YOASOBI released the song Biri-Biri in Japanese and English simultaneously on Saturday, November 18th, 2023, the first anniversary of the release of the Nintendo Switch games Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. On Friday, November 10th, 2023, an original short novel After the Rain With You was also released and is based on the games as well.


This is the first time that YOASOBI has collaborated with a video game to produce a song. The cover of the album features the Pokémon Pawmot. A music video was released later on in the day. High resolution pictures from the press release have been added to an Imageboard thread.


Starting on Saturday, November 18th, 2023, patrons that purchase 6,000 yen or more (including tax) at Pokémon Centers and the Pokémon Center Online, they can receive a physical copy of the After the Rain With You (きみと雨上がりを) short novel written by Ayano Takeda. The content of the book are the same as the web version.

YouTube Clip - YOASOBI「Biri-Biri」 Official Music Video

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shZyg5VFI1Y

Promotional Video:

Ayase Comment:
I wrote the song "Biri-Biri" to commemorate the first anniversary of the release of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. I am very happy to be able to be involved with Pokémon, which I have loved for a long time. I am a fan of the series, and I have played through the game so much that I have beat it 3 times. Based on the novel written by Ms. Takeda, I wrote this song with a lot of love for Pokémon, thinking about the Paldea region, which I have explored. I would be happy if you could feel the thrill and excitement of battles and adventure.
Once again, congratulations on the first anniversary of the release!

ikura Comment:
Congratulations on the first anniversary of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet!
I am truly honored to have the opportunity to collaborate with Pokémon through music, as it continues to be loved by many people. I read the novel After the Rain With You written by Ms. Takeda and tried to create a singing voice that would make the audience feel the enthusiastic thrill of adventure and battle that the main character Nemo has as well as her love for Pokémon. I hope that many people will enjoy Biri-Biri along with the novel. Thank you very much.

『ポケットモンスター スカーレット・バイオレット』発売1周年記念日となる11/18(土)に、同作インスパイアソング「Biri-Biri」、日本語・英語版を同時リリース決定＆配信ジャケット公開！

YOASOBI初のゲーム作品とのコラボ楽曲となり、楽曲原作は武田綾乃書き下ろしオリジナル短編小説「きみと雨上がりを」！

YOASOBIが、Nintendo Switchソフト『ポケットモンスター スカーレット・バイオレット』発売1周年記念日となる11月18日(土)に、同作インスパイアソング「Biri-Biri」を、日本語・英語版で同時配信リリースすることが決定した。11月10日(金)に、ゲーム発売1周年を記念して、『響け！ ユーフォニアム』シリーズなどの代表作をもつ実力派作家・武田綾乃が執筆した、『ポケットモンスター スカーレット・バイオレット』を原案とするオリジナル短編小説『きみと雨上がりを』（監修：株式会社ポケモン・株式会社ゲームフリーク）が公開された。楽曲「Biri-Biri」は、その小説を原作としてYOASOBIが、『ポケットモンスター スカーレット・バイオレット』インスパイアソングとして書き下ろした作品。ゲーム作品とコラボして楽曲制作を行うのは、今回が初めての取り組みとなる。日本語版「Biri-Biri」に加えて、英語版「Biri-Biri(English Version)」も同日にリリース。配信ジャケットは、なんと作品に登場するポケモン“パーモット”絵柄となる。さらに本人からのコメントも到着！Music Videoも近日公開予定となるので、楽しみにしていて欲しい。

◆Ayaseコメント
『ポケットモンスター スカーレット・バイオレット』発売１周年を記念して「Biri-Biri」という曲を書かせていただきました。昔から大好きなポケモンに音楽という形で携わることができて本当に嬉しいです。僕自身シリーズのファンであり、今作においても、今回の企画とは関係なく3周クリアするくらいにはやり込みました。武田先生が書き下ろしてくださった小説を元に、自分自身で歩いたパルデアの大地に想いを馳せて、ポケモンへの愛をたっぷり詰め込んで作りました。ビリビリと痺れるバトルと冒険の息吹を感じてもらえたら嬉しいです。
改めて発売一周年、おめでとうございます！

◆ikuraコメント
『ポケットモンスター スカーレット・バイオレット』発売1周年おめでとうございます！
多くの人に愛され続けているポケモンと、音楽という形でコラボの機会をいただくことができ、心から光栄に思います。武田先生が書き下ろしてくださった小説「きみと雨上がりを」を読み、主人公ネモが馳せる冒険やバトルへの熱意と信念、ポケモンへの愛を、感じてもらえるような歌声を目指しました。作品と共に「Biri-Biri」も沢山の方に楽しんでいただけたら嬉しいです。よろしくお願いします。

また、全国のポケモンセンター・ポケモンセンター出張所では11月18日(土)から、ポケモンセンターオンラインでは11月17日(金)10時から、6,000円以上（税込）お買い物をした方に、原作小説である『きみと雨上がりを』冊子版を、1冊プレゼントするキャンペーンも実施中。ゲーム、小説、楽曲を行き来して、是非楽しんでほしい。
※冊子版の内容は、WEB版で掲載されている内容と同じものです。
※プレゼントは、なくなり次第終了となります。

Sources: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000817.000055377.html and https://novel-kimiame.pokemon.co.jp/

A new poster has been released for Chapter 2 of the popular anime Pocket Monsters (airs on the TV Tokyo Network every Friday at 6:55pm, officially abbreviated "Anipoke"), "Terapagos' Shine".


The new poster depicts the members of the Rising Volt Tacklers, including protagonists Liko and Roy, standing together on the airship Brave Asagi. In the background we see the Black Rayquaza, as well as silhouettes representing a certain group of characters. In addition, Liko as depicted as holding a shining Terapagos, representing the new subtitle "Terapagos' Shine"

The story of Liko, Roy and their companions will continue to develop as they set off on a new adventure with Terapagos "To Places Far Far Away".


The ending theme "RVR: Rising Volt Tacklers Rap" is also getting an update as we enter Chapter 2.

"RVR: Rising Volt Tacklers Rap" is a song where the members of the Rising Volt Tacklers, the team the anime's protagonists Liko and Roy belong to, learn about Pokémon by rapping about them. This song, which viewers are familiar with from Chapter 1: Liko And Roy Set Off, has changed with episode 26 that aired today, with the melody remaining the same but the lyrics and line distributions changing.

The lyrics in this new RVR will change depending on which character is singing, as every week will see the different members of the Rising Volt Tacklers perform a personalized rap that relates to their Partner Pokémon. Just like the previous version, the lyrics are handled by the tremendously popular rapper Fuma no KTR, as well as Ryogo Matsumaru, Kaiyu Fujimoto and the Pokémon Rap Yattemi-tai from the riddle creator team RIDDLER Inc.


A comment from Ryogo Matsumaru:
When I was writing the lyrics for the first version of this song, I wanted to make a song that the listeners would love for years to come and want to hum to themselves no matter how old they were, so it made me really happy that I got to make another version of it too!

Just like the previous lyrics, these new ones are really fun and will make you want to try rapping along just by hearing them. While the first version was airing on TV the "Pokémon to Doko Iku?" show received a lot of videos of Pokénds singing the song, so I'd be delighted to see lots of Pokénds sing this new one too. I'm looking forward to it already!

The anime has finally started a new chapter too! Liko's pendant, the mystery of the Black Rayquaza, the Six Hero Pokémon... there are so many intriguing mysteries in this show that I can't help but go "Nice, it's Pokémon anime day today!" every Friday!

More than anything, seeing Liko and Roy, two characters that had so much to learn at first, gradually grow and mature thanks to their Pokémon really tugs at my heart and encourages me! "Kore kara donna Pokémon ni aeru no ka na, boken ga tanoshimi"!!


A comment from Minori Suzuki, the voice of Liko:
It's been half a year since the new series started, and I feel like I'm in the middle of a rich adventure both as Liko and as myself. Liko used to keep her thoughts and emotions to herself, but her encounter with Nyahoja led to her gradually starting to become able to express them with words.

In this second chapter, she sets off on a new adventure alongside Roy, Hogator and all the Rising Volt Tacklers in order to grant Terapagos' wishes. I want you to continue to follow the show and see what new Pokémon they'll encounter; I believe we'll be able to showcase even more of the fascinating world of Pocket Monsters, so I hope you'll look forward to it.


A comment from Yuka Terasaki, the voice of Roy:
I think the reason Roy set off on his adventure was specifically because of his fateful encounter with Hogator, an encounter that felt like getting struck by lightning. Please look forward to the battles in Chapter 2 as well, where you'll get to see how this duo that act more like siblings than like Trainer and Partner Pokémon will grow from here!

There are still lots of aspects of the show that are shrouded in mystery, like the legend of the Ancient Adventurer Lucius, as well as the whereabouts of the Black Rayquaza, one of the Six Hero Pokémon. There are tons of amazing twists and turns waiting for you, so I hope you'll watch the show and feel like you're on an adventure with Liko and Roy yourself.

アニポケのエンディングテーマ”RVR”がリニューアル！

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、エンディングテーマの『RVR～ライジングボルテッカーズラップ～』が、第2章突入とともにリニューアルすることを発表しました！
『RVR～ライジングボルテッカーズラップ～』は、アニメの主人公リコとロイが所属するチーム、ライジングボルテッカーズのメンバーたちが、ラップでポケモンを学んでいく楽曲です。
第1章「リコとロイの旅立ち」編でもお馴染みのRVRが、本日放送した第26話「テラパゴスの冒険」より、メロディーはそのままに、歌詞やパート分けが新しくなりました！
新RVRでは歌うキャラクターによって歌詞が異なり、ライジングボルテッカーズのメンバーが、それぞれのパートナーポケモンに関連した個性あふれるラップを週替わりで披露します！エンディングテーマも毎週目が離せません！

作詞は前回に引き続き、若者から絶大な支持を得るラッパー・Fuma no KTRさんと、謎解きクリエイター集団RIDDLERの松丸亮吾さん、藤本海右さん、ポケモンラップやってみ隊が担当します。

新エンディングテーマの作詞を担当する「ポケモンとどこいく！？」ポケリーダーの松丸亮吾さんからコメントが到着しました！
第1弾の作詞の時は、聴いてくれた人たちが子どもから大人まで口ずさみたくなるような、長く愛してもらえる曲にしたいという思いで作っていたので、今回新たなバージョンを作ることができて本当に嬉しいです！
新たな歌詞も、思わずラップに挑戦したくなるような楽しい歌詞になっています。第1弾の時も「ポケモンとどこいく！？」の番組に、たくさんのポケだちから歌っている映像が届いていたので、またたくさんのポケだちが歌ってくれたら幸せです。今から楽しみです！

そしてアニメもついに新章に突入しました！ リコのペンダント、黒いレックウザの謎、六英雄のポケモン…
気になる謎が多すぎて、毎週金曜になると「あ、今日はアニポケの日だ！」と楽しみで仕方ないです！

そして何より、最初は未熟なところも多かったリコとロイが、ポケモンを通して次第に成長していく姿がグッと来て、勇気をもらっています。「これからどんなポケモンに会えるのかな、冒険が楽しみ」です！！

さらに、雄大な空を征くライジングボルテッカーズと、黒いレックウザを描いた新たなビジュアルも初公開！

主人公のリコとロイをはじめとしたライジングボルテッカーズのメンバーが、飛行船・ブレイブアサギ号と共に描かれています。そして、後方には黒いレックウザに加え、あのキャラクターたちを想起させるポケモンのシルエットも...！
リコは輝きを放つテラパゴスを抱えており、新たな副題「テラパゴスのかがやき」を想起させる新ビジュアルとなっています。
テラパゴスとともに「はるか、遠くまで」新たな冒険へ旅立つ、リコとロイたちの物語にご期待ください！
リコ役の鈴木みのりさん、ロイ役の寺崎裕香さんから新章開幕に向けたコメントも到着！
ぜひこの機会にご紹介のご検討を頂けますよう、お願いいたします。

【リコ役・鈴木みのりさん】
新シリーズが始まって半年が経ちましたが、リコとしても、そして私自身としても濃い冒険をしている最中のような感覚です。自分の思いを心に秘めたままだったリコが、ニャオハとの出会いをきっかけに少しずつ自分の気持ちを言葉にできるようになりました。

そして第2章は、テラパゴスの願いを叶えるため、ロイとホゲータ、ライジングボルテッカーズのみんなと一緒に新たな冒険へと旅立ちます。これから出会うポケモンたちにも注目して頂きたいですし、「ポケットモンスター」の魅力あふれる世界をもっと皆さんにお届けできると思いますので、ぜひ楽しみにして頂けると嬉しいです。

【ロイ役・寺崎裕香さん】
まるで雷が落ちるような運命的な出会いをして、その相手がホゲータだったからこそロイは冒険に出たのだと思います。トレーナーとパートナーポケモンというよりは、まるで兄弟のような関係のふたりがこれからどのように成長していくのか、第2章はバトルも楽しみにしてください！

そして、六英雄ポケモンの1匹である黒いレックウザの行方や、いにしえの冒険者・ルシアスの伝説など、まだまだ謎に包まれていることがたくさんあります。この後もすごい展開が待っているので、リコやロイたちと一緒に冒険しているような気持ちで見て頂けたらと思います。

Source: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000001072.000002610.html

It has been announced that chapter 1 of the popular anime Pocket Monsters (airs on the TV Tokyo Network every Friday at 6:55pm, officially abbreviated "Anipoke"), "Liko and Roy Set Off", is about to reach its climax. A new trailer depicting upcoming events was also released.

YouTube Clip - Terapagos' Shine Arc Trailer (Japan Region Locked)

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMJBx_HTuB8

Episode 23, "Galar Fire Blazes Up", which aired on the 22nd, featured not the Black Rayquaza, but a Galar Fire carrying an ancient monster ball, the proof of being one of the Six Heroes that traveled with Lucius! Liko and the others want to close in on this Galar Fire somehow, but it's burning with anger and keeps everyone at arm's length, so they came up with a plan that incorporated Gym Leader Kabu's advice that winning battles isn't the only way to be a Trainer.

The new trailer finally reveals the tale of the Ancient Adventurer Lucius' adventures, as well as the true identity of the mysterious Pokémon the pendant turned into. The story centered around this mysterious Pokémon starts taking some sudden twists and turns as the executives of the Explorers, the organization Amethio belongs to, begin taking personal action.

The next episode, episode 24, "Reunion at the Old Castle", will air October 13th. Liko's pendant has turned into a mysterious Pokémon, as, wanting to learn the truth about this Pokémon, she and the others head for Liko's grandmother Diana's location and finally reunite with her at a hidden old castle. Diana tells them the tale of Lucius' adventures, and of the mysterious Pokémon "Terapagos". Meanwhile, Amethio and his fellow Explorers approach the old castle, having followed Liko and the others there...

Weekly sets of episodes of the Pocket Monsters anime will be available on the official Pokémon Youtube channel from Friday September 29th to Friday October 27th! This allows you to binge the "Liko and Roy Set Off" arc in time for the upcoming "Terapagos' Shine" arc, so make sure to check it out!

It has been decided that Nanase Nishino, who plays the protagonist in the original Pokémon live action serial Pokétsume, will join the Pokémon anime as a guest voice actor in December. She will be playing an Eteboth. Further details will be announced later.

A comment from Nanase Nishino:
I've loved the Pokémon video games ever since I was a child, so I was extremely happy to learn that I would be appearing in the Pocket Monsters anime TV show. I was initially surprised that I had been cast as an Eteboth, since I wasn't expecting that I'd play an actual Pokémon, but I'm considering this a great honor.
I actually found it to be quite difficult since the way I had to approach my lines was so different from when I'm doing live action. It required a strong sense of imagination since I needed to get across my character's thoughts and current situation purely through making noises.
I got the hang of it little by little though, and it made me really happy when the sound director told me I was "getting close to an Eteboth now"! This entire thing was a really good experience for me, and one that really made me fall in love with Eteboth. The episode won't be airing for a while though, but look forward to it!
-Nanase Nishino, the voice of Eteboth

Terapagos' Shine

The popular anime Pocket Monsters (airs on the TV Tokyo Network every Friday at 6:55pm, officially abbreviated "Anipoke") is about to enter its second chapter, which is going to be subtitled "Terapagos' Shine". A new poster depicting the Pokémon Terapagos, which holds the key to the protagonists Liko and Roy's adventure, has been released, as has a new trailer.

In Chapter 2, "Terapagos' Shine", a new adventure begins for Liko and Roy when they meet Terapagos, the mysterious Pokémon that has just transformed from its pendant form.


Liko has previously learned about the legend of the "Ancient Adventurer Lucius" from her grandmother Diana, and the trailer released today shows her pledging to grant Terapagos' wish by searching for "Rakua", a place filled with its memories of Lucius.

It has also been revealed that the Black Rayquaza Roy is chasing down was one of the Six Hero Pokémon that went on an adventure with Lucius in the distant past, and that the Explorers, the organization Amethio belongs to, have started their pursuit of the Black Rayquaza as well.


But what is the true goal of the Explorers...? The curtain goes up for a new adventure for Liko, Roy and the others centered around Lucius, the Six Heroes, as well as Terapagos.

It has also been revealed that the new opening theme that will adorn the story of Chapter 2 will be "Hello". Outstanding creators yama and Botchi Boromaru, who have recently been getting really popular on the Internet, primarily on social media, have teamed up as the special unit "yama x Botchi Boromaru" in order to vigorously sing this fast-paced song!

The new opening theme "Hello" will debut on October 27th with episode 26, "Terapagos' Adventure", and can also be heard in the trailer that released today.


A comment from yama:
When I was little, I was particularly fond of the Pokémon movies, which moved me to tears as I kept watching them over and over. This wasn't because I was a particularly emotional child, but because I found the deep bond between Pokémon and humans, along with the music in these movies, to be so moving. I still play video games even as an adult, and Pokémon ones give me these therapeutic, warm and exciting memories. It's a genuine honor to be allowed to handle the theme song this time.
It will make me really happy if this song wil help ease its listeners' anxieties and insecurities and make them recall how cheerful and exciting their daily life can be, even if just a little. Botchi Boromaru-san and I poured our hearts and souls into this song, so I hope its message will reach as many people as possible.


A comment from Botchi Boromaru:
Pokémon has been there with me in some shape or form ever since I was little, not just as video games, but also as a card game, stickers included with sweets, and plushies. I was especially into the anime, taping it every week and watching the episodes over and over, and singing the opening and ending themes at karaoke competitions during grade school. I even used to draw manga starring Pikachu that I'd show to my friends.
But I never even dreamed that I'd one day get to sing a theme song for the Pokémon anime I loved so much! If I tried telling this to my past self that hadn't even started playing the guitar yet, it'd probably sound too ridiculous to believe. This is hands down the greatest thing that has ever happened to me, no exaggeration! yama-san and I took great care in creating this song as we remembered our past selves and thinking about our present selves at the same time. Please enjoy!!!

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.

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/

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 SiNRiN
2. 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/

The official English Pokémon website has posted an interview they conducted with GAME FREAK’s Junichi Masuda and Kensaku Nabana about the games Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!

Meet the Makers of Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!

GAME FREAK’s Junichi Masuda and Kensaku Nabana share their insight into the development of the latest Pokémon adventure.

The first Pokémon RPG adventure for Nintendo Switch, Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee!, is almost here, and the excitement continues to grow. To learn more about the process that went into the adventure's creation, we had a chat with two members of GAME FREAK inc.—the developers of the games. Join us as we talk to Junichi Masuda, one of GAME FREAK's founders and the director of Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee!, and Kensaku Nabana, the games' lead environment designer. Both creators were kind enough to share their thoughts on the production of these upcoming titles.

Creative Inspiration

Pokemon.com: Where does the original creative spark for a new Pokémon adventure usually come from? What are the first things you work on when get that spark?

Junichi Masuda: I think that no matter who you are, if you are a creative person, a new project begins with the desire to do something specific or figure out the solution to a specific problem. For example, we have Nintendo Switch, which can be used in the living room as a home console. So we have the issue of getting people into the room to play the game. That's where we started with this project—through that concept.

The ideas of connecting the games to Pokémon GO, of creating the Poké Ball Plus to be able to use it to catch Pokémon, and of two-player multiplayer were ideas we came up with to solve that problem. We had this goal in mind and then thought about what kinds of features to implement that would meet that goal. It's the same when I create music. I always try to think about who the listener will be and what situation they will be in when listening to the music, and then I make music to fulfill that kind of image in my mind.

Pokemon.com: Mr. Masuda, these are the first games you've directed for Nintendo Switch. What opportunities afforded by the new hardware were you most intrigued by?

Masuda: At first glance, it's a complicated piece of hardware—you can connect it to the television, you can take it out with you in handheld mode, there's a touch screen, you can take off the controllers, there are gyro motion controls, and there are a lot of other elements. So in the face of those complications, the approach we took was to look at the ways we could simplify things. We took the idea of using a single controller to play the game to make that all feel less complicated, and that also opened the path to having this kind of local two-player multiplayer where you can share the controllers.

Of course, from a technology perspective, there's the increased power of the hardware, which really allowed us to have much better visuals than we've had before. The communication technology in the system also proved very valuable. For example, we use Bluetooth to allow Trainers to transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO into Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee!, which is something we wouldn't be able to do without that technology. Behind the scenes, it's kind of a complicated setup, but we always try to make it feel very simple for the player.

A Living World

Pokemon.com: The world of Pokémon feels more active than ever in these games, giving the sense of a living, breathing place. Was that a priority during development, and if so, why did you feel it was important?

Masuda: Because you don't battle wild Pokémon in these games, we wanted to come up with ways to encourage people to run in and go find the Pokémon they want to encounter. Having Pokémon appear in the world lets the player see the ones they want to catch and encourages them to do so, but it also makes the world feel, like you say, more alive and richer as a result.


Pokemon.com: A lot of personality shines through in the way each Pokémon moves and acts. Were there any Pokémon that proved especially challenging in this regard? And do any Pokémon stand out to you as favorites in the way they animate?

Masuda: There are two parts to how we gave the Pokémon's movements and actions a lot of personality. There are, of course, the animations that each Pokémon has, but there are also the patterns in which they move. That was something I came up with near the end of last year. I developed a basic set of rules for how all the Pokémon should move, such as how many steps they should take before they stop and let out a cry or what their behavior pattern is for when they move again.

Once I handed this set of rules over to the programmers, they added their takes on how the individual Pokémon would move for an extra layer of personality. One of the things that was memorable to me was watching one of our movement programmers. He was referring to a video of rabbits walking around when he was creating the movement for Nidoran, which ended up influencing how that Pokémon moves. I wound up really liking Nidoran's final animation.


Pokemon.com: There's a lot of focus on the two main Pokémon in these games—they're featured on the cover, they boast unique moves, and players have new ways to interact with them. Is this bond between Trainer and first Pokémon something you've always wanted to emphasize more?

Masuda: It was something we definitely aimed for in these games—to really increase that ability to form a bond with your partner Pokémon even more than you have been able to in the past. Not only can the Trainer do things to feel they're getting closer to their Pokémon, but the Pikachu and Eevee partner Pokémon in the games do things to make them feel closer to the Trainer. It's kind of a back-and-forth relationship.

Revisiting the Past

Pokemon.com: With this return to the Kanto region and the events of Pokémon Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition, how do you strike the right balance between familiarity and newness? How do you decide which details to change and which to keep the same?

Masuda: Our approach to development of these games was to appeal to a broad audience. One of the big reasons for that is there are a lot of younger players who maybe didn't have their own smartphones and couldn't join in on the Pokémon GO boom. Because of this, Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! might be their first time playing a Pokémon video game.

So I wanted to use Pokémon Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition as a base to introduce the original 151 Pokémon to them—to have them experience catching and training Pokémon, which are core gameplay elements of the Pokémon series. Now, there are a lot of features that were added in later Pokémon games, such as Eggs, Abilities, and held items, that didn't exist at the time of Pokémon Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition. However, we want kids today to experience something similar to what kids enjoyed 20 years ago. Of course, there are aspects, such as link battling and trading, where we updated the feel to be something more appropriate to modern tastes.

Pokemon.com: What were some of the challenges in bringing these classic environments into a three-dimensional world for the first time? Which locales do you think look especially good or interesting in this new visual style?

Kensaku Nabana: One of the most difficult aspects of updating all the environments and maps for the new hardware and graphic style was that we wanted to keep it nostalgic for fans of the originals while also making it something that looks very inviting and appealing for younger kids. It should always be very clear where you can go, where you can't go, where Pokémon would appear, and where they wouldn't appear.

I think there was a lot of simplicity in those older pixel graphics, which made things like that obvious to the player. The graphics helped communicate things to the player, so you'll see there are quite a few things that we left mostly unchanged. We updated the way you can move around, but we made it very clear where you can go and where you can't go and where you might find Pokémon.

In terms of locales that I think look especially good or interesting, one thing that we did this time around was go back and update all the towns. We redesigned them, pretty much, giving all the towns their own personalities. I think players will have a lot of fun discovering how the locations have changed.


Pokemon.com: Mr. Masuda, you previously directed another pair of games set in the Kanto region with Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen on the Game Boy Advance. What lessons did you learn from that experience that you were able to bring to these games? And what different goals did you have in mind for the Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! video games?

Masuda: The base concept behind Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen was very different from what we are going for with Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! Back then, the primary focus was to creates games that could connect with Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire, which were the other titles available on the Game Boy Advance. This time around, we're defining what the modern living-room Pokémon RPG experience might be when you play on a home console on a big-screen TV. We're starting from very different places, and as a result, I think you'll see the direction is quite different.

At the same time, probably because of the popularity of Pokémon the Series, I think most Pokémon fans prefer the less scary, kind of cuter, and more inviting look that the animated series provides. So the feel of the world changed to be a little less scary, and the Pokémon started to look less monsterlike and more like the impression that people get from Pokémon today. We're taking those ideas and continuing to implement them in these new games.

Behind the Scenes

Pokemon.com: It's been five years since you last served as director—on Pokémon X and Pokémon Y. Why were these the right games for you to return to that role?

Masuda: I was the one who worked on the base game concept document for Pokémon GO, and even in that original concept, I had the idea of introducing new Pokémon through the mobile game. I wanted to realize that goal by creating games that could connect with Pokémon GO and feel somewhat similar to it without feeling like we were copying it. Given my involvement in Pokémon GO's development, I felt that I was probably the best person to direct these games.

It was also interesting to work with Nintendo Switch. There's a lot of technology packed into the hardware that we were all trying to discover at GAME FREAK. For example, developing the Poké Ball Plus and working with Bluetooth to facilitate the connection with Pokémon GO were both very interesting things that I had a chance to work on as the director this time.

But at the same time, it's important to have the younger generation at GAME FREAK take over the development of Pokémon as a series. I do believe this will probably be, in terms of the main Pokémon RPGs, the last time that I work as the director.

Pokemon.com: You also served as the composer. What was your approach to enhancing/remixing the soundtrack for the Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! video games?

Masuda: When first approaching the idea of remixing or rearranging the music that I had originally created for Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green, I knew that I would need someone who really understood how I made that music and who is also very familiar with Pokémon. Also, due to the sheer number of songs, I would need someone who could handle that workload and would be able to rearrange the tracks in a classical music style without making huge, sweeping changes.

The person who I got to handle this was Shota Kageyama. He's a musician who's worked on Pokémon games in the past at GAME FREAK. He's really good at making dramatic music, and he's also very consistent and fast in delivering his work. I talked with him, and we came up with a style of music that we felt would be most appropriate for these games.

Again, with the concept of a Pokémon RPG in the modern living room, the music is always going to be on—you're probably not going to turn off the sound like you might on a handheld system. Because the music will be heard throughout the room, everyone will be able to hear it. So we wanted something that would feel kind and inviting—something that everyone in the household would be comfortable hearing.

We've used various music styles in the past, such as heavy metal or techno, and those are obviously things that certain people really like. At the same time, however, those styles can be divisive or intimidating to others. With that in mind, we wanted the music to feel inclusive, and I think Mr. Kageyama did a great job in achieving that.

One of the more interesting things that Mr. Kageyama did comes in the form of how he respected the original music while injecting his own variations on the themes. Most of the songs use the same key and tempo as the original versions, and he keeps things very similar for the first pass of the tune. After the initial loop happens, though, Mr. Kageyama's arrangement kicks in, allowing his own style to come through. I think it'll be very interesting for fans of the original soundtrack to listen to how it's changed.

Parting Words

Pokemon.com: What do you hope new Pokémon players get out of these games? How about longtime fans?

Masuda: It's kind of the same for both audiences, really, but this is the first time that a Pokémon RPG is going to be in the living room on a modern home console. That's really the focus of how we approached the development. I think seeing the Pokémon in HD visuals on a big-screen TV is going to be a lot of fun for traditional fans as well as new players.

The other big thing in these games is, obviously, pretending to throw a Poké Ball to catch Pokémon using either the Poké Ball Plus or a Joy-Con. It's similar to the Pokémon GO style of catching, but we've evolved it to be an even more immersive experience. It lets you feel like you're a Trainer really catching Pokémon in the games. I think that's going to be a lot of fun for all players. My hope is that everyone will enjoy it—not just by themselves, but also with their friends or family joining in on the fun with the two-player gameplay.


Nabana: As a fan of the original Pokémon RPGs, I want first-time players to get to know the setting and world of Pokémon and what it's like to be a Pokémon Trainer. I want them to go out and catch, train, and battle Pokémon—to enjoy all the different elements of the Pokémon RPGs.

For the longtime fans like myself, there's obviously the goal of completing the Pokédex. This time, the way you catch the original 151 Pokémon is very different from how it was in the past, so I think it'll be quite a challenge. The experience also feels very fresh because the technique of catching Pokémon is different in these games.

Other than that, we have some interesting content for longtime fans who are more interested in battling. After you finish the main story, there are Master Trainers that exist throughout the Kanto region. There's one for each of the different species of Pokémon—and each is the master of that Pokémon. That's what they call themselves. They've raised their Pokémon to be extremely strong, and you can go out and challenge them.

For example, if you find a Charmander Master, you challenge that Master Trainer with a Charmander of your own. To defeat that Charmander Master, you need a deep knowledge of how the Pokémon battle system works and you need to have a strong Pokémon. If you do manage to defeat them, you claim the title of Charmander Master for yourself. You can then travel throughout the Kanto region to collect all these different Master Trainer titles.

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/meet-the-makers-of-pokemon-lets-go-pikachu-and-pokemon-lets-go-eevee/

Junichi Masuda and Kensaku Nabana from GAME FREAK answered some of viewers questions received via Twitter and Facebook in this exclusive interview posted by Nintendo AU/NZ.

Developers of the #PokemonLetsGo games - Junichi Masuda and Kensaku Nabana from GAME FREAK - answered some of your questions in this exclusive AU/NZ interview! #NintendoSwitch

Learn more at the official gamesite: https://t.co/J31SZgCE3M pic.twitter.com/uWe0jShdRh

— Nintendo AU NZ (@NintendoAUNZ) October 27, 2018

Dylan: What is your favourite aspect about designing a game? And what are some areas or places that you would like to use as inspiration for the future?
Masuda: In the beginning we visit different places for research. That's when I get new ideas and have moments when I think to myself, "Maybe seeing something like this in the game will make everyone happy." I personally like this part at the start of the process. It's fun and exciting.

Which geographical locations have been inspiring... is a difficult question to answer. When I travel, I learn about the history and interesting building at the places I visit. I have had inspiration from various places around the globe. There have been moments when I though to myself, I would like this place to be a part of our next game. So when I visit different places, I try to learn a lot. Unfortunately I haven't been to Australia or New Zealand yet... I'd like to go there.

Nabana: What do I enjoy the most... Well, I do all things to do with designing and modelling and I enjoy all of it. So if you ask me what I enjoy most it is difficult to answer... But if I must... Once we know the concept of the game from Masuda-san, we crate initial illustrations. That moment when we move from step 0 to step 1 is probably the most enjoyable part for me.

Peddy: How are players encouraged/rewarded for carrying their Pokémon around in the new Poké Ball Plus?
What good things will happen... well, if you put your Pokémon in it, you will hear it cry. It will surely enhance your adventure. If your friends also have Poké Ball Plus, you can have fun conversation with them, asking each other which monsters are in their Poké Ball Plus. And if you bring back your Pokémon into Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee!, there will be a nice little surprise. Please try it for yourself and see.

Stacee: The ultimate question: Pikachu or Eevee?
Nabana: (Holding Eevee Plush) No, no, I say Eevee.
Masuda: (Holding Pikachu Plush) No, no, I say Pikachu.
Nabana: No, this one. Eevee!
Masuda: The idol of this sereis has got to be... (Pikachu)
Nabana: But look at this! So soft and fluffy. Pikachu isn't like this.
Masuda: No, look at these cute cheeks!
Nabana: Well, they are both cute.
Masuda: Yes, both are cute. It's pretty hard to chose one. Which one is everyone else's favourite?
Masuda: (Holding Pikachu Plush) "Choose me!"
Nabana: (Holding Eevee Plush) How about Eevee?!

Barx: Which Pokémon would you want to have as a partner that can follow you around in real life like in Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee?
Masuda: Psyduck! Psyduck!
Nabana: Perhaps Eevee... but maybe Flareon after all. It would be so nice to cuddle it on a cold day in winter. Masuda: (Wouldn't it burn you?)
Nabana: I'm sure it will adjust itself to the right temperature.

Zachary: Which evolution of Eevee is your favourite?
Masuda: Hmm... Eevee will not evolve this time. It doesn't want to, because it wants to enjoy the adventure with you. But, if you're asking about wild Eevee... I guess it would be Sylveon.
Nabana: (Holding Flareon Plush) This is Flareon. See, it's so soft, fluffy and cute.
Masuda: (Touching Eevee Plush) (But this one is soft and fluffy too.)
Nabana: But Flareon looks warmer.
Masuda: You don't like the cold!
Nabana: No I don't. It would be so warm to cuddle.

Samuel: Was it nostalgic to work on Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! since it is going back to the Kanto region?
Masuda: Yes of course I felt nostalgic. Even seeing one of the lines that a trainer says, I felt very nostalgic remembering it from the past. Not only nostalgic, but I also felt that we were creating something from our memories. Nabana here used to play Pokémon Red and Green as a primary school student. Creating something with people like him has been fun too. This whole experience has made me feel nostalgic, and it also has been fun.

Owen: How does Pokémon GO park work?
Masuda: You can send your Pokémon to Pokémon GO Park by linking Pokémon GO and Nintendo Switch to correspond. Using Pokémon GO, you can choose the Pokémon you want to send, push a few buttons and send it to GO Park. Pokémon set to GO Park all hang out and have fun there. I would really like for everyone to check it out.

Final thoughts?
Masuda: Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! will be best enjoyed set up with a TV monitor in your living room. Use Pokémon GO and help your friends or parents catch Pokémon. It's a game to be enjoyed in your living room with others, laughing and having fun. Please try it.

Source: https://twitter.com/NintendoAUNZ/status/1055987444875751426

The following Interview was originally posted on Pokemon.com on November 9th, 2017. The full interview has been archived in our Content Database for future reference.


With the impending release of Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems, we are growing more and more excited about making a return trip to the Alola region. To learn more about our upcoming expedition, we turned to GAME FREAK, the developers of the game, for a little extra insight. We were lucky enough to chat with Kazumasa Iwao, the director of Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon, and Shigeru Ohmori, the director of Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon and current producer of Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon, who both shared their experiences and thought processes about designing the latest journey into the wonderful world of Pokémon.

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/an-exclusive-interview-with-the-makers-of-pokemon-ultra-sun-and-pokemon-ultra-moon/

GAME FREAK Game Designer Shigeru Ohmori was interviewed by IGN and he confirmed that Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon will be the last main series Pokémon RPG games on the Nintendo 3DS. It was announced earlier in the year that a new Pokémon title was in development for the Nintendo Switch for release in 2018.

Below are Interview quotes:
"When we were making Pokemon X and Y, we really were trying to push the 3DS system to its absolute limits - which is what we thought we’d done. But when Sun and Moon came around, we completely redesigned the system, and actually ended up pushing the 3DS even further to what we thought was the most we could draw out of it."

"With Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon," explains Ohmori, "we’ve tried to eke that out more and really, really push the system to its absolute limits, and we’re now feeling that perhaps this is the maximum of what we can get out. So we’re really treating Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon as the culmination of our work with the 3DS system."

Source: http://ca.ign.com/articles/2017/10/19/ultra-sun-and-ultra-moon-will-be-the-last-pokemon-rpgs-for-3ds

Yuji Nakamura of Bloomberg Technology interviewed The Pokémon Company CEO Tsunekazu Ishihara and talked about the future of Pokémon video games. Below are excerpts from that interview.

Pokémon GO:

The interview confirmed once again that Trading and one-on-one battles are coming to Pokémon GO.

• “We’ve only accomplished 10 percent of what Pokémon and Niantic are trying to do, so going forward we will have to include fundamental Pokémon experiences such as Pokémon trading and peer-to-peer battles, and other possibilities.”
• “Depending on location, there are many Pokémon with different characteristics. So what do we do with those and the real world? One view is to have chilly Pokémon in a cold climate, but then that would also mean that people born on a tropical island won’t be able to catch them. So we are always thinking of how to find the right balance between game design, how our Pokémon should exist, and how players feel about their collections.”
• “Right now, if you go to the coast you can catch water Pokémon. For example, if you have a setting for electric-type Pokémon (such as Pikachu) to appear at power plants, is that really a good idea for you to find one in such a location -- is it safe, and is it OK regionally? We see it as a very realistic problem.”
• “On the other hand, it has created a lot of social problems. When too many people gather, it causes mass confusion. Also this isn’t limited to Pokémon Go, but the issue of staring at smartphones while walking is something we have to focus on and think about.”

Pokémon Game for the Nintendo Switch:

• The announcement caused Nintendo’s stock price to jump as much as 3 percent in U.S. trading, as investors bet the new title will boost Switch sales.
• “With the Switch, we see it as a chance to create Pokémon that goes deeper and with a higher level of expression. As a result, that makes it an extremely important platform.”
• “Right now we’re using 7 to 8 inch screens, but on a high-definition TV you can express a whole different world with graphics and sound.”
• “Until now, games were made as one for one person, but now you can go home and play with everyone -- so how do we tackle these themes, and how do we make sure it’s not complicated?”
• “I can’t say that we’ll release accessories, but I’d like to think of that possibility.”
• “Unlike smartphones, the Switch is not a game device that assumes that there’s constant network connectivity. So from our perspective, it’s really not that different from DS or 3DS in terms of connectivity.”

Augmented Reality and the Future of Pokémon

Augmented Reality could play a significant role in games other than Pokémon GO.

• “With current AR, even if you say Pikachu is there, no one really thinks that. But that reality is just one step away. For example, you’ll be able to find Pikachu, and it can sense this table and jump on it, and you can see its shadow on the table, and then it faces you and starts talking to you. We will see the birth of this reality that is another step up from the current Pokémon Go. And I’ve only mentioned the visual aspect, but you can add haptic and rumble technology to that.”
• “Voice-activated assistants are increasing. Whether it is Google Home or Amazon or Apple Homepod, there are many of them and we could see these dialogue-based devices give birth of a new form of entertainment.”
• “Switch is just one of the possible platforms. I think we will open up more possibilities from all these platforms. Playing in a more realistic way should be possible.”

Source: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-09-05/pokemon-s-ceo-hints-at-big-plans-for-games-on-smartphone-switch