
Special after-dark Pokémon parade means fans will want to stick around all day to see the 1,500-plus Pikachus.
In what’s become an annual celebration, every summer packs of Pikachus proliferate on the streets of Yokohama, just 20 minutes south of Tokyo. If you’re a fan of the Pokémon series, or just cuteness in general, visiting Yokohama during the Pikachu Outbreak makes for an unforgettable day, and this year it’s going to make for an unforgettable night too!
Organizers have given us the first official sneak peek at Pikachu Outbreak 2018, which carries the subtitle “Science is Amazing.” In previous years, the Pikachus have all headed off to sleep at sundown, but this time they’ll be staying out past dark, wearing special light-up costumes for their nighttime parade.
▼ The nighttime parade will differ from the one held during the day, so you’ll want to check out both.
A total of over 1,500 Pikachus (in both frolicking and decorative forms) will be greeting visitors to Yokohama’s Minato Mirai harbor district. Also new for this year are a Digital Splash show featuring various species of Pokémon, and a “Pikachu Parade on the Sea” incorporating digital technology.
While certain seasonal events, such as the blooming of the cherry blossoms, can be hard to pinpoint a exact start for, Pikachus have proven to be perfectly punctual. This year’s Pikachu Outbreak kicks off on August 10, and runs until August 16.
Source: PR Times via Anime News Network/Lynzee Loveridge
Top image: PR Times
Follow Casey on Twitter for more reasons Yokohama is awesome.



Pikachu Outbreak 2018 photos! Pikachus parade through Yokohama, bust out dance moves at night
Pikachu Outbreak 2018: World’s first Eevee march to join Pokémon summer celebrations in Japan!
Sounds like this year’s Pikachu Outbreak in Yokohama is going to have other Pokémon species too!
The full Pikachu Outbreak 2019 Pikachu/Eevee show and parade schedule is here!
SO…MANY…PIKACHUS!!! 2019’s Pikachu Outbreak takes over Yokohama with cuteness【Photos, video】
Komachi Shokudo: Japanese mum’s-style cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Tokyo
Is this Japan’s most extreme cherry blossom viewing? Leap, cycle and climb through 2,500 sakura
The top 10 graduation songs in Japan as chosen by current Japanese high school students
Sushi Push Pops aiming to be Japan’s newest sakura season snack sensation
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Häagen-Dazs Japan releases new ASMR ice cream called “Rocky Crunchy!”
The Ultimate Battle for Ham Sandwich Supremacy – we rank Japan’s convenience store sandwiches
Mist descends upon Japan’s “Killing Stone” after ceremony to appease nine-tailed fox spirit
It’s illegal for yakuza to go to professional baseball games in Japan, Tokyo arrests remind us
Starbucks Japan releases a new Cream Puff Frappuccino for a limited time
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Silicone testicle covers banned from Japanese sauna following cups being left behind and on shelves
Starbucks Japan opens new cafe and art gallery in top Tokyo tourist neighbourhood
Japanese government planning higher ticket prices for foreign tourists at Tokyo National Museum
Is Japan’s Crab-shaped Cup Ramen Timer worth the hype?
Studio Ghibli now sells Ursula’s backpack from Kiki’s Delivery Service at its anime shop in Japan
Pizza Hut Japan teams up with creator of one of the country’s best kinds of ramen for ramen pizza
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
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
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
Japan’s real-world Pikachu Outbreak 2019 dates announced, so make your travel plans now!
First-ever Pokémon TCG World Championship in Japan/Asia comes with jam-packed events in Yokohama
Pikachu outbreak to happen again in Yokohama this summer, this time with dance fever!
Pikachu blimp, Meowth hot air balloon lift off in Japan for Pikachu Outbreak 2017【Videos】
Yokohama’s Pikachu Outbreak to return with all-new “Dripping Wet Splash Show”!
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
Pikachu Outbreak event causes growing pains for Yokohama
Pics of Pikachu packs from a day of Pokémon hunting in Yokohama【Video】
First-ever Eevee outbreak is going on in Japan right now, and it’s awesomely adorable【Photos】
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】
There’s something kind of off about these Pikachu costumes spotted around the world