
Eevees appears en masse at the annual Pikachu Outbreak in Yokohama to grab their share of the Pokémon spotlight.
Since 2014, packs of Pikachus have been appearing each summer in the Minato Mirai district of the city of Yokohama, about 20 minutes south of Tokyo. But the 2018 Pikachu Outbreak, going on right now, is a two-species affair, as this year’s iteration also celebrates beloved Pocket Monster Eevee.
Event staff are handing out Eevee-shaped visors and fans, and inside the Mark Is shopping center is a Christmas-tree like display of Eevee and her many different evolution forms.
But the real treat for Eevee fans is happening in Shinko Chu Hiroba, a park that sits right between the World Porters and Aka Renga entertainment centers. While it’s a pleasant enough green space under ordinary circumstances, during the Pikachu Outbreak the park is serving as the site of the world’s first Eevee show, plus meet-and-greet sessions where you can shake hands with or hug the adorable creatures!
While the Eevees roam free during the meet-and-greets, for the show a section of the park is cordoned off. Taking a seat on the grass, the crowd waited with bated breath until two staff members (who have possibly the best jobs in Japan) emerged from behind a small partition…
…followed by a pack of Eevees!
As more and more Eevees poured onto the field, the crowd was, understandably, too excited to count them all. The staff saved us the trouble, informing us that 20 Eevees were on hand to frolic for our amusement and bask in the cheers and squeals of “Kawaii!” from the audience.
At first, the Eevees simply ran around in circles, and really, they could have done that all day without anyone getting tired of watching them. Before long, though, they began lining up to dance, following the precedent set by the music-themed Pikachu Outbreak of 2015.
A highlight was when they formed an outward-facing circle and began dancing to Korobeiniki (also known as “Tetris music A-Type”) as the rhythm got progressively faster.
Eventually, though, the staff informed us that is was time for the Eevees to head back home for their afternoon snacks, so once again they lined up, then bowed in turn to fans in each direction to say thank-you for coming.
Then they took one final farewell lap around the performance area…
…and it was time to say good-bye.
As sad as we were to see them go, we were left with feelings as warm and fuzzy as Eevee’s fluffy coat, which lasted for the rest of the day.
The 2018 Pikachu Outbreak continues until August 16. However, due to the extreme heat that Japan has been experiencing this year, as well as periodic thunderstorms, there isn’t a set time for the Eevee show/meet-and-greet. On the day we took these photos, the meet-and-greet took place around 3 p.m., and the show at roughly 4:30., but the best thing to do is to ask the event staff (who are always in the park, as well as outside the ticket gates of Minato Mirai Station on the Minato Mirai subway line) “What time can we see Eevee?” which in Japanese is “Iibui ha nanji ni aeumasu ka?”/イーブイは何時に会えますか? In order to check the day’s schedule (which itself may be tentative).
Oh, and if you’re wondering if there are any Pikachus at this year’s Pikachu Outbreak, rest assured that there are, and we’ll be back with photographic evidence soon.
Related: Pikachu Outbreak 2018 official website
Photos ©SoraNews24
Follow Casey on Twitter for more reasons Yokohama is awesome.































The full Pikachu Outbreak 2019 Pikachu/Eevee show and parade schedule is here!
Pikachu Outbreak 2018: World’s first Eevee march to join Pokémon summer celebrations in Japan!
Japan’s real-world Pikachu Outbreak 2019 dates announced, so make your travel plans now!
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】
Major Japanese noodle chain is closing on Christmas Eve so workers can spend time with families
Foreign driver’s license conversion test passes plummet from over 90% to 33% in Japan
This Osaka laundromat wants to clean more than your clothes; it also wants to clean you
Japan’s EF English Proficiency Index rank drops for 11th straight year, hits lowest ever
Studio Ghibli holiday wreath adds a touch of Kiki cuteness and good fortune to your home【Photos】
“The revolutionary way to pick your nose!” We try out the Nose Picker
Nintendo releases Metroid-shaped ice cube/cooking tray and Samus arm cannon pillow【Pics】
Popular Japanese ramen restaurant Ichiran’s lucky bags are great value for money
Turn your cat’s toilet trips into day-spa visits with this adorable “onsen” litter box
The dream of all-you-can-eat Japanese convenience store fried chicken is now a reality
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Yoshinoya adds first-ever chain-wide ramen with new beef and pork-broth noodle hot pot meals
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Shibuya’s Don Quijote?
Japan considering raising international traveler departure tax even more than previously reported
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowd sizes in Nara?
Studio Ghibli stamps lift your spirits with motivational phrases from Totoro
New fish discovered and named “Vanderhorstia supersaiyan” for obvious reasons
Japanese town suing resident for being a jerk
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】
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
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
Tokyo hotel lets you make your stay a Sanrio one with special My Melody and Kuromi rooms【Pics】
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
J-pop mega star Ado reveals she’s been living in the U.S., may not understand language acquisition
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!
Japanese town’s Pikachu, Eevee mailboxes are awesome, and there’s another Pokémon to see too【Pics】
First video ad for 2015 Pikachu outbreak event reminds us how adorable last year’s was
Talking Pikachu ticket gates now welcoming travelers in Japan at this train station【Video】
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】
They’re back! Pikachus overrun Yokohama for second straight year and dance up a storm! 【Videos】
First-ever Pokémon TCG World Championship in Japan/Asia comes with jam-packed events in Yokohama
Pikachus overrunning Yokohama in the cutest rodent invasion ever 【Video】
Pics of Pikachu packs from a day of Pokémon hunting in Yokohama【Video】
Yokohama’s Pikachu Outbreak to return with all-new “Dripping Wet Splash Show”!
Amazing Pokémon parade with over 30 different species held as World Championships finish【Video】
Rising Pokémon star Eevee gets her own official dance for the Project Eevee theme song 【Video】
Leave a Reply