It’s hard to believe that Japan has never hosted the Pokémon World Championships before, considering this is the very birthplace of Pokémon. That’s all about to change, however, when Yokohama hosts Japan’s very first Pokémon World Championships in August next month.
To mark this milestone, the official Pokémon YouTube channel has showcased a visually stunning anime teaser by CoMix Wave Films, the animation house celebrated for its work on ‘Kimi no Na wa’ (‘Your Name’, ‘Suzume’ and a host of other Makoto Shinkai films.
The highly-anticipated World Championships are set to unite the finest Pokémon masters worldwide over the franchise’s many games: the collectable card game, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Pokémon Go and Pokémon Unite. The anime short mirrors this ethos, portraying a vibrant roster of global contestants connecting over the universal language of Pokémon battles.
The video’s impressive cityscape, featuring iconic architectural structures, is a tribute to Yokohama’s harbour district, Minatomirai, home to the Pacifico Yokohama convention centre and the championship venue. The area also boasts Rinko Park, a spacious green haven amid the urban landscape, known for its Pikachu sightings.
Directed by Asuka Dokai and featuring Maho Takagi’s character designs and animation direction, the promo titled ‘Challenge to the World’ (or ‘Kimi ni Aeta’) is a thrilling glimpse into the championship event, slated for August 11 through August 13. Even for non-contestants, Yokohama’s extensive Pokémon card art exhibits promise to provide an exciting experience for Pokémon enthusiasts far and wide. You can read more about the event here.
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