It turns out there are two species to see at the awesome Pokémon event.
For the third August in a row, the city of Yokohama, located on the coast 30 minutes south of Tokyo, is being graced by packs of Pocket Monsters in the annual Pikachu Outbreak event. That means if you’re walking around the Minato Mirai harbor district, you’re likely to see dozens of Pikachus parading, dancing, or otherwise gallivanting about. Look carefully, though, and you might find one more variety of Pokémon, like Japanese Twitter user @hinopika did.
『ぴーかーちゅーーー!!!!!』
— ヒノッチ (@hinopika) August 9, 2016
クルッ(こっち振り向く)
『あっ!この子メタモンだ(;゚Д゚)!!』
しかしこの子、メタモンって呼ぶと首を横に振るんです。ピカチュウと呼んであげるととても喜びます←#ピカチュウ大量発生チュウ pic.twitter.com/Bhg8tRahrt
While the above photo might look like a Pikachu squinting from the glare of all the camera flashes as the adoring public snaps pictures, fans of the Pokémon franchise will recognize that it’s actually Ditto, a shapeless creature that takes on the form of other Pokémon with uncanny ability…except in the facial features department, since no matter what creature he’s copying, Ditto always retains his customary beady eyes and perpetual grin.
Still, from behind, this transformed Ditto was a dead-ringer for the most famous Pokémon, so much so that @hinopika initially thought it was the real deal and called out “Pikachu!” It was only when the Pocket Monster turned around that @hinopika was tipped off to its true identity, prompting @hinopika to exclaim, “Oh, wait, it’s Ditto!”
But the determined Ditto wasn’t having it. Even after being called by its actual name, it shook its head side to side in denial. Figuring they were at an impasse, @hinopika decided to give in and call it Pikachu once again, which elicited wiggles of joy from the imposter, proving that just like dogs, every Ditto has its day.
Source: Twitter/@hinopika
Insert image: Pokémon official website
Follow Casey on Twitter, where he (probably) hasn’t been replaced by a typing Ditto.


Sounds like this year’s Pikachu Outbreak in Yokohama is going to have other Pokémon species too!
Pikachu blimp, Meowth hot air balloon lift off in Japan for Pikachu Outbreak 2017【Videos】
Pikachu outbreak to happen again in Yokohama this summer, this time with dance fever!
First-ever Eevee outbreak is going on in Japan right now, and it’s awesomely adorable【Photos】
Ditto infiltrates Pokémon plush line as Pikachu, Charmander, Squirtle, more
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
New interactive Pokémon attraction coming to Universal Studios Japan
New smartphone game turns car models into anime girls with model-worthy looks
A trip to hell on Japan’s ‘vomit ship’: Is it as bad as everyone says it is?
We try a delicious hidden gem in Fukuoka, unknown to even Japanese people
Pancake cafe from Fukuoka comes to Tokyo — and we love their divinely fluffy pancakes!
Tokyo police issue advice to women on safe use of elevators, includes button mashing
Sega announces Game Gear Micro, an extra-tiny retro system with a startingly high price
Ghost in the Sheel goes traditional with Japanese porcelain Tachikoma robots, only 50 to be made
Japan’s kid-friendly ski program is now selling Pikachu snowboards for a limited time only
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
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
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Studio Ghibli turns My Neighbour Totoro characters into bag charms for everyday adventures
If you haven’t tried an antenna shop in Japan, you’re missing out
Studio Ghibli releases Spirited Away bags in Japan, based on a mysterious festival
Morning-after pill finally available in Japan without a prescription, must be taken at pharmacy
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
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
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
Pikachu Outbreak 2018 photos! Pikachus parade through Yokohama, bust out dance moves at night
First video ad for 2015 Pikachu outbreak event reminds us how adorable last year’s was
New Pikachu-in-Pokémon-sleeping-bag plushies will keep fans’ hearts warm all winter long
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!
Pikachu Outbreak home robot walks, talks, and sings when you call to it【Video】
Even when getting stabbed in the face, Pikachu remains cute, photos prove【Photos】
Japan’s Pikachu Outbreak 2016! Pokémon get wet and wild in Yokohama【Photos & Four Videos】
Japan’s real-world Pikachu Outbreak 2019 dates announced, so make your travel plans now!
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!
Pics of Pikachu packs from a day of Pokémon hunting in Yokohama【Video】
They’re back! Pikachus overrun Yokohama for second straight year and dance up a storm! 【Videos】
Pikachu and Eevee pay their respects to Wobbuffet with new Pokémon bags and plushies【Photos】
Leave a Reply