
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】
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
Can instant TKG from Don Quijote really recreate Japan’s beloved raw-egg-on-rice dish?
Japanese government ID card and app to be required for certain Pokémon card purchases next month
Shinkansen trial of moderately air conditioned cars draws mixed reactions from travellers
Studio Ghibli releases huge new wooden clip collection featuring 25 anime movies
Tokyo’s Giga Mart lets visitors “steal” from a convenience store… if cameras don’t catch you
Studio Ghibli releases new Totoro coin purses…but who’s the blue character?
Hiker needs to be rescued from Mt. Fuji twice in five days for very dumb reason
Two Americans decide to hike Mt. Fuji before trails open, both need rescues on back-to-back days
Japan’s new Calpis pudding: The right call for summer, or tampering with purin perfection?
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Uniqlo looks back to the very start of Pokémon with new black-and-white pixel art T-shirts[Pics]
Japan reacts to Donald Trump’s “Islamic Republic of Japan” remark
Japanese airport rebrands itself as “Sushi Airport” to attract foreign tourists
Three new starter Pokémon Jets to fly in Japan, first begins carrying passengers this month
Studio Ghibli theme park’s new dessert is a drinkable version of Hayao Miyazaki’s pilot daydream
Solid gold Hedorah kaiju from the Godzilla series is now available to pre-order
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
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]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
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】
They’re back! Pikachus overrun Yokohama for second straight year and dance up a storm! 【Videos】