This puppy is too big to fit in your pocket, but he’s still monstrously cute.
As arguably the Internet’s favorite breed of dog, it follows logically that the Shiba Inu should also have an interest in technology. So we wonder, how do they feel about Pokémon GO, humanity’s latest digital entertainment obsession?
It’s our theory that Shibas would love the augmented reality title for the way it encourages going for walks, but dogs don’t generally have their own smartphones. As such, they can’t really play Pokémon GO like we do, i.e. taking on the role of a Pokémon Trainer. As this video shows, though, what they can do is make for adorable stand-ins for the game’s Pocket Monster prey.
飛びかかってきた!
— shiba4 (@Westin071) August 7, 2016
なかなかのモンスターだ! pic.twitter.com/kh4mWNuhHj
Japanese Twitter user @Westin071 shared this video of his pet Shiba playfully yapping and lunging at the camera. While some may scoff at the vertical video format, it helps emphasize the uncanny resemblance between the puppy and the characters of Pokémon GO, which dance and flit about the screen as you toss Poké Balls at them. @Westin071’s energetic pet looks like he’d be particularly difficult to catch without some sort of upgraded equipment or a special aiming aid.
“This one’s a pretty tough [Pocket] Monster!” @Westin071 tweeted. In keeping with that assessment, the video ends with the dog uncaptured, and while that means @Westin071 can’t check the box for “Shiba Inu” on his Pokédex, we know of one Internet video fan who’ll probably be hitting that play button over and over.
Source: IT Media, Twitter/@Westin071

Japanese pet owner illustrates likeness between adorable Shiba Inu and Pokémon Eevee
Shiba Inu in the snow: Japanese dogs melt hearts with their love for the cold【Pics & Video】
Japanese Shiba Inu shows even the dog world’s biggest goofs can have elegant table manners【Video】
Shiba Inu dresses up as old woman, charms internet with tails of the good ‘ol (dog) days 【Pics】
Cute Miniature Shiba Inu dog sisters from Japan never leave each other’s side
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
Uniqlo Ukiyo-e Blue T-shirts: A cool-hued reinterpretation of some of Japan’s greatest paintings
Osaka teen arrested for hacking into Internet cafe’s app to steal data, was helped by Chat-GPT
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning seems to be affecting Osaka’s Namba and Dotonbori neighborhoods
Japan’s EF English Proficiency Index rank drops for 11th straight year, hits lowest ever
New anime mecha figure’s pilot is…you!?!【Photos】
“Let’s leave it to Goro” – The moment Hayao Miyazaki was truly convinced about Ghibli theme park
6 surprising things about having a baby in Japan
Is there demand for merch of our stylish reporter? Let’s find out with the Ikuna Acrylic Standee
What’s inside the McDonald’s Japan fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Japan considering raising international traveler departure tax even more than previously reported
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Shibuya’s Don Quijote?
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowd sizes in Nara?
Japanese town suing resident for being a jerk
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
You can now buy a Japanese train station clock in Japan
Japanese police attempting to clamp down on “zombie cigarettes”
Tokyo’s Ueno Station has an unmanned noodle restaurant on its platform, and its no-joke good
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
Japanese government considering tripling departure taxes to combat overtourism
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
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
Adorable pet dog’s Japanese-style housecleaning video convinces the Internet he’s a very good boy
Funny Shiba dog had a silly reaction to eating natto, frightened its owners, made the vet laugh
Shiba Inu watches humans on YouTube, internet has officially come full circle 【Videos】
Adorable Shiba Inu melts into puddle of doggy bliss when her head is rubbed 【Videos】
These Shiba Inu dogs are so cute they need a sign above their peeping holes
Japanese Shiba Inu stops baby’s cries like a doting parent, melts hearts for being a good dog
Adorable Shiba Inu gives the best response to owner’s magic trick【Video】
Shimamura Boutique shop has the perfect Shiba pillow for a little Shiba Inu
You’re so cute when you’re angry. Shiba Inu gets angry at mocking mini-me toy【Video】
Japanese Shiba Inu melts hearts with adorable swimming technique…above water 【Pics & Video】
Yoga for dogs? Nope, just your friendly, lazy neighborhood Shiba Inu【Photos】
Adorable Shiba Inu and tortoise duo prove you don’t have to look alike to be best friends【Pics】
Five reasons why Shiba Inu are the absolute best
Cute Japanese Shiba Inu joins in adorable “Handshaking Championship” with its owner
Always have cute puppies waiting for you to come back to your car with Shiba Inu sun shades
Brighten your day with these 12 adorable photos of Shiba Inu being unintentionally cute 【Pics】
Leave a Reply