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On July 4th, the cast members of the 13th Pocket Monsters movie appeared at the preview show at the Nakano Sun Plaza Hall in Tokyo. Like last year, it was a very hot day. Sukima Switch also appeared and sang the ending song live for the audience.


Left to Right, Back row then Front: Kunihiko Yuyama, Takuya Ōhashi, Shintarō Tokita, Rica Matsumoto, Natsuki Katō, Shōko Nakagawa, Takanori Jinnai, Takashi Tsukamoto, Kōichi Yamadera


Source: http://www2.toho-movie.jp/movie-topic/1007/03pokemon2010_kh.html
Jul 04 2010 Pokémon Sunday 298
Episode PictureThe latest episode of Pokémon Sunday, Farewell, Koduck! Return Again, Golduck? / Movie Pre-premiere SP - Investigating the Most Important Keywords of the Movie with Kid Radar Man / A Battle with the Celebi Handed Out in the Theater (さよならコダック! またきてゴルダック? / 映画公開直前SP・コレーダーマンとともに映画の重要キーワードを調査 / 劇場で貰えるセレビィでバトル!), aired today in Japan.

The episode began with Shoko-tan showing off the new Pokémon stationary featuring Celebi and Zorua and then announced this weeks rerun theme, a new theme featuring Water Pokémon, 'Cooling Summer! Water Pokémon Big Gathering!' (夏を涼しく!みずポケモン大集合!). Farewell, Koduck! Return Again, Golduck? from was this weeks repeat episode. In this episode, Kasumi believes her Golduck has evolved into a Koduck. A full episode summary is available in the Episode Guide.

To promote the upcoming movie, The Ruler of Illusions Zoroark (幻影の覇者 ゾロアーク), Robert and Lucario are sent out dressed as reporters to get the latest scoop. Kid Radar Man (コレーダーマン) appears once again to give keywords to explain certain aspects of the new movie.

The first keyword was: Illusion Canceller (幻影キャンセラー). Kid Radar Man held up a sign with a picture of a wrist bracelet. The show transitions to a clip from the 13th movie showing that Kodai wears the Illusion Canceller to avoid the effects of Zoroark. Kid Radar Man then gives Akiyama and Yamamoto an Illusion Canceller bracelet just as Zoroark and Zorua appear. Zoroark uses its illusion ability as a clip from the movie is shown in the corner showing Zoroark use the ability as well. A massagist appears and begins to give Baba a hard foot massage with appears to be hurting him. Kid Radar Man tells Akiyama and Yamamoto to put on the Illusion Canceller bracelet which causes the illusion haze to disappear and to reveal that massagist is just a young kid tickling Baba's feet. Yamamoto finally understands exactly what the Illusion Canceller bracelet does and a clip from the 13th movie is shown with Zoroark, Entei, Suicune and Raikou. The crew gives Baba a bracelet and he puts it on to disperse the illusion. He is surprised that the massagist is just a cute little kid.

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The second keyword Kid Radar Man revealed was Pokémon Backer (ポケモンバッカー). He prints off a map for Robert to follow to find out more information. They follow the map and arrive at the TV Tokyo. Robert meet TV Tokyo Sports broadcast announcer Kazuya Masuda (増田和也) who was holding a Movie 13 script in his hand. He explains that Pokémon Backer new sport that is a combination of Basketball and Football. (ポケモンバッカー バスケットとサッカーを合わせたような新しいスポーツ)

To test out his announcing skills, Robert provided Kazuya with a few Pokémon tongue twisters. The first one featured Okorizaru. (aka Okorizaru ao Okorizaru ki Okorizaru - あかオコリザル あおオコリザル きオコリザル). He was able to say it perfectly the first time. The second one featured Pikachu. (Pikachu pika pika ni pika pika awasete pika pika roku pika pika - ピカチュウ ピカピカ 2ピカピカ あわせてピカピカ 6ピカピカ). Once again he said it as fast as he could two times in a row perfectly. He then read a few lines for the 13th movie Pokémon Backer announcer.

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The narrator announced the next keyword as Pokémon Movie Obsession (ポケモン映画のこだわり). Director Yuyama and crew scouted Belgium and the Netherlands as the location for the new film. Videos clips and still comparisons where shown. The first still comparison showed how the Kinderdijk Windmills in the Netherlands were used as location concept shots for the 13th Pokemon Movie. The second location shot was of Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge), which goes over the Amstel River in the city centre of Amsterdam.

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The background music recording session was briefly shown as well as a clip of Sukima Switch (スキマスイッチ) recording Ice Cream Syndrome for the ending theme of Movie 13.

The third and forth keywords to be revealed by Kid Radar Man were Guest Voice Actor (グスト声優) and Waffle (ワッフル). Once again a map is printed off and Robert and Lucario head off. On their trip, Baba spots Zoroark and Yamamoto quickly runs after it. When Baba and Akiyama catch up, they find two Yamamoto's starring at each other. They don't know which one is the real Yamamoto. Finally the real Yamamoto decide to pull of his leg hairs with tape because he knew that Zoroark probably wouldn't be able to mimic that. The Zoroark Yamamoto flees.

Lucario ended up arriving at the yearly Pocket Monsters movie script reading which took place in Tokyo, Japan on May 26th, 2010. He was able to interview them and ask a few questions about the movie. In attendance was Koichi Yamadera (山寺宏一) who has once again returned to play the part of Gūn (グーン), Shōko Nakagawa (中川翔子) has returned for her 4th Pocket Monsters movie to play the part of Proof (プルーフ), Takanori Jin'nai (陣内孝則) who voices Kōdai (コーダイ), Katō Natsuki (加藤夏希) who voices Rioka and finally Takashi Tsukamoto (塚本高史) who voices Kurt (クルト). The first question was for Takanori Jin'nai which Shoko-tan read for Lucario which asked him about his key role in the movie. (今回は映画のカギをにぎる役だそうですか?) The narrator and Takanori Jin'nai explain that Kōdai is a very evil and ambitious villain. Each of the actors is briefly interviewed giving some information about their character.

Following their map, Robert finally arrive at a movie studio where director Kunihiko Yuyama (湯山邦彦) is waiting for them. Yamamoto jokes with him that he is Zoroark but Yuyama reassures him that he is real. He then pulls out a concept art paper with a bunch of waffles and Satoshi eating one of them. He explains that in the past few movies, Satoshi has always been eating something. In Movie 10, it was cotton candy, in movie 11 it was Pancakes, in movie 12 it was watermelons. They wanted to keep this trend up for the 13th movie and this time it was going to be Belgian Waffles.

Characters and Pictures from this episode have been added to the episode guide. You can also comment and discuss this episode on the forum. Also be sure to rate this and other episodes in the episode guide.
Episode PictureThe latest episode of Pokémon Sunday, Blast Evolution! Goukazaru!! / The PokéSun Members Predict Satoshi's Strongest Pokémon Team / A Pokémon Battle with the Strongest of Satoshi's Pokemon! (爆進化! ゴウカザル!! / ポケサンメンバーがサトシのポケモン最強チームを予想 / サトシのポケモン・最強メンバーでポケモンバトル!, aired today in Japan.

Shoko-tan announced this weeks rerun theme, a continuation of last weeks theme, 'Sinnoh League begins! The Rival Shinji' (シンオウリーグが開幕!ライバルのシンジ!). Blast Evolution! Goukazaru!! from Pocket Monsters Diamond&Pearl was this weeks repeat episode. In this episode, Satoshi and Shinji continue their rivalry but Jun decides to get into the mix as well.

To mark Satoshi's entrance into the Sinnoh League starting on July 1st with DP183 - Begin! The Sinnoh League Suzuran Tournament!! (開幕! シンオウリーグ・スズラン大会!!), the PokéSun members each decide to predict which Pokémon Satoshi should use on his team. The narrator then explains which Pokémon Satoshi currently has and which Pokémon are currently residing at Okido's Laboratory.


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Professor Red is the first one to reveal his picks for Satoshi's Pokémon team. The first Pokémon he chooses is Satoshi's Pikachu. As a fan of baseball, Red explains that you want one of your best players up first when batting and he likens this to how Pikachu is one of Satoshi's best Pokémon. Continuing the baseball theme, Red's next pick is Satoshi's Cotoise. Red explains that since Pikachu would be at first base, you need someone that can 'bunt' to advance the runner. Satoshi's Cotoise he figures would be great in the second position. The third Pokémon, or batter as he refers to them, Red chose Satoshi's Osubame. By this time Pikachu would be at second base and now someone needs to help advance the runner. Red explains that Osubame has the will-power and guts (こんじょう) to be in that position. For the 4th position, Red chose Satoshi's Kabigon and for the 5th position he chose Satoshi's Donfan because that's where you'de normally want your 'heavy hitters' when playing baseball. Kabigon and Donfan fit the bill and are quite powerful and tough. Finally, the 6th and final Pokémon Red chose for Satoshi's team was Heigani.

Next up to explain his picks was Golgo. Golgo recalled that Satoshi's main rival in the tournament is Shinji and explained that his picks would be based on matching up Pokémon he used during their full battle. Golgo's picks were purely based on matching up types to give Satoshi's Pokémon the advantage. He paired up Shinji's Eleboo with Satoshi's Dodaitose, Shinji's Dodaitose with Satoshi's Onigohri, Shinji's Manyula with Satoshi's Goukazaru, Shinji's Ringuma with Satoshi's Heracros, Shinji's Donkarasu with Pikachu and finally Shinji's Booburn against Satoshi's Buoysel. While the match-ups were all good in theory, Baba questioned Golgo's logic a bit stating that those matchups might not actually occur in battle. He shows Golgo that Shinji's Booburn has a type advantage against Satoshi's Dodaitose if they got matched up. Golgo begins switching the matchups a bit but it becomes quite evident that his strategy for Pokémon selection needed some work. Golgo's solution to the type mismatches was to say the famous words that were used in the 12th movie to communicate with Arceus; Overcome the law of time and space! (超克せよ!時空の定めよ!). He then places Arceus on the board stating that it can change to any type it wishes which quickly gets objections from everyone as Satoshi doesn't have an Arceus to use in the league.

Shoko-tan is the next person to reveal their picks. She suggests that Satoshi needs a "Dream Team" to use at the Sinnoh League in order to win. (サトシのシンオウリーグにも夢のあるドリームチームが結成されちゃうと思うんですよ!). Her first pick was Satoshi's Glion and she explains that it has gone to do some training after loosing to Hassam. Her next pick is Satoshi's Lizardon who also has been busy getting stronger by training as well. Her third pick was Satoshi's Zenigame because it's a Water type and that its a great leader. 4th, she chose Satoshi's Okorizaru and explains that its already the D-1 World Grand Prix (D-1グランプリのチャンピオン) Fighting Pokémon Champion which is reason enough to pick that strong Pokémon. Her final two choices were Satoshi's Butterfree and Satoshi's Laplace. Yamamoto question's Shoko's last two choices because Laplace and Butterfree were set free and are now wild Pokémon once again.

Robert are the last to reveal their Pokémon picks. First, they chose Pikachu because as they pointed out it has a special hidden talent. It's face it made of rubber and it can change its shape to confuse its competitors. The second Pokémon they chose was Satoshi's Fukamaru because it proven itself to be a strong Pokémon against Rocket Gang by eating their mecha and it will perfect Draco Meteor. 3rd, they chose Satoshi's Betbeton because its a strong Pokémon and no one can stand the smell of it. 4th, Satoshi's Bayleaf, 5th, Satoshi's Kingler and finally Barri-chan.

Using the Pokémon that they selected for Satoshi's team, Shoko-tan and Professor Red have a Pokémon Battle Revolution battle to see who's team would win. It became quite evident that between Shoko's Pokémon selection and battling skills that her "Dream Team" was vastly superior. She was able to beat Professor Red pretty quickly.

Near the end of the show, it was announced that Pokémon Black and White will be released in Japan on September 18th, 2010.


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Characters and Pictures from this episode have been added to the episode guide. You can also comment and discuss this episode on the forum. Also be sure to rate this and other episodes in the episode guide.

Oha Suta (おはスタ) - June 28th, 2010

As announced on Pokémon Sunday 297, the Japanese variety show Oha Suta (おはスタ) has revealed new information for the upcoming games. Ononox (オノノクス), Deathkarn (デスカーン), Dentula (デンチュラ), Doryuzu (ドリュウズ) and Moguryu (モグリュー) were all revealed during a brief clip. It was also announced that three-on-three battles will be included in Pokémon Black and White.


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Two new attacks were also revealed: Drill Liner (ドリルライナー) and Grass Mixer (グラスミキサー). A new battle menu option called Shooter (シューター) has been added but it is currently unknown what it does.


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More pictures from the Oha Suta trailer are available on the Imageboard thread.
picThe latest episode of Pocket Monsters Diamond & Pearl 182 - The Night before the Fierce Fight! The Great Assembly of Satoshi's Pokémon!! (熱戦前夜!サトシのポケモン大集合!!) aired on Thursday in Japan.

Having defeated Denji and obtained the final badge he needs to enter the Sinnoh League, Satoshi and friends have finally arrived at Suzuran Island, the location of the Sinnoh League. Satoshi decides to recall his Pokémon from Professor Okido but Rocket Gang intercepts the transfer and Satoshi has to recover them.

Characters and Pictures from this episode have been added to the episode guide. You can also comment and discuss this episode on the forum. Also be sure to rate this and other episodes in the episode guide.
The episode synopsis for Pocket Monsters Diamond and Pearl 183 - Begin! The Sinnoh League Suzuran Tournament!! (開幕! シンオウリーグ・スズラン大会!!) has been released by TV Tokyo. The episode synopsis states there will be new information on the Black and White series as well as the climax for Satoshi. Below is a segment from synopsis with the translation.

サトシの旅もクライマックスへ!シンオウ地方最後のバトル、シンオウリーグが遂に幕を明ける!サトシとピカチュウの夢の結末は…!?▽アニメ新シリーズの衝撃情報を発表!
Satoshi's journey reaches the climax! The final battle in the Sinnoh Region and finally the end of the Sinnoh League! The conclusion of Satoshi and Pikachu's dream is...!? Shocking news about the new anime series will be announced.

Also announced was a new version of the opening song: The Greatest Everyday (BAND VERSION) 「サイコー・エブリデイ!」(BAND VERSION). A new ending song was also announced entitled: In Your Heart LaLaLa (君の胸にLaLaLa). Both will begin airing in DP183.

Source: http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/program/detail/19406_201007011900.html
Jun 20 2010 Pokémon Sunday 296
Episode PictureThe latest episode of Pokémon Sunday, Full Battle! Shinji VS Satoshi!! (Part 2) / Pokémon BW 'Game Footage and the Latest News on Reshiram, Zekrom and Zoroark' / Battle with the Alternate-colored Raikou, Entei and Suicune! (フルバトル! シンジVSサトシ!!(後編) / ポケモンBW「レシラム・ゼクロム・ゾロアークの最新情報やゲーム映像」 / 色違いのライコウ・エンテイ・スイクンでバトル!), aired today in Japan.

Shoko-tan announced this weeks rerun theme, a continuation of last weeks theme, 'Sinnoh League begins! The Rival Shinji' (シンオウリーグが開幕!ライバルのシンジ!). Full Battle! Shinji VS Satoshi!! -Part 2- from Pocket Monsters Diamond&Pearl was this weeks repeat episode. In this episode, Satoshi and Shinji continue their full battle, a 6 on 6, to see how strong each other is. Who will win the battle?!

Today's episode marked the first episode of Pokémon Sunday to air in High Definition and in widescreen. It also marked the first episode that the repeat episode was an episode that also had a High Definition source. A few weeks ago, pillarbox banners were added to the sides of the image to pad the image to widescreen. The episode also aired a new opening, the 6th opening for the series. Pictures from the opening are posted below.

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Pokémon Black and White 'Game Footage and the Latest News on Reshiram, Zekrom and Zoroark' was the topic for the show today and it mostly featured information regarding them. Shoko-tan started off the live action segment of the show by revealing Reshiram (レシラム) and Zekrom (ゼクロム).
  • Reshiram (レシラム) is the White Yang Pokémon (はくようポケモン). It is a Dragon/Fire-type Pokémon, 3.2m tall and weighs 330.0kg. Its ability is Turbo Blaze (ターボブレイズ).
  • Zekrom (ゼクロム) is the Black Yin Pokémon (こくいんポケモン). It is a Dragon/Electric-type Pokémon, 2.9m tall and weighs 345.0kg. Its ability is Tera Voltage (テラボルテージ).

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Robert then head off to the Tokyo Pokémon Center (ポケモンセンタートウキョートウキョー) where they spend the day as employees of the store packing goods for customers. They meet Kozue Kondō (近藤梢恵さん) who helps them learn how to help with the service. Their first customers didn't go well as Akiyama forgot to give them the bag with their stuff before they left the store.

Upon returning to the PokéSun Headquarters, Robert find out that Jun'ichi Masuda (増田順一) had sent them a box with more information about Pokémon Black and White. Shoko-tan opens the box to reveal a disc and the video is played. The video reveals a building in the Isshu Region (イッシュ地方) designed like a honeycomb (ハチの巣のような建物). The video then switches to desert area where a sandstorm is blowing (砂嵐が吹き荒れる砂漠のよな場所). The third clip shows a drawbridge in the Isshu Region lowering (イッシュ地方のとある「はね橋」).

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The next clip reveals a new female Professor for the Isshu Region, Dr. Araragi (アララギ博士). The new Pokémon Zukan was also revealed.

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The crew is once again interrupted by Kid Radar Man (コレエダーマン). He brings with him a video of Zoroark and Zorua battling. Zoroark used the new move Night Burst (ナイトバースト) which dealt significant damage Zorua. The moves that will be available for the event versions of these Pokémon are listed below.

Pokémon Information
Zorua
Zorua (ゾロア)
Level: 10
Gender: Male
Poké ball: Monster ball (モンスターボール)
Attack 1: Leer (にらみつける )
Attack 2: Scratch (ひっかく)
Attack 3: Pursuit (おいうち)
Attack 4: Fake Tears (うそなき)
Zoroark
Zoroark (ゾロアーク)
Level: 25
Gender: Female
Poké ball: Monster ball (モンスターボール)
Attack 1: Fury Swipes (だましうち)
Attack 2: Faint Attack (だましうち)
Attack 3: Scary Face (こわいかお)
Attack 4: Taunt (ちょうはつ)

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Robert battled TIM and Shoko-tan in Pokémon Battle Revolution (ポケモンバトルレボリューション) in a 3 on 3 'Dream Battle' featuring Entei, Raikou and Suicune. First up was Baba using Raikou vs Shoko using Weavile. Baba was able to Shoko. Next up was Golgo who used his Octillery to battle an already injured Raikou. Robert decide to switch and Akiyama with Suicune battles Golgo and Octillery. Suicune uses Sheer Cold (ぜったいれいど) and almost knocks out Octillery. It was wearing a Focus Band (きあいのハチマキ) which protected it from fainting. Golgo then quickly uses Hyper Beam (はかいこうせん) to knock out Akiyama's Suicune. Robert cannot believe what has just happened as Golgo and Shoko-tan celebrate their lucky victory.

Yamamoto sends out his Entei and it quickly finishes off Golgo's Octillery. With only one Pokémon remaining, Professor Red sends out his Metagross. Metagross starts off with a Comet Punch but Entei follows up with a Flare Blitz that takes out half of its hit points. Yamamoto follows up with another Flare Blitz to finish off Professor Red's Metagross and to win the battle for Robert.

Shoko-tan shows a treasure chest that is locked and can only be opened if they play PokéSun Curling and get one of the rocks close enough to the target on the floor. Akiyama Rock goes first but goes well past the target and hits a barrier that had black ink on it that covered his face. Baba went next but this time his rock was short and he got whipped cream pies in the face. The crew then uses Akiyama Rock again to hit the stationary Baba into the target which unlocks the chest. The 7 new Pokémon silhouettes that were revealed in this months Corocoro were revealed on the show.

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Characters and Pictures from this episode have been added to the episode guide. You can also comment and discuss this episode on the forum. Also be sure to rate this and other episodes in the episode guide.
picEvery summer for the past 7 years, ANA domestic flights have premiered the latest Pikachu short. Pikachu's Great Sparkling Search! (ピカチュウのキラキラだいそうさく!) was shown on ANA flights between August 1st, 2009 and August 29th, 2009. The DVD was released today in Japan.

Summer! Everyone is full of energy today. Pikachu and friends play with their beach ball! Pikachu and Pochama are chasing and diving in a river when they drift over and see a metropolis. "Where are we?" they said, searching from the rooftops of the buildings. Suddenly, with a bang, jagged-eared Pichu and Muchul collide. The two argue in an angry mood. "Sparkling is gone! It was the present to give to Kireihana..." Besides, today is her birthday!? This is troublesome! We must hurry and search. Moreover, Nyarth-tachi are aiming too! Thus, the Great Sparkling Search begins!

Characters, full summary and Pictures from this short have been added to the episode guide. You can also comment and discuss this episode on the forum. Also be sure to rate this and other episodes in the episode guide.
picThe latest episode of Pocket Monsters Diamond & Pearl 181 - Treasure Hunter Baku and Yajiron! (トレジャーハンター・バクとヤジロン!) aired on Thursday in Japan.

Having defeated Denji and obtained the final badge he needs to enter the Sinnoh League, Satoshi and friends head to Suzuran Island, the location of the Sinnoh League. While on traveling on the boat, they meet Baku who has a treasure map. Will Baku be able to find the treasure with Satoshi and friends help?!

Characters and Pictures from this episode have been added to the episode guide. You can also comment and discuss this episode on the forum. Also be sure to rate this and other episodes in the episode guide.
Jun 13 2010 Pokémon Sunday 295
Episode PictureThe latest episode of Pokémon Sunday, Tag Battle! The Finals!! / Investigating the connection between 'The Ruler of Illusions Zoroark' and the word 'Sukima'! / Director Shoko-tan's Television Viewer Battle! Legendary Pokémon Battle!(タッグバトル! ファイナル!! / 「幻影の覇者 ゾロアーク」に関連する「スキマ」を調査! / しょこたん部長が視聴者バトルに登場!伝説のポケモンたちのバトル!), aired today in Japan.

Shoko-tan announced this weeks rerun theme, a continuation of last weeks theme, 'Sinnoh League begins! The Rival Shinji' (シンオウリーグが開幕!ライバルのシンジ!). Tag Battle! Final!! from Pocket Monsters Diamond&Pearl was this weeks repeat episode. In this episode, Satoshi and Shinji compete together in a tag battle tournament. Will they will win?! A full summary of this episode is available in the episode guide.

Yamamoto held in his had a keyword that will help them learn more about the upcoming movie The Ruler of Illusions Zoroark (幻影の覇者 ゾロアーク), but Akiyama and Baba wanted to open the envelop and the three of them began to wrestle until the envelop dropped into a nearby box. Baba reaches into the box to try to retrieve the envelop but he pulls out a green wig instead. He put it on and they crew is reminded of his old hair color which used to be green. Yamamoto goes next and pulls out some stockings and a headband. He puts them on only to discover that it makes him look like a Watacco (ワタッコ).

Akiyama goes next and finally retrieves the envelop. He opens it to reveal the keyword: Sukima (スキマ). Robert heads out to investigate the connection between 'The Ruler of Illusions Zoroark' and the word 'Sukima'. While walking around, Robert spot a Zoroark and a Zorua wandering about and they decide to follow it. The Zoroark stops at a bridge and looks down at the road and they continues on its way. Robert go over to see what it was looking at. On the road is a bridge expansion joint that looks like teeth. The teeth aren't completely closed, leaving a gap (スキマ). Onoe Yasushi-san (尾上 靖さん) of the Department of Construction, Metropolitan Tokyo, Sixth Division (東京都 第六建設局 補修課 課長) shows up to give Robert a quick lesson on the design of the bridge gap.

Robert once again follows Zoroark as in enters a building. They go into a room where tambourine player Gonzo (ゴンゾー) appears from behind a couch. He can only communicate by using his tambourine. He dances and plays the tambourine to the current Pocket Monsters Diamond and Pearl opening theme, The Greatest Everyday! (サイコー・エブリディ!). He then returns to lying down behind the small gap 「スキマ」 between the wall and couch.

Robert follow Zoroark down an alleyway and into building that has tight narrow hall (スキマ). Robert finally arrive at Hiroshima tsukemen (広島つけ麺 ぶちうま). Yamamoto is given some of the tsukemen from the restaurant to try with a hot and spicy rating of 1 (1辛です) and he dips the ramen into the sauce. He enjoys it as Akiyama gets some as well but his bowl of dipping sauce has a 30 rating. After trying it, Akiyama comments: (口の中だいぶホーホーやわ!). Finally Baba gets his ramen with a bowl of very spicy dipping sauce (ぶち辛です) rated at 100. Baba begins sweating from the hot spicy ramen sauce. After paying for their ramen, Yamamoto gets some change and realizes that the coins have holes (スキマ) in them.

Robert head off to the JAPAN MINT TOKYO BRANCH (造幣局東京支局) where they meet Masaru Inohana-san (猪鼻 勝さん). They are taken on a tour of the mint to see how the coins are made. While looking through the coins from around the world, they see some Pokémon coins from the Pobjoy Mint from England. After visiting the mint, Robert end their investigation learning nothing of importance about the keyword Sukima in relation to the new movie.

The importance of the keyword Sukima 「スキマ」 is finally revealed when Zoroark and Sukima Switch (スキマスイッチ) joins the crew at the headquarters. Sukima Switch is a jazz rock band consisting of two guys, Takuya Ōhashi (大橋卓弥) and Shintarō Tokita (常田真太郎). Sukima Switch sings the ending theme for the upcoming movie, The Ruler of Illusions Zoroark (幻影の覇者 ゾロアーク) entitled 'Ice Cream Syndrome' (アイスクリーム シンドローム). Clips from song have been a part of the latest movie trailer and commercials. Click on the album art of their upcoming CD's for more information about the theme song.


Just before the Pokémon Game Arena segment, 4 new Pokémon silhouettes were shown. Information about these Pokémon will be revealed on next weeks show but the recent Corocoro pictures revealed the information about these Pokémon. The Pokémon silhouettes are: Hihidaruma (ヒヒダルマ), Chillarmie (チラーミィ), Gearl (ギアル), Munna (ムンナ). More information about these Pokémon are available in the Corocoro news article.

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During the preview for next weeks episode of Pokémon Sunday, the preview revealed that the live action part of the episode will be in widescreen and possibly in high definition. This also coincides with the first anime repeat episode to air on the show that's source is high definition and widescreen. Below are screenshots from the preview clip.

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Characters and Pictures from this episode have been added to the episode guide. You can also comment and discuss this episode on the forum. Also be sure to rate this and other episodes in the episode guide.
picThe latest episode of Pocket Monsters Diamond & Pearl 180 - Satoshi VS Kengo! Heading for Respective Destinations! (サトシvsケンゴ!それぞれの船出!) aired on Thursday in Japan.

Having defeated Denji and obtained the final badge he needs to enter the Sinnoh League, Satoshi begins his journey to the Sinnoh League. Unfortunately he misses the boat ride and has to stay in Nagisa City till the next boat departs. While there he meets up with the Asagi City Gym Leader Mikan. Kengo also appears and challenges Satoshi to a battle. Who will win?!

Characters and Pictures from this episode have been added to the episode guide. You can also comment and discuss this episode on the forum. Also be sure to rate this and other episodes in the episode guide.