News Articles
Dec 04 2020
Pokémon Center - Pocket Monsters Sword and Shield Original Anime Twilight Wings Collection DVD
From December 25th, 2020 until January 24th, 2021, patrons of the Pokémon Center and Pokémon Center Online nationwide in Japan will receive a copy of the Pocket Monsters Sword and Shield original anime Twilight Wings Collection DVD when they make purchases of 5,000 yen or more!
Pocket Monsters Sword and Shield Twilight Wings Collection DVD includes all seven episodes of the original anime and the special episode Festival of the Stars that are on the official Pokémon YouTube channel, as well as the original soundtrack of the songs used in the anime!
It's a very nice DVD, so get it. The giveaway ends when supplies are all gone. Details of this DVD release have been added to our DVD database.
Source: https://www.pokemon.co.jp/info/2020/12/201204_p01.html
Dec 03 2020
Pokémon GO - Special Research Shiny Celebi
Niantic has announced a Special Research to encounter Shiny Celebi as part of a tie-in event to celebrate the Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle which will be released in theaters on December 25th, 2020 in Japan. Beginning on Monday, December 14th 2020, Jessie and James will be returning to Pokémon GO and players will be able to encounter Shiny Celebi by completing limited-time Special Research!
Complete Special Research to encounter Shiny Celebi! Plus, Jessie and James return to Pokémon GO!
Date + Time
Starting Monday, December 14, 2020, at 8:00 a.m. local time
Features
Date + Time
From Monday, December 14, 2020, at 8:00 a.m. to Monday, December 21, 2020, at 10:00 p.m. local time
Features
Date + Time
From Monday, December 14, 2020, at 8:00 a.m. to Thursday, December 17, 2020, at 10:00 p.m. local time
Features
Date + Time
Friday, December 25, 2020, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. local time
Features
Source: https://pokemongolive.com/post/movie2020/?hl=en
Celebrate Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle with a collaboration event featuring Shiny Celebi in Special Research and Jessie and James’s return to Pokémon GO
Trainers, We’re excited to announce that the latest Pokémon film, Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle, is coming soon! In celebration of the upcoming release, beginning on Monday, December 14, 2020, Jessie and James will be returning to Pokémon GO, and you’ll be able to encounter Shiny Celebi by completing limited-time Special Research! You can also look forward to lots of other in-game content inspired by the movie!Complete Special Research to encounter Shiny Celebi! Plus, Jessie and James return to Pokémon GO!
Date + Time
Starting Monday, December 14, 2020, at 8:00 a.m. local time
Features
- A limited-time Special Research story inspired by the movie will be available! Complete this research line to encounter Shiny Celebi. In an odd twist of events, Jessie and James will be guiding you through this Special Research story instead of Professor Willow! You’ll need to prepare for trouble for this one! Stay tuned for updates on when this Special Research will become unavailable.
- Jessie and James will be returning in their Meowth balloon for a limited time! It seems they’ve received different Shadow Pokémon from Team GO Rocket than the last time the pair appeared in the world of Pokémon GO. Stay tuned for updates on when Jessie and James will be leaving.
- Be sure to check out the avatar items inspired by Jessie’s and James’s outfits from Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle. These avatar items will be available for free in the Style Shop!
Date + Time
From Monday, December 14, 2020, at 8:00 a.m. to Monday, December 21, 2020, at 10:00 p.m. local time
Features
- Explorer Pikachu will be appearing in the wild and in raids! If you’re lucky, you might encounter a Shiny Explorer Pikachu!
- If you take a snapshot during this time, you might see Jessie and James!
- During the Pokémon Spotlight Hour on Tuesday, December 15, 2020, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time, Explorer Pikachu will be appearing more frequently in the wild, and you’ll receive twice the Candy for catching Pokémon.
Date + Time
From Monday, December 14, 2020, at 8:00 a.m. to Thursday, December 17, 2020, at 10:00 p.m. local time
Features
- Hoothoot, Nuzleaf, Drilbur, Cottonee, Dwebble, and more will be appearing more frequently in the wild. If you’re lucky, you might encounter a Durant!
- Lickitung, Mawile, Flygon, Rufflet, and more will be appearing in Raid Battles.
- Igglybuff, Smoochum, Elekid, Magby, Bonsly, and Rufflet will be hatching from 5 km Eggs.
- If you’re lucky, you might even find a Shiny Rufflet!
Date + Time
Friday, December 25, 2020, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. local time
Features
- Jessie and James’s Meowth balloon will be appearing more frequently! Be sure to use this opportunity to challenge the duo.
Source: https://pokemongolive.com/post/movie2020/?hl=en
Pokémon Shirts, a collaboration between Pokémon and the online custom shirt brand Original Stitch, is now selling bandanas, which you can make by freely combining Pokémon patterns. It will be available for purchase from November 20th, 2020 at 14:00. The bandana is available in 151 Pokémon pattern designs from "Pocket Monsters Red and Green". It is recommended as a fashion item to accentuate your outfit, but also as a handkerchief! Prices start at 1,800 yen (excluding tax) and shipping costs are not included. Images from the bandana line have been added to an Imageboard thread.
How to buy a bandana!
(1) Visit the official website of the "Pokémon Shirt" and go to the "Bandana" page!
(2) Choose and order your favorite design from the "Bandana" page!
Source: https://www.pokemon.co.jp/goods/2020/11/201120_da02.html
Pokémon the Movie: Coco Shirts
To commemorate the release of Pokémon the Movie: Coco, four Pokémon shirt patterns featuring: Zarude, Alternate Colored Celebi, Hoshigarisu, and Uu will become available. You can combine the patterns of these four Pokémon and existing ones by customizing a shirt. Be sure to go to see the movie with your Pokémon shirts this winter! The shirts will be on sale from 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 20th, 2020 until 23:59 p.m. on Sunday, February 28th, 2021. The Pokémon patterns commemorating the release of Pokémon the Movie: Coco may be re-released after the sales period. Images from the shirt line have been added to an Imageboard thread.
Hoshigarisu and Yokubarisu Mask Promotion
Starting on November 20th, 2020 at 14:00, a campaign where patrons can get a mask in which they can pretend to be Hoshigarisu or Yokubarisu will be given to those who have ordered a shirt or polo shirt at the Pokémon Shirt store. Order one shirt and you'll get a Hoshigarisu mask, or order two shirts together and you'll get a Hoshigarisu and a Yokubarisu mask, for a total of two masks from this set. The present campaign is on a first-come, first-served basis and will end when all items are gone.
Source: https://www.pokemon.co.jp/goods/2020/11/201120_da01.html
Pikachu Sweets by Pokémon Cafe will have a new frappe from Saturday, December 5th, 2020 through Friday, January 15th, 2021! This time, it also comes with a special sleeve to commemorate the release of Pokémon the Movie: Coco!
Drinkable Pudding! Caramel Pika Pika Frappe - 700 yen (excluding tax)
飲めるプリン！？キャラメルピカピカフラッペ 700円（税抜）
It's like drinking pudding! Plenty of whipped cream, caramel sauce, and chocolate chips as an accent.
The Frappe comes with 1 of 4 random sleeve designs of Pikachu from the movie Pokémon the Movie: Coco! All designs are original to Pikachu Sweets by Pokémon Cafe!
Pokémon the Movie: Coco is a story featuring an unusual father and son, a Pokémon and a human. It is scheduled to be released in cinemas across Japan starting on Friday, December 25th, 2020! Special advance tickets are also on sale now.
Source: https://www.pokemoncenter-online.com/cafe/news/201120_01.html
Nov 17 2020
Pokémon: Twilight Wings - The Gathering of Stars
The eighth episode of the Pokémon: Twilight Wings was released in languages other than asian on Pokémon TV and YouTube on November 17th, 2020 after its premiere in Japan on November 5th, 2020. The episode is called The Gathering of Stars.
Pokémon: Twilight Wings—The Gathering of Stars, a special bonus episode of the limited animated series, is now available to watch on Pokémon TV and the official Pokémon YouTube channel. Previous episodes in the series followed the adventures of the people and Pokémon of the Galar region, and the production staff has reunited to continue the story with this new adventure.
In this new episode, Leon visits the Isle of Armor to meet up with his former mentor, Mustard. The Pokémon League Champion is looking for guidance as he plans to gather the best Trainers from across the Galar region to create a tournament unlike any that has been seen before.
Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/watch-pokemon-twilight-wings-the-gathering-of-stars-a-new-episode-in-the-series/
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbtybA7xT2M
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gZTN_hFuJc
Read the first in a series of interviews with the creative team behind this extraordinary animated series.
Pokémon: Twilight Wings, the recent limited animated series, provides a unique look into the lives of the people and Pokémon who reside in the Galar region. Taking a deeper look, we're talking to some of the minds behind the scenes to learn more about what inspired them when creating the series, which is now available to watch on Pokémon TV and the official Pokémon YouTube channel. To kick off this four-part series of interviews, we dive into the deep world of concept art and color scripts with illustrator Mizutamari Higashi.
Q: I understand you took the lead on concept art and color scripts for Pokémon: Twilight Wings. To begin, would you mind defining for us exactly what concept art and color scripts are, and how the two differ?
A: Concept art means pictures you draw to give concrete form to the mental images you see when you read—for example, a script or other text. People may get different mental images from the text, but concept art gets the whole production team on the same page with a clear goal to aim for. So, the better the concept art is, the better the final film will turn out.
Color scripts are blueprints for the artwork. They consist of a series of pictures drawn to show how the story should appear on-screen. They're often used to direct the colors or lighting of a scene, as the name suggests. Concept art and color scripts both require artistic ability and an understanding of how a story is directed. Both demand a lot of thought and are difficult but are also very worthwhile work!
Q: Your illustrations have a distinctively warm, somehow nostalgic touch. What concepts are important to you in your illustration work?
A: Thank you very much! A lot of things depend on the motif of what I'm drawing, but in general, I aim to express a sense of atmosphere. I've always wanted my drawings to express the smells, or the feeling of the breeze, of the scenery I grew up in, but I don't think I've been able to do that yet—not to mention that when I work, I get caught up with fulfilling the request at hand and tend to forget that basic desire... Still, if you feel nostalgia or warmth from my work, maybe I've been able to express what I wanted a little after all. That makes me very happy. Thank you very much.
Q: Did you know about Pokémon beforehand? Has it come up in your life in ways that left a lasting memory or impression? If so, please tell us about that.
A: Of course I knew about Pokémon. A French friend of mine once asked me, “Do you know this song?” and began humming a melody, but I had no idea what the song was. They told me, “C'mon, it's the Pokémon theme song!” But the melody wasn't from “Mezase Pokémon Master” [“Aim to Be a Pokémon Master,” the first opening theme song of Pokémon the Series in Japan]. That was when it hit me that the series had different theme songs in different countries! But we all loved Pokémon the same no matter which country we were in, and I remember feeling proud for some reason when my friend told me they had grown up watching Pokémon, too.
Q: I imagine you also had to create concept art for things that weren't featured in the games. What was on your mind during that process?
A: Since there was already a lovely story in place, I concentrated on finding the portrayals and designs that would express that story the best. I think I was in a very laid-back position since I already had a story and direction plans that made sense to me. I'm very fortunate to have been able to work on something under the title of Pokémon, and with this team.
Q: In one piece of concept art for Twilight Wings, we can see a Galarian townscape as well as John and Tommy talking. Can you tell us about any concepts or themes behind this?
A: When I create concept art, I feel it's crucial that the image captures the essence of the story. Since John and Tommy are original characters in Twilight Wings, they felt especially important to me. As I was drawing them, I hoped to convey this story about these kids in the hospital, and how far they could go—how far they could fly.
Q: Images from the color scripts also appear in the ending sequences of Twilight Wings episodes. Can you tell us if you have a favorite among those images—and if so, why?
A: I'm so glad they've even been used in the ending sequences! I think the one that's dearest to me is the image from Episode 4 of Nessa and Milotic midjump, because I think I was really able to celebrate Nessa with that one. I always hope to draw characters in a way that celebrates or encourages them.
Q: Are there any easy-to-miss details you'd like viewers to notice in the ending sequences, or behind-the-scenes anecdotes about the production process you'd like to share?
A: For the image from Episode 4 of Nessa in the waiting room, I wanted to depict a heavy atmosphere to convey Nessa feeling depressed, so I drew inspiration from a certain animated film—one that has heavy subject matter, but has earned a place in Japan's history.
Q: Can you tell us about any upcoming highlights you're looking forward to?
A: I'm obviously excited to see all the characters people know and love, but I'm really looking forward to seeing more of Twilight Wings' new characters, John and Tommy, and where their journey will lead them!
Q: Lastly, is there anything you'd like to say to fans of Twilight Wings and of Pokémon as a whole?
A: I'm truly grateful for my good fortune to have been involved with a work like this. As with other well-known works, the story of Twilight Wings has been imbued with multiple layers of meaning by Director [Shingo] Yamashita. I think you can watch it once and take pleasure in the animation, then delve deeper into the story's layers on second and third viewings, so I'd love it if you were all to watch Twilight Wings a number of times and experience it as deeply as you want. Thank you very much!
Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/meet-mizutamari-higashi-the-illustrator-behind-pokemon-twilight-wings/
Watch Pokémon: Twilight Wings—The Gathering of Stars, a New Episode in the Series
Leon visits the Isle of Armor as he plans to put together a special tournament in a new episode of the animated series.Pokémon: Twilight Wings—The Gathering of Stars, a special bonus episode of the limited animated series, is now available to watch on Pokémon TV and the official Pokémon YouTube channel. Previous episodes in the series followed the adventures of the people and Pokémon of the Galar region, and the production staff has reunited to continue the story with this new adventure.
In this new episode, Leon visits the Isle of Armor to meet up with his former mentor, Mustard. The Pokémon League Champion is looking for guidance as he plans to gather the best Trainers from across the Galar region to create a tournament unlike any that has been seen before.
Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/watch-pokemon-twilight-wings-the-gathering-of-stars-a-new-episode-in-the-series/
YouTube Clip - Pokémon: Twilight Wings | Episode 8 | The Gathering of Stars
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbtybA7xT2M
YouTube Clip - Pokémon: Twilight Wings Japanese | Episode 8 | (星の祭)
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gZTN_hFuJc
Meet Mizutamari Higashi, the Illustrator behind Pokémon: Twilight Wings
Read the first in a series of interviews with the creative team behind this extraordinary animated series.
Pokémon: Twilight Wings, the recent limited animated series, provides a unique look into the lives of the people and Pokémon who reside in the Galar region. Taking a deeper look, we're talking to some of the minds behind the scenes to learn more about what inspired them when creating the series, which is now available to watch on Pokémon TV and the official Pokémon YouTube channel. To kick off this four-part series of interviews, we dive into the deep world of concept art and color scripts with illustrator Mizutamari Higashi.
Q: I understand you took the lead on concept art and color scripts for Pokémon: Twilight Wings. To begin, would you mind defining for us exactly what concept art and color scripts are, and how the two differ?
A: Concept art means pictures you draw to give concrete form to the mental images you see when you read—for example, a script or other text. People may get different mental images from the text, but concept art gets the whole production team on the same page with a clear goal to aim for. So, the better the concept art is, the better the final film will turn out.
Color scripts are blueprints for the artwork. They consist of a series of pictures drawn to show how the story should appear on-screen. They're often used to direct the colors or lighting of a scene, as the name suggests. Concept art and color scripts both require artistic ability and an understanding of how a story is directed. Both demand a lot of thought and are difficult but are also very worthwhile work!
Q: Your illustrations have a distinctively warm, somehow nostalgic touch. What concepts are important to you in your illustration work?
A: Thank you very much! A lot of things depend on the motif of what I'm drawing, but in general, I aim to express a sense of atmosphere. I've always wanted my drawings to express the smells, or the feeling of the breeze, of the scenery I grew up in, but I don't think I've been able to do that yet—not to mention that when I work, I get caught up with fulfilling the request at hand and tend to forget that basic desire... Still, if you feel nostalgia or warmth from my work, maybe I've been able to express what I wanted a little after all. That makes me very happy. Thank you very much.
Q: Did you know about Pokémon beforehand? Has it come up in your life in ways that left a lasting memory or impression? If so, please tell us about that.
A: Of course I knew about Pokémon. A French friend of mine once asked me, “Do you know this song?” and began humming a melody, but I had no idea what the song was. They told me, “C'mon, it's the Pokémon theme song!” But the melody wasn't from “Mezase Pokémon Master” [“Aim to Be a Pokémon Master,” the first opening theme song of Pokémon the Series in Japan]. That was when it hit me that the series had different theme songs in different countries! But we all loved Pokémon the same no matter which country we were in, and I remember feeling proud for some reason when my friend told me they had grown up watching Pokémon, too.
Q: I imagine you also had to create concept art for things that weren't featured in the games. What was on your mind during that process?
A: Since there was already a lovely story in place, I concentrated on finding the portrayals and designs that would express that story the best. I think I was in a very laid-back position since I already had a story and direction plans that made sense to me. I'm very fortunate to have been able to work on something under the title of Pokémon, and with this team.
Q: In one piece of concept art for Twilight Wings, we can see a Galarian townscape as well as John and Tommy talking. Can you tell us about any concepts or themes behind this?
A: When I create concept art, I feel it's crucial that the image captures the essence of the story. Since John and Tommy are original characters in Twilight Wings, they felt especially important to me. As I was drawing them, I hoped to convey this story about these kids in the hospital, and how far they could go—how far they could fly.
Q: Images from the color scripts also appear in the ending sequences of Twilight Wings episodes. Can you tell us if you have a favorite among those images—and if so, why?
A: I'm so glad they've even been used in the ending sequences! I think the one that's dearest to me is the image from Episode 4 of Nessa and Milotic midjump, because I think I was really able to celebrate Nessa with that one. I always hope to draw characters in a way that celebrates or encourages them.
Q: Are there any easy-to-miss details you'd like viewers to notice in the ending sequences, or behind-the-scenes anecdotes about the production process you'd like to share?
A: For the image from Episode 4 of Nessa in the waiting room, I wanted to depict a heavy atmosphere to convey Nessa feeling depressed, so I drew inspiration from a certain animated film—one that has heavy subject matter, but has earned a place in Japan's history.
Q: Can you tell us about any upcoming highlights you're looking forward to?
A: I'm obviously excited to see all the characters people know and love, but I'm really looking forward to seeing more of Twilight Wings' new characters, John and Tommy, and where their journey will lead them!
Q: Lastly, is there anything you'd like to say to fans of Twilight Wings and of Pokémon as a whole?
A: I'm truly grateful for my good fortune to have been involved with a work like this. As with other well-known works, the story of Twilight Wings has been imbued with multiple layers of meaning by Director [Shingo] Yamashita. I think you can watch it once and take pleasure in the animation, then delve deeper into the story's layers on second and third viewings, so I'd love it if you were all to watch Twilight Wings a number of times and experience it as deeply as you want. Thank you very much!
About Mizutamari Higashi
Mizutamari Higashi is an illustrator, concept artist, and cartoonist who creates concept art and color scripts for many commercials and music videos.Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/meet-mizutamari-higashi-the-illustrator-behind-pokemon-twilight-wings/
Nov 13 2020
Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle
Today, The Pokémon Company International announced that the Mythical Pokémon Zarude will star in the next animated Pokémon film, “Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle,” and the latest Pokémon Trading Card Game expansion that launched today. It will also appear in the best-selling Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield video games through an upcoming distribution. High resolution images from the press release have been added to an Imageboard thread.
As the 23rd animated Pokémon film, “Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle” tells the story of Koko, a young boy raised by Pokémon, and the creation of a new bond between humans and Pokémon. Deep in the jungle, far from any human settlement, is the Forest of Okoya—a Pokémon paradise forbidden to outsiders and protected by a strict code of rules. In this jungle lives Koko, a human boy who has been raised as a Pokémon by the Mythical Pokémon Zarude. Koko has grown up never doubting that he is a Pokémon. But one day, a chance meeting with Ash and Pikachu leaves Koko with his first human friend. Is he truly a Pokémon? Or is he, in fact, a human? When danger threatens the Forest of Okoya, the bonds between Pokémon and human—as well as the love between parent and child—will be put to the test.
Sword & Shield—Vivid Voltage also introduces an all-new kind of card called Amazing Pokémon, which features Legendary or Mythical Pokémon illustrated with vividly rainbow backgrounds that extend outside of the frame, as well as foil, etched details and a special rarity symbol. The full expansion includes six Amazing Pokémon; six Pokémon VMAX, including Pikachu VMAX, Orbeetle VMAX, and Coalossal VMAX shown in their Gigantamax forms; 11 Pokémon V plus 13 full-art Pokémon V; and more.
Type: Dark/Grass
Level: 60
Ability: Leaf Guard
Moves: Close Combat, Power Whip, Swagger, Snarl
UK - GAME Stores
Germany - Gamestop - In-Store now, Online from December 1st
Austria, Switzerland - Gamestop
Italy - Gamestop Online Store
Spain - GAME retail, Online Store
Belgium, Netherlands - GameMania
France - Micromania - Sign up on their website to get a code
Portugal - FNAC Stores
Sweden - Through Spelochsant or Webhallen's online portal
Ireland - Gamestop Website
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfDP4V6_gmA
“Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle” Trailer Revealed
The Pokémon Company International unveiled the newest animated film based on the beloved Pokémon franchise, “Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle,” coming to fans around the world in 2021. Trainers can watch the official trailer for “Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle” on the Pokémon YouTube channel.
As the 23rd animated Pokémon film, “Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle” tells the story of Koko, a young boy raised by Pokémon, and the creation of a new bond between humans and Pokémon. Deep in the jungle, far from any human settlement, is the Forest of Okoya—a Pokémon paradise forbidden to outsiders and protected by a strict code of rules. In this jungle lives Koko, a human boy who has been raised as a Pokémon by the Mythical Pokémon Zarude. Koko has grown up never doubting that he is a Pokémon. But one day, a chance meeting with Ash and Pikachu leaves Koko with his first human friend. Is he truly a Pokémon? Or is he, in fact, a human? When danger threatens the Forest of Okoya, the bonds between Pokémon and human—as well as the love between parent and child—will be put to the test.
New Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield—Vivid Voltage Expansion Released
Zarude will also make its debut in the Pokémon TCG in the latest expansion, Sword & Shield—Vivid Voltage, from The Pokémon Company International. The set is now available at participating retailers worldwide, including Pokémon Center, the premier destination for official, high-quality Pokémon merchandise in the US and Canada.Sword & Shield—Vivid Voltage also introduces an all-new kind of card called Amazing Pokémon, which features Legendary or Mythical Pokémon illustrated with vividly rainbow backgrounds that extend outside of the frame, as well as foil, etched details and a special rarity symbol. The full expansion includes six Amazing Pokémon; six Pokémon VMAX, including Pikachu VMAX, Orbeetle VMAX, and Coalossal VMAX shown in their Gigantamax forms; 11 Pokémon V plus 13 full-art Pokémon V; and more.
Video Game Distribution Featuring Zarude Coming Soon
In further celebration of Zarude’s appearance in “Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle” and the Pokémon TCG, Trainers will be able to receive Zarude in their Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield game by signing up for Pokémon Trainer Club email notifications by November 20, 2020. Trainers who register in this way will receive a Pokémon Trainer Club email containing a distribution code for Zarude on December 11, 2020.Type: Dark/Grass
Level: 60
Ability: Leaf Guard
Moves: Close Combat, Power Whip, Swagger, Snarl
How to get Zarude by Country:
US, Canada, Australia, & Latin America - Through the Pokémon Trainers Club Newsletter. Sign up by November 20th, 2020 to receive it in December 2020.UK - GAME Stores
Germany - Gamestop - In-Store now, Online from December 1st
Austria, Switzerland - Gamestop
Italy - Gamestop Online Store
Spain - GAME retail, Online Store
Belgium, Netherlands - GameMania
France - Micromania - Sign up on their website to get a code
Portugal - FNAC Stores
Sweden - Through Spelochsant or Webhallen's online portal
Ireland - Gamestop Website
YouTube Clip - Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle Trailer
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfDP4V6_gmA
Known as a big fan of Pokémon, and responsible for both the opening and ending theme of the TV anime "Pokémon Sun & Moon", Taiiku Okazaki produced the theme song for the film version of the anime for the first time in his career. Pokémon the Movie: Coco, will be released on December 25th and for the first time in the history of Pokémon movies, it will be released in the winter. The Pokémon movies are now it their 23rd year.
Taiiku Okazaki produced the main theme and all six theme songs for the film. It's the first time for a Pokémon movie to use multiple songs by a single artist in a film. Some of the songs written by Taiiku Okazaki for this film feature famous artists as vocalists who he believes are appropriate for the scenes in the film.
In addition to his own songs, Tortoise Matsumoto and other splendid artists will participate in the main theme Really Mysterious Creatures. Also, four of the theme songs from the TV anime "Pocket Monsters Sun & Moon" are included as bonus tracks. Notebook of the Heart and Your Adventure are available on CD for the first time!
CD Details: Pocket Monsters the Movie Coco Theme Song Collection [Regular Edition]
CD+DVD Details: Pocket Monsters the Movie Coco Theme Song Collection [First Press Limited Edition with DVD]
Artists of Coco:
All the artists participating in the film's music production and the artist singing the opening and ending themes have been revealed! The opening theme "Coco", which shows Zarude's joy at Coco's growth, is sung by Beverly, a singer-songwriter from the Philippines. After starting her career in Japan in 2017, Beverly, who has been involved in many drama theme songs and commercial songs since she started her career in 2017, colors the opening of the film with her amazing voice!The ending theme "I'm Home, Welcome Back" is sung by Kaela Kimura (木村カエラ), who has the ability to sing in a wide range of genres from pop to rock, and she continues to capture the hearts of her fans with her high message. The ending, which is sung with a clear singing voice this time, protrays with the love between mother and child which is depicted in the film.
The director of the film, Tetsuo Yajima, wrote the lyrics for the film himself and SiNRiN will sing the theme song "Song of the Law" and the "Hum of the Forest", will be performed by the Hino City Tokyo Nanamidori Public Elementary School Choir (東京都日野市立七生緑小学校合唱団), which has won the gold medal for seven consecutive years in the "NHK National School Music Competition for Elementary School Students". They have also provided beautiful harmonies for TV series, and other performances.
A complete collaboration CD album featuring the songs from the movie, will be released on December 23rd, 2020!
Song List:
1. Song of the Law featuring vocalist by SiNRiN2. Coco (OP theme) featuring vocalist by Beverly
3. Show Window featuring vocalist Taiiku Okazaki
4. Hum of the Forest featuring the Hino City Tokyo Nanamidori Public Elementary School Choir
5. Really Mysterious Creatures (Main Theme) featuring vocalist Tortoise Matsumoto
6. I'm Home, Welcome Back (ED theme) featuring vocalist Kaela Kimura
Comments:
Okazaki Physical Education (岡崎体育) - "I was a boy who loved Pokémon and I was excitedly watching "Mewtwo Strikes Back" at the movie theater with my school friends. More than 20 years have passed and that boy who loves Pokémon, realized that he was now involved and working on the movie. There was a lot of pressure and anguish, but the joy of working with director Yajima and the other wonderful staff and artists always pushed me forward. I hope that in the future, some of the children who see this film will have the same amazing experience that I had."岡崎体育 - 学校の友達と映画館で『ミュウツーの逆襲』をワクワクしながら観てたポケモン大好き少年の僕。 20年以上の時が経ち、ポケモン大好き少年は気がつくと映画に携わる側になるというふしぎな体験をしています。 プレッシャーや苦悩もありましたが、矢嶋監督をはじめ、 素晴らしいスタッフやアーティストの方々と一緒に作品を作っているという喜びがいつも僕の背中を押してくれました。 将来、この映画を観た子どもたちの中に、僕みたいなふしぎな体験をする子がいてくれることを願って。
Kaela Kimura (木村カエラ) - "The song "I'm Home, Welcome Back" was written by Okazaki and it is a really warm and gentle song. When I was recording it, my heart was racing and I cried. 'Okazaki-kun is a guy, but he's amazing.' I thought. Also, this is the ending song for my favorite Pokémon movie. I'm happy, very happy. Thank you very much. I'm looking forward to seeing it at the movie theater with my kids."
木村カエラ - 岡崎くんが作ってくれた、"ただいまとおかえり"は、本当に暖かくて優しい曲です。 レコーディングの時、心が震えて泣いてしまいました。岡崎くんは男の人なのに、すごいね。って本当に思いました。 そして、大好きなポケモンの映画のエンディング曲。うれしくてうれしくて。本当にありがとうございます。 私も映画館で子ども達と一緒に観れるの楽しみです。
Tortoise Matsumoto (トータス松本) - "I've always thought of Taiiku Okazaki as interesting. So when he asked me to sing for him, I immediately accepted. Then I found out that it was a song for Pokémon, and it made me happy. I went to the studio and tried my best to live up to Mr. Okazaki's expectations, thinking, "Oh, I see, that's why you called me here." I think all the fathers in the world will be brought to tears by Mr. Okazaki."
トータス松本（ウルフルズ） - 岡崎体育君は前からおもしろいと思っていた。 だから、歌ってくれと頼まれてすぐ引き受けた。そしたらポケモンの、グッとくる歌だった。そうかなるほど、おれを呼んでくれたのはそういう訳だったのかと、張り切ってスタジオへ行って、なるべく岡崎君の期待に添えるように頑張った。世のお父ちゃんはみんな、岡崎君に泣かされると思います。
Beverly - "When I was a kid, my family would watch Pokémon together over breakfast to start the day. Everyone in my family loved Pokémon, and it was the anime that inspired me to learn about Japanese entertainment. So when I got this offer, my heart was filled with emotion. I'm happy to give back by singing a song for the Pokémon anime which help teach me about Japanese culture. With that in mind, I'm doing my best to sing the opening theme song "Coco" written and composed by Physical Education Okazaki, so please look forward to it!"
Beverly - 子供の頃、朝ごはんをたべながら家族揃ってポケモンを見て、1日が始まりました。 家族みんなポケモンが大好きで、私が日本のエンタテインメントを知るきっかけとなった、本当に身近に感じられるアニメでした。 なので、このお話をいただいたとき、嬉しさ以上に感動で心がいっぱいになりました。 私に日本の文化を教えてくれたアニメポケモンの曲を歌うことで、恩返しできたら嬉しいです。 今回、大好きな岡崎体育さんに作詞作曲していただいたオープニングテーマ「ココ」をそんな気持ちで精一杯歌ってますので、ぜひ楽しみにしていてください！
Source: https://www.pokemon-movie.jp/song/
In celebration of the airtime moving to every Friday night at 6:55pm, the Pokémon anime has decided to have three weeks of spectacular cast members as voice actors starting Friday, November 20th, 2020! In the first week, Masachika Ichimura (市村正親) gives a passionate performance as Mewtwo, the most powerful Pokémon in the world! Week 2 will feature 3ji no Heroine (3時のヒロイン) and week 3 will feature Chidori (千鳥)!
Also, a new key visual was also released for the first time today, foreshadowing the hot battles between the evolved Lucario, Aceburn, and other Pokémon! Stay tuned for the TV anime Pocket Monsters, which will continue to gain more and more momentum after moving to Friday!
Source: https://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/pocketmonster/news/index.html#222584
Week 1 - November 20th, 2020
November 20th, 2020 episode "Battling & Getting! Mewtwo Comes Back" sees Mewtwo, the Pokémon referred to as "the strongest", finally make its appearance in the Pokémon TV series. The episode is set after the first movie, "Pocket Monsters: Mewtwo Strikes Back", and involves protagonists Satoshi and Go arriving on an island in the faraway seas in search of Mew... though it's not Mew they encounter at the end of their adventure, but Mewtwo. Mewtwo asks the two something, and Satoshi and Go start a battle before Mewtwo with their "dreams" at stake.
Comment from Ichimura:
"I have played many different roles throughout my career as an actor, but among those, the "Mewtwo" role is the one that truly lives within me, the one I think of as all me. So I feel that when I was recording this episode, I was able to not just act, but to actually stand there, as Mewtwo, facing Satoshi and Go. Many children became fans of Mewtwo when Mewtwo appeared in the movie "Mewtwo Strikes Back", which premiered 23 years ago, and then children of the Reiwa era became fans of Mewtwo thanks to last year's "Mewtwo Strikes Back Evolution". Those children that watched Mewtwo make its original animated debut together way back then may be parents with children of their own now. I hope we'll be able to give those parents watching alongside their children a truly touching moment to enjoy."Week 2 and 3 - Friday, November 27th, 2020 and Friday, December 4th, 2020
In addition, the popular comedian group 3ji no Heroine will appear in the second week of the show, on the Friday, November 27th, 2020 episode Pokémon Champion! The Battle of Big Eaters!!. Almost Pikachu Crisis! will be broadcast in the third week on Friday, December 4th, 2020 and will feature two guest voice actors from Chidori! We'll be announcing what role they'll be playing at a later date, so stay tuned!
Also, a new key visual was also released for the first time today, foreshadowing the hot battles between the evolved Lucario, Aceburn, and other Pokémon! Stay tuned for the TV anime Pocket Monsters, which will continue to gain more and more momentum after moving to Friday!
Source: https://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/pocketmonster/news/index.html#222584
The 33rd Tokyo International Film Festival, which is currently being held from October 31st, 2020 to November 9th, 2020, has a special Japanese Animation section. Pokémon the Movie: Everyone's Story was the 21st Pokémon film and it was released in 2018. A screening of the movie was held on November 4th, 2020, at TOHO Cinemas Roppongi Hills in Tokyo, where director Tetsuo Yajima and guest voice actors Shoko Nakagawa took to the stage. Pictures taken at this event have been added to an Imageboard thread.
Yajima is also working on the latest film "Pokémon the Movie: Coco", and the latter half of the event was focused on Coco. "I'm working on it right now," Yajima confessed. Nakagawa, who is a regular guest voice actor in the movie series, also appears in Coco, and she said, "The release date (of the film) went from summer to winter, but you've been working on it all along! That much quality!?"
He was amazed and said, "It's really is love, isn't it? It's not just about work, it's beyond work. For the sake of Pokémon, we're losing ...... HP, you keep going even if you're losing HP, right? I'm going to keep working to make something that I'm happy with until I deliver it to you all." said a passionate Yajima, who was concerned about his health.
Animation critic Ryota Fujitsu, asked him about the theme of Coco. Yajima replied, "When I wondered if there was something I could draw as a director, my son's face came to my mind. If I could depict it, I think it would be the love between a parent and a child, so I made the suggestion. My view of life has changed quite a bit because of my son. I thought if I could share that with you all, it would make this story even more moving, so we made this film."
Shoko Nakagawa, is a "Pokémon native (ポケモンネイティブ)" of the same generation as director Yajima, and also has a "love for Pokémon". She said, "In preparation for the release of "Coco," Satoshi was saying 'Pokémon in summer!' as it's a summer tradition (for the Pokémon movies to release), but for the first time it will be a winter release, so it's a big Pokémon Christmas present. I think it's because we're in such dark times that we can find so-called beacons of light like the kind in the Coco movie!"
Source: https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/52574970ea8ca7195c7ecd4d40a85b3c5bf2c0d8
The 33rd Tokyo International Film Festival, which is currently being held from October 31st, 2020 to November 9th, 2020, has a special Japanese Animation section. Mewtwo Strikes Back was the first Pokémon film and it was released in 1998. A screening of the movie was held on November 1st, 2020, at TOHO Cinemas Roppongi Hills in Tokyo, where director Kunihiko Yuyama, Rica Matsumoto, who plays Satoshi, and executive producer Masakazu Kubo took to the stage. Pictures taken at this event have been added to an Imageboard thread.
Director Yuyama expressed his gratitude by saying, "I'm really happy that so many people will be able to see this film on the big screen" and Rica Matsumoto said Satoshi's signature line, "Get it!".
The segment was moderated by Ryota Fujitsu, a programming advisor for the Japanese Animation Division. Rica Matsumoto recalled the time when a film adaptation was decided upon, "All the cast members in the studio were going 'Yeah!' I remember that I was delighted." At the press conference held at that time, Matsumoto recalled that, "I was excited that everyone was expecting me." Fujitsu then asked if she was under a lot of pressure to which she replied that, "There were a lot of great people on the staff and the cast, and I felt like we were all looking at it the same way, like, 'We're going to make something good.' So it was exciting!" she said with a smile.
On the other hand, "We were feeling the pressure". Kubo said. Kubo said that he already had the idea of making a film in April 1997 when the TV anime started, "Looking back, I wanted to develop characters who would be loved for a long time, and for that reason, I thought a film was essential."
According to Director Yuyama, Mewtwo Strikes Back developed from the idea of how to portray Mewtwo in the most appealing way. Because of Mewtwo's background, the film deals with themes such as "What is life?" and "What is the relationship between humans and Pokémon?"
Director Yuyama said, "I remember the screenwriter, Takeshi Suto, saying questions like 'Who am I?' and 'How big is the universe?'" These were questions that children have, and he noted that they weren't difficult themes for children.
And now, it has been 23 years since the anime Pocket Monsters started broadcasting. When asked what she is most careful about when continuing to work on the series, Matsumoto said, "I record every week as Satoshi, but I always go into the studio with the feeling that 'Today is the first time'."
When asked why Pokémon remains so beloved, Yuyama said, "When I was in elementary school, I used to catch bugs and frogs in the fields, so when I played Pokémon, I had a nostalgic feeling. When I first encountered the game, I thought it had everything a child would like. The appeal of the game is that it has all the elements you experienced as a child and that has been recreated in Pokémon, and that's what makes it such a great adventure."
Matsumoto responded to the appeal of Pokémon: "You won't be alone. There's a place where children and adults can call home. If you feel lonely, you'll be happy if you watch 'Pokémon'. Lastly, the audience talked about "Pokémon Coco the Movie" which will be released in December. Matsumoto said, "You should definitely see it!" Kubo said, "I think it's a movie that shows that we have carefully protected and nurtured what we cherish. I'd appreciate it if you could come to the movie" he said, adding that he was looking forward to the future of "Pokémon".
Sources: https://2020.tiff-jp.net/ja/lineup/film/3306ANM01, https://natalie.mu/comic/news/403109 and https://news.mynavi.jp/article/20201101-1448097/
YouTube Clip - 33rd Tokyo International Film Festival - Mewtwo Strikes Back - Trailer
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxRr72iJbYo
