
Don’t miss the chance to see a thousand-plus Pikachus drenched in water this summer.
Since their triumphant debut in 2014, the mass gathering of Pikachus in Yokohama is one of the events we most look forward to every summer. Called “Pikachu Tairyou Hassei-chu!“, or “Huge Pikachu Outbreak-chu“, the affair is a spectacle to behold, with more than a thousand electric rodents marching through the streets, waving at crowds and dispensing hugs to passers-by.
Following the success of their initial gathering, the sea of yellow returned to Yokohama again last year, this time with a new theme called “Dancing? An Outbreak of Pikachus”. As suspected, the event turned out to be a step up from the previous year’s festivities, with the gang of Pikachu characters incorporating some cute dance moves into their mass appearance.
In an attempt to up their game from last year’s widely watched performance, the organisers behind the annual event announced today that this summer’s mass outbreak will be called “Huge Outbreak of Pickachus – And This Time They’ll be Getting Wet???”
▼ The face on the character in the foreground says it all – “This time I’m gonna be wet???”
The Minato Mirai mall area in Yokohama where the pointy-eared characters will be appearing is known to get frightfully hot on summer days, when the sun reflects off the asphalt with enough power to make spectators sweat. Heaven knows what effect it has on a furry round Pikachu or – spoiler alert! – on the person inside it. Any or all of these reasons could be behind the decision to incorporate water into this year’s festivities, which will include the awesome-sounding “Dripping Wet Splash Show”.
He might not have topped this year’s poll for favourite Pokémon, but Pikachu will certainly be the star of the show at this summer event, which runs from 7 – 14 August. What effect water will have on more than a thousand electric Pokémon is yet to be seen, but one thing’s for sure – we can’t wait to find out!
Follow Oona on Twitter for more information about Pokémon news and events.
Source, images: Pokémon
Photograph, GIF ©RocketNews24




Pikachu outbreak to happen again in Yokohama this summer, this time with dance fever!
Japan’s Pikachu Outbreak 2016! Pokémon get wet and wild in Yokohama【Photos & Four Videos】
First video ad for 2015 Pikachu outbreak event reminds us how adorable last year’s was
Sounds like this year’s Pikachu Outbreak in Yokohama is going to have other Pokémon species too!
Pikachu Outbreak 2018 announced for Yokohama, and this time the party continues into the night!
Kyoto receives more foreign tourists than ever before, but fewer visitors say they’ll return
Starbucks Japan unveils exclusive new Frappuccinos limited to three regional areas
Japanese Shinkansen welcomes overnight guests for one night during summer festival
Pokémon Card Stores requiring facial recognition scans for entry in Japan in latest anti-scalper move
McDonald’s Japan goes viral for Samurai Mac burger hack
Tokyo Pokémon Center announces reopening after months-long closure following stabbing death
A roadside hair salon stall in China made us Norway’s Haaland for US$1, and warmed out hearts too
Japan’s expensive “phantom” melon is so exquisite it sells out in just 12 hours
Pachinko industry rebounds on convenience and innovation, but smaller parlors struggle to keep up
Japan has a maid hotel you can stay in, and it’s now taking reservation applications
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Which country’s foreign tourists spend the most money per-person in Japan? Hint: Not the U..S. or China
Starbucks Japan releases a miniature display rack so you can create your very own store at home
Giant Evangelion Spear of Longinus to be installed at Japanese train station with Eva art trains
Face lettuce appears in Japan, with the face of Death Note’s Light Yagami, but why?
Kodama Shinkansen trains on popular Japan route get a whole new look this winter
Brand new Shinkansen bullet train unveiled in Japan… but it won’t carry passengers
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Pikachu Outbreak 2018 photos! Pikachus parade through Yokohama, bust out dance moves at night
SO…MANY…PIKACHUS!!! 2019’s Pikachu Outbreak takes over Yokohama with cuteness【Photos, video】
Pikachu Outbreak 2018: World’s first Eevee march to join Pokémon summer celebrations in Japan!
The full Pikachu Outbreak 2019 Pikachu/Eevee show and parade schedule is here!
Pikachus overrunning Yokohama in the cutest rodent invasion ever 【Video】
First-ever Eevee outbreak is going on in Japan right now, and it’s awesomely adorable【Photos】
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】
Japan’s real-world Pikachu Outbreak 2019 dates announced, so make your travel plans now!
Pics of Pikachu packs from a day of Pokémon hunting in Yokohama【Video】
Pikachu, I choose you… to take over vending machines in Japan!【Video】
Pikachu Outbreak home robot walks, talks, and sings when you call to it【Video】
Pikachu Outbreak event causes growing pains for Yokohama
Study and play with Pikachu-sensei in Yokohama!