Cinema City Web has announced that the pre-order tickets for this summers Pocket Monster Movie 15 - Kyurem VS the Sacred Swordsman Keldeo (キュレムVS聖剣士ケルディオ) go on sale April 14th, 2012. General admission is 1300yen, youth admission is 800yen and a parent/child combo is 2000yen. Like in previous years, those that pre-order their tickets in advance of the July 14th, 2012 theatrical release have the opportunity to get a special event Pokémon related to the movie. This year the advance tickets will come with a coupon for "K", one of the movie's main Pokémon. Both Kyurem and Keldeo start with the letter "K" but the note was intentionally left ambiguous for now to increase speculation as to which one it will be.


Source: http://cinemacity.co.jp/wp/ccmaeticket/

The Pokémon Video Game National Championships are being held throughout Europe during March and April and are open to all players. Winners can earn invitations and Travel Awards to the Pokémon Video Game World Championships in Waikoloa, Hawaii, as well as other cool prizes.

In the press release posted today, it was announced that a rare Shiny Larvitar that knows the move Superpower and is holding a Chople Berry will be distributed at the European National events. Below is a list of some of the European National Championships dates.

• United Kingdom - March 3rd, 2012 - Birmingham, National Exhibition Centre, Hall 11
• Germany - March 10th, 2012 - MESSE ESSEN, Messeeingang Süd, Halle 1A, Norbertstr. 2
• France - March 17th, 2012 - Paris, Espace Champerret, Hall C, 6 rue Jean Oestreicher
Porte de Champerret
• Spain - March 24th, 2012 - Madrid, IFEMA Pabellón 5, Feria de Madrid
• Italy - April 1st, 2012 - CENTRO CONGRESSI MILANOFIORI, Strada 1 - Milanofiori, 20090 ASSAGO (MI)

A promo video for the United Kingdom's National Championships was also released and can be viewed below.

United Kingdom National Championships Promo Video

Press Release - GO SHINY LARVITAR!

A rare Shiny Pokémon confirmed as character distribution at the 2012 Pokémon Video Game National Championships: www.pokemon.co.uk/vgc

The Pokémon Company International today announced that there will be a unique character distribution at the 2012 Pokémon™ Video Game National Championships taking place across Europe during March and April. Attendees will be able to walk away with a rare Shiny Larvitar, a Rock- and Ground-type Pokémon with unusual colouring. Players will need to bring along their copy of the Pokémon Black Version or Pokémon White Version game and their Nintendo DS™, Nintendo DSi™, Nintendo DSi XL™, or Nintendo 3DS™ system to receive this unique distribution.

This Shiny Larvitar knows the powerful Fighting-type move Superpower, which can only be learned in Pokémon HeartGold or Pokémon SoulSilver from a special tutor. It also comes holding a useful Chople Berry, which is difficult to obtain in the games. Larvitar can eventually evolve into Tyranitar, which, thanks to its strong stats and its Ability to kick up an unending Sandstorm, has been a very popular character since its introduction in Pokémon Gold Version and Pokémon Silver Version in 2000.

Source: http://www.pokemon.co.uk/vgc

The official Japanese Pokémon website has announced two tournaments that will be taking place. The first one is the 2012 International Challenge (2012インターナショナルチャレンジ) which is a Pokémon Global Link Wi-Fi Tournament that allows all players from around the world to participate in it. Registration for the tournament will be from March 15th, 2012 until March 21st, 2012 and the actual tournament will be held from March 22nd, 2012 until March 26st, 2012.

50000 participants will be able to compete in this tournament but 25000 of those will be from Japan and the remaining 25000 will be from countries around the world. Tournament registration is on a first-come first-serve basis, so registered early if you wish to participate. The results of the tournament will be announced on April 4th, 2012 at 13:00. Players require a copy of Pokémon Black or White that has been linked up to a Global Link account.


Mew, Mewtwo, Lugia, Ho-oh, Celebi, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Jirachi, Deoxys, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus, Victini, Reshiram, Zekrom and Kyurem are all banned from the tournament.

The official English Pokémon website has also announced the 2012 International Challenge and they posted the following news article on their website.

Press Release - Start Training for a New Challenge!

Registration for the Global Battle Union 2012 International Challenge begins March 15th.


Another exciting event is on the way in the Global Battle Union! Take part in the 2012 International Challenge, a tournament open to Pokémon Trainers around the world. Following last year’s successful Autumn Friendly Tournament, the 2012 International Challenge will give Trainers a chance to demonstrate their awesome battling skills in Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version. With the additional participation of Japanese and Korean competitors, the 2012 International Challenge will truly be a global event!

All you need to participate is a Pokémon Trainer Club account and a copy of either game with its Game Sync ID registered at the Pokémon Global Link. The top players will earn a special avatar for their Pokémon Global Link account to signify their success!

When creating your battle party, you can select from nearly every Pokémon in the National Pokédex. Train hard and develop smart strategies to reach the top of the tournament leaderboards! The rules for selecting Pokémon and their moves match the rules for the Video Game Championship Series, including the recent changes regarding the Dark Void move.

Japan Cup 2012 Spring (ジャパンカップ2012スプリング)

A Japan only tournament was also announced. The Japan Cup 2012 Spring (ジャパンカップ2012スプリング) is also a Pokémon Global Link Wi-Fi Tournament and is a World Championships 2012 qualifying event. Topped ranked players in this tournament could represent Japan in the upcoming 2012 World Championships that will be held in Hawaii in August of 2012. The Japan Cup 2012 Spring tournament will be a double battles tournament.

Tohoku Pokémon Center - Master Ball Event

The Tohoku Pokémon Center will be distributing the Master Ball from February 28th, 2012 until March 16th, 2012. The previous Pokémon Center Master Ball event took place at the Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, Fukuoka and Sapporo Pokémon Centers from November 19th, 2011 until December 3rd, 2011 which was just before the Tohoku Pokémon Center opened.


Sources: http://ja.pokemon-gl.com/about/sp/ic2012/page2-1.html, http://www.pokemon.co.jp/info/2012/02/120210_p03.html and http://www.pokemon.co.jp/ex/wcs2012/itn/

Participating V&D stores in the Netherlands will be distributing Reshiram and Zekrom on February 18th, 2012 from 11:00 until 16:30. These seem to be the same Legendary Pokémon that were distributed in Japanese theaters for the 14th Pocket Monsters movies. Players that bring their copy of Pokémon Black will receive Zekrom while players that bring Pokémon White will receive Reshiram. Zekrom knows Fusion Bolt while Reshiram knows Fusion Flare.

Participating V&D Stores: Amstelveen, Den Haag Centrum, Groningen, Maastricht, Rotterdam Beursplein, Utrecht Centrum, Arnhem, Almere, Breda, Eindhoven, Haarlem Centrum, Nijmegen, Apeldoorn, Hilversum and Rotterdam Zuidplein.

Press Release (Dutch)

Laat niemand je vertellen dat februari een saaie maand is want er gebeurt juist heel veel! Vooral rond Pokémon valt er van alles te beleven.

In 15 winkels van V&D zal het op ZATERDAG 18 FEBRUARI mogelijk zijn om RESHIRAM of ZEKROM met level 100 in je versie van Pokémon Black Version of Pokémon White Version te ontvangen! Kom die dag dus tussen 11:00 en 16:30 naar een van de volgende winkels en neem je Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi, Nintendo DSi XL of Nintendo 3DS mét officieel spel mee om een Legendarische Pokémon te ontvangen. Heb jij Pokémon Black Version? Dan is dit je kans om Zekrom te ontvangen die de aanval Fusion Bolt kent! Heb jij Pokémon White Version? Dan kun je Reshiram ontvangen! Reshiram kan Fusion Flare gebruiken.

Deelnemende V&D filialen: Amstelveen, Den Haag Centrum, Groningen, Maastricht, Rotterdam Beursplein, Utrecht Centrum, Arnhem, Almere, Breda, Eindhoven, Haarlem Centrum, Nijmegen, Apeldoorn, Hilversum en Rotterdam Zuidplein.

De maand februari staat ook op Disney XD volledig in het teken van Pokémon. Tot aan zondag 4 maart zie je alle Pokémon films voorbij komen en ook nog twee Dungeon specials! Verder zijn er weer spannende prijsvragen waar je de mooiste Pokémon prijzen kunt winnen!

Pokémon Magazine viert feest want het blad verschijnt deze maand al voor de vijftigste keer! Doe mee aan de prijsvraag en win super Pokémon prijzen. Vanaf 22 februari ligt het nieuwe, feestelijke blad in de winkel!

Source: http://www.nintendo.nl/NOE/nl_NL/news/2011/ontvang_een_legendarische_pokemon_bij_vampd_47582.html

The Mewtwo distribution period has been announced for North America and Mewtwo will be available from February 12th, 2012 only until March 6th, 2012. This is a short distribution windows so players that wish to receive Mewtwo need to make sure they get it as soon as possible. Full details about the Mewtwo event are available in last weeks news article.

The official Korean Pokémon website also announced the Mewtwo event distribution for Korea. The Mewtwo will be distributed by infrared at participating distribution locations and via the Korean Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection for players of the Korean versions of Pokémon Black and White. The Korean Mewtwo distribution starts on March 3rd, 2012. This is the same Mewtwo that was distributed in Japan and North America.

Press Release

Get the Legendary Pokémon Mewtwo for your copy of Pokémon Black Version or Pokémon White Version via a Wi-Fi distribution event!

The legend of the Genetic Pokémon Mewtwo has grown ever since it debuted in the Pokémon Red Version and Pokémon Blue Version games. The Psychic-type Pokémon has always been considered one of the most powerful Pokémon available, and also very tough to catch.

You'll have a new opportunity to get the Legendary Mewtwo once again! Between February 12th and March 6th, you can receive Mewtwo in your Pokémon Black Version or Pokémon White Version game. Don't miss this limited-time distribution event to get this amazing Pokémon via the Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection service (wireless broadband Internet access required. For more info, go to support.nintendo.com).

When you take this Level 70 Mewtwo into battle, know that you have one of the strongest Pokémon ever. Its moves are powerful and well suited to take advantage of Mewtwo's strengths and cover its weaknesses. Psystrike is a new signature move for Mewtwo that does damage depending on its opponent's Defense. Ordinarily Mewtwo doesn't learn Psystrike until Level 100, but this Mewtwo already has the powerful attack! Mewtwo also has Shadow Ball, a Ghost-type move that is super effective against the Ghost-type Pokémon that can cause problems for Psychic types. Mewtwo is also weak against Dark-type Pokémon, so its third attack, the Fighting-type move Aura Sphere, is a good counter to their attacks. Lastly, this special Mewtwo knows Electro Ball, a stunning Electric-type move that Mewtwo cannot normally learn!

When you get Mewtwo, it will be holding a King's Rock, an item which occasionally makes its opponent flinch in battle. You can also give it to certain Pokémon and then trade them to make them evolve. Plus, Mewtwo comes with a Premier Ribbon, a special Ribbon that you can't get through normal game play!

Source: http://pokemonkorea.co.kr/html/event/20120202_mewtwo_game.asp and http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/vg_bw_mewtwo_distribution-2012-02-06/

A press release has announced that the Legendary Pokémon Mewtwo will be distributed via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service for a limited time starting February 12th, 2012. Further details about the Mewtwo event were not disclosed but its likely to be the same Mewtwo that was announced by Shoko-tan and Junichi Masuda on Pokémon Smash 49 and Pokémon Smash 50 last year.

The Mewtwo event distribution is part of a number of different Mewtwo related events that will take place during February. Mewtwo returns in the next Pokémon TCG expansion: Black & White - Next Destinies with the Mewtwo-EX card. The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon anime special is also available on the official site right now to watch. Below is the press release.

Press Release

POWERFUL MEWTWO MAKES TRIUMPHANT RETURN FOR A SPECIAL CHARACTER DISTRIBUTION EVENT AND AS MEWTWO-EX TCG CARD

Fans Can Celebrate the Return of One of the Most Popular Legendary Pokémon With a Special Online Showing of The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon

BELLEVUE, WA - January 25th, 2012 - Pokémon™ fans can get into the heads of their opponents when the Legendary Pokémon Mewtwo returns with its psychic powers in a special Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version video game character distribution event via the Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection service. For a limited time starting February 12th, Pokémon video game players with wireless broadband Internet access can receive what is arguably one of the most powerful and popular Pokémon of all time!

Mewtwo, a historically elusive Psychic-type Pokémon, has had a deep connection with fans since its debut in the franchise's first video games - Pokémon Red Version and Pokémon Blue Version. Its prominent appearance in these titles, as well as in the first Pokémon TCG expansion and the first Pokémon movie, has cemented its special position in the hearts and minds of Pokémon fans across the globe. Created by cloning the Mythical Pokémon Mew, Mewtwo's origin has always been shrouded in mystery. The secrecy continues, as more details surrounding this special Mewtwo character distribution, including its powerful move set, will be revealed early next month.

Pokémon TCG players can also celebrate the awesome powers of Mewtwo when Mewtwo-EX makes its debut in the newest Pokémon TCG expansion, Pokémon TCG: Black & White-Next Destinies! In stores nationwide February 8th, Pokémon TCG: Black & White-Next Destinies features powerful Pokémon from the Unova region and beyond, including Reshiram-EX, Zekrom-EX, Kyurem-EX, Regigigas-EX, and, as already mentioned, Mewtwo-EX, which is a 170 HP powerhouse that knows X Ball and Psydrive - two devastating attacks that inflict serious damage on the Pokémon's opponent.

Receiving Mewtwo for your Pokémon Black Version or Pokémon White Version video game and obtaining the Mewtwo-EX card is only part of this Legendary Pokémon's monumental return. For a limited time only, fans can also watch Mewtwo's appearance in a special showing of The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon, only at www.pokemon.com/ex. The story centers on a Pokémon scientist's ability to restore extinct Pokémon using the Mirage System machine. Add in a stranger's claim that this machine can create Pokémon without weaknesses, and imagine the challenges Ash and his friends must face to preserve the natural balance of the Pokémon world. Visit www.pokemon.com/ex now to watch the movie! To participate in the Mewtwo character distribution event beginning February 12th via Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection service, players will need:

• Wireless broadband Internet access
• A Nintendo DS™, Nintendo DSi™, Nintendo DSi XL™, or Nintendo 3DS™ system
• A copy of the Pokémon Black Version or Pokémon White Version game
• No more than 11 Wonder Cards in their possession

UK Press Release

Nintendo UK posted their press release which was identical to the one above on January 26th, 2012 but it also included pictures of the moves that the Mewtwo would be distributed with. The Mewtwo is identical to the one given out in Japan in 2011. It's level 70, in a Cherish Ball, has the King's Rock as a held item and knows the moves: Psystrike, Shadow Ball, Aura Sphere and Electro Ball.


Source: http://www.pokemon.com/us/ex/mewtwo/get-mewtwo

To celebrate the 15th anniversary of Pocket Monsters Red and Green in Japan, the official Japanese Pokémon website announced a nationwide vote for players to vote for the #1 Pokémon. The vote took place between November 12, 2011 and December 25, 2011 at participating Ito-Yokado, Aeon Toys R Us, Apita, Piago, Arupuraza, Heiwado Co., Ltd., Daiei, Fuji and Pokémon Center locations in Japan. The winner of the vote was Pocket Monsters Emerald 『ポケットモンスター エメラルド』 - Rayquaza (レックウザ) and it will be distributed to players of Japanese versions of Pokémon Black and White from February 10, 2012 until February 27, 2012. The present distribution locations will be published at a later date.

The vote results are as follows:

1. Pocket Monsters Emerald 『ポケットモンスター エメラルド』 - Rayquaza (レックウザ)
2. Pocket Monsters Pikachu 『ポケットモンスター ピカチュウ』 - Pikachu (ピカチュウ)
3. Pocket Monsters Black 『ポケットモンスターブラック』 - Reshiram (レシラム)
4. Pocket Monsters Platinum 『ポケットモンスター プラチナ』 - Giratina (ギラティナ)
5. Pocket Monsters Crystal 『ポケットモンスター クリスタルバージョン』 - Suikun (スイクン)
6. Pocket Monsters Ruby 『ポケットモンスター ルビー』 - Groudon (グラードン)
7. Pocket Monsters Red 『ポケットモンスター 赤』 - Lizardon (リザードン)
8. Pocket Monsters White 『ポケットモンスターホワイト』 - Zekrom (ゼクロム)
9. Pocket Monsters Sapphire 『ポケットモンスター サファイア』 - Kyogre (カイオーガ)
10. Pocket Monsters Silver 『ポケットモンスター 銀』 - Lugia (ルギア)
11. Pocket Monsters Diamond 『ポケットモンスター ダイヤモンド』 - Dialga (ディアルガ)
12. Pocket Monsters Gold 『ポケットモンスター 金』 - Houou (ホウオウ)
13. Pocket Monsters Pearl 『ポケットモンスター パール』 - Palkia (パルキア)
14. Pocket Monsters Blue 『ポケットモンスター 青』 - Kamex (カメックス)
15. Pocket Monsters Green 『ポケットモンスター 緑』 - Fushigibana (フシギバナ)

The details for the Rayquaza (レックウザ) that will be distributed are as follows:

Pokémon	Info
	Level: 100
	Poké ball: Cherish Ball
	Ribbon: Classic Ribbon
	Ability: Air Lock
	Held Item: Life Orb
	Attack 1: Extremespeed
	Attack 2: Hyper Beam
	Attack 3: Dragon Pulse
	Attack 4: V-create

Source: http://www.pokemon.co.jp/ex/pokemonvote2011/present/

The announcer introduced the show by saying: "Today we'll get you Pokémon Quiz Caravan. Right here on Pokémon Smash! So, let's get started!". Golgo and the entire Pokémon Smash crew greeted the viewers with a "PokéMorning!". Golgo told everyone that January 8th (１月８日 ichigatsu yōka, though note that the nomber 8 by itself is read as "hachi") is Sink or Swim Day (イチかバチか ichikabachika), or in other words, a day of tempting fate. He wanted Robert to play a little game on this theme of tempting fate, and had raised a metal wash pan up in the air with three strings nearby. Only one of them was actually holding up the wash pan and they would each take turns cutting a string to see if the pan fell on them or not.


To motivate them, Golgo decided he'd give out two stationary cards that had Pokémon art on them as New Year's gifts. Akiyama was the first to go and he picked 2. Professor Red cut the string and the pan stayed in the air and Akiyama got one of the cards. Yamamoto was next and he picked 1 and the pan fell on his head.

Shoko-tan introduced this weeks rerun episode as part of the Pokémon Library. The theme for the episode was: Looks can be deceiving!(人はみかけによらない！). This weeks Pokémon Library rerun episode was We Pichu Brothers 'The Lesser Detective Nyarth has Arrived!' 'Niece Ruriri is a Major Pain?' (迷探偵ニャース参上！／メイッコルリリは大迷惑?) from the Weekly Pokémon Broadcasting Station series. A full summary of that episode is available in the episode guide. Professor Red said his go-to line 'OK! Pokémon Library!' to start the repeat episode.

After the Pokémon Library episode, Victini Yamamoto showed up, but quickly changed the "V" on its head upside down once again to make a "へ (he)", thus transforming into へ Yamamoto. へ Yamamoto told the crew they would be playing a "stop the differences" quiz like the one from the Quiz Caravan; he had changed 5 things around in the Pokémon Enterprise set and wondered if they could find them. The crew began looking around for the changes. Hana was the first to spot a change as she noticed that the logo for P.E. (Pokémon Enterprise) was changed to H.E (he へ). Maria then spotted that the picture of Victini had been changed to へ Yamamoto. Baba noticed that "POKABU" had been changed to "He yamamoto" on the side wall. Shoko-tan noticed that the scallsword (hotachi ホタチ) on her belt had been changed to a へ. Their time was up though and they didn't get the 5th one, the most obvious one - Yamamoto himself.


Professor Red and Golgo then introduced the VTR for the Quiz Caravan. For this quiz they visited Tachikawa City Elementary School, Tokyo (東京都　立川市立　上砂川小学校) where 114 grade 3 students awaited them. The first segment of the quiz was the 'Black/White Quiz' (ブラックホワイトクイズ). The kids were all on their own this time but were also divided up into two main groups and they would move to either the Black (X) or White (O) side when the questions were asked.

Below are the questions that were asked in Round 1:

#	Question	Answer
1	Anime - Does Satoshi's voice actor Rica Matsumoto sing the opening theme for Pocket Monsters Best Wishes? (ポケットモンスター ベストウイッシュのオープニングテーマを歌っているのはサトシの声優・松本梨香さんである)	(O) Yes Spoiler: Click to show!
2	TCG - Does the BW Pokémon Card Game Starter Set contain Zoroark? (ポケモンカードゲームBWはじめてセットにはゾロアークが入っている)	(X) No Spoiler: Click to show!
3	Anime - Is Professor Okido's first name Yukinari? (オーキド博士の下の名前はユキナリである)	(Y) Yes Spoiler: Click to show!
Special Question (特別問題)	Pokémon Smash - Did Director Golgo have bread for breakfast today? (きょうゴルゴ所長は朝ごはんにパンを食べた)	(X) No Spoiler: Click to show!

As all the kids were answering the exact same way at all questions, they were all eliminated at the third question, so Professor Red came up with the special question none of them could possibly do anything other than guess at in order to properly eliminate some team members. A new event was introduced in this episode: the Tornelos/Voltolos/Landlos Dress-up Dash Relay Quiz! (トルネロス ボルトロス ランドロスなりきりダッシュリレークイズ!). One kid would dress up as Tornelos, Voltolos or Landlos and sit in a cloud. The kids would have to count the number of Pokémon on a chart and then pull the dressed up kid across the yard to Red or Golgo and report how many Pokémon they counted. If they got it wrong, they had to go back and start over.


The final event was the Victini's V-Generate Find the Differences Obstacle Course Quiz (ビクティニのＶジェネレート障害物まちがいさがしクイズ). Participants would wear a helmet with a V shaped container that had balls in them. They would have to go through the obstacle course while trying not to drop the balls. The first part was finding a candy ball in a flour pan, the second part was looking in a mirror to put balls in the V helmet, the third part was popping a balloon and the final part was group skipping. For each ball that they had left at the end of the obstacle course, the team would get 1 second on the clock. White Team ended up winning the quiz caravan with 120 points, while Red team got 100 points, and Black team got 110 points.

Mijumaru Tweet Corner

During the tweet corner, the Pocket Monsters Best Wishes data broadcast was showcased. When viewers push the d-button on their remote control during Best Wishes, a data broadcast is shown. Viewers can then choose their favorite Pokémon as their own partner, then wait until the battle gauge has built itself up and then they get the chance to enter a Pokémon Battle! If the viewer selects a move that's "super effective" against the opposing Pokémon, a new Pokémon will be registered in their Pokémon Zukan! The Data broadcast started in Pocket Monsters Best Wishes #63. Players can get wallpapers for their mobile phones as a present for playing.


Dark Type Elite Four Member Shoko-tan took to the Stage in the Elite Four Battle against 10 year old Yuuto Sakakibara(榊原悠斗). He came prepared with a Sazandora for the battle against Shoko-tan as she watched her beat Golgo in Pokémon Smash #52 with her Sazandora. Unfortunately his technique didn't pay off and Shoko-tan ended up winning the battle.

Pokémon Center - Year of the Dragon - Event Distribution

Baba announced the special alternate colored Dragon egg event that is being held at the Japanese Pokémon Centers to commemorate year of the Dragon for a few weeks at the beginning of 2012. Players of the Japanese versions of Pokémon Black and White can visit the Pokémon Center's and receive an egg each week for four weeks.


The four distribution periods are:

1. January 6th, 2012 to January 15th, 2012
2. January 16th, 2012 to January 22nd, 2012
3. January 23rd, 2012 to January 29th, 2012
4. January 30th, 2012 to February 5th, 2012

Players can randomly receive one of the six different Dragon Pokémon. Information on the six Pokémon that are being distributed has been added to our event database and the Pokémon are: Tattu, Nuckrar, Tyltto, Tatsubay, Crimgan and Monozu.

Greek Pokémon fans will have the chance to receive Darkrai at participating Kotsovolos stores on Saturday, 31st of December, from 11am until 3pm. This Darkrai is possibly the same Darkrai that is being distributed in various other European countries. Below is a partial translation of the news article posted on the official Nintendo Greece website.

Press Release

Santa Claus lands at certain [b]Kotsovolos[/b] stores on [b]Saturday, 31st December[/b], at [b]11am until 3pm[/b] and gives away unique Nintendo presents. You'll have the chance to get the [b]rare Pokémon Darkrai[/b] only in Kotsovolos stores and only on New Year's Eve.

In which stores will you be able to find it?

Athens:
Kotsovolos Megastore, Syngrou Avenue ([url]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrea_Syngrou_Avenue[/url])
Kotsovolos Megastore, The Mall Athens ([url]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mall_Athens[/url])
Kotsovolos Megastore, Retail Park, Athens International Airport ([url]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athens_International_Airport[/url], [url]http://www.aia.gr/pages.asp?langid=2&pageid=998[/url])
Megastore Smart Park, Spata ([url]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spata[/url])

Patras:
Kotsovolos Megastore, Patras ([url]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patras[/url])

Thessaloniki:
Kotsovolos Megastore, Thessaloniki International Airport ([url]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thessaloniki_International_Airport[/url])

[b]What do you need to have with you in order to receive Darkrai?[/b]
A Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi, Nintendo DSi XL or Nintendo 3DS console and a Pokémon Black Version or Pokémon White Version game. If you don't have the console and the game, you can buy them right then and there, and by doing so, you will be able to receive [b]Darkrai[/b].

The New Year's Day presents aren't limited to just that... Anyone coming to the above-mentioned stores in the designated times will have the chance to buy any [b]Nintendo software[/b] they want with a [b]15% discount[/b].

[b]How will you be able to get it?[/b]
In every store, you'll find an expert Pokémon Trainer who will guide you through the whole process. It's really simple, fast and easy.

[b]Darkrai[/b] is known for its ability to afflict humans and Pokémon with endless nightmares. It can turn into a shadow in order to escape when in danger, but it can still cause damage in that form with its special attacks. It's also the only Pokémon that can learn the move Dark Void.

We'll be waiting for you!

Source: [url]http://www.nintendo.gr/el-gr/News.aspx?ElementID=59890f64-d648-4b61-a0c0-fc85f2089757[/url]

The announcer introduced the show by saying: "Happy Holidays! This is the last edition of the year! We'll bring you a very Merry Pokémon Smash! Ho Ho ho!". The Pokémon Smash crew was busy decorating a Christmas tree when Golgo walked in and said: Merry Pokésumas! (メリー ポケスマス!). Shoko-tan decided to put a lampstand ( Bonbori 雪洞), usually used in the Japanese Doll Festival / Girls Day, on the top of the tree where the star generally would go. After seeing the lampstand on the tree, Golgo began singing the song lyrics to the Hinamatsuri song 「Akari o tsukemashou bonbori ni あかりをつけましょ ぼんぼり に」 as the bonbori on the tree reminded him on the song. Quickly though his attitude changed and called Shoko-tan his normal 'Bakamon!'(バカモーン!) as obviously the bonbori has no place on a Christmas tree.


Next Professor Red put up a Koinobori (鯉幟) on the Christmas tree which is a carp-shaped wind sock traditionally flown in Japan to celebrate Tango no Sekku (端午の節句) but the holiday is now called Children's Day and is held on May 5th. Golgo began singing the first line of the Koinobori song after he saw it on the tree. He quickly called Red a 'Bakamon!' as once again a Koinobori has no place on a Christmas tree.

Finally, Akiyama put a tag on the Christmas tree that said: May the portrait of Yamamoto's mother be seen all over Japan. 「山本隊員のお母さんの似顔絵が日本中ではやりますように」. It was a wish that should have been made during Tanabata (七夕) and Golgo pointed out that the wish tag had no place on a Christmas tree. Akiyama still decided to show the picture of Yamamoto's mother.


The crew introduced this weeks rerun episode as part of the Pokémon Library. This weeks Pokémon Library rerun episode was Tornelos VS Voltolos VS Landlos! (Part 2)(トルネロスVSボルトロスVSランドロス！（後編）) from the Best Wishes series. A full summary of that episode is available in the episode guide. Professor Red said his go-to line 'OK! Pokémon Library!' to start the repeat episode.

After the Library episode, the International division girls showed up. Shoko-tan then announced she had made a dessert she called: Ikasumi Bûche de Noël (イカスミ ブッシュ・ド ・ノエル). The entire crew did not want to try it obviously and Shoko-tan was a bit sad because she'd worked hard on it. Professor Red to the rescue though! His latest invention the: RED069 - Show who is chosen by a Roulette Wheel! (RED069 ルーレットで決めまショー！). The device was a roulette wheel that had all the names of the members on it. Yamamoto pointed out that Professor Red's slice was the smallest and Yamamoto's was the largest. Yamamoto switched names locations so that he had the smallest slice and Red had the larges. Red pulled the lever and the wheel spun around. It landed on Shoko-tan but then spun up again. It then landed on Red, but then quickly spun to Yamamoto and stayed there. Yamamoto once again had to eat Ikasumi (Squid Ink).


Misaki then introduced the VTR for the episode which was "A Competition in Making Pokémon New Years' Meals". Child Cooking Prodogy (天才こども料理人) Kogoma (こごま) showed up once again to help out with the cooking. She was last seen in Pokémon Smash #56. The crew members each worked on creating different Pokémon out of different foods.

Kogoma did the first box and it included a Shaymin made from: Boiled Eggs (ゆでたまご), Ham (ハム), Pasta (パスタ) and Green Pea pods (いんげん　など), a Tamagetake made from: Raw Mushroom (生マッシュルーム), Crab (カニカマ), Kamaboko(かまぼこ) and Seawead(のりなど), and finally a Miruhog made from: Fried Chicken (とりのからあげ), Cheese Slices (スライスチーズ), Egg (卵), and Seawead(のりなど).


Pokémon Smash crew did the second box. Misaki made a Darumakka from: Pounded Fish Cake (はんペん), Crab (カニカマ) and Cheese Slices (スライスチーズ). Yamamoto made a Dangoro from: Taro (さといも), Yukari (ゆかり) and Kamaboko(かまぼこ). Hana made a Gigigiaru from: Konjac (こんにゃく) and Pickled Eggplant(なすのつけもの). Baba made a Miruhog from: Rolled Omelet (伊達巻き), Radish (大根) and Cherry tomato (プチトマト). Maria made a Munna from: Yudetamago(ゆどたまご) and Perilla (しそ) to get the pink color. Akiyama made a Bachuru from: Mashed sweet potatoes with sweetened chestnuts (くりきんとん) and Chocolate(チョコレート).


Kogoma made the third and final box which was a Pikachu made from: Rice (ごはん), Egg (卵), Seawead(のり) and large broad beans (お多福豆).

Misaki Reports on Various Events, including the 'Pokémon Center Tohoku' Opening!

To celebrate the opening of the newest Pokémon Center store, Pokémon Center Tohoku, which officially opened on December 4th 2011, Pokémon Center stores all over Japan were hosting a series of events featuring Pokémon Center Tohoku's three mascots Pikachu, Tsutarja and Victini. These events are also connected to "POKÉMON with YOU", the support group for children recovering from the Tohoku earthquake. Miksai visited the opening and showed viewers around the new Pokémon Center.

Muscle Band Tsutarja

During the period of December 4th to December 18th 2011, a special event Pokémon was distributed at all Pokémon Centers in Japan:

Species: Tsutarja
Level: 5
Original Trainer:トウホク (Tohoku)
Gender: Male
Ability: Overgrow
Moves: Growth, Synthesis, Energy Ball, Aromatherapy
Ribbon: Wishing Ribbon
Held item: Muscle Band
Ball: Cherish Ball

The moves Synthesis and Aromatherapy can not normally be learned by Tsutarja.


Further details on the Pokémon Center Tohoku Tsutarja can be found in the Event Database.

Korean Movie 14 Premiere and Event Pokémon Distribution

Misaki then went to Korea to report on the theatrical release of the 14th Movies Victini and the Light Hero - Reshiram / Victini and the Dark Hero - Zekrom (비크티니와 흑의 영웅 제크로무 / 비크티니와 백의 영웅 레시라무) which debuted there on December 22nd, 2011. Misaki walked around the theater premiere and showed off people getting the Victini download event as well as Han Jiu's Zekrom and Han Jiu's Reshiram.

New Pokémon Smash Ending - I am a Hero

Pokémon Smash also will be debuting a new ending theme. The song will be I am a hero by Stereopony, and it was performed on the show during episode 64. Stereopony (ステレオポニー) is a girl rock band consisting of Aimi (lead guitar/lead vocals), Nohana (bass guitar), and Shiho (drums). The song is on their latest CD More! More!! More!!!. Can You Say the Pokémon? BW (ポケモン言えるかな? BW 高速ver.) was still the actually ending used in this episode though.