
Every summer, there are certain pests you can expect the country to become briefly inundated with. First come the mosquitos that lay their eggs in the puddles of water that form during the rainy season. Next up, the whining cicadas that serve as an aural reminder of midsummer, whether you want one or not. And last, the jellyfish, buzzkills of the animal kingdom who show up at the beach and deliver their joyless message of “Everyone out of the water!” by stinging swimmers.
But this year, there’s finally some good news, as the city of Yokohama is about to be overrun by Pikachus!
From August 9 to 17, Yokohama, Japan’s second largest city which sits on the the coast half an hour south from Tokyo, will be the site of Pikachu Tairyo Hassei Chu. Translating as “An Outbreak of Pikachus” or “Pikachus All Over the Place,” Pokémon events will take place at no less than 14 locations in and around the Minato Mirai harbor front district.
Of course, with that many venues, organizer are going to need a lot of Pikachus. Thankfully, it looks like they’re fully staffed, as shown in this video.
▼ If you ever experience half of the bliss Pikachu gets from riding this escalator, consider yours a life well-lived.
Aside from the chance to meet and snap photos with the loveable pocket monster, other highlights of the event include the Pikachu Festival and projection mapping show. The former takes place on August 16 and 17 at the Pacifico Yokohama convention center, and the latter every night from now until August 31 at 7:30, 8:10, 9:30, and 10:10 at Dockyard Garden next to the Landmark Plaza shopping center.
There’ll also be a Pikachu café (and what looks like a Pikachu tree) at the Akarenga Red Brick Warehouse entertainment complex, and special Pikachu decorations for Yokohama’s sea bus and Ferris wheel.
As a resident of Yokohama, ordinarily I’d be upset about the city not organizing more manpower and financial resources to keeping the rodent population in check, especially when the animals in question are also capable of delivering electric shocks. For critters as cute as Pikachu, though, I’m happy to share my town with them for a few weeks.
We knew Pikachu’s popularity couldn’t possibly have dropped off that badly…
Related: Pikachu Tairyo Hassei Chu official website
Sources: Kotaku US, Pikachu Tairyo Hassei Chu
Top image: YouTube
Inert images: YouTube, Pikachu Tairyo Hassei Chu






Pikachu outbreak to happen again in Yokohama this summer, this time with dance fever!
Dozens of Pikachus make landfall in Yokohama, begin expanding their territory throughout the city
They’re back! Pikachus overrun Yokohama for second straight year and dance up a storm! 【Videos】
First video ad for 2015 Pikachu outbreak event reminds us how adorable last year’s was
Pics of Pikachu packs from a day of Pokémon hunting in Yokohama【Video】
Japan’s job-quitting service claims bosses contact it to try to make their employees quit
Here comes a new katsudon: ice cream katsudon?!?
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Say hello to Japan’s new generation of adults, fresh from Kitakyushu’s 2023 seijinshiki ceremony
Japan has an awesome one-person bento box rice cooker, and here’s what we made with ours
And now, we eat a bear paw we bought in Japan’s Chiba Prefecture【Taste test】
Ghost in the Sheel goes traditional with Japanese porcelain Tachikoma robots, only 50 to be made
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Over 800 Studio Ghibli anime world paintings compiled in beautiful new hardcover art book【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Chocolate Milk for Valentine’s Day
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Japan cherry blossom forecast update moves up sakura dates for many parts of the country
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
Morning-after pill finally available in Japan without a prescription, must be taken at pharmacy
Studio Ghibli turns My Neighbour Totoro characters into bag charms for everyday adventures
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
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
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
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Yokohama’s Pikachu Outbreak to return with all-new “Dripping Wet Splash Show”!
Sounds like this year’s Pikachu Outbreak in Yokohama is going to have other Pokémon species too!
Pikachu Outbreak 2018 photos! Pikachus parade through Yokohama, bust out dance moves at night
Japan’s Pikachu Outbreak 2016! Pokémon get wet and wild in Yokohama【Photos & Four Videos】
SO…MANY…PIKACHUS!!! 2019’s Pikachu Outbreak takes over Yokohama with cuteness【Photos, video】
First-ever Eevee outbreak is going on in Japan right now, and it’s awesomely adorable【Photos】
Pikachu Outbreak 2018 announced for Yokohama, and this time the party continues into the night!
Talking robot Pikachus go on sale in Japan, make Pokémon fans dreams come true【Video】
Pikachu Outbreak home robot walks, talks, and sings when you call to it【Video】
First-ever Pokémon TCG World Championship in Japan/Asia comes with jam-packed events in Yokohama
Pikachu, I choose you… to take over vending machines in Japan!【Video】
Amazing Pokémon parade with over 30 different species held as World Championships finish【Video】
Leave a Reply