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.

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/.

The official Nintendo Canada website has posted the two tour dates for the Pokémon Sampling Tour which is similar to the Pokémon Black Version & White Version Mall Tour that was announced for the United States last week.

Press Release

Pokémon Sampling Tour...includes Pokémon Black & White Versions!

Be the first to play in Canada! The Nintendo team will be on-tour to share the latest in the Pokémon series. Join us for a chance to play the game, and enjoy other free family activities including colouring stations and face painting.

There will be a limited supply of Pokemon inspired giveaways onsite, so make sure to get there early for your chance to take some home!

Check back often for all the latest Nintendo events. New events are being added all the time.

1. British Columbia - Feb.12th - 10:00am to 9:00pm - Feb.13th 11am to 7:00pm - Grand Court at Metrotown Metropolis
2. Ontario - Feb.19 & 21 10:00am to 5:00pm - Kids-Fest, International Center, Mississauga: NOTE: Free admission

Source: http://nintendo.ca/cgi-bin/usersite/display_info.cgi?id=8217153〈=en&pageNum=7%3Cbr%3E

Croftminster has posted the press release and pictures for the upcoming Pokémon TCG Black & White set that is to be released in March of 2011. The UPC Code is 0-820650-10625-5.

Press Release

Are you ready to catch the next generation of Pokémon? Each Pokémon Trading Card Game: Sneak-Peek Tin contains 1 of 3 NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN basic Pokémon preview cards from the Pokémon TCG: Black & White expansion - the Grass Pokémon Snivy, the Fire Pokémon Tepig, or the Water Pokémon Oshawott - but that's not all!

You also get Snivy, Tepig, or Oshawott as a collectible figure! Want more? Each tin also contains a special Black & White preview pack with 5 more NEW Pokémon!

On top of all this, you get 4 MORE Pokémon TCG booster packs from Call of Legends, the HS Series, or the Platinum Series!

Each Pokémon TCG: Sneak-Peek Tin contains:

• 1 of 3 never-before-seen Pokémon - Snivy, Tepig, or Oshawatt - as both a TCG card and a fantastic figure!
• A special preview pack for the Pokémon TCG: Black & White expansion - five Pokémon chosen just for this sneak peek!
• 4 more Pokémon TCG 10-card booster packs from previous releases!

Source: http://www.croftminster.com.au/products/Pokemon/Pokemon-tcg-black-white-sneak-peek-tin

The Official Pokémon Black and White website has announced the release date for the new 5th generation games. They will be released in Canada and the United States on March 6th, 2011. Most video game store locations are now taking pre-orders for the games. The site also revealed a ton of new information on the games and Pokémon names and that information is listed below. A localization cheat sheet has also been posted on the imageboard to download, thanks to immewnity.

Press Release

Upcoming Nintendo DS Games Introduce More than 150 Never-Before-Seen Pokémon and a New Region to Explore

REDMOND, Wash., Dec. 27, 2010 - Nintendo of America today announced that the Pokémon™ Black Version and Pokémon White Version video games will launch in North America on March 6, 2011. The games, playable exclusively on the Nintendo DS™ family of systems, are a completely new adventure that Pokémon fans old and new can embark on. Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version introduce more than 150 new Pokémon and a new region to explore.

Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version feature new Pokémon that players can catch, train and battle as they progress through the game, and some Pokémon can only be caught in one version of the game. For example, the Legendary Pokémon Reshiram™ can only be caught in Pokémon Black Version, while the Legendary Pokémon Zekrom™ can only be caught in Pokémon White Version. Additionally, the two games feature different areas for the first time in the series, with the game world of Pokémon Black Version featuring a unique metropolitan area called Black City, and a lush, green area named White Forest only found in Pokémon White Version. Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version also mark the first time in a Pokémon video game that the seasons will change in the game world. Certain Pokémon appear more frequently during different seasons, and players can only access some areas during a specific season.

Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version let players start with one of three new Starter Pokémon - the Grass-type Snivy™, the Fire-type Tepig™ or the Water-type Oshawott™. Until the main story of the game is complete, every Pokémon that players encounter will have never been seen before in previous Pokémon games. The games also feature original boy and girl trainers who set out on an adventure in the new Unova region.

“Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version represent a generational leap forward for the renowned series, delivering an unprecedented number of new Pokémon to catch, battle and trade,” said Marc Franklin, Nintendo of America's director of Public Relations. “Whether you have played the Pokémon video games before or are just getting interested in them, you won't want to miss Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version.”

Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version are now available for pre-order from major retailers throughout North America for a suggested retail price of $34.99 each. A deposit may be required for pre-orders. See individual retailers for details.

Pokémon Names

N#	English	Japanese	Romanized	German	French	Spanish	Italian	Thumbnail
517	Munna	ムンナ	Munna	Somniam	Munna	Munna	Munna
519	Pidove	マメパト	Mamepato	Dusselgurr	Poichigeon	Pidove	Pidove
522	Blitzle	シママ	Shimama	Elezeba	Zébibron	Blitzle	Blitzle
526	Gigalith	ギガイアス	Gigaiath	Brockoloss	Gigalithe	Gigalith	Gigalith
551	Sandile	メグロコ	Meguroco	Ganovil	Mascaïman	Sandile	Sandile
555	Darmanitan	ヒヒダルマ	Hihidaruma	Flampivian	Darumacho	Darmanitan	Darmanitan
572	Minccino	チラーミィ	Chillarmy	Picochilla	Chinchidou	Minccino	Minccino
599	Klink	ギアル	Giaru	Klikk	Tic	Klink	Klink

Meet Professor Juniper

Professor Juniper (Professor Araragi アララギ博士) is a brilliant lady who lives in your hometown. As a Pokémon Researcher, she´ll play an important role throughout your journey. Before you begin your adventure, you´ll want to stop by her lab—she has an important task for you. Professor Juniper wants you to discover every Pokémon in the Unova region.

Random Matchup

Battle Random Trainers Around the World! In previous Pokémon games, Trainers had to exchange Friend Codes with other players to battle over Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection. Now, with the new Random Matchup mode, players can battle others around the globe without needing Friend Codes! A wireless broadband Internet connection and Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection are required to battle others around the globe.

The Sights of Castelia City

The magnificent Castelia City (Hiun City ヒウンシティ) is the hub of the Unova region. This metropolis is full of things to do and people to meet! What adventures will you find when you explore the skyscraper-lined Castelia City? Huge signs atop the buildings give Castelia City a big-city feel.

Official Trailer

Move and Ability Names

The following Japanese attack names now have official English names. Moves: Sweep Slap (スイープビンタ) is now known as Tail Slap, Wild Bolt (ワイルドボルト) is now Wild Charge and Telekinesis (テレキネシス) doesn't change. Abilities: Brute Force (ちからずく) is now known as Sheer Force, Overconfident (じしんかじょう) is now known as Moxie, Pigeon Heart (はとむね) is now known as Big Pecks.

Source: Official Pokémon Black and White

The official Pokémon website has announced the English dub of the 13th Pokémon movie. Zoroark: Master of Illusions will air on Cartoon Network on February 5th, 2011. To coincide with the release of the movie, the Raikou, Entei, Suicune Nintendo DS events will be available at participating GameStop stores. Below are the press releases.

Movie Synopsis

The Fury of Zoroark Has Been Unleashed! The Pokémon Baccer World Cup.

It is the most anticipated event of the year, and as hundreds flock to Crown City to watch the exciting competition unfold, Ash, Pikachu, and his friends encounter a mysterious new Pokémon they have never seen before.

But when the three Legendary Pokémon Raikou, Entei, and Suicune suddenly arrive and begin rampaging through the streets, it’s up to Ash and his companions, along with their new Pokémon friend Zorua, to uncover the secret behind the immense and powerful forces at work.

What strange and dangerous powers are afoot in Crown City? Why did Celebi suddenly return after vanishing for twenty years? And why is the mighty Zoroark unleashing its fury upon the town? The quest for these answers leads down an uncertain path filled with peril—can Ash and his companions find enough courage, strength, and friendship to unearth the mystery in time to save Crown City?

Raikou, Entei, Suicune Events

The Legendary Pokémon Raikou, Entei, and Suicune are as elusive as they are powerful, but now you can track down each one during a special character distribution event at participating GameStop stores!

Not only is each of these Pokémon Shiny - meaning it is a different color than usual - but each also knows movies it cannot normally learn! Raikou can take advantage of weather conditions with the Weather Ball move, Entei can engulf its foe in fire with Flare Blitz, Suicune can get a lucky on-hit Knock Out with Sheer Cold, and all three can learn ExtremeSpeed, to name just a few! This powerful arsenal will make these Pokémon ready for even your toughest battles!

Raikou, Entei, Suicune come in Cherish Balls, a feature of Pokémon that you obtain through special distributions. They will also appear with a Classic Ribbon, another mark of their unique stats in your Pokémon collection!

There's even more to these special shiny Pokémon: when you transfer them to your copy of Pokémon Black Version or Pokémon White Version, you'll get a chance to catch the elusive Pokémon Zoroark - a Pokémon you can't get through normal gameplay!

And don't forget you can see Zoroark in action, as well as watch the Shiny Raikou, Entei, and Suicune when they all appear in the upcoming Pokémon movie, Pokémon - Zoroark: Master of Illusions.

The distribution for these incredible Shiny Pokémon won't last long. This exciting opportunity begins in early January 2011 in participating GameStop stores wit the distribution of Raikou. The excitement continues in late January and early February, when you will have your chance to receive Entei and Suicune. You'll only be able to get each of these Pokémon once per game, and you must bring your copy of Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, or SoulSilver Version games (as well as your Nintendo DS system!) to receive the Legendary Pokémon.


Raikou - January 3rd, 2011 to January 9th, 2011.
Entei - January 17th, 2011 to January 23rd, 2011.
Suicune - January 31st, 2011 to February 6th, 2011.
Source: http://www.pokemongoldsilver.com/us/#/news/trio/ and http://www.pokemon.com/us/movies/movie-pokemonzoroark-master-of-illusions-february-2011/

Turkey, pumpkin pie and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade®; Thanksgiving traditions shared by millions of Americans across the country. One Thanksgiving tradition is commemorating a milestone in 2010 -- Pikachu! The Pokémon Company International announced today that the world renowned Electric-type Pokémon™ will celebrate its 10th anniversary participating in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Accompanying Pikachu in New York City will be two brand new Legendary Pokémon, Reshiram and Zekrom, from the highly anticipated Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version video games launching worldwide spring 2011 for the Nintendo DS™ family of systems.

For their debuts, Reshiram and Zekrom will each stand an imposing 14 feet tall, a dramatic kick-off to exciting, never-before-seen Pokémon reveals, news and events all tied to the launch of Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version video games. Pikachu's balloon handlers will also celebrate the upcoming games, dressing the part in black and white uniforms.

"Pikachu's participation in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is one of our favorite events of the year and we're proud to have been involved in such an iconic event over the past decade," said J.C. Smith, director of Consumer Marketing for The Pokémon Company International. "Having Reshiram and Zekrom join the Pikachu balloon makes this year's parade extra special for us as we begin to reveal more exciting details about the Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version video games."

In the coming weeks and months, Pokémon fans can get exclusive information about the brand new titles by visiting www.PokemonBlackWhite.com, launched this week. Exclusive details will be added frequently leading up to the spring launch of Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version video games.

Source: http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/

San Francisco, CA, November 11, 2010 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, gives fans a variety of fun suggestions for action-packed anime titles that will make ideal additions to holiday wish lists and shopping guides.

The DVD releases include the latest animated episodes from popular properties such as BLEACH, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, VAMPRIE KNIGHT, as well as perennial childhood classic POKÉMON.

Pokémon Holiday Selections Include:

THE COMPLETE POKÉMON POCKET GUIDE BOX SET • Rated ‘A’ for All Ages •
MSRP: $14.99 U.S. / $19.99 CAN • Available Now!
Over 500 pages of Pokémon! From Abra to Zubat--Catch 'Em All Here! The complete guide to over 490 Pokémon! Fully illustrated and totally comprehensive, this two-volume set features one Pokémon per page, with descriptions and stats, including Abilities, Moves and Evolution. Portable, practical and bursting with information, this pocket guide is all you need to catch 'em all! Plus there's a bonus poster featuring Shaymin on one side and Arceus on the other!

POKÉMON DIAMOND & PEARL ADVENTURE!, Vol. 8 • Rated ‘A’ for All Ages •
MSRP: $7.99 U.S. / $9.99 CAN • Available Now!
A Pokémon Showdown! If Hareta and his new rival Koya can't agree on how to rescue Cyrus and a group of mind-controlled Pokémon, they might never get saved! Then, Koya is attacked by a long-lost Pokémon friend... And when Hareta finally gets his chance to battle the Legendary Pokémon Giratina, two unexpected allies arrive to fight by our hero's side! This is the thrilling series finale!

POKÉMON ADVENTURES, Vol. 10 • Rated ‘A’ for All Ages •
MSRP: $7.99 U.S. / $9.99 CAN • Available December 7th
A New Adventure Begins! In order to assist Professor Oak's research, a young Trainer, Crystal, hits the streets of Cherrygrove City with a new Pokédex in hand! Her goal is to catch all kinds of Pokémon! And what will happen when the Legendary Pokémon Suicune awakens?

POKÉMON: ELEMENTS COLLECTION, Part 1 • Rated 'A' for All Ages •
MSRP: $29.92 U.S. / $42.99 CAN • Available Now!
Following the POKÉMON All Star series, the POKÉMON ELEMENTS: COLLECTION bundles Volumes 1-5 of the most important episodes commemorating the different types of Pokémon. Included are: Volume 1: Grass, Volume 2: Fire, Volume 3: Water, Volume 4: Electric and Volume 5: Ice.

Source: http://www.viz.com/news/newsroom/?id=662 & http://www.viz.com/news/newsroom/?id=661

Launching today across North America, the new PokéPark™ Wii: Pikachu’s Adventure game is the first Pokémon™ adventure game created exclusively for the Wii™ system, placing the world-famous Pikachu™ in a massive world filled with friends, foes and exploration. Series fans and newcomers alike are invited to play as Pikachu as they progress through a wild set of challenges, tangling with other Pokémon and racing to save the PokéPark from an uncertain fate.

“Playing as Pikachu and interacting with scores of different Pokémon in a world of adventure, people will find plenty to love about this new game for Wii, whether they’re new to the series or experienced Pokémon players.”

At the outset of PokéPark Wii: Pikachu’s Adventure the Rare Pokémon Mew™ appears and summons Pikachu to the PokéPark. Several pieces of the Sky Prism have gone missing, and it’s up to Pikachu to retrieve them. Players take control of Pikachu to compete in a wide variety of Skill Games and Attractions, bringing Pikachu one step closer to saving the PokéPark. As they move through the park’s many action-packed Zones, players can befriend other Pokémon by defeating them in Skill Games. They can also play as other Pokémon in certain Attractions and revisit challenges again and again to attempt new high scores. Fans with keen ears will be especially pleased to note that the Pokémon speak with the same voices heard on the popular Pokémon animated series.

“As the holiday season draws near, consumers can count on PokéPark Wii: Pikachu’s Adventure to deliver imaginative game play and endless hours of fun,” said Marc Franklin, Nintendo of America’s director of Public Relations. “Playing as Pikachu and interacting with scores of different Pokémon in a world of adventure, people will find plenty to love about this new game for Wii, whether they’re new to the series or experienced Pokémon players.”

PokéPark Wii: Pikachu’s Adventure offers a versatile mix of simple-to-learn controls and captivating game play. When navigating the various Zones of the PokéPark, players hold the Wii Remote™ controller horizontally. As they step up to compete in Attractions and Skill Games, they might be asked to wave or tilt the controller to perform certain tasks. The game also allows players to snap pictures of their favorite Pokémon and locations, and store them on an SD card (sold separately).

For more information about PokéPark Wii: Pikachu’s Adventure, visit http://www.pokeparkwii.com

The Pocket Monsters Original Series screenplay writer Takeshi Shudō (首藤剛志) was sent to hospital at around 6am on Thursday, October 28th, 2010 after he collapsed at the JR Nara Station in the smoking area. It was determined that he suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage. It was confirmed later in the day that he died from the hemorrhage. He was 61 years old.

Click here for a list of episodes that Takeshi Shudō (首藤剛志) worked on.

Source: http://sankei.jp.msn.com/entertainments/game/101028/gam1010281345000-n1.htm