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 first Pokémon Appreciation Day for Pokémon GO takes place on October 22nd, 2018 and Niantic would like players to post their pictures of Bidoof on social media.


You’ve got it, Trainers! We’re kicking off our first Pokémon Appreciation Day by featuring the Plump Mouse Pokémon, Bidoof! Show us your love for Bidoof by posting your favorite AR photos of it with #BidoofDay, and we’ll share some of our favorites!

Source: https://twitter.com/PokemonGoApp/status/1054439775200010240

On July 24th, 2018, it was revealed that Shoko Nakagawa, one of the host of Pokénchi, would be making her second appearance and concert performance of 2018 in the United States, this time in New York City as part of Anime NYC 2018 and Anisong World Matsuri.


Anime NYC 2018 takes place in the Javits Center on Manhattan’s West Side from Friday, November 16th, 2018 until Sunday, November 18th, 2018. Shoko Nakagawa performs at the Anisong World Matsuri concert at the Hammerstein Ballroom on Day 2, November 17th, 2018 but she will also be at a panel and autograph signing inside Anime NYC.

ANISONG WORLD MATSURI

Anime NYC is proud to welcome the globally renowned Anisong World Matsuri concert series to New York City for the first time! Anisong World Matsuri brings together headlining Japanese pop stars for show-stopping concerts, and the inaugural Anisong World Matsuri at Anime NYC will feature major performances from Luna Haruna, Shoko Nakagawa, Morning Musume。’18, and more for two nights on November 16 and 17, 2018 in New York’s historic Hammerstein Ballroom.

Anisong World Matsuri at Anime NYC is a partnership between Anime NYC and leading Japanese entertainment companies including BANDAI NAMCO Arts, Inc., Amuse, Inc., and Sony Music Entertainment, Inc.

Anisong World Matsuri’s mission is to bring Japanese pop music popularized by anime (anisong) to new audiences around the world, and it has conducted major event concerts in cities including Los Angeles, Shanghai, and Washington DC since its launch in 2016. This November, Anime NYC and Anisong World Matsuri will host the largest Japanese pop concerts in the history of New York City!

Source: http://animenyc.com/anisongworld2018/

TICKET PRICING

• Anisong VIP Tickets: $138
• General (Standing): $53
• 1st Balcony: $48

Please note: This price includes a Hammerstein Ballroom Fee, and there are Ticketmaster fees on top of this.

VIP TICKETS INCLUDE (details subject to change):

• Early concert entry – Plus reserved section in front of stage!
• Anisong VIP Badge – Separate design for each day!
• Artist Goodbye Event (high-five) – All artists will attend!
• Signed Poster – Hand-signed by Anisong World Matsuri performers!

SHOKO NAKAGAWA

Shoko Nakagawa (Shokotan) made her debut in show business in 2002 at the age of 17 and has worked in various fields as a singer, TV personality, voice/movie actress, and illustrator. She held her first live concert at Budokan in 2009 and has appeared at international events across America, Europe, and Asia.

She is most known for “Sorairo Days”, the theme song for Gurren Lagann, and she has also performed themes for series including Akiba’s Trip, Beelzebub, Eyeshield 21, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Pokemon XY, and Star Blazers 2199.

In 2017, she performed the ending theme of TV Tokyo’s anime Magical Circle Guru-Guru and released the CD single “Magical Circle”. This July, she performed at Anisong World Matsuri in Los Angeles.

She has also performed in many TV shows and stage musicals, and she is participating in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics mascot selection committees.

Anime NYC Reveals Anisong World Matsuri Concert Lineup

There's plenty planned already for this year's Anime NYC Powered by Crunchyroll, which is set to take place at New York City's Javits Center November 16-18. The latest event to be announced is Anisong World Matsuri, bringing the concert series to NYC for the first time along with a full lineup of concerts from Anisong artists.

NYC's inaugural Anisong World Matsuri will take place over two nights—November 16 and 17—with performances by Luna Haruna, Shoko Nakagawa, Morning Musume。’18, and more. Here's a breakdown of who's performing when, and you can hit up the official page for more on each individual artist.

Friday, November 16 Concert Performers:

• Konomi Suzuki
• TRUE
• Luna Haruna
• And More

Saturday, November 17 Concert Performers:

• Hironobu Kageyama
• Hiroshi Kitadani
• Shoko Nakagawa
• Morning Musume。’18

Source: http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2018/07/24-1/anime-nyc-reveals-anisong-world-matsuri-concert-lineup

Twitter Promotional Video for Shoko Nakagawa's Anisong World Matsuri Concert:

Source: https://twitter.com/AnisongWorld/status/1046135587885932544

Nintendo announced a surprise Pokémon Let’s Go Road Trip which started on September 29th, 2018 and will be held each weekend in a major United States city up until the games launch.

Pokémon Let’s Go Road Trip

Pikachu and Eevee are going on a tour of the United States in their own customized trucks, and you’re invited to tag along! Check out the tour dates and locations below and come try out the Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu and Pokémon Let’s Go Eevee games for Nintendo Switch. You’ll also have a chance to land some sweet Pokémon swag.

Tour Locations:

Los Angeles - Saturday, September 29, 2018 - Time: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. PT - Location: 1342 5th Street
San Francisco - Saturday, October 6, 2018 - Time: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. PT - Location: 4 Embarcadero Center
Seattle - Saturday, October 13, 2018 - Time: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. PT - Location: Westlake Park
Dallas - Saturday, October 20, 2018 - Time: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. CT
Topeka - Saturday, October 27, 2018 - Time: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. CT
Chicago - Saturday, November 3, 2018 - Time: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. CT
Boston - Saturday, November 10, 2018 - Time: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. ET

Los Angeles Tour Location Pictures

Sources: https://www.nintendo.com/switch/events/ and https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/1046087480343244802

Special Pocket Monsters Sun and Moon TV Anime Talk Events Commemorating the Time Slot Change
Sunday October 7th, 17:30-18:45@Yokohama
Sunday October 21st, 17:30-18:45@Osaka

The Pocket Monsters Sun and Moon TV anime will be switching its timeslot to Sundays at 6pm starting Sunday October 7th 2018. Special talk events will be held in commemoration of this, featuring voice actors, the director, the people in charge of the anime's character design, and more.

The events will be held at the Pokémon Center Yokohama on Sunday October 7th and at Toki-no-hiroba Plaza on the 5th floor of Osaka Station City, the site of the Pokémon Center Osaka on Sunday October 21st. These events will be filled with information you won't get to see or hear anywhere else! Not only that, but we're also planning to have the guests do live commentary to the anime episode airing that day! We'll also take the kind of requests you can only do at a live event, have a live painting session, and give away special gifts you're only eligible for winning if you're watching the event. The event will also be streamed for free via Twitter, so we'll be waiting for your tweets with requests for the hosts and your comments on the anime!

Event Cast Information:

Source: https://www.pokemon.co.jp/info/2018/09/180928_p03.html

The Pokémon Company International, Niantic, Inc., and Nintendo announced today that a new Mythical Pokémon has been discovered in the world of Pokémon GO: Meltan! Meltan had been appearing in Pokémon GO starting on September 22nd, 2018 during the Chikorita Community Day and then all through the weekend before the official announcement today. High resolution screenshots and artwork from the press release has been added to an Imageboard thread.

MYSTERIOUS NEW POKÉMON APPEARS IN POKÉMON GO

Reported Sightings of Ditto as New Mythical Pokémon, Meltan


Meltan is a Steel-type Pokémon with a body made mostly of liquid metal, which makes its shape very fluid. This Pokémon can use its liquid arms and legs to corrode metal and absorb it into its body. Meltan can generate electricity using the metal it absorbs from outside sources. It uses this electricity as an energy source and for an attack it fires from its eye.

Name: Meltan
Category: Hex Nut Pokémon
Height: 0'08"
Weight: 17.6 lbs.
Type: Steel

In Pokémon GO, sightings of Ditto that have transformed into Meltan have been reported. Professor Oak and Professor Willow have started research on Meltan. Professor Oak, one of the leading authorities in the field of Pokémon research, is based in the Kanto region’s Pallet Town. In Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!, he gives a Pokédex to both you and your rival—entrusting you with his dream of completing it. Meanwhile, with the help of Pokémon GO players around the world, Professor Willow conducts his research in the field to fully understand the habitats and distribution of Pokémon. He was once an assistant to Professor Oak, and he talks to Oak, his mentor, whenever he runs into a hitch in his research.

It has been determined that Pokémon GO is somehow key to meeting Meltan in Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! Updates will be provided as more is discovered about this mysterious Mythical Pokémon.


Pokémon GO, a mobile game that encourages fans to discover and catch Pokémon in the real world, is available for download both for iPhone in the App Store and for Android devices on Google Play.

YouTube Trailer - New Pokémon Discovered: Introducing Meltan!

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvLDA70ZvbU

YouTube Trailer - W Professors Profile01 - New Pokémon Discovered

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MT1J_cEELR8

On September 4th, 2018, Typhoon Jebi made landfall over the Kansai region of Japan causing massive flooding to Kansai International Airport. On September 5th, 2018, a 6.6 magnitude earthquake hit Hokkaido, Japan. Due to these disasters, The Pokémon Company and Nintendo announced temporary closures to some Pokémon Center and Stores as well as rescheduling the September 2018 Nintendo Direct.

Pokémon Store Kansai Airport

The Kansai International Airport Pokémon Store recently announced that they were expanding, but due to access to the airport being very difficult due to a bridge being damaged, the store will be closed for the time being. It will be announced on the Voice Pokémon website when it will reopen again.

Pokémon Center Sapporo

Due to the earthquake impacting the local power grid, the Pokémon Center will be closed and hopefully reopen on Saturday, September 8th, 2018 at 10am JST.

Pokémon Store New Chitose Airport

The New Chitose Airport Pokémon Store was also affected by power outages due to the earthquake and it will be closed for the time being. The stores reopening will be announced on the Voice Pokémon website.

September 2018 Nintendo Direct

Nintendo originally announced that a Nintendo Direct would take place on September 6th, 2018 at 6pm EST but that was mere hours before the earthquake in Hokkaido. Due to that powerful earthquake, Nintendo decided to delay the planned Nintendo Direct and informed viewers that they would provide a new time and date for the broadcast.

Pokémon GO - September 8th - 10th, 2018 - Moltres Day and EX Raids Canceled for Hokkaido Japan

Niantic also posted on the Japanese Pokémon GO Twitter account that Moltres Day and EX Raids scheduled for September 8th, 2018 to September 10th, 2018, were canceled in the Hokkaido region of Japan due to the earthquake. No rescheduled events were announced.


Sources: https://twitter.com/PokemonGOAppJP/status/1037994136333209600, https://voice.pokemon.co.jp/stv/zenten/2018/09/post-9505.html and https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/1037596347979812864

Two new t-shirts have been added to the Pokémon GO in-game shop. To commemorate people being able to find Mew, a T-shirt showcasing the mythical Pokémon is now available. Also added was a T-shirt featuring the Legendary Pokémon Latias and Latios. Both T-shirts cost 250 coins each.


Sources: https://twitter.com/PokemonGoApp/status/1003765853941321728 and https://twitter.com/PokemonGoApp/status/1003736301231837187

A brand new avatar shirt has been added to Pokémon GO so players can show their support for Earth Day 2018. The shirt is available for free to all players and features Lapras with Pikachu riding on it with two Wingull flying in the sky.

Source: https://twitter.com/PokemonGoApp/status/987459129450094593

The official Pokémon movie website Twitter feed has updated. Translations follow:


On April 9th, 2018, a second trailer for Pocket Monsters Everyone's Story will broadcast on Oha Suta which airs at 7:05AM.

Source: https://twitter.com/pokemon_movie/status/982090576932851714/