Culture Convenience Club and The Pokémon Company have announced that a Pokémon Card Game authorized lounge called POKÉMON CARD LOUNGE will open on the 5th floor of SHIBUYA TSUTAYA on Thursday, April 25th, 2024. High resolution photos from the press release have been added to an Imageboard thread.

YouTube Clip - POKÉMON CARD LOUNGE Introductory Video

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgROG0NxgDs

POKÉMON CARD LOUNGE: Service Details and Fees

At the POKÉMON CARD LOUNGE, you can enjoy the Pokémon Card Game experience in a special space with a sophisticated design and original, carefully selected, high-quality seats to play the game. The minimum charge is 1,500 yen (excluding tax) per person for 60 minutes.


The walls of the POKÉMON CARD LOUNGE are designed with Basic Energy energy symbols and other designs, creating a space that features the Pokémon Card Game style. All desks and chairs are custom-made to provide a comfortable place to play the Pokémon Card Game.

In addition, you can enjoy free drinks and snacks (about 50 kinds of drinks and 30 kinds of individually wrapped snacks) at the table where you play against each other. You can play the Pokémon Card Game with the cards you brought, but they will also lend you decks such as a Pokémon Card Game Classic* deck and other necessary items such as supplies free of charge, so you can enjoy yourself even if you come in empty-handed.
(*) Please note that the number of Pokémon Card Game Classic decks is limited.

There is also one private room that can accommodate up to four people (see price plan for details), allowing groups to play without worrying about their surroundings or just relax.


And, as a commemorative novelty, visitors to the POKÉMON CARD LOUNGE will receive one of a total of 11 types of welcome cards at random with an energy mark on the front. The welcome card is a great size to use as a divider inside a deck case. The date of visit and the deck used can be written on the back, and the opponents names can be described on the back.

POKÉMON CARD LOUNGE: Original Goods

In the product sales area, they will be selling Pokémon Card Game related products and original POKÉMON CARD LOUNGE goods with the Basic Energy energy marks as the main design used on the products. A total of 30 different products will be available for sale, including clothing, stationery, and household goods that are luxurious yet can be used in everyday life, as well as products that can be used in competitive games, such as deck shields, deck cases, rubber play mats, and more.

Gallery Area: 6 special oversized cards to be exhibited

In the gallery area, six special oversized cards will be exhibited, with the texture and glitter of the cards reproduced. Visitors can enjoy the charm of Pokémon cards with these oversized cards.

POKÉMON CARD LOUNGE Rates

General Seating Fee (per person): First 60 min. 1,650 yen - Extension: 660 yen per 30 min.
PRIVATE ROOM (Max. 4 persons): First 60 min. 8,250 yen - Extension: 3,300 yen per 30 min.
3-hour package fee: General seating fee 3,650 yen
PRIVATE ROOM: 18,500 yen


Source: https://shibuyatsutaya.tsite.jp/pokemoncardlounge/

Takara Tomy Arts and Marvelous announced Pokémon FRIENDA on April 15th, 2024. Pokémon FRIENDA is a new arcade game that follows in the footsteps of Pokémon MEZASTAR.

Introducing a new arcade machine equipped with a touch panel! Pokémon FRIENDA is scheduled to start operating in July of 2024. Touch it! Hit it repeatedly! An intuitive experience for getting Pokémon! High resolution pictures from the press release have been added to an Imageboard thread.

The most impressive large screens ever in the series! Also equipped with a touch panel!

Pokémon FRIENDA is the latest arcade machine where you battle against Pokémon, catch them, and collect FRIENDA Picks (フレンダピック) distributed from the cabinet. While inheriting the feature of the "twin cabinet" that allows you to enjoy simultaneous play that is popular in the currently running Pokémon MEZASTAR, some of gameplay takes advantage of the touch screens, allowing you to experience a higher degree of immersion between the game and real action. Equipped with two 50-inch monitors in one cabinet chassis, you can enjoy exciting games even during normal single play. Furthermore, when tag play (simultaneous play) occurs with the cabinet next to you, the image on the screen connects with the screen on the cabinet next to you, allowing you to enjoy a powerful battle that fill both screens.

The Pokémon you catch will appear as a FRIENDA Pick!

FRIENDA Pick is a small rectangular handout that is easy to hold in your hand, with a large illustration of a Pokémon on the front and various information about the Pokémon printed on the back. The bottom right of the surface has a monster ball engraved on it, so when you hold it in your hand and open it in a fan shape, you can easily spread it apart.

In addition, the FRIENDA Pick has rarities ranging from "Grade 2" to "Grade 5", while the Grade 5 FRIENDA Pick is called a Super Treasure Pokémon (スーパートレジャーポケモン), as it has a special molded color and an impressive appearance. It alkso has as an impressive illustration on it.

Enjoy intuitive operation actions with the touch panel and buttons!

Pokémon FRIENDA is a game where you have 3-on-3 Pokémon battles and collect FRIENDA Picks, which are handout disks. You can play with an intuitive touch panel and buttons, and enjoy actions that make you feel closer to the Pokémon.

Insert 100 yen (tax included) and place your FRIENDA Pick to start a battle with wild Pokémon. You can select which Pokémon to attack by directly touching an allied Pokémon that appears on the touch panel, increase damage by repeatedly pressing a button when performing a move, and perform various actions by operating the touch panel.

As the battle progresses, there will be a time to catch wild Pokémon. If you insert an additional 100 yen at that time and throw a ball, you will be sure to catch at least one of the three wild Pokémon on the screen, and the Pokémon that is caught will be distributed from the arcade cabinet as a FRIENDA Pick. Battles generally last three turns, but special battles that feature powerful Pokémon such as Legendary Pokémon or a Mythical Pokémon may occur in succession.

Tags from Pokémon MEZASTAR

Pokémon FRIENDA allows you to scan some of the Tags that have been distributed in Pokémon MEZASTAR, as well as Pokémon MEZASTAR Memory tags, to obtain special benefits. The plans are to implement features that will allow players who played Pokémon MEZASTAR to have even more fun with the new Pokémon FRIENDA game. Details will be announced on the official page.

Product Overview

Product Name: Pokémon FRIENDA (ポケモンフレンダ)
Form: Arcade Cabinet for kids
Playing fee: 100 yen (including tax) + 100 yen per FRIENDA pick (including tax) / Max. 600 yen per play (including tax)
Number of players: 1 to 2
Operating period: Scheduled for July 2024
Machine size: (W)1237mm x (D)846mm x (H)1796mm / (W)210kg
FRIENDA Picks size: (W)38.9mm x (H)62.9mm x (D)4.2mm
Playing time: approx. 8 to 10 minutes *Depends on playing conditions
Production: Takara Tomy Arts, Marvelous
Sales: TAKARA TOMY, Marvelous
Official HP: https://pokemonfrienda.com
Rights: ©2024 Pokémon. ©1995-2024 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.
Developed by T-ARTS and MARV
Pokémon, Pokémon, Pokémon Monster are registered trademarks of Nintendo/Creatures Inc./Game Freak Inc.

Source: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000268.000009185.html

The next batch of Pokémon Horizons: The Series will air in the United States on May 10th, 2024 on Netflix. A second poster for the series was released with the press release.

New Episodes of Pokémon Horizons: The Series Premiering on Netflix in the U.S. in May 2024

April 10, 2024 — The Pokémon Company International announced a new batch of episodes from “Pokémon Horizons: The Series” will premiere on May 10, 2024, exclusively on Netflix in the U.S.

On the heels of a highly anticipated series premiere in March, fans will be able to continue exploring the Pokémon world with dual protagonists Liko and Roy — and their partner Pokémon, Sprigatito and Fuecoco, respectively — as they continue their action-packed adventures with Friede, Captain Pikachu, and the rest of the Rising Volt Tacklers and discover what mysteries await them.

Fans can view a sneak peek of the new episodes for Pokémon Horizons: The Series on the official Pokémon YouTube channel.

Pokémon Horizons: The Series Part Two Synopsis:

Liko, Roy, and the rest of the Rising Volt Tacklers are charting a course toward the Galar region, seeking the truth about the legendary Ancient Adventurer and his Pokémon known as the Six Heroes. Along the way, Roy and Fuecoco find a new Pokémon partner, but an attack by the Explorers leaves Liko and Sprigatito feeling lost. Later, Dot and Quaxly team up, Roy and his Pokémon take on special training, and Friede reveals how he met Captain Pikachu. And when the Brave Olivine finally lands in Galar, friends both old and new await—along with fiery challenges from a Gym Leader and a seriously angry Galarian Moltres!

Source: https://press.pokemon.com/en/releases/MEDIA-ALERT-New-Episodes-of-Pokemon-Horizons-The-Series-Premiering-on-

YouTube Clip - Hide-and-Seek: Find Liko! | Sneak Peek | Pokémon Horizons Part 2 Coming to Netflix May 10

Liko has lost her memory and gone missing! To search for her, Iono and Nidothing team up for a collab stream where they announce a special game of hide-and-seek! Will they find Liko and Sprigatito? Find out in new episodes of Pokémon Horizons: The Series, coming to Netflix in the US on May 10!

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WCKqm30VxQ

The 2024 Pokémon Europe International Championships are now over and the winners have been annoucned as well as further details for the 2024 Pokémon World Championships which will take place from August 16th, 2024 to August 18th, 2024, at the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. Pictures from the press release have been added to an Imageboard thread.

Date, Venue Revealed for Upcoming Pokémon World Championships in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi

Champions of 2024 Pokémon Europe International Championships Crowned in London


London, UK — April 8, 2024 — Yesterday, The Pokémon Company International shared further details about the 2024 Pokémon World Championships, which will be held in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, this summer. Pokémon fans who attended the 2024 Pokémon Europe International Championships (EUIC) in London over the weekend, and those who followed the action via the official Pokémon livestream, were delighted to find out that the 2024 Pokémon World Championships will take place from August 16 to 18, 2024, at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. The artwork created especially for the event was also revealed, showing off Pikachu and friends on a snorkeling adventure.

The 2024 Pokémon EUIC also saw thousands of skilled Pokémon Trainers battling it out in the Pokémon Trading Card Game, the Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet video games, Pokémon GO and Pokémon UNITE. After three days of intense competition, the top players were crowned 2024 Pokémon Europe International Champions:

Trading Card Game Junior Division:
1st place: Yohann Cote [CA]
2nd place: Peter Shapkin [UK]

Trading Card Game Senior Division:
1st place: Gabriel Fernadez [BR]
2nd place: Benny Billinger [CA]

Trading Card Game Masters Division:
1st place: Tord Reklev [NO]
2nd place: Isaiah Bradner [US]

Video Game Junior Division:
1st place: Kevin Han [US]
2nd place: Ismael Hoggui [FR]

Video Game Senior Division:
1st place: Benjamin Polster [US]
2nd place: Teddy French [UK]

Video Game Masters Division:
1st place: Nils Dunlop [SE]
2nd place: Tim Edwards [US]

Pokémon GO:
1st place: Maxwell “MEweedle” Ember [CH]
2nd place: Alexander “Doonebug97” Doone [US]

Pokémon UNITE:
1st place: FUSION [LA-S]

Erick Jean "Zynuz" Bartolo Cotrina
Axel Xavier "Khea" Rivas Pérez
Jose "Anemo" Arias
Jeremy Wilman "Tempo" Rivas Nunura
Jesús "Draken" Vásquez Antaccasa

2nd place: Ks [JP]
Fujishiro "cocoatta" Arata
Tejima “iamTomato” Genki
Yamakawa “Rom” Naoki
Kaneko “Vitoppo” Yuma
Miyata “Noda wajiro” Daiki

For more information about the Pokémon Championship Series, including rules, tournament locations, dates, times, prizes and more, please visit the Play! Pokémon page.

Information about the 2024 Pokémon World Championships can be found here.

Source: https://press.pokemon.com/en/releases/Date-Venue-Revealed-for-Upcoming-Pokemon-World-Championships-in-Honolu

Pokémon: Path to the Peak has been nominated for Best Animation (Series & Channels) in the Video category on the 28th Annual Webby Awards. Award winners will be announced on April 23rd, 2024.
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Pokémon: Path to the Peak Nominated for Best Animation in 28th Annual Webby Awards

Voting For Webby People’s Voice Winner Open Now Through April 18

Bellevue, Wash. — April 5, 2024 — Today, The Pokémon Company International announced that the original animated series, “Pokémon: Path to the Peak,” has been nominated for Best Animation (Series & Channels) in the Video category in the prestigious 28th Annual Webby Awards.

“Pokémon: Path to the Peak” follows Ava and her partner Pokémon, Oddish, on their journey to rise to the top of competitive Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) play. Featuring the bestselling Pokémon TCG in a first-of-its-kind way, the series invites viewers to explore the worlds of casual and competitive Pokémon play in a charming, animated format. Mirroring the Play! Pokémon competitive program which gathers casual and competitive Pokémon players for organized play, “Pokémon: Path to the Peak” celebrates the global Play! Pokémon community in a story that explores the spirit of friendship and determination.

The four-part animated series was developed as part of The Pokémon Company International’s ongoing commitment to deliver exciting original content for fans to experience the Pokémon brand in unique ways. Originally premiered during a special screening at the 2023 Pokémon World Championships, all episodes of “Pokémon: Path to the Peak” are available to watch now on the official Pokémon YouTube channel.

“Pokémon: Path to the Peak” was developed in-house at The Pokémon Company International, a subsidiary of The Pokémon Company based in Tokyo. This award-nominated web series marks a significant advancement in the development of content outside of Japan where most Pokémon content has historically been created.

“As we look to develop a wide variety of content to appeal to the extremely diverse Pokémon fanbase around the world, this Webby nomination for ‘Pokémon: Path to the Peak’ reaffirms our commitment to create new and unexpected entertainment reflecting not only our fans, but the wide variety of experiences across the franchise,” said Andy Gose, senior director of media production, The Pokémon Company International. “This series portrays the sense of community fostered by our competitive play program while also depicting how Pokémon helps to bring people together. We’re very grateful for this nomination and extend our thanks to the Webby committee for recognizing this special series which is near and dear to our hearts.”

The nomination marks the second year in a row where a Pokémon animated series has been recognized for internet excellence by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS), with “Pokémon: Hisuian Snow” named as the Webby People’s Voice Winner for Best Animation (Series & Channels) in the Video category in the 27th Annual Webby Awards.

Shortlisted as a Webby Winner, “Pokémon: Path to the Peak” is also eligible for the Webby People’s Voice Award which is determined through public voting. Fans can visit vote.webbyawards.com to cast their vote for “Pokémon: Path to the Peak” now through April 18 at 11:59 p.m. PDT. Winners will be announced on April 23, 2024.

Source: https://press.pokemon.com/en/releases/-Pokemon-Path-to-the-Peak-Nominated-for-Best-Animation

The Pokémon Company has announced that they have become an Official Partner of the Mumbai Indians cricket team. Pikachu will be visiting the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, India for 7 home matches in April and May of 2024.

Meet Pikachu in Mumbai at Wankhede Stadium!

We are happy to announce that Pokémon has become an OFFICIAL PARTNER of the MUMBAI INDIANS! In celebration of our partnership, Pikachu will be present at the Wankhede Stadium for all 7 home matches during IPL season 2024. (Match schedule below)

Come visit the Pokémon booth at the west side concourse to meet Pikachu. Pikachu will be waiting for you from 90 minutes prior to each match. Be sure to bring your friends and family along! (There also may be a little surprise awaiting you...!)

*Details including date, time, location and contents may change without notice.
*A match ticket will be necessary to enter the venue. Tickets are available on BookMYShow.

Pikachu With Mumbai Indians

Match#1 1st APR, 2024 (MON) - 7:30PM
Match#2 7th APR, 2024 (SUN) - 3:30PM
Match#3 11th APR, 2024 (THU) - 7:30PM
Match#4 14th APR, 2024 (SUN) - 7:30PM
Match#5 3rd MAY, 2024 (FRI) - 7:30PM
Match#6 6th MAY, 2024 (MON) - 7:30PM
Match#7 17th MAY, 2024 (FRI) - 7:30PM

Source: https://in.portal-pokemon.com/topics/event/meet_pikachu_in_mumbai_at_wankhede_stadium.html

Will, the first original Japanese song by Korean 6-member girl group IVE in about 11 months, will be the new opening theme for the TV Tokyo Network anime Pocket Monsters (airs every Friday at 6:55pm), and is going to be available digitally on April 12th alongside the premiere of the new chapter "Terastal Debut".


"Will" is IVE's very first anime tie-in song, and is a song themed around friendship and adventure, filled with a sparkling feel similar to that of Pocket Monsters. Japanese member Rei said with great joy that she's been very close to this anime ever since she was little, so she was extremely happy to hear they were doing an opening theme for it, and that all the members were really excited about it.

Wonyoung was visibly moved as she talked about how very happy and honored to get to sing the opening theme for an anime as extremely famous as Pocket Monsters, which she's a big fan of herself as well, having loved Pikachu since childhood and having wanted to live with Pokémon in real life back then.


A new trailer that shows what to expect from the beginning of the new chapter "Terastal Debut" was released today, March 29th, 2024, where you can hear part of IVE's "Will".

YouTube Clip - Pocket Monsters Anime Terastal Debut Starts in Friday, April 12th, 2024

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShQdAO_1aa0

Comments from IVE:

Yujin:
I'm very honored and very happy to be singing the opening theme for the Pocket Monsters anime. This is a very fun song, so I had fun recording it as well. My favorite Pokémon is Eievui, and I always keep an Eievui plushie I got from Rei in my room. I want all you viewers to listen to "Will" as soon as you can, and I'm truly grateful for all the constant support we've been getting.

Gaeul:
I've been a huge fan of Pokémon since I was a child, so I'm really happy I get to sing one of its opening themes. Pokémon is of course a famous anime everyone in Japan knows, and this is also the case in Korea, so I was really honored to get this assignment and knew I had to do my absolute best. There was a huge Pocket Monsters card game craze back when was in elementary school, so I played that a lot with my cousins, and also collected cute Pokémon menko in all kinds of colors. I sang this song with all my might in order to fill it with the kind of cheerfulness and energy that's so unique to the Pocket Monsters anime, so please look forward to it!

Rei:
I've been very close to this anime ever since she was little, so I was extremely happy to hear we were doing an opening theme for it. All the members were really excited about it, and couldn't believe they were actually doing the opening theme (smile). When I was little, I would always be sitting in front of the TV on the days the anime was airing, looking forward to learning what kind of adventure we'd be getting that day (smile). I'd be really happy if I could share all the dreams, courage and sparkling memories I gained from watching the anime back then with you all. Please look forward to seeing IVE alongside Pokémon.

Wonyoung:
I'm very happy and honored to get to sing the opening theme for an anime as extremely famous as Pocket Monsters, which I'm a big fan of myself as well. I've loved Pikachu since childhood and wanted to live with Pokémon in real life back then, so I'm very happy to get to sing the opening theme. We'll be singing a cheerful song that will make you happy as you watch the show!

Liz:
I've enjoyed the anime ever since I was a child, and also played the video games a lot and collected a ton of Pokémon cards, menko and plushies together with my little brother, so I was extremely honored when I learned we were singing the opening theme. It made me so excited and happy I can't even put it in words. Since I was so excited about this song, I did my absolute best when recording it as well! I hope you guys are all excited for it as well, and would be really happy if you'd root for us a lot!

Leeseo:
It was like a dream come true to learn we were getting to sing this song. We've been graced with the wonderful opportunity it is to get to sing an anime opening theme, so I really wanted to do a good job with it. I regularly have fun collecting the "Decochara seal" stickers that come with Pokémon Pan pastry, and would put the stickers featuring my favorite Pokémon on my cell phone. I did my absolute utmost singing "Will", so it'd make me happy if lots of people liked it.

IVE 新曲が『ポケモン』新OPに メンバー大感激「心からうれしかった」【全員コメント】

韓国の6人組ガールズグループ・IVEの約11ヶ月ぶりとなる日本オリジナル曲「Will」が、テレビ東京系アニメ『ポケットモンスター』（毎週金曜　後6：55）の新オープニングテーマに決定した。新章「テラスタルデビュー」が4月12日に放送開始となるのにあわせて、同日に配信リリースされる。

IVE初のアニメタイアップ曲となる「Will」は、友情や冒険をテーマに『ポケットモンスター』に寄り添ったキラキラとした世界観を詰め込んだ楽曲。日本人メンバー・レイは「小さい頃からとても親しみのある作品だったので、お話を聞いた時は心からうれしかったです。メンバーの皆とも『私たちがオープニングテーマを歌うだなんて！』とドキドキしていました」と歓喜した。

ウォニョンは「とても有名で私も好きなアニメ『ポケットモンスター』のオープニングテーマを歌うことができて、とてもうれしく光栄です。幼い頃からピカチュウが大好きで、実際にポケモンと一緒に暮らしてみたいと思っていたので、オープニングテーマを歌えることがとてもうれしいです」と感激している。

きょう29日には、新章「テラスタルデビュー」の始まりを予感させる最新映像も初公開。IVEが歌う「Will」を一部聴くことができる。

■IVEメンバーコメント
▼ユジン
アニメ『ポケットモンスター』のオープニングテーマを歌うことになり大変光栄に思いますし、とても嬉しかったです。すごく楽しい曲なので、レコーディングも楽しく出来ました。ポケモンの中ではイーブイが一番好きなんですが、レイがプレゼントしてくれたイーブイのぬいぐるみを部屋にずっと置いています。視聴者の皆さんに、「Will」を早く聴いてもらいたいです！ いつもたくさん応援してくださって、本当にありがとうございます。

▼ガウル
子供の頃から大好きだったポケモンのオープニングテーマを歌うことができて、本当に嬉しかったです。日本はもちろん、韓国でも誰もが知っている有名なアニメなので、光栄でしたし頑張らなくてはと思いました。小学生の頃、ポケットモンスターのカードゲームが流行っていたので、いとこたちとよく遊んだし、いろんな色のかわいいめんこを集めるのが趣味でした。アニメ『ポケットモンスター』ならではの明るくてエネルギー溢れる感じを曲に盛り込むために一生懸命歌ったので、楽しみにしていてください！

▼レイ
小さい頃からとても親しみのある作品だったので、お話を聞いた時は心から嬉しかったです。メンバーの皆とも「私たちがオープニングテーマを歌うだなんて！」とドキドキしていました（笑顔の絵文字）小さい頃、アニメの放送日には欠かさずテレビの前に座って待機して、今日はどんな冒険をするんだろう？と楽しみに待っていました（笑顔の絵文字）私が小さい頃にアニメを見ながら育んだ夢や勇気、キラキラした思い出を皆さんにお届けできたら嬉しいです。これからポケモンと一緒になったIVEの姿にご期待ください☆

▼ウォニョン
とても有名で私も好きなアニメ『ポケットモンスター』のオープニングテーマを歌うことができて、とても嬉しく光栄です。幼い頃からピカチュウが大好きで、実際にポケモンと一緒に暮らしてみたいと思っていたので、オープニングテーマを歌えることがとても嬉しいです。このアニメを見ている間、みなさんが幸せになれるよう、明るい歌を歌います！

▼リズ 幼い頃からアニメを楽しく見ていましたし、ゲームもたくさんしていて、弟とポケモンカードとめんこ、ぬいぐるみをたくさん集めたりもしていたので、私たちがオープニングテーマを歌うと聞いて、とても光栄に思いました。言葉で表現できないほど楽しみで、嬉しかったです。個人的に楽しみにしていたので、レコーディングも頑張りました！皆さんにも楽しみにしていて欲しいですし、IVEの活動もたくさん応援してくださると嬉しいです。

▼イソ
この曲を私たちが歌えると聞いた時は本当に夢のようでした。アニメのオープニングテーマを歌えるという良い機会に恵まれたので、上手く歌いたいと思いました。普段から「ポケモンパン」の中に入っているデコキャラシールを集めるのが好きで、私の好きなポケモンのデコキャラシールが出た時は携帯電話にそのシールを貼ったりしていました。本当に一生懸命歌ったので、多くの方々に「Will」を気に入って頂けると嬉しいです。

Source: https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2320574/full/

It was announced on March 29th, 2024, that the utaite 9Lana, who primarily operates on TikTok and Youtube, will be making her major debut with Sony Music. Her debut song "Let me battle" is going to be used as the new ending theme for the TV Tokyo Network anime Pocket Monsters (airs every Friday at 6:55pm), and will be produced by Giga & TeddyLoid.

This highly surprising choice has a chameleon voice, being able to speak and sing in 9 entirely different ways, and is known for an expressiveness that almost makes you think the protagonist in the lyrics has taken possession of her. Her growling voice is particularly well regarded. Since the end of last year, she released 3 original songs in rapid succession; "Migi pocket", "Balalaika" and "Game", and was enjoying a steady increase in listeners as she announced her major debut.


"Let me battle", which is going to be the ending theme for the Pocket Monsters anime, was written by Giga & TeddyLoid, who have multiple hit songs on their resume. The lyrics are by TOPHAMHAT-KYO from FAKE TYPE. The song will premiere on April 12th, when the new chapter "Terastal Debut" begins, and will be available digitally on the 19th.


9Lana commented that it's such an honor both to do the ending theme for the Pocket Monsters anime, as well as to get to sing a song written by people she looks up to as much as Giga-san, TeddyLoid-san and TOPHAMHAT-KYO-san, that she still almost thinks this is just a dream.

A comment from 9Lana:
The first Christmas gift I ever got from Santa was a Pokémon video game, and I remember playing it for hours every day because it was so much fun I didn't know when to stop. It's such an honor both to do the ending theme for the Pocket Monsters anime, as well as to get to sing a song written by people I looks up to as much as Giga-san, TeddyLoid-san and TOPHAMHAT-KYO-san, that I still think this is just a dream.

９Lana,ソニーミュージックからメジャーデビュー！異例の大抜擢！デビュー曲「Let me battle」がアニメ「ポケットモンスター」エンディングテーマに決定！

プロデューサーはGiga ＆ TeddyLoid！株式会社ソニー・ミュージックレーベルズ

TikTokやYouTubeを中心に活躍中の歌い手９Lana(ヨミ：クラナ)がソニーミュージックからメジャーデビューすることを発表した。９Lanaは様々な歌声を自在に操ることができるマルチな才能を持っており、楽曲ごとに歌詞の主人公が本当に憑依したと感じるほど表現力に長けていることが圧倒的な強みだ。９Lanaは現在、昨年末から短期期間にオリジナル楽曲を3曲配信リリース中。楽曲ごとに表現方法が変わるその歌声に着々とリスナーを獲得している発展途上なアーティストだ。そんな中のメジャーデビューなだけにより一層活躍が楽しみだ。そして、デビュー曲がアニメ「ポケットモンスター」のエンディングテーマと異例の大抜擢。

楽曲タイトルは「Let me battle」。さらに本楽曲のプロデューサーを務めたのは数々のヒット曲を手掛けるGiga＆ TeddyLoid、作詞はTOPHAMHAT-KYO (FAKE TYPE.)。今回の楽曲を最強メンバーで臨んだという彼らが手掛ける音楽が一体どんなポケモンの世界観を表現するのか、そしてそれを９Lanaがどう歌い上げるのか期待してほしい。今までのアニメ「ポケットモンスター」のエンディングとは全く別物になることは間違いなしだ。楽曲は4月12日(金)の放送時に初公開、楽曲のリリースは4月19日(金)の予定だ。

9Lana
クリスマス、サンタさんからもらった初めてプレゼントがポケモンのゲームでした。ゲームを進めていくのが面白くて、やめ時がわからず一日に何時間もポケモンをしていたことを覚えています。こうしてアニメ「ポケットモンスター」のエンディングテーマを担当させていただけること、Gigaさん、TeddyLoidさん、TOPHAMHAT-KYOさんといった憧れの方々が手がけた楽曲を歌わせていただけることが、本当に光栄で、今もまだ夢のようです。

Let me battle
April 19th, 2024 Digital Release
Vocal:９Lana
Music：Giga & TeddyLoid
Lyrics：TOPHAMHAT-KYO (FAKE TYPE.)
Arrangement：Giga & TeddyLoid

Source: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000004132.000013546.html

It has been announced that Terastal Debut, the new chapter of the popular anime Pocket Monsters airs on the TV Tokyo Network every Friday at 6:55pm, officially abbreviated "Anipoke", will start airing April 12th, 2024. The main visual that's been presented depicts Orange Academy from the video game Pocket Monsters Scarlet, with Roy and Dot wearing Orange Academy uniforms. And for some reason Liko's Nyahoja is nowhere to be seen...

They're all surrounded by Elite Four members Aoki, Chili, Poppy and Hassaku, popular characters from the video games, as well as Nemo and Gym Leaders Colza and Nanjamo, who have all appeared in earlier episodes.

This new chapter will depict Liko, Roy and the others' Terastal Debut, as well as show how they'll interact with the popular characters from the video games now that they've decided to study on exchange at Orange Academy for Terastal training.

Then there is Explorer's Sango, who said in today's broadcast that she would "summon" Rayquaza. In the video released today, we can see the Explorers plotting as well as the Black Rayquaza. The climactic episode of Terapagos' Shine is also a must-see before the new chapter!

A special Pokémon anime trailer has also been released! The "Terapagos' Shine" chapter is hitting its climax! What is the Explorers' Plan for Capturing Rayquaza? Will Liko and Roy be able to stop it? ...And then it's on to an all new chapter!

2024-03-22 PM2023 44: The Plan for Capturing Rayquaza

The words Sango from the Explorers passed on were "summon Rayquaza". Friede pinpoints the island where the Explorers' hideout is located based on the clues he has, and he, Liko, Roy and Randou head there. However, they're met with a trap set by Spinel! Will Liko and the others be able to stop the Explorers' Plan for Capturing Rayquaza?

2024-03-29 PM2023 45: To Places Far Far Away

The Explorers' plan has led to the Black Rayquaza finally showing itself, and Liko and Roy get completely overwhelmed in the face of its incredible power! However, if they're going to get through to it and communicate how Terapagos, and they themselves, feel... it's now or never! It's time for a battle against Rayquaza where the two of them throw absolutely everything at it; All the encounters they've had and all the experience they've gained since they set off on their adventure with Pokémon!!

YouTube Clip - Animation Pocket Monsters Terapagos' Shine Climax PV

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2lCtqtQSQU

Press Release (Japanese): 新章突入！ 副題は「テラスタルデビュー」に決定

テレ東系で毎週金曜よる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、リコとロイの物語が4月12日より第3章を迎えることとなり、副題が「テラスタルデビュー」に決定しました。テラスタルオーブを持つリコとロイ、ドットの制服姿や、ゲーム『ポケットモンスター スカーレット・バイオレット』に登場する人物が描かれた新たなメインビジュアルを初公開しました。

メインビジュアルには、ゲーム『ポケットモンスター スカーレット』に登場するオレンジアカデミーが描かれ、ロイ、ドットはオレンジアカデミーの制服を着ています。周りにはゲームの人気キャラクターである四天王のアオキ、チリ、ポピー、ハッサクの姿や、これまでの放送にも登場したジムリーダーのコルサ、ナンジャモ、そしてネモの姿も描かれました。

「テラスタル」を修得するため、オレンジアカデミーに留学することになった3人は、ゲームに登場する人気キャラクターとどう関わっていくのか！？　リコとロイたちのテラスタルデビューにご注目ください！

そして、本日の放送で「レックウザを呼び寄せる」と言い残した、エクスプローラーズ・サンゴ。本日公開された映像では、不穏な作戦をたくらむエクスプローラーズの姿と黒いレックウザが映されています。新章突入前、「テラパゴスのかがやき」編クライマックスのエピソードも必見です！

3月22日（金）放送／第44話「レックウザ捕獲計画」
サンゴが言い残した「レックウザを呼び寄せる」という言葉…フリードは、手がかりを元にエクスプローラーズのアジトがある島を突き止める。島に向かったリコ、ロイ、フリード、ランドウだったが、そこで待ち受けていたのはスピネルの罠だった―！エクスプローラーズのレックウザ捕獲計画を、リコたちは止めることができるのか…！？

3月29日（金）放送／第45話「はるか、遠くまで」
エクスプローラーズの作戦により、ついに姿を現した黒いレックウザ！ その強大な力を前に、圧倒されるリコとロイ。けれど、テラパゴスの、そして自分たちの想いを伝えるなら、今しかない―。ポケモンと冒険に出たあの日から、たくさんの出会い、経験をしてきたふたり…。その全てをぶつけるレックウザとのバトルが今、始まる―！！

Source: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000001180.000002610.html

The Pokémon Company International announced today that the next expansion in the best-selling Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG), Scarlet & Violet Twilight Masquerade, will launch beginning May 24, 2024, at participating retailers around the world. High resolution images from the press release have been added to an Imageboard thread.

YouTube Clip - Welcome to the Twilight Masquerade—Ogerpon | Pokémon TCG

In this video, you’ll get a peek at Teal Mask Ogerpon along with four different Ogerpon ex, each wearing a different mask. Teal Mask Ogerpon ex, Wellspring Mask Ogerpon ex, Hearthflame Mask Ogerpon ex, and Cornerstone Mask Ogerpon ex show off different types as well as unique attacks and Abilities. Finally, the Ogre’s Mask Item card will help bring your various Ogerpon ex into play.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWshYxY-J7c

New Pokémon Trading Card Game: Scarlet & Violet—Twilight Masquerade Expansion Marks Debut of Legendary Pokémon Ogerpon in Pokémon TCG

Six New Trading Cards Highlighting Ogerpon Revealed

In Scarlet & Violet—Twilight Masquerade, Pokémon originally discovered in The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero Part 1: The Teal Mask DLC for the Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet video games will make their debut in the Pokémon TCG, including Okidogi, Munkidori, Fezandipiti and more.

The Legendary Pokémon Ogerpon will also appear in Scarlet & Violet—Twilight Masquerade as four different Tera Pokémon ex — with Grass, Fire, Water and Fighting types — based on its four masks. Players can enjoy battling with various types of Ogerpon ex by using Ogre’s Mask, a new Item card that allows players to swap any Ogerpon ex in play with another Ogerpon ex from the discard pile. In honor of Ogerpon’s debut in the Pokémon TCG, six new cards from the expansion featuring Ogerpon have been unveiled: Teal Mask Ogerpon ex, Hearthflame Mask Ogerpon ex, Wellspring Mask Ogerpon ex, Cornerstone Mask Ogerpon ex, Teal Mask Ogerpon and Ogre’s Mask.

Additional noteworthy cards from the expansion include:

• Six ACE SPEC rare Trainer and Special Energy cards
• Seven Pokémon ex and seven Tera Pokémon ex
• 21 illustration rare Pokémon
• 11 special illustration rare Pokémon and Supporter cards
• Six hyper rare gold etched cards

Scarlet & Violet—Twilight Masquerade will be available in booster packs, Elite Trainer Boxes and special collections at Pokémon Center and participating retailers worldwide. Select products from the expansion are now available for preorder at Pokémon Center in the U.S., Canada and the U.K., including the Scarlet & Violet—Twilight Masquerade Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Box, which comes with two additional booster packs and one additional illustration rare-style promo card featuring the Pokémon Center logo.


Pokémon TCG players will also have the opportunity to play with Scarlet & Violet—Twilight Masquerade before launch by attending one of the many Prerelease tournaments, held as part of the Play! Pokémon competitive program, taking place beginning May 11 at participating independent retailers.

In addition, ahead of the release of the tabletop version, Trainers will be able to play with Scarlet & Violet—Twilight Masquerade digitally starting May 23, 2024, via the Pokémon TCG Live app for iOS, Android, macOS and Windows devices. Trainers can collect and battle with new cards featuring Ogerpon ex and receive in-game bonuses when logging in to the app.

Source: https://press.pokemon.com/en/releases/MEDIA-ALERT-New-Pokemon-Trading-Card-Game-Scarlet-VioletTwilight-Masqu