Photo courtesy of the Pokémon Company ()
This week, over 2,000 Pikachus will descend on Yokohama’s Minatormira District for the annual “Pikachu Outbreak!” festival.
From Aug. 6 through Aug. 12, many events revolving around the cute yellow Pokemon character will be kicking off on the streets of the area.
Most of the outdoor activities will be happening in the evening and visitors can enjoy the cute, yet energetic, performances of Pikachu with special effects of the latest project mapping technology in various locations. Highlights during the festival includes the parades by dozens of large Pikachu and Eevee.
At event sites, various official Pokémon goods are available to purchase, and you can also participate in stamp rally.
A popular smartphone game “Pokémon Go Fest 2019,” a live version of Pokémon Go, will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the week. The winning participants can participate in the Pokémon adventure to work together around the world. (Note: The deadline to sign up for this game ended in June.)
This is an extremely popular event and you have all week to check out the Pikachu invasion. Don’t miss it!
Pikachu Invasion events:
1. The Street of Minatomirai x Pikachu
Against backdrop of Yokohama Museum and beautiful night view of Minatomirai district, Pikachus in LED costumes will perform under interactive art light and sound displays.
Location: Grand Mall Park (next to Yokohama Museum)
Time: 7:10 p.m., 8:35 p.m. (Aug. 9 and 10 offer 8:35 p.m. only)
2. The Sea of Minatomirai x Pikachu
Against the backdrop of Yokohama Bay Bridge and the harbor’s beautiful night view, watch another fantastic performance by Pikachu. This performance includes project-mapped fountains featureing many colors and lights synchronized to the character’s movements.
Location: Akarenga Soko (Red Brick Storehouse) Park
Time: 6:55 p.m., 7:50 p.m., 8:45 p.m.
3.The Forest of Minatomirai x Pikachu
Using Minatomirai and the skyscrapers on the coast, countless Pikachu shop up one after another from the forest, performing for the crowd at Rinko Park.
Location: Rinko Park
Time: 6:55 p.m., 7:50 p.m., 8:45 p.m.
4. Pickahu and Eevee parades
A lot of Pikachus and Eevees parade to rhythmic music.
Pikachu’s parading
Location: Nihonmaru Memorial Park
Time: 6:55 p.m., 7:50 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.
Eevee’s parading
Location: Queen’s Square Yokohama, Queen Mall
Time: 6:55 p.m., 7:50 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.
Pikachu Outbreak!
Location: Minatomirai District
Period: Aug. 6 - 12
