Phil Rynda has announced on his LinkedIn profile that he has joined The Pokémon Company International as Director of Original Animation and that new animated films, series, and short will be part of his job.

Phil Rynda on LinkedIn:

I'm thrilled to have joined The Pokémon Company International as Director of Original Animation. I can't wait to explore the amazing characters and worlds of Pokémon through animated films, series, and short form. Woo!

Source: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7061430884658249728/

The 12th Pocket Monsters movie Arceus - Towards the Continuum of Conquest is being re-released in theaters nationwide in South Korea starting on May 31st, 2023. A number of theater gifts will be distributed to promote the movie showing. The serial codes can be used in Pokémon Scarlet or Violet.


The first week, a total of three gifts will be distributed including: a serial code for a Pikachu Colored Pichu, the promo card Arceus V, and a special gift for Pokémon GO featuring 10x Poké Balls and 5x Great Balls. In the second week, starting on June 10th, 2023, a special Arceus Pokémon Ga-olé disk will be distributed, which features the Mythical Pokémon Arceus from the movie. The movie title logo will be on the label of the disk.

To promote the release of the movie, another serial code for a Bronzong based upon the one used by Marcus will also be distributed to those that spend at least 60,000 won in merchandise at the Pokémon Store Online. The codes will be available starting on April 28th, 2023 at 18:00 until they run out.

YouTube Clip - Movie Trailer

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZHdWRDTLpw

Pikachu Colored Pichu:

OT: Michina (미케나)
Moves: Charge, Endure, Volt Tackle, Helping Hand
Level: 30
Held Item: Everstone

Bronzong:

OT: Gishin
Moves: Flash Cannon, Gyro Ball, Psychic, Hypnosis
Level: 50

Sources: https://pokemonkorea.co.kr/2023_M12/menu294 and https://www.facebook.com/PokemonCoKr/

The Pokémon Company International won the 2023 People's Voice Video Animation Webby Award for the animated series Pokémon: Hisuian Snow. The award was announced on April 25th, 2023.

Pokémon: Hisuian Snow tells the story of a boy named Alec and his encounter with a Hisuian Zorua. When he was younger, Alec's father taught him that people and Pokémon cannot live together. But Alec's interactions with the Zorua might offer a different lesson.

Source: https://winners.webbyawards.com/2023/video/video-series-channels/animation/246638/pokmon-hisuian-snow-animated-series

Sarah Natochenny won the Audience Webby Award in the Social Media - Celebrity/Fan category for her My Pokémon Journey retrospective video about her time as Ash Ketchum in the English anime dub. As of the award announcement date, April 25th, 2023, the video has 2.9 million views and close to 500K likes on TikTok.

Sources: https://twitter.com/sarahnatochenny/status/1650866872437334016 and https://discord.com/channels/270410630496911361/270410630496911361/1100465074889564273

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The Pokémon Company group revealed today that Trainers will be able to uncover the mystery behind a newly discovered Pokémon found in The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, the upcoming downloadable content for the Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet video game. A newly discovered Pokémon will also appear in the latest animated series, “Pokémon Horizons: The Series,” which recently premiered in Japan before its release around the world starting later this year.

MYSTERIOUS NEWLY DISCOVERED POKÉMON TO DEBUT SOON

​​​​​​​Get ready to meet more Pokémon beyond the borders of the Paldea region

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Who’s That Pokémon?! This unknown Pokémon is reminiscent of the Legendary Pokémon Terapagos, but its name and true nature are shrouded in mystery. It is small in stature and not particularly strong, but when push comes to shove, it can crystallize the energy in its body to form a protective shield. Apparently, it can also assume a dormant state when it feels that its life is in danger by pulling its head, limbs, and tail into its shell and making itself look like a jewel.​

In The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, players will leave the Paldea region and be able to delve deeper into the world of Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet.

New Animated Series Offers Tease of Mysterious Pokémon
The recent premiere of “Pokémon Horizons: The Series” in Japan offered a sneak peek at the newly discovered Pokémon. In the animated series, Liko, one of the protagonists, carries a mysterious pendant that is seen transforming into this Pokémon. The Pokémon then reverts immediately after it protects Liko from danger.

Debuting outside Japan starting in 2023, “Pokémon Horizons: The Series” is a new Pokémon animated series that will follow a never-before-seen storyline and characters, including dual protagonists Liko and Roy, as they uncover various mysteries of the Pokémon world, such as the fascinating secrets surrounding this newly discovered Pokémon.

There are over 1,000 Pokémon out there, and with so many wonderful potential partners, it’s fun to take time to focus on one Pokémon to celebrate it and appreciate the joy it brings to the Pokémon world. Today, that honor falls on Lechonk, the lovable Hog Pokémon originally discovered in the Paldea region from the Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet games. See Lechonk in action in the video above, then make sure to check out these other fun appearances the little Pokémon is making as we Discover Pokémon Together.

YouTube Clip - Discover Pokémon Together: Lechonk

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJSV8Jisrus

POKÉMON SPOTLIGHTS LECHONK WITH NEW MERCHANDISE AND EXPERIENCES AS PART OF “POKÉMON TOGETHER” CELEBRATION

As part of its yearlong brand campaign, The Pokémon Company International is giving Trainers around the world another way to “Pokémon Together” by spotlighting various Pokémon throughout 2023, inviting the community to discover and learn more about unique Pokémon across the franchise. The first “Discover Pokémon Together” program kicks off today and features the Normal-type Pokémon Lechonk, which was introduced in the hit Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet video games.

In celebration of “Discover Pokémon Together: Lechonk,” The Pokémon Company International released a new video highlighting the endearing Pokémon’s gourmand sensibilities as it searches for Berries in its natural environment. Fans can learn more about Lechonk here.

In addition, Trainers can discover Lechonk through a variety of product offerings and in-game events beginning today and continuing through April 2023.

Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet Expansion Released with Celebratory Promotions

Trainers will have the opportunity to discover Lechonk by playing the newest expansion for the best-selling Pokémon TCG, Scarlet & Violet, available beginning today in booster packs, Elite Trainer Boxes, and special collections at participating retailers worldwide, including Pokémon Center in the U.S., Canada, and the UK. Inspired by the Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet video games, the new expansion adopts an updated take on Pokémon ex, a gameplay mechanic featuring Pokémon with high HP as well as powerful attacks and Abilities, and introduces Tera Pokémon ex to the Pokémon TCG.

To celebrate the launch of the Scarlet & Violet expansion, from 31 March 2023 to 8 June 2023, subject to availability and while stocks last, Trainers in the UK will have the opportunity to obtain a promo card featuring Lechonk at participating retailers.


Furthermore, Trainers can add a Flying–Tera Type Lechonk to their Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet game by picking up a download code from GAME in the UK. Download codes will be available in-store and online while supplies last.

Pokémon Center Launches Lechonk-inspired Merchandise Collection

Fans can display their love for Lechonk with a new collection of Lechonk-inspired apparel and accessories, available now only at Pokémon Center, the premier online destination for official Pokémon merchandise in the U.S., Canada, and the UK. The collection includes shirts, hats, pins, plush and a Pokémon TCG playmat featuring Lechonk in its natural habitat while eating the most fragrant wild grasses and the richest Berries. In addition, all qualifying Pokémon Center purchases of £50.00 or more will receive a special Lechonk promo card while supplies last.

Lechonk-themed Activities in Pokémon UNITE

To discover Lechonk in Pokémon UNITE, players can throw a Berry among Lechonk to receive a Lechonk-themed frame, stickers, and other items at no cost from March 31, 2023, at 1:00 a.m. BST to April 18, 2023, at 1:00 a.m. BST.

Celebratory Animation Channel Available Now on Pokémon TV

In honor of Lechonk’s love of the richest berries, Trainers can find a special channel on Pokémon TV featuring episodes of the Pokémon animated series that spotlight Pokémon berries. Episodes are streaming from now until April 14 on the Pokémon TV app, available for mobile devices and the Nintendo Switch™ system, and at watch.pokemon.com.

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/discover-pokemon-together-lechonk

The final episode (episode 11) of Pocket Monsters: Mezase Pokémon Master, the anime that depicted the final chapter in the story of Satoshi and Pikachu, aired on March 24th, 2023. It's been decided to show the 1 hour music special "Pocket Monsters Anime Music Festival" on the 31st in order to commemorate the closing of the curtains on the 26 year long history of Satoshi and Pikachu's story since the series started airing in April 1997.

The music special will be an hour of raising the roof with Pokémon and music, where the extravagant artists that have sung theme songs in the past will be appearing in the studio one after another. In addition, the opening theme of the new series starting April 14th will be unveiled.


The singers appearing in the special will be Fumie Akiyoshi, asmi, After the Rain, Hiromi Iwasaki, Taiiku Okazaki, Shoko Nakagawa, Asuca Hayashi, Rica Matsumoto and ЯeaL. Guests will be Yuki Iwai (from Haraichi), Ken Koga, Nagisa Saito, Chinozo, the Tosa Brothers, Toshiya Miyata (from Kis-My-Ft2) and Yuriyan Retriever. It will be hosted by Kotaro Koizumi and Rika Adachi.


In addition, the opening theme for the new series, "Dokimeki Diary (asmi feat. Chinozo)" will be sung by asmi and produced by the unparalleled creator Chinozo, who's active in the online scene. This is a song that depicts Liko's adventurous spirit through pop music, made by a special unit created specifically for this show.

『ポケモン』音楽祭が31日放送 松本梨香、岩崎宏美…歴代歌手が続々登場

　サトシとピカチュウの物語の最終章を描いたアニメ『ポケットモンスターめざせポケモンマスター』（テレビ東京系 毎週金曜 後6：55～）最終回（11話）が24日に放送された。1997年4月のシリーズ放送開始から、サトシとピカチュウの物語が26年の歴史に幕を下ろしたことを記念して、31日に音楽特番『アニメポケットモンスター 音楽祭』が1時間放送されることが決定した。

音楽特番は、ポケモンと音楽で盛り上がる1時間となり、スタジオには、これまでのテーマソングを歌う豪華アーティストたちが続々登場。さらに、4月14日放送スタートの新シリーズのオープニングテーマもお披露目される。

出演歌手は、あきよしふみえ、asmi、 After the Rain、岩崎宏美、岡崎体育、中川翔子、林明日香、松本梨香、ЯeaL、ゲストは岩井勇気(ハライチ)、こがけん、齊藤なぎさ、Chinozo、土佐兄弟、宮田俊哉 (Kis-My-Ft2)、ゆりやんレトリィバァ。MCは小泉孝太郎、足立梨花が務める。

なお、新シリーズのオープニングテーマ『「ドキメキダイアリー」 asmi feat.Chinozo』を歌うのはasmi、プロデュースするのはネットシーンで活躍する稀代のクリエイター・Chinozo。本作の為に結成されたスペシャルユニットが贈る、リコの冒険心をポップに描いた楽曲に仕上がっている。

New information on the new series of the popular anime Pocket Monsters (airs on the TV Tokyo Network every Friday at 6:55pm, officially abbreviated "Anipoke"), which will be broadcast starting with a 1 hour special on April 14th, 2023, has been revealed.


In a newly released trailer, we can see Liko and Nyahoja's meeting and battle scenes, as well as our first look at how the mysterious pendant related to Liko shines. In addition, we learned the objective of Pokémon Professor Friede and Captain Pikachu's Rising Volt Tacklers, as well as the dream of Roy, the other protagonist holding a strange monster ball, and got to see Hogator in action for the first time.

We could also see the Duckling Pokémon Kuwassu standing next to the popular online streamer Gurumin, as well as a tense scene showing Amethyo's Explorers closing in on Liko's pendant.

The opening theme was also revealed for the first time: "Dokimeki Diary (asmi feat. Chinozo)" will be sung by asmi and produced by the unparalleled creator Chinozo, who's active in the online scene. This is a song that depicts Liko's adventurous spirit through pop music, made by a special unit created specifically for this show.

YouTube Clip - New Series Trailer 2

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KdHc6Pi9nE


A comment from asmi:
When I think back to when I was in elementary school, when I had the anime, the video games and the plushies, yearning after a world filled with Pokémon, I can't think of a more gratifying future than the one I now have. Day by day, the slight anxiety I got when it was decided I would sing the theme song is gradually turning into confidence. And now, I'm convinced the only person that can sing this song is the person I am now, the one that can continue on, anxiety and all! It's a great pleasure to accompany you as we begin this new Pokémon anime story.
I sang this song with all my might so that it could give you a supportive push with a "Daijobu! Itterasshai!" whenever you get cold feet from here on. I want you all to believe in yourselves and enthusiastically set off on a journey, having a good sense of "Dokidoki" and "Tokimeki", words describing hearts pounding with excitement. May Dokimeki Diary forever resound in your ears!

A comment from Chinozo:
Hello. My name is Chinozo, and I'm the one who made the opening for the new Pokémon anime. Dokimeki Diary is a song that I filled, in my own way, with the utmost love for this series. I've loved Pokémon since I was little, and it still feels like a dream that they approached me about a theme song for it.
I really love each and every one of the Pokémon theme songs and can't put a number to how many lives they have saved. It's a true honor to get to work on a franchise I'm this emotionally attached to. Please enjoy the new Pokémon anime series!

Press Release (Japanese):

テレビ東京系で毎週金曜よる6時55分から放送中のテレビアニメ「ポケットモンスター」は、少女・リコと少年・ロイをW主人公として新シリーズ「ポケットモンスター」を4月14日（金）に1時間スペシャルで放送スタート。不思議で広大な「ポケットモンスター」の世界に飛び込むリコとロイの冒険を予感させる最新映像を初公開しました！

本日公開した映像では、リコとニャオハの出会いやバトルシーンのほか、リコと関係があるという不思議なペンダントが光り輝く瞬間を初公開！　また、ポケモン博士・フリードとキャプテンピカチュウ率いるライジングボルテッカーズの目的や、「謎のモンスターボール」を手にするもう一人の主人公・ロイの夢も明かされ、動くホゲータの姿も初お披露となりました。さらに、人気動画配信者の「ぐるみん」の側には、「こがもポケモン」のクワッスの姿が！　そして、アメジオ率いるエクスプローラーズがリコの持つペンダントに迫る緊張感漂うシーンも描かれ、怒涛の展開に目が離せません！

また、オープニングテーマも本日初公開！『「ドキメキダイアリー」 asmi
feat.Chinozo』を歌うのはasmi、プロデュースするのはネットシーンで活躍する稀代のクリエイター・Chinozo。本作の為に結成されたスペシャルユニットが贈る、リコの冒険心をポップに描いた楽曲に是非ご注目ください！　その他、物語に登場するキャラクターやポケモンたちの新情報も解禁！　続報は今後のテレビアニメ「ポケットモンスター」をご覧ください。

asmiさん＆Chinozoさんからコメント到着！

asmiasmi
アニメにゲームにぬいぐるみ。ポケモンのいる世界に憧れていた小学生の頃を思うと、こんなに悦ばしい未来はありません。 主題歌を歌うことが決まった当初に漠然と抱いていた不安は、日に日に自信に繋がることとなりました。今ではこの曲を歌えるのは、抱えた不安ごと歩みを進めていける今の自分しかいないという確信となっています。アニポケの新しい物語にご一緒出来ること、心から嬉しく思います。
これから始まる何かに足がすくむとき、この曲が「大丈夫！いってらっしゃい！」と背中を押せるように全力で歌いました。 ''ドキドキ''と''ときめき''に敏感に、自分を信じて張り切って旅に出てほしいと思っています。そこにいつもドキメキダイアリーが鳴っていますように！

Chinozo
初めまして。このたびポケモン新アニメのオープニングを作らせていただきました、Chinozoと申します。「ドキメキダイアリー」、自分なりに本作品への最大限の想いを込めて書かせていただいた楽曲です。 小さい頃から大好きだったポケモン、さらにその主題歌のお話をいただいたことを今だに夢のように感じています。
ポケモンの主題歌がどれも本当に好きで、どれくらい人生を救われたか数え切れません。それくらい自分にとって思い入れがあり、そんな作品に携わらせていただき、本当に光栄です。 ポケモンアニメ新シリーズ、よろしくお願いします！

Today, The Pokémon Company International unveiled the official title and logo of the upcoming Pokémon animated series, “Pokémon Horizons: The Series,” premiering around the world in 2023 and beyond. Set sail for a new journey in Pokémon Horizons: The Series! Follow Liko and Roy as they unravel the mysteries that surround them and encounter Friede, Captain Pikachu, Amethio, and others during their exciting adventures! High resolution artwork from the press release has been added to an Imageboard thread.

YouTube Clip - Pokémon Horizons: The Series | Official Trailer

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_c_hMehCORQ

Pokémon Reveals ‘Pokémon Horizons: The Series’ as Official Title of Next Animated Series

New Full-Length Trailer for ‘Pokémon Horizons: The Series’ Offers Closer Look at New Characters, Storyline

The Pokémon Company group also released a new full-length trailer featuring never-before-seen footage from select episodes of the series. The trailer provides an early look at the storyline for “Pokémon Horizons: The Series,” which focuses on uncovering the mysteries of the Pokémon world.

In “Pokémon Horizons: The Series,” dual protagonists Liko, whose partner Pokémon is Sprigatito, and Roy will encounter many characters during their journey, including a group led by Friede and Captain Pikachu called the Rising Volt Tacklers. Traveling across the Pokémon world on an airship, the Rising Volt Tacklers include Orla, who enjoys mechanical and electrical work and is accompanied by her partner Pokémon, Metagross; Murdock, who is skilled at cooking, and his partner Pokémon, Rockruff; Mollie, who specializes in healing treatments, and her partner Pokémon, Chansey; and Ludlow. Liko and Roy will also come across Amethio, who is joined by his partner Pokémon, Ceruledge, and belongs to an organization called the Explorers, as well as a popular video streamer known as Nidothing.

“‘Pokémon Horizons: The Series’ is set to be a thrilling journey that explores new wonders and makes fascinating discoveries about the Pokémon world,” said Taito Okiura, vice president of marketing for The Pokémon Company International. “The latest ‘Pokémon Horizons: The Series’ trailer sheds further light on the mysterious adventures that await Liko and Roy, and we invite Trainers to join in unraveling these secrets when the series begins premiering outside of Japan later this year.”

More details regarding “Pokémon Horizons: The Series” will be announced in the future, including premiere timing and availability outside of Japan.

Press Release Artwork:

Information on new characters and cast members of the new series of the popular anime Pocket Monsters (airs on the TV Tokyo Network every Friday at 6:55pm, officially abbreviated "Anipoke"), which will be broadcast starting with a 1 hour special on April 14th, has been revealed. High resolution artwork and screenshots from the press release have been added to an Imageboard thread.

The characters announced today are Amethyo (voiced by Shun Horie) and his partner, the Paldean Pokémon Soublades, as well as Amethyo's fellow members of the organization "Explorers", Zir (voiced by Kohsuke Tanabe) and his partner Pokémon Sidon, and Conia (voiced by Arisa Shida) and her Partner Pokémon Golduck.


In the trailer, Amethyo is seen blocking Liko and Nyahoja's way... What could the Explorers' goal be? The costumed celebrity and online streamer "Gurumin" (voiced by Yoshino Aoyama) was shown as well.

YouTube Clip - Trailer for New Characters

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rN3ftowru8Q

Press Release - March 17th, 2023
A comment from Shun Horie, the voice of Amethyo:
I thought I might just be hallucinating... I was so nervous that when I arrived at the studio they might just ask me what I was doing there... but now that we've actually started recording, it seems that I'm actually seriously going to be in the Pokémon anime! I'm so happy.
I hope I'll be able to give people courage through my acting the same way the Pokémon used to give me courage. The first video game I ever bought with my own money was Pocket Monsters Sapphire; Back then I just bulldozed through using nothing but attack moves, but now I'm able to battle using Growl and Screech most effectively.
That adult me is now playing Amethyo, a character that seems to be charged with a weighty mission despite just being a teenager. Make sure to watch the show to see how he gets involved with Liko and the others.

Press Release (Japanese):

テレビ東京系で毎週金曜よる6時55分から放送中のテレビアニメ「ポケットモンスター」は、主人公の少女・リコと少年・ロイをW主人公として迎えた新シリーズ「ポケットモンスター」を4月14日（金）に1時間スペシャルで放送スタート。リコとロイが出会う少年・アメジオと人気動画配信者の「ぐるみん」が新たに登場することを発表。さらにアメジオ役の堀江瞬さんのコメントが到着しました！

今回新たに発表になったのは、パルデア地方のポケモン、ソウブレイズがパートナーのアメジオ（CV：堀江瞬）と、アメジオが所属する組織・エクスプローラーズのメンバーであるジル（CV：田邊幸輔）とパートナーポケモンのサイドン、そしてコニア（CV：志田有彩）とパートナーポケモンのゴルダック。公開された映像ではリコとニャオハの前に立ちふさがり、行く手を阻むが…。エクスプローラーズの目的とは！？　さらに、きぐるみ姿の人気者・動画配信者の「ぐるみん」（CV：青山吉能）も登場！　謎に包まれた素顔とは…？

続報は今後のテレビアニメ「ポケットモンスター」をご覧ください！アメジオ役の堀江瞬さんからコメントが到着！是非この機会にご紹介のご検討を頂けますよう、お願い申し上げます。

【アメジオ役 堀江瞬さんコメント】
幻覚を見せられているのかと思いました。
もしスタジオに着いて「何しに来たんですか？」と言われたら…とどきどきしていましたが、予定通り収録が始まったので僕はちゃんとアニポケに出演出来るみたいです！　とても嬉しいです。あの日、ポケモン達に勇気をもらったように、今度は僕が演者としてみんなに勇気を与えられたらと思います。
初めて自分のお金で買ったゲームが『ポケットモンスターサファイア』でした。あの頃は攻撃技でゴリ押しタイプだった僕も、今や立派に「なきごえ」や「いやなおと」も使いながらバトルできるようになりました。そんな大人な僕が演じるアメジオは、ティーンエイジャーながら何やら重たい使命を背負っているようです。彼がリコ達とどう関わっていくのか。是非、その目でお確かめください！