival,’ and manga fans can find both recent and classic titles. Why not catch up on some manga history while you can?
A collaboration with the popular VTuber agency Hololive is also underway. One of the group’s manga-loving members will be chosen each day to serve as Editor-in-Chief of an original manga magazine.
Popular authors are also commemorating the occasion with new illustrations. Eleven artists from Shueisha’s manga department have drawn popular VTubers, and these awesome images are available exclusively on the Haruman!! website.
Stream Date: April 23, 2022
Participants: Shueisha x Hololive Traveling Editorial Department
Streaming Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFZiqLMntJufDCHc6bQixg
©Shueisha
In collaboration with puzzle game creators RIDDLER, ‘The Search for the Great Manga King’s Treasure’ will be held. Pulling inspiration from One Piece, which is currently celebrating 25 years of serialization, fans will have to find clues to solve a massive mystery.
Find your new favorite manga series during Haruman!! 2022.
-
Pokemon Shirts Now Available with Patterns from Pokemon Diamond & Pearl
27.April.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FASHION
Pokemon and Original Inc. are back with some new Pokemon Shirts! The popular goods originally went on sale back in February 2019, and more and more patterns have been added over the years.
Fans of Pokemon Diamond and Pearl can now find some designs to their liking, with new patterns on sale as of April 22, 2022. With 18 new patterns to choose from, the Pokemon Shirts collection now has a total of 404 designs to choose from. Customers can also choose to place these patterns on masks!
(From Left) Chimchar Pattern, Piplup Pattern, Turtwig Pattern
(From Left) Starly Pattern, Shinx Pattern, Bidoof Pattern
New patterns from Pokemon Diamond and Pearl will be added in four installments. Each installment will have a specific theme and will introduce Pokemon that fit that theme.
The first installment’s theme is “The Start of Adventure.” As expected, this installment features the three starter Pokemon from the games.Installment #2 / End of July | Pokemon: Dialga, Lucario, Honchkrow, etc.
Installment #3 / End of October | Palkia, Garchomp, Mismagius, etc.
Installment #4 / End of January 2023 | Giratina, Rotom, Weavile, etc.
(From Left) Luxray Pattern, Mothim Pattern, Staraptor Pattern
The 18 new designs add some new flair to the ever-growing collection. Fans will want to head to the official Pokemon Shirts website to see the patterns up close!
*Masks are intended to be used for fashion, not to prevent illness.Information
Pokemon Shirts / Pokemon Diamond & Pearl
Release Date: April 22, 2022
Available Countries: Japan, America, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, India, Indonesia, England, Spain, Germany, Italy, France, Canada, Australia, New Zealand
Official Site: https://originalstitch.com/jp/pokemon
-
Pokemon Nail Polish Collection Available in Limited Quantities from uka
19.April.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FASHION
Beauty company uka has announced the new Pokemon Study series, a collection of original nail colors inspired by Pikachu and five other popular Pokemon. The items will be available on May 13, 2022 in limited quantities, and will come in a six-piece set. Three shades were made with vegan ingredients with adults in mind, while three can also be used by children and include a water-soluble solution. Preorders will open online starting May 6, 2022.
Lineup
For Adults
uka Pokémon Study: Meowth
uka Pokémon Study: Eevee
uka Pokémon Study: Piplup
For Children and Parents
uka Pokémon Study: Pikachu Aqua Base
uka Pokémon Study: Jigglypuff Aqua Base
uka Pokémon Study: Scorbunny Aqua Base
uka Pokémon Study Six Stars Collection
The company has spent time studying people’s hands to create the ‘uka Study Series,’ a color study to bring out the beauty of anyone’s skin using their unique nail colors. No matter what skin tone you have, these shades are sure to look perfect!
Adults can enjoy soothing and smoky shades inspired by Meowth, Eevee, and Piplup, with each nail polish created with a 60% plant-derived vegan formula. The children’s shades, featuring Pikachu, Jigglypuff, and Scorbunny, are all bright and perfect for spring. These water-soluble products can be wiped off easily with hot water.
Information
uka Pokémon study series
Details: https://uka.co.jp/pokemonstudy/Official Site: https://www.uka.co.jp/
uka Pokémon study six stars collection
Limited Quantities Available/Preorders Begin May 6, 20:00~
Price: ¥18,260 (Tax Included)Where to Buy:
Official Online Store ukakau https://ukakau.com/ELLE SHOP https://elleshop.jp/web/contents/top/
※This product is only available online.
-
Baby Brand Monpoke Introduces Piplup 2022 Spring/Summer Lookbook
24.March.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FASHION
The Pokemon baby brand Monpoke has revealed their newest products in a new 2022 Spring/Summer Lookbook! The images are available on the official brand website.
Piplup has become one of the most popular Pokemon, and the blue water bird is featured prominently on the new apparel and items. All new products began rolling out in February, and all details are available on the Monpoke website.
Items perfect for summer, like floaties and pool toys, will also be available! Kids bikes and other items to get kids active will also make appearances in the new collection.
Parents can also grab themed diaper changing s heets and nap kits, so be sure to add some fun to your days with these new Pokemon-inspired items!
©Pokémon. ©Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.
Information
Monpoke Official Homepage: https://monpoke.jp/
-
McDonald’s Happy Meals in Japan Introduce Battle-Ready Pokemon Mezastar Tags
17.March.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FOOD
Starting March 4, McDonald’s locations in Japan are selling two new Happy Meals inspired by Pokemon and Tabekko Dobutsu!
Each Pokemon set includes a Pokemon Mezastar tag, allowing kids to battle and catch Pokemon using tags. Five original tags featuring popular characters like Pikachu and Piplup will be available, as well as Legendary Pokemon like Palkia and Arceus! In addition to tags, kids will also be able to play games using Pokemon names on a special Shiritori sheet included with each meal.
Tabekko Doubutsu is a classic Japanese snack, much like animal crackers in the west. This is the first time these characters are appearing at McDonald’s. The lineup includes five varieties of McDonald’s original coloring pages and stickers featuring familiar characters such as Lion, Bunny, and Elephant. Each sticker also includes the name of each animal in Japanese and English!
©2022 Pokémon. ©1995-2022 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.
Developed by T-ARTS and MARV©ギンビス
Information
Happy Meal ‘Pokemon Mezastar’
Happy Meal ‘Tabekko Doubutsu’
Available: For 2 weeks starting March 4
Where to Get: Participating McDonald’s Locations Nationwide
Official Site: https://www.mcdonalds.co.jp/menu/happyset/
-
Music Video for ‘Reconnect,’ Sampling Sounds from Pokemon Red and Green, Released
04.March.2022 | ANIME&GAME / MUSIC
On Pokemon Day, February 27, 2021, the music program P25 Music was launched with ‘P25 Music Presents: Post Malone Virtual Concert Experience.’ In October 2021, ‘Pokemon 25: The Album’ was released featuring top musical artists from around the world celebrating the anniversary of the beloved series, and the following month saw two tracks, Reconnect and Grown, released by Yaffle. Reconnect, sung in English by Daichi Yamamoto and AAAMYYY, samples sounds from Pokemon games, including the opening music for Pokemon Red and Green.
As Pokemon continues to celebrate 25 successful years, the music video for Reconnect was been released on the Pokemon YouTube channel.
Pokémon 25 / Reconnect – Yaffle feat. Daichi Yamamoto & AAAMYYY
The music video takes place in a nostalgic candy shop filled with neon lights, with plenty of catchy dance sequences and everyone’s favorite Pokemon grooving along with the music in CG. TAKAHIRO was in charge of the choreography, having previously choreographed for Keyakizaka46 and Sekai no Owari.
©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。
Information
Pokemon 25: The Album
Reconnect/Grown – Yaffle Streaming Links
-
BUMP OF CHICKEN to Sell Goods for Postponed Show, Pokemon Collaboration Items
BUMP OF CHICKEN has unveiled tons of new merchandise! The band’s newest concert, ‘BUMP OF CHICKEN LIVE 2022 Silver Jubilee at Makuhari Messe 02/10-22,’ was postponed due to the pandemic, but those who want to snag some commemorative merch can now purchase concert apparel!
In addition, a BUMP OF CHICKEN x Pokemon T-shirt and hoodie will be available. Each comes with a special Blu-ray.
The Pokemon design feature Mew, which appeared in the special BUMP x Pokemon music video ‘GOTCHA!’ in September 2020.
All items were designed by VERDY. Items are available now, but they won’t last long! Check out the band’s official online shop for more details.
Information
BUMP OF CHICKEN Official Site: http://www.bumpofchicken.com/
BUMP OF CHICKEN Shop: https://special.bumpofchicken.com/feature/goods
Items Now on Sale -
BAND-MAID to Perform at the World’s Largest Festival ‘AFTERSHOCK FESTIVAL’ in California
Internationally beloved hard rock band BAND-MAID has been invited to perform at AFTERSHOCK FESTIVAL in Sacramento, California!
The festival will take place across four days, from October 6 until October 9, 2022. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the festival, with headliners like KISS and Slipknot.
BAND-MAID has also announced US stops on their global tour during 2022. More information is scheduled to be released soon!Information
AFTERSHOCK FESTIVAL
Dates: October 6-9, 2022https://aftershockfestival.com/
BAND-MAID Official Site: https://bandmaid.tokyo