
In case you’ve been trapped under a giant boulder for the last few weeks, Japan – nay, the world – is currently once again gripped by Pokémon fever. Along with the new Pokémon X & Y titles for Nintendo 3DS, the new animated TV series is currently being lapped up by fans.
But one eagle-eyed viewer in Japan has spotted something both cute and a little odd in the show’s opening credits. In typically adorable fashion, a few seconds after the show’s opening song begins, everyone’s favourite pocket monster, Pikachu, gives the camera a friendly little kiss. But what on earth is going on inside his mouth!?
An image shared by Twitter user nanamaru shows what could well be to the gateway to another dimension in Pikachu’s tiny mouth.
The little kiss occurs around three seconds into the show’s opening sequence.
Noticing the camera, the ever-curious Pikachu pushes a pokéball aside and comes closer and closer to the lens. He then appears to plant a kiss, or “chu” in Japanese, right on our screens. A “reward”, the Twitter user writes, for us viewers.
But what’s the deal with that little rodent’s mouth!? Sure, he leaves a little cloud of condensation on the lens, but the inside of his looks extremely bright to us. We can’t help feeling that if we fell into it we’d come out floating around in space and see whole new universes being created.
We always knew he was magical!



Pikachu speaks English in newest Pokémon anime movie, freaks out audiences【Video】
Limited-time Pokémon shop and Pikachu Cafe to open in Roppongi Hills!
The Magikarp kiss — Japanese woman explains why the Pokémon-like smooch is so terrible
Japanese Pokémon shoe collection is the most stylish way to catch Pikachu!
Pics of Pikachu packs from a day of Pokémon hunting in Yokohama【Video】
Mister Donut unveils new sakura doughnuts for cherry blossom season 2026
Starbucks Japan releases a new Cream Puff Frappuccino for a limited time
Japanese government planning higher ticket prices for foreign tourists at Tokyo National Museum
Silicone testicle covers banned from Japanese sauna following cups being left behind and on shelves
Studio Ghibli now sells Ursula’s backpack from Kiki’s Delivery Service at its anime shop in Japan
Japan asked to vote on what to officially call insanely hot days
Visiting Japan’s one-and-only, and only-for-a-limited-time, Dragon Ball noodle restaurant[Photos]
The heartwarming story of Japan’s “Weakling Gundam” and the fans who supported it in its hour of need
We mixed all 31 flavors of Baskin Robbins ice cream and created a Frankenstein dessert【Video】
Taste-testing Japan’s real-world Dragon Balls and Senzu Beans at Marugame Seimen
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Japan’s cherry blossom season predicted to start earlier than we’d thought, especially in Tokyo
Is Tokyo Station’s startlingly expensive wagyu bento boxed lunch worth its high price?[Taste test]
One Piece creator has hidden secret of anime treasure’s identity in chest at bottom of real-world ocean
Live-action One Piece’s Luffy teaches Sesame Street’s Elmo a Japanese word for friendship[Video]
Sakura Festival in Chiyoda mixes illuminations, boats, music, and Rilakkuma in the heart of Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Latest evolution of Pokémon cafe to open in Shibuya this January
Pikachu afternoon tea at Tokyo hotel gives us a taste of the Pokémon anime world
Pikachu’s voice actress talks about the challenges of playing the most famous Pokémon of all
Pokémon: Detective Pikachu movie trailer surprises fans with first look at live-action characters
Pokémon finally gets a Japanese Facebook page, celebrates with cherry blossom Pikachu video
Pikachu shows off the frightening new powers he gained clubbing in Taiwan 【Video】
Family hands in lost wallet, gets surprise Pokémon anime cels in return