The official Pocket Monsters Movie website has been counting down for the past 6 days for announcement on February 14th, 2011. The announcement revealed that 14th Pocket Monsters movie will actually be two separate movies that will debut in Japanese theaters on July 16th, 2011. Victini and the White Hero - Reshiram (ビクティニと白き英雄レシラム) was announced and it will complement the previously announced Victini and the Dark Hero - Zekrom (ビクティニと黒き英雄ゼクロム). The March issue of CoroCoro Comics revealed the announcement the day before the confirmation on the official website.


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Summary

Our heroes Satoshi and Pikachu are participating in the Aint Oak Harvest Festival battle, where the people of the land live. The story is the same until the mysterious Pokémon Victini appears, but the legendary Pokémon are different for the two movies. The 'Dark Hero' features Zekrom which makes its appearance when it acknowledges a person who is in pursuit of 'dreams', 'White Hero' features Reshiram which makes its appearance when it acknowledges a person who is in pursuit of 'truth'.

主人公のサトシとピカチュウが、大地の民が住むアイントオークで開かれる収穫祭のバトルに参加し、不思議なポケモン・ビクティニと出会うところまでは同じ物語だが、伝説のポケモンが２作それぞれ違う。「黒き英雄－」は「理想」を追求する人間を認めたときに初めて姿を現すゼクロムが、「白き英雄－」では「真実」を追求する人間を認めたときに姿を現すレシラムが登場する。

Posters

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Source: http://www.nikkansports.com/

The American International Toy Fair 2011 is being held this week at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City from February 13th to February 16th, 2011. JAKKS Pacific revealed their Pokémon toy line up for 2011 at the show. Their full press release is posted below. asmzine.com also posted pictures of the JAKKS Pacific booth and they have been added to our Imageboard archive.

Pokémon also had an official booth where they showcased the upcoming Pokémon Black and White games as well as related merchandise. Revealed at that booth was the box art for the English dub DVD of the 13th movie Zoroark: Master of Illusions. Kotaku posted a video of the official booth at the Toy Fair on YouTube.

JAKKS Pacific Press Release

Pokémon™, one of the top kids’ entertainment brands over the past decade, is set to have a blockbuster year in 2011. To coincide with the launch of the much-anticipated Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version video games for the Nintendo DS™ family of systems and the new TV animation series, Pokémon: Black & White, JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (Nasdaq: JAKK) is set to introduce a brand new toy line aimed to bring to life the experience of a Pokémon Trainer: to catch, train and battle Pokémon in the quest to becoming a Pokémon Champion.

The comprehensive and innovative new toy line from JAKKS is slated to include an all new Skill & Action line of toys for older kids, which allows them to “Catch,” “Train,” & “Battle” their Pokémon in unique, interactive and competitive toy-based experiences. JAKKS will also launch new figures and plush featuring all new Pokémon characters, playsets that emulate the new Unova region, and “Trainer” role play items inspired by the TV series.

The JAKKS™ Pokémon toy line, which is expected to hit retailers in May 2011, is based on three core ways kids want to play Pokémon: Skill & Action Play, Action Figure Play and Trainer Role Play.

Skill & Action Play! One of the featured products in this line is the innovative new Pokémon Pop ‘N Battle Launcher and Target (SRP $9.99). The Poké Ball Launcher pops open and reveals a 1” figure on a sliding base. Kids can then launch this figure into battle across the table towards an attack target. If a successful attack is launched, the unique target will then snap closed on the figure. The side of the attack target that lands face up then determines the strength and effectiveness of each attack and ties into a larger game play experience. The Pokémon Pop ‘N Battle Rivalry Pack (SRP $19.99) sets the stage for a 2-person battle and includes 2 Pop ‘N Battle Launchers, 2 Attack Targets and 2 Figures. It also includes a bonus of 2 Battle Clips for on-the-go play and 2 Battle Meters to track the competition against your friends. The Pokémon Catcher (SRP $12.99) allows kids to catch Pokémon using a unique, retractable Poké Ball that captures Pokémon micro figures and allows them to play out what a Pokémon trainer would do. It comes with 3 micro figures and also a special base that allows the figures to work with the Pop ‘N Battle Launcher line.

Action Figure Play! Products in this line include Pokémon 3” Figures (SRP $5.99); Pokémon 5”-7” Deluxe Figures (SRP $12.99); Pokémon 3” Attack Figures (SRP $7.99) which come with a shooting attack base that brings to life the attack of that Pokémon type (e.g. Electric, Grass, Water) and can shoot attack disks over 6 feet; and the Pokémon City Battle Playset (SRP $19.99) which is inspired by the new Unova region from Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version and sets up a Pokémon battle in the city. This includes an Attack Figure with base and 4 shooting disks as well as a unique motorized target base that works with all 3” figures. Figures pop off the target base when kids successfully aim and shoot their attack disks at the target.

Trainer Role Play! Products in the line include Pokémon 5” Mini Plush (SRP $6.99); Pokémon 7”-8” Reversible Plush (SRP $ 12.99) that transforms from a Poké Ball into a Pokémon; Pokémon Throw Poké Ball (SRP $10.99) with a mini Pokémon plush inside that launches out to battle when released by the Trainer; and the Pokémon Soft Poké Ball (SRP $1.99) featuring all the different types of Poké Balls. Ages 5+

Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version launches in the U.S. on March 6 as one of the most anticipated video game releases of the year, introducing players to a brand-new world with more than 150 never-before-seen Pokémon featured in an all new adventure. The games’ release in Japan last September shattered all existing sales records in the country, making them the fastest-selling Nintendo DS games in history with 5 million copies sold to date (Famitsu, Jan. 2011). The toy line release will coincide with a new animated series and feature film on Cartoon Network, and trading card game expansion, Pokémon TCG: Black & White.

Sources: Kotaku and JAKKS Pacific

Pokémon Smash Episode 19, Purin's Song, Papa's Song! / Adding New Trainer Cards to the 'PokéSma! Original Card Battle' / Group Member Baba's Television Viewer Battle! (プリンの歌、パパの歌！ / トレーナーズのカードを追加してレベルアップした「ポケスマ！オリジナルカードバトル」／視聴者バトルには馬場隊員が登場！), aired on Sunday in Japan.

The episode begins with Shoko-tan mixing up some ingredients for a Valentine's Day treat. Robert and TIM both walk on and are quite scared by the fact that Shoko-tan was making some kind of food. They ask her what's in the 'treat' she is making. Shoko-tan replies that its chocolate and Squid Ink (イカスミ) which really gets the group even more disgusted than they already were. She explains that she is combining White Chocolate (ホワイトチョコ) and Squid Ink (イカスミ) to create Black White Chocolate (ブラックホワイトチョコ). Yamamoto quickly suggests they introduce the Pokémon Library episode for this week to avoid having to talk about Shoko-tan's disgusting treat.

Yamamoto introduces this weeks rerun episode as part of the Pokémon Library and he also announces this weeks theme, Good luck will lead you thought! (がんばれば想いは通じる！). This weeks Pokémon Library rerun episode was Purin's Song, Papa's Song! (プリンの歌、パパの歌！) from the Advanced Generation series. A full summary of that episode is available in the episode guide. Red said the go-to line 'OK! Pokémon Library!' to start the repeat episode.

After the Pokémon Library episode, the International Division girls show up each holding a gift box and they say "Happy Valentine". They brought the gifts to give to TIM and Robert which makes them happy as they all knew about Shoko-tan's gift. The girls put their gifts on the table but Shoko-tan decides to mix up her gift boxes that look the same so no one would know which box was hers. Everyone would have a random gift. Yamamoto is the first to pick a box and Professor Red tells him that 2 of the 5 boxes are actually Shoko-tan's Squid Ink Chocolate (イカスミチョコ). Yamamoto picks a box but then Shoko-tan takes it away and gives him a different one which he quickly objects to. All the other guys take a box. Yamamoto is the first to open his box and he unfortunately gets one of Shoko-tan's boxes. The other 4 guys each taste their chocolates and Baba, Golgo and Red all report that theirs taste good. Akiyama though has a strange look on his face as he continues chewing his chocolate. Unfortunately for him, he got the other Shoko-tan box.


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After Akiyama and Yamamoto recovered, the VTR segment 'Adding New Trainer Cards to the 'PokéSma! Original Card Battle' was introduced. The teams were the same as the last card battle. Hana, Misaki, and Yamamoto were on one team and Maria, Baba, and Akiyama were on the other team. The International Group and Adventure Group meet up with Teacher Takashima (タカシマ先生) who was once again their teacher for this segment of the show.

This time Teacher Takashima introduced Trainer cards to the mix from the Pokémon BW Boys and Girls Starter Kits and the first Black and White set. He starts off with a lecture to explain the different types of Trainer cards.

Supporter cards: Supporter cards are also cards to provide advantages to the player and the advantages can be significantly.

Pokémon Goods cards: Pokémon Tools are cards that assist Pokémon by giving them power-ups, for example in Hit Points or attack power.


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The card decks were premade this time and the battle started with Akiyama revealing that Maria's teams first Pokémon was Reshiram (BC BW1 013/053) and Yamamoto revealed that their team's first Pokémon was Mijumaru (HS 011/037). Hana's team was the first to go and she picked up a Monster ball card (HS 037/037). The card states: "Flip a coin. If heads, search your deck for a Pokémon, show it to your opponent, and put it into your hand. Shuffle your deck afterward." Hana flipped tails, but decided to use another Monster ball card from her hand.The chose Zekrom (WC BW1 020/053) put it on the bench and then gave Yamamoto Mijumaru a Water energy. Tackle (たいあたり) was used against Akiyama Reshiram and they ran Akiyama into a wall of tin cans. Reshiram is weak against Water attacks, so Akiyama Reshiram's HP was reduced from 130 to 110.

Maria's team went next and they picked up a Fire energy card, but she decided to use a Super Ball (スーパーボール) card (WC BW1 049/053). The card states: "Look at the top 7 cards from your deck, choose a Pokémon from those cards, show it to your opponent, and then put it into your hand. Shuffle the deck afterward." Maria chose Zorua (WC BW1 036/053) and put it on the bench. She then gave Akiyama Reshiram a Fire energy card but she needed two enery to use any attacks.

On second Hana's turn, she picked up a Lightning energy card and gave it to Misaki Zekrom on the bench. She then instructed Yamamoto Mijumaru to use Tackle again. This time Akiyama avoided the charging Yamamoto and he hit the tin can wall. The stunt double for Yamamoto then hit Akiyama on the head with one of the tin cans. Reshiram's HP dropped from 110 to 90.

Maria picked up a Fire energy and then applied it to Reshiram giving it enough energy to use Outrage (げきりん). The attack does 20 damage plus 10 more damage for each damage counter on Reshiram. Since Reshiram already had 4 damage counters on it, Outrage could deal 60 damage. A 6 girls showed up with bouncing red balls and threw them at Yamamoto Mijumaru which was enough to knock him out.


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Hana picked up a Futachimaru (WC BW1 012/053) and then applied another Lightning energy card to Misaki Zekrom. She then instructed Misaki Zekrom to use Outrage (げきりん) as it now had enough energy to use it. 2 of the girls returned with red bouncing balls and dealt 2 more damage to Akiyama Reshiram lowering its hit points to 70.

Maria picked up another Fire energy card but instead of giving it to Akiyama Reshiram which only needed one more energy card to use Blue Fire (あおいほのお) which is an attack that can deal 120 damage, she decided to apply it to Baba Zorua on the bench. She then used the Potion (きずぐすり) (HS 033/037) to restore 30 damage from Akiyama Reshiram to increase its HP back to 100. Outrage (げきりん) was used again and 5 girls showed up this time and dealt 50 damage lowering Zekrom's HP to 80.


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Hana picked up a Water energy card and applied it to Misaki Zekrom. She then instructed Zekrom to use Lightning Strike (らいげき). Akiyama was put into a box that had a glass panel at the front so they could see what was happening. A yellow balloon began inflating behind Akiyama until it got so big that it exploded and a ton of small balls were dropped from above. Misaki Zekrom was dealt 40 damage from the recoil of using Lightning Strike which was represented by her getting hit on the head by a falling tin can. The attack was enough to knock out Akiyama Reshiram.


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Maria picked up the Supporter card Cheren (チェレン) (WC BW1 053/053) which allows the player to draw 3 extra cards. She used the card and picked up Zoroark (WC BW1 037/053), another Potion card and a Fire energy card. She evolved Baba Zorua to the Zoroark card and applied another Fire energy card. She then instructed Zoroark to use Foul Play (イカサマ) which states: "Choose an attack that your opponent's Active Pokémon knows. Zoroark uses that attack." Misaki Zekrom was out and it knows Outrage (げきりん) and Lightning Strike (らいげき). Maria then chose to use Lightning Strike (らいげき). She was put into the same box room that Akiyama was in earlier. Zoroark Baba was dealt 40 damage from the recoil of using Lightning Strike which was represented once again by getting hit on the head by a falling tin can. Maria's team ended up winning as they knocked out Misaki Zekrom. This was Maria Team's third straight PokéSma! Original Card Battle victory. Teacher Takashima finishes off by saying that the Supporter card Cheren was the reason the battle changed in favor of Maria's team which highlights the importance of those Trainer cards.


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10 year old Kouta-kun was this weeks in-studio Television Viewer Battler and he asked to battle against Group Member Baba. Baba ended up loosing the battle and had to trade his Burungel (ブルンゲル) for Kouta-kun's Washibon (ワシボン).


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After the battle, Shoko-tan announced the PokéSma! Bark Out Zoroark Wi-Fi distribution. On Pokémon Smash #14, Zoroark learned Bark Out. The Zoroark will be available via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection from February 15th, 2011 until March 14th, 2011. Below are the full details.

Pokémon	Info
Zoroark (ゾロアー ク)	Level: 50
	OT: PokéSma! (ポケスマ！)
	ID: 01161
	Poké ball: Cherish Ball
	Ribbon: Classic Ribbon
	Ability: Illusion
	Attack 1: Agility (こうそくいどう)
	Attack 2: Embargo (さしおさえ)
	Attack 3: Punishment (おしおき)
	Attack 4: Bark Out (バークアウト)

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.

A special 1 hour Pocket Monsters Diamond and Pearl special aired on Thursday in Japan. Two episodes that take place after Satoshi, Hikari and Takeshi part ways aired: Hikari Sets Off Anew!(ヒカリ・新たなる旅立ち!) and The Greatest Crisis in Nibi Gym's History! (ニビジム・史上最大の危機!!).

Hikari Sets Off Anew!(ヒカリ・新たなる旅立ち!)

Shinko is a beginning trainer that was at Professor Nanakamado lab the day that Hikari went to visit him for the first time after competing in the Sinnoh Grand Festival. While Shinko was contemplating which Pokémon she wanted to pick as her first Pokémon, the Pochama and Hikozaru began fighting and the window in Professor Nanakamado lab broke and the two Pokémon quickly jumped out through it. Will Hikari be able to help Shinko retrieve the two Pokémon?


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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.

The Greatest Crisis in Nibi Gym's History! (ニビジム・史上最大の危機!!)

Studying at home to be a Pokémon Doctor, Takeshi is interrupted by his siblings who explain that there is trouble at the gym. A challenger has arrived that is there to challenge the true leader of the Nibi Gym, not his brother Jiro who has been the gym leader in his absence. Why is this mysterious trainer wanting to battle Takeshi and what will the outcome?


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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.

Rocket Gang March Preview

At the end of the special, a preview was shown for some of the upcoming episodes of Pocket Monsters Best Wishes which will air in March. An imageboard thread has been created with images from that trailer. Click here to view the thread.


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Pokémon Smash Episode 17, Metamon and the Copycat Girl / Handsome Yamamoto Makes his 'PokéSma!' Appearance, Helping Others While Well Disguised / The Parent and Child Participating in the 'PokéSma! Great BW Plan' Event Fight in a Television Viewer Battle! (メタモンとモノマネむすめ / 「ポケスマ！」にハンサム山本が登場、得意の変装で人助け / イベント「ポケスマ！BW大作戦」に参加した親子が視聴者バトルに登場！), aired on Sunday in Japan.

The episode began with the Pokémon Enterprise staff welcoming everyone with their 'PokéMorning!' slogan and Shoko-tan and Akiyama both sporting new hairdos. Shoko-tan then quickly reminded people of the Pokémon Library vote that took place earlier in the month. The episode that won the vote would be aired on today's episode of Pokémon Smash.

Since Professor Red won the last vote, he got to choose another episode for this vote. He chose Metamon and the Copycat Girl (メタモンとモノマネむすめ) from the original series for this vote. He was up against Yamamoto who chose Perap and the Pokémon Comedian! (ペラップとポケモン漫才！) from Advanced Generation as his vote selection. Like the previous vote, viewers could vote for the episode on the official Pokémon Smash website. The tally was revealed by Shoko-tan. Professor Red won with 29,365 votes while Yamamoto received 21,909 votes.


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Since Professor Red won the second Pokémon Library vote, Metamon and the Copycat Girl (メタモンとモノマネむすめ) from the original series was this weeks repeat episode. The theme for the episode this week was 'Excelling in one thing is hard!' (１つのことを極めるのは大変！). A full summary for that episode is available in the episode guide.

The International Division girls show up after the repeat episode, and Misaki announces that she reached the ending of Pocket Monsters Black and White. After discussing their various experiences in the games, Professor Red asks Akiyama if he'd reached the ending yet. Trying to avoid answering, he finally says he hasn't. Yamamoto then interjects and says: Speaking of what comes after the ending, aren't you forgetting someone? (エンディングの後といえばこの人を忘れていませんか？). Yamamoto then reveals Handsome, starting this weeks Video Tape Recording.


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Throughout Pokémon Sunday, Robert potrayed may characters but as Zoroark, Baba and Akiyama stood waiting they did not know who to expect to showup. Suddenly they hear a voice in the distance and Handsome Yamamoto reveals himself. Together they all head off to the Tokyo Pokémon Center where they see a Pokémon Center staff member outside the building looking a bit worried. Handsome Yamamoto approaches the girl who explains that the Tabunne supposed to come and help out in the shop isn't there yet (お店のおうえんに来てくれるはずのタブンネがなかなか来ない). Handsome Yamamoto tells her its will be all right and quickly runs into the Pokémon Center.

Moments later Tabunne shows up in the Pokémon Center. In both the anime and the games, Handsome is the master of disguise and uses costumes to blend in so that he isn't discovered when he goes undercover. Handsome Yamamoto on the other hand still has a bit of work to do to live up to his counterpart. Baba and Yamamoto watch Handsome Yamamoto Tabunne walk around the Pokémon Center and interact with the patrons. Baba quickly points out that the face looks bad.

It is quickly apparant that Handsome Yamamoto Tabunne's appeal isn't very good as many of the children find him a bit frightening. He then decides to talk to the children in English saying: "Hello!" and "Thank you!" while getting pictures taken. He also solved a rubik's cube but the kids didn't seem to impressed with that skill. Suddenly, the real Pokémon Center Tabunne appeared and all the kids flocked to it. Realizing that the real Tabunne appeared Handsome Yamamoto Tabunne told the Pokémon Center Tabunne to go away (あっちに行け) otherwise it was going to blow his cover and called the other one the fake (ニセモノ) Tabunne. Akiyama and Baba appear and reveal Handsome Yamamoto.

Their next stop is a park where they meet a woman who was supposed to have a children's sketching tournament but the statue of 'The Thinker' was wrecked. Handsome Yamamoto tells her it will be okay and he runs off. Moments later the kids arrive ready to sketch and the girl reveals the 'statue' which is actually Handsome Yamamoto. After a little while, Handsome Yamamoto has a hard time staying still and the paint was starting to flake. Baba and Akiyama appear and try to get Handsome Yamamoto to reveal himself by rubbing the paint off and then the kids put wax tape on his legs to rip the hair off. Finally the kids reveal him by washing the paint off with water.

Back at the studio, Handsome Yamamoto states tha he is in Pokémon Enterprise but the staff doesn't see him anywhere. They begin searching for him and finally Maria thinks she's spotted him and sits on Shoko-tan's desk which had been replaced by Handsome Yamamoto dressed as her desk. Maria, Baba and Akiyama begin kicking him and he finally reveals himself. Handsome Yamamoto then announced that Handsome will be appearing in an upcoming episode of Pocket Monsters Best Wishes with Professor Araragi.


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During Mijumaru's Tweet Corner, a preview for the upcoming 1 hour Pocket Monsters Diamond and Pearl Special that airs on February 3rd, 2011 was shown. Hikari Sets Off Anew! (ヒカリ・新たなる旅立ち!) and The Greatest Crisis in Nibi Gym's History! (ニビジム・史上最大の危機!!) follow the adventures of Hikari and Takeshi after they parted ways with Satoshi.


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At the end of the show, the 3rd Pokémon Library vote was announced. Since Professor Red won the first two votes, he gets to try to defend his winning streak. He chose Already in a Daze with Muchul!! Do you like Superstar Pokémon? (ムチュールにもうむちゅう！！スーパースターはポケモンがおすき？). Up against Professor Red this time is Akiyama and he chose Pull Yourself Together, Lisyan! (シャンとしてリーシャン！) from the Diamond and Pearl series. Viewers can vote for their favourite episode on the official Pokémon Smash website until midnight on February 14th, 2011.

The Pokémon Smash February calendar was also posted on the official site. It features Robert dressed up as Pokémon they thought should be in the next Pokémon movie from Pokémon Smash #11. Yamamoto dressed up as Mijumaru, Akiyama dressed up as Monmen and Baba dressed up as Meguroco and they had a foot race which Akiyama won.


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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.

The latest episode of Pocket Monsters Best Wishes 18 - Yaguruma Forest! Kurumiru and Arti!! (タマゴからかえったあばれん坊！) aired on Thursday in Japan.

En-route to Hiun City, Satoshi and friends decide travel through the Yaguruma Forest. Suddenly a wild Kurumiru attacks Pikachu!

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.

Satoshi's Zuruggu (サトシのズルッグ) Event

The 17th episode of Pocket Monsters Best Wishes featured the hatching of Satoshi's egg and Zuruggu joining Satoshi's team. To celebrate this event, players of the Japanese versions of Pokémon Black and White have the opportunity to download Satoshi's Zuruggu (サトシのズルッグ) off of Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Satoshi's Zuruggu has been added to our event database.

The official sites news release stated that this event would start on January 28th, 2011 and go until February 10th, 2011 [2011年1月28日（金）～2月10日（木）] but the event was activated right after Pocket Monsters Best Wishes 18 aired.

C-Gear Wallpapers (Cギアスキン) - Hikari's Pochama & Takeshi's Gureggru

To celebrate the February 2nd, 2011 Pocket Monsters Diamond and Pearl Anime Special, a C-Gear skin of Hikari's Pochama and Takeshi's Gureggru were posted to help promote the special. Players of the Japanese version of Pokémon Black and White can login to the Pokémon Global Link website and go to the customization page which will now allow them to select these two new C-Gear skins. We have also added a C-Gear (Cギア) page to keep track of all the released C-Gear Wallpapers.

Cartoon Network has uploaded a few images that reveal the English dub names for the two new main characters that will be appearing in the new animated series Pokémon: Black & White which begins on February 12th, 2011. Dent (デント) will be known as Cilan while Iris (アイリス) will retain her Japanese name.


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The Pokémon Company International has published a press release indicating their plans for the upcoming year. Merchandise related to the new Pokémon: Black and White franchise will be released throughout the year. The Pokémon: Black and White anime will also premiere on February 12th, 2011 at 9am as two episodes will be shown. Below is the full press release.

Press Release

Pokémon Plans Blockbuster Year With Extensive Offerings Tied to Release of Pokemon Black Version and Pokemon White Version Video Games. National Mall Tour, New Animated Series, Feature-Length Film, Trading Card Game Expansion, and Toy Line, Competitive Gaming Tournaments and an All-Encompassing Marketing Program Highlight Landmark Year for Entertainment Franchise.

Pokémon™, one of the most successful entertainment properties in the world and the second-largest video game franchise of all-time, is celebrating a blockbuster year in 2011. Led by the release of the Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version video games for the Nintendo DS™ family of systems, The Pokémon Company International will roll out an all-new animated television series and feature-length film. A brand-new trading card game (TCG) expansion, Pokémon TCG: Black & White, and merchandise, including an innovative new toy line, round out an exciting year of offerings from the company. A comprehensive, multi-million dollar marketing campaign supports the brand's initiatives, in addition to video game marketing from Nintendo of America Inc. This multi-pronged strategy will thrust Pokémon into the spotlight across its many entertainment offerings.

Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version launches in the U.S. on March 6th as one of the most anticipated video game releases of the year, introducing players to a brand-new world with more than 150 never-before-seen Pokémon featured in an all new adventure. The games' release in Japan last September shattered all existing sales records in that country, making them the fastest-selling Nintendo DS games in history with 5 million units sold (Famitsu, Jan. 2011).

"The release of Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version gives us the opportunity to launch brand-new entertainment that our existing and new fans will love," said J.C. Smith, director of Consumer Marketing for The Pokémon Company International. "Every major pillar of the brand -- including video games, TV animation, feature films, and the Pokémon Trading Card Game -- will see exciting changes throughout the year."

Pokémon kicks off the year with a new animated series and full-length feature film set to air on Cartoon Network, Pokémon's national broadcast partner. The year's animation entertainment begins with the film debut of Pokémon -- Zoroark: Master of Illusions on February 5th at 7:00 p.m., to be followed just one week later by the special premiere of two episodes of the new animated series -- Pokémon: Black and White -- on February 12th beginning at 9:00 a.m., starring an entirely new cast of Pokémon characters who join Ash and Pikachu on their continuing adventures.

In April, Pokémon will launch the Pokémon Trading Card Game: Black & White expansion, an all-new set of Pokémon TCG cards featuring new Pokémon, Trainers, and environments inspired by the video games. Pokémon TCG collectors and players will discover new expansions of Pokémon TCG: Black & White throughout the year. This latest installment of the TCG will add to a franchise that boasts more than 15 billion cards sold in over 60 countries.

The franchise's year will be kick-started by an extensive, multi-million dollar marketing campaign beginning with the nationwide Pokémon Black Version & White Version Tour, arriving at major malls beginning February 5th. The tour will hit 14 key markets over a seven-week schedule offering fans a first-look at the new video games and a slate of activities designed to heighten awareness and create a groundswell of anticipation around the franchise. The itinerary will include immersive Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version video game demonstrations, free screenings of the new Pokémon movie, Pokémon -- Zoroark: Master of Illusions, photo opportunities with Pokémon characters, and various games and prize-winning opportunities for fans. A Pokémon Center store offering a variety of merchandise will also be on-site.

The Pokémon Company International will extend its grassroots marketing strategy with special character distributions throughout the year for the Pokémon video games at select retailers across the country. These character distributions offer Pokémon video game players the chance to receive, via Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection, specific Pokémon that will not be available through regular gameplay.

Pokémon fans interested in playing the new video games and trading card game competitively can do so through Play! Pokémon events. These gaming tournaments, held throughout North America, Europe and Asia, culminate in the highly anticipated Pokémon World Championships in San Diego, California in August 2011, which hosts thousands of Pokémon players from around the world.

At retail, all-new Pokémon licensed merchandise is slated to roll-out throughout 2011, including a full line-up of toys from JAKKS Pacific. JAKKS plans to launch an all new Skill & Action line of toys for older kids which allows them to "Catch," "Train," & "Battle" their Pokémon in unique, interactive and competitive toy-based experiences. JAKKS will also launch new collectible figures and plush featuring all-new Pokémon characters, playsets that emulate the new region, and "Trainer" role play items inspired by the TV animation series.

Pokémon Smash Episode 16, The Great Starter Pokémon Panic!! / The New Quiz Caravan Game 'Dotekkotsu's Focus Blast Relay Quiz' Starts! / Information on the Anime-related Present for 'Pokémon BW'! (はじ めてのポケモンで大パニック！！ / クイズキャラバンで新競技「ドテッコツのきあいだまリレークイズ」がスタート！ / アニメに関連した「ポケモンBW」へのプレゼント情報！), aired on Sunday in Japan.

The episode begins with Golgo, Shoko, and Robert having a Minezumi Quiz as they all looked around like a Minezumi to find something hidden. They all looked around and eventually found a picture drawn by Akiyama on Yamamoto's back.

Golgo introduces this weeks rerun episode as part of the Pokémon Library and Shoko announces this weeks theme, (ウソは ついちゃダメ!). This weeks rerun episode was The Great Starter Pokémon Panic!! (はじめてのポケモンで大パニック！！) from the Advanced Generation series. A full summary of that episode is available in the episode guide. Red said the go-to line 'OK! Pokémon Library!' to start the repeat episode.

After the repeat episode, the International Division girls showed up. Professor Red had setup a new game called Kibago's Message Relay Quiz (キバゴ伝言リレークイズ). The game was played by each player on the team closing their eyes and ears until their turn. Each of them had a Kibago like tusk mouth bit that went in their mouth's and they were required to say a line and then pass that line down to the end. The team that got the messaged passed down the line the best was the winner. Shoko and the International Girls were the first team to go.

The first message was: Zoroark and Mijumaru are Shopping (ゾロアークとミジュマルのショッピング). Shoko passed the message onto Hana okay and then Hana passed the message onto Maria fine. Maria then had a hard time talking with the bit in her mouth and Misaki couldn't understand a word she was saying. After a few attempts, Misaki believed she understood what Maria had said and Professor Red wanted to see if the message that was passed along matched the original one he gave to Shoko-tan. Misaki said: Director Zoroark and Kokekokkokkokko (ゾロアーク部長とコケコッコッコッコ). The team blames Maria for the problem they had.


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Next up was the Adventure Division and Golgo. Their message was: Gamageroge and Waruvial's Duet (ガマゲロゲとワルビアルのデュエット). Golgo seems to understand Baba and Akiyama also seemed to understand Golgo. When it was time for Akiyama to tell the message to Yamamoto, Yamamoto couldn't understand a think Akiyama was saying. Professor Red then asked Yamamoto what the message was and he said: Gamageroge just got out of the bath (ガマゲロゲとふろあがりおやこに）. The blame went to Akiyama for the failure.


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The 3rd Quiz Caravan then began with TIM and the International Division. This week they visited Saitama Prefecture, Kawaguchi City, Tokyo Township, Elementary School (埼玉県　川口市立 東京郷小学校). They were greeted by a group of grade 1 and grade 6 students.

Golgo states that this quiz would be based on Pokémon Black and White. The first batch of questions would be answered in a Yes - White (O) or No - Black (X) format and the teams would all have to decide which was the right answer and stand on the appropriate side of the line if they didn't want to get eliminated from the quiz.


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Below are the questions that were asked:

#	Question	Answer
1	Pokémon Smash! - Is Golgo the president? (私は「ゴルゴ社長」である)?	(X) No - Chief Golgo is his title not President Golgo. (ゴルゴ社長じゃなくてゴルゴ所長) Spoiler: Click to show!
2	Anime - Does Satoshi's Tsutarja know "Grass Mixer" (サトシのツタージャは「グラスミキサー」を遣きえる)?	(X) No - It knows: Leaf Storm, Vine Whip, Leaf Blade and Attract　（「リーフブレード」「つるのムチ」「リーフストーム」「メロメロ」）. Shootie's Tsutarja knows Grass Mixer. Spoiler: Click to show!
3	Game - Is the shopping mall at Route 9 named "Route Nine" (９番道路にあるショッピングモールの名前は「ルートナイン」である)?	(X) No - R9 (アールナイン) Spoiler: Click to show!
4	Card Game - Are there 10 types of basic energy cards in total (基本エネルギーカードは全部で１０種類ある)?	(X) No - There are 8 basic energy types: Grass, Fire, Water, Lightning, Psychic, Fighting, Darkness, Metal. Spoiler: Click to show!
5	Game - Does the Gorgeous Ball makes a captured Pokémon quickly grow friendly? (The English name of the ball is "Luxury Ball") (ゴージャスボールはつかまえたポケモンがなつきやすかなる)	(O) Yes. (はい) Spoiler: Click to show!
6	Pokémon Smash! - Is Director Shoko-tan's belt buckle shaped like a scallsword (しょこたん部長のベルトのバックルはホタチの形である)?	(O) Yes. (はい) Spoiler: Click to show!
7	Game - In Raimon City, is the main character given a bicycle from the Pokémon Day Care Man (ライモンシティで主人公にじてんしゃをくれるのは「ポケモンそだてやのおじさん」である)?	(O) Yes. (はい) Spoiler: Click to show!

No one got question 6 right about Shoko-tan's belt, so they continued the quiz anyhow. The next section of the Caravan Quiz was a new event: Dotekkotsu's Focus Blast Relay Quiz (ドテッコツのきあいだまリレークイズ). Players were split into teams of three and each of them had a steel I-bar that they had to hold up like Dotekkotsu. A ball would roll down through the I-bar and would be passed on to the next person. The person that passed it would then move to the end of the line until they reached the finish line 30 meters away. Before setting off, the players would have to count the number of specific Pokémon on a board which were mixed up with a lot of other Pokémon to make it harder. The first team to correctly tell the number of Pokémon on the board after successfully completing the ball relay without dropping the ball was declared the winner. After being eliminated early in the first quiz round, the International Division girls redeamed themselves and ended up winning this challenge.

The next segment featured a '4 Legged Quiz' (３人４脚ばらまきクイズ) where teams of 3 had their legs tied up and they were sent out to find a specific Pokémon card based on type or information that was called out. Players would have to know the correct Pokémon types for the cards that were distributed throughout the school grounds and then return back to Red and Golgo.


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During the Marketing Department segment, Shoko-tan announced a new Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection download event for Pokémon Black and White. The 17th episode of Pocket Monsters Best Wishes featured the hatching of Satoshi's egg hatching, making Zuruggu Satoshi's latest Pokémon. To celebrate this event, players of the Japanese versions of Pokémon Black and White have the opportunity to download Satoshi's Zuruggu (サトシのズルッグ) from January 28th, 2011 until February 10th, 2011. Below is the full information.

Pokémon	Info
Zuruggu (ズルッグ)	Level: 1
	OT: Satoshi (サトシ)
	ID: 01281
	Poké ball: Cherish Ball
	Held Item: Muscle Band
	Move 1: Leer (にらみつける)
	Move 2: Headbutt (ずつき)
	Move 3: Low Kick (けたぐり)
	Move 4: Hi Jump Kick (とびひざげり)

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 long awaited Arceus and the Jewel of Life DVD will finally be released in North America on February 1st, 2011, a few days before the 13th movie airs on Cartoon Network. Also released that day will be the manga adaption of the movie. Below is the press release.

Press Release

San Francisco, CA, January 12, 2011 – Viz Media, LLC (Viz Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, is proud to announce the release of POKÉMON™: ARCEUS AND THE JEWEL OF LIFE on DVD and in a manga adaption on February 1st (both under the VIZ Kids imprint). The feature film DVD is rated ‘A’ for All Ages with a MSRP of $19.97 U.S. / $28.99 CAN; the manga adaptation is rated ‘A’ for All Ages, with a MSRP of $7.99 U.S. / $9.99 CAN.

Long ago, Arceus created the Jewel of Life from fragments of its awesome power. Humans used the Jewel of Life to turn Michina Town from a barren wasteland to a lush and thriving city. But when it was time for the Jewel of Life to be returned, Arceus was betrayed, and vowed to one day get revenge.

Now Arceus has returned– enraged, vengeful, and seemingly unstoppable! Not even the combined might of Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina can stop Arceus from devastating the land.

But there's hope. Ash, Pikachu and their new friend Sheena may have discovered the only way to make things right. Their journey will be both dangerous and uncertain: will there be time to return the Jewel of Life before Arceus enacts vengeance on the world

“POKÉMON is a timeless favorite that continues to capture the imagination of fans of all ages,” says Brian Ige, Senior Director, Animation. “This latest adventure concludes the struggle between Dialga, Palkia and Giratina for the balance between time, space, and beyond. With a dynamic blend of action, emotional themes, new characters and familiar faces, POKÉMON: ARCEUS AND THE JEWEL OF LIFE movie and manga are sure to become hits!”

For more information on POKÉMON: ARCEUS AND THE JEWEL OF LIFE, please visit www.PokemonArceus.com. For more information on Viz Media's POKÉMON manga and anime titles, please visit www.VIZ.com/Pokemon/.