Half-way through April, all of the cherry blossoms are gone from the Tokyo area, and while it’s good to know that they’ll be back in 12 months’ time, it’s always kind of a bummer to see them go.
Thankfully, though, there’s plenty to look forward to as the weather starts to heat up. For example, traditional festivals and amazing fireworks displays take place all across Japan during July and August. Plus, it looks like there’s a new annual summer event now, as the city of Yokohama is going to once again be overrun by Pikachus this year, and this time it sounds like all 1,000-plus of the unbearably cute Pocket Monsters have come down with dance fever!
Pikachu Tairyo Hassei Chu (“An Outbreak of Pikachus”) is once again going to be held in the Minato Mirai district of Yokohama, roughly 30 minutes south of Tokyo. We spent a day at the 2014 iteration on a Pokémon photo safari, and as these photos and video we took there prove, if you’re at all a fan of Nintendo’s monster-rearing mega hit, it’s an event you won’t want to miss.
Details are still scarce, but the official Pokémon website says there will be more than 1,000 Pikachus swarming the Yokohama harbor area, and is also promising more participatory events and surprises than even the crowd-pleasing 2014 event had. Parades will once again be on the schedule, but considering that the 2015 event’s official name is now Odoru? Pikachu Tairyo Hassei Chu, or Dancing? An Outbreak of Pikachus, it sounds like coordinated dance routines will be playing a large role in the festivities.
The best places to spot the roaming Pikachus are likely to be around Minato Mirai and Sakuragicho Stations, as well as the Aka Renga entertainment complex. Odoru? Pikachu Tairyo Hassei Chu is scheduled for August 8 to 16, during which time we’ll get to find out if the adorable critters’ dance moves are as super effective as their smiles at making us feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Sources: Kai-You, Pokémon official website
Top image: Pokémon official website
Insert images: RocketNews24
First video ad for 2015 Pikachu outbreak event reminds us how adorable last year’s was
Pikachus overrunning Yokohama in the cutest rodent invasion ever 【Video】
They’re back! Pikachus overrun Yokohama for second straight year and dance up a storm! 【Videos】
Yokohama’s Pikachu Outbreak to return with all-new “Dripping Wet Splash Show”!
Pics of Pikachu packs from a day of Pokémon hunting in Yokohama【Video】
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Sega opening 65th anniversary store in downtotn Tokyo with deep-cut game merch
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Viral tweet suggests Japanese convenience store ripping off customers with donuts, so we investigate
Studio Ghibli releases crystal glass paperweights featuring Totoro and the Catbus
Studio Ghibli releases new anime keychains that are like miniature figurines
Lipton releases… Pudding Milk Tea in Japan?!?
Retro-style Evangelion T-shirts coming to Uniqlo sister brand GU[Photos]
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Dorayaki from 89-year-old Japanese confectionery shop is one of the best sweets hidden in Tokyo
Brand-new Square Enix Cafe to open in Tokyo…and in Los Angeles too!
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Hello Kitty is now a transforming truck robot[Photos]
What are the worst things about living in the Japanese countryside?[Survey]
Tifa’s Final Fantasy VII bar is going to pop up in real-world Tokyo
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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
Sounds like this year’s Pikachu Outbreak in Yokohama is going to have other Pokémon species too!
Dozens of Pikachus make landfall in Yokohama, begin expanding their territory throughout the city
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】
Pikachu Outbreak 2018 announced for Yokohama, and this time the party continues into the night!
The full Pikachu Outbreak 2019 Pikachu/Eevee show and parade schedule is here!
First-ever Eevee outbreak is going on in Japan right now, and it’s awesomely adorable【Photos】
Pikachu Outbreak 2018: World’s first Eevee march to join Pokémon summer celebrations in Japan!
Japan’s real-world Pikachu Outbreak 2019 dates announced, so make your travel plans now!
Pikachu, I choose you… to take over vending machines in Japan!【Video】