News Articles
The film was shown in Japanese with French subtitles and Director Kunihiko Yuyama and Voice Actress Rica Matsumoto were in attendance at the premiere. PackSciences was able to attend the event and wrote the following report. Due to the ban on recording equipment for the movie, video and pictures were taken with a Nintendo 3DS during the preshow and interview segments only, hence the lower than normal quality. The following report does not contain a summary or spoilers for the movie.
Japan Expo 2017 - Pokémon Store Kansai International Airport Booth
A small booth about the Pokémon Store located in Kansai International Airport was at the Japan Expo. This booth wasn't that interesting because there was nothing to do besides taking pictures with a Pikachu cosplay if you were lucky enough to meet it or look at the A380, a French airplane. Nothing was sold at the booth but they were doing advertisements for the store which is located in Japan.
Japan Expo 2017 - World premiere of the 20th Pokémon Movie - Report
On Thursday July 6th, 2017, The Pokémon Company decided to show Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You! in France for the world premiere. To get a ticket for the movie, you had to follow a large queue for 2 hours and that might have discouraged some Pokéfans because on the 3200 available places, only 3114 were given, meaning that if you had reached the ticket booth after everyone gave up, you could grab a ticket freely without the pain of a queue.
3114 baguette people in a queue at the entrance of the "Yuzu" theater
The session started and there were some fun Pokémon name jokes in French about the security consign, not recording the movie and so on, gave us some fun.
The screen of the Yuzu Theater
Apparently, they were spying on us with powerful cameras while we were watching to the movies and they were happy that we were hyped about some the emotional moments of the movie.
Then, we were about to ask some questions to Rica and Kunihiko. Some kid asked "How do you produce the movies?" He answered, "I take inspirations from my travels, for this movie, I took inspiration on New Zealand".
Then, someone asked to Rica, "How does it feel like to come to a place like France?" which she answered that her ballerina friend told her a lot about France and that she was glad to finally come here. Also, about the voice acting, since it was the first time that a Pokémon anime was in a theater in France with a Japanese audio track, she said that the work of all other voice actors mattered.
Finally, someone asked to Rica, then to Kunihiko which movie were their favorite to work on, they both answered, "Pokemon: Mewtwo no Gyakushuu".
Preshow and Interview Videos
Note: Transcripts and translations of the Preshow and Interview videos will be posted here later.
Jul 06 2017
Pokémon Go's One-Year Anniversary Celebration
Niantic has announced that from July 6th, 2017 at 1:00 P.M. PDT to July 24th, 2017 at 1:00 P.M. PDT, to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Pokémon Go, a special Pikachu wearing Ash's Hat will be available in the wild.
Just a few weeks ago, the one-year anniversary celebration kicked off with a bang. You and millions of other Trainers went outside to battle in revamped Gyms and participate in Raid Battles with family and friends for the first time, but this was only the beginning of an action-packed couple of months. The celebration continues with a special Pikachu wearing a familiar hat appearing all over the world. From July 6 at 1:00 P.M. PDT to July 24 at 1:00 P.M. PDT, Pikachu discovered in the wild will be wearing Ash’s famous hat from the Pokémon animated series, so make sure you don’t miss out on your opportunity to catch one! You’ll also be able to stock up for Raid Battles and the events ahead with the special limited-time Anniversary Box, which will include Incubators, Max Revives, Ultra Balls, and Raid Passes at a discount in the in-game shop.
Stay tuned for even more exciting news over the coming weeks, including additional information on Pokémon GO Fest Chicago this July, events hosted at select Unibail-Rodamco locations this August and September in Europe, and Pokémon GO events at the Pikachu Outbreak in Yokohama, Japan, this August!
Source: http://pokemongo.nianticlabs.com/en/post/birthday2017
Happy Birthday, Pokémon GO!
Trainers, It’s hard to believe that Pokémon GO launched just a year ago, and what an amazing year it’s been! Since joining us last July, you’ve demonstrated the true power of Pokémon GO and augmented reality gaming by searching for Pokémon in the real world, exploring on foot, building new friendships, and discovering new places right in your own neighborhoods. Throughout this incredible journey, you’ve caught over 125 billion Pokémon and made countless memories along the way. But there are many more adventures still to come.Just a few weeks ago, the one-year anniversary celebration kicked off with a bang. You and millions of other Trainers went outside to battle in revamped Gyms and participate in Raid Battles with family and friends for the first time, but this was only the beginning of an action-packed couple of months. The celebration continues with a special Pikachu wearing a familiar hat appearing all over the world. From July 6 at 1:00 P.M. PDT to July 24 at 1:00 P.M. PDT, Pikachu discovered in the wild will be wearing Ash’s famous hat from the Pokémon animated series, so make sure you don’t miss out on your opportunity to catch one! You’ll also be able to stock up for Raid Battles and the events ahead with the special limited-time Anniversary Box, which will include Incubators, Max Revives, Ultra Balls, and Raid Passes at a discount in the in-game shop.
Stay tuned for even more exciting news over the coming weeks, including additional information on Pokémon GO Fest Chicago this July, events hosted at select Unibail-Rodamco locations this August and September in Europe, and Pokémon GO events at the Pikachu Outbreak in Yokohama, Japan, this August!
Source: http://pokemongo.nianticlabs.com/en/post/birthday2017
The official Pokémon movie website has updated. Translations follow:
The Rocket Gang will hold an emergency meeting Thursday July 13th,
two days before the premiere of "Pocket Monsters the Movie: I Choose You!"
There, we will announce "The Rocket Gang's Grand Project That Will Shake the Entire World!"
We will also screen the digital remaster version of "Pocket Monsters episode 1", which serves as the base for the latest movie, for the first time ever anywhere!
Musashi, Kojiro and Nyarth will be there as well, so this event will definitely make you think "This feels good!"
The sign-up deadline is Sunday July 9th at 11:59pm.
Time and date:
Thursday July 13th at roughly 8pm to 10pm
*the time will be changed in the event of rain or heavy wind.
Location:
Somewhere in Tokyo
Capacity:
100 people
Orders of business:
1) Presentation of the "Grand Project That Will Shake the Entire World"
2) Screening of the digital remaster of "Pocket Monsters episode 1"
Elegible participants:
*Licensed members of the Rocket Gang
*People with a strong desire to join the Rocket Gang
*Members (and people with strong desire to join) under the age of 18 must be accompanied by guardians
Go here to send in a participation request
Source: http://www.pokemon-movie.jp/news/?p=2896
A Note to All Members of the Rocket Gang All Across Japan! We Will Hold an Emergency Meeting Thursday July 13th!
The Rocket Gang will hold an emergency meeting Thursday July 13th,
two days before the premiere of "Pocket Monsters the Movie: I Choose You!"
There, we will announce "The Rocket Gang's Grand Project That Will Shake the Entire World!"
We will also screen the digital remaster version of "Pocket Monsters episode 1", which serves as the base for the latest movie, for the first time ever anywhere!
Musashi, Kojiro and Nyarth will be there as well, so this event will definitely make you think "This feels good!"
The sign-up deadline is Sunday July 9th at 11:59pm.
Time and date:
Thursday July 13th at roughly 8pm to 10pm
*the time will be changed in the event of rain or heavy wind.
Location:
Somewhere in Tokyo
Capacity:
100 people
Orders of business:
1) Presentation of the "Grand Project That Will Shake the Entire World"
2) Screening of the digital remaster of "Pocket Monsters episode 1"
Elegible participants:
*Licensed members of the Rocket Gang
*People with a strong desire to join the Rocket Gang
*Members (and people with strong desire to join) under the age of 18 must be accompanied by guardians
Go here to send in a participation request
Source: http://www.pokemon-movie.jp/news/?p=2896
The official Pokémon movie website has updated. Translations follow:
A movie rollout pre-screening was held Sunday July 2nd 2017,
at Tokyo Dome City Hall.
Kanata Hongo (the voice of Soji), Shiori Sato (the voice of Makoto),
Arata Furuta (the voice of Bonji), Shoko Nakagawa (the voice of Joy),
Koichi Yamadera (the voice of Marshadow), Rica Matsumoto (the voice of Satoshi)
and director Kunihiko Yuyama went onto the stage, all wearing yukata.
Director Yuyama gave the first greeting,
saying "This year, we have created a movie based around the theme of once again
re-depicting the bond created when Satoshi and Pikachu met.
Please enjoy this movie packed with 20 years worth of memories."
Next, Rica Matsumoto asked the audience "Have you been waiting for the Pokémon movie?",
and was met with cheerful voices screaming "Yes!"
And when she then yelled "I got a Pokémon!" in Satoshi's voice,
the venue grew even more excited.
"Nowadays, people have stopped telling me it (the Satoshi voice) "sounds like him",
and have instead started saying it "sounds really good"", she said,
as the audience laughed.
Kanata Hongo, the voice of Soji, was next:
"When I was little, I loved the Pokémon anime so much that on the days it aired,
I'd always go straight home to watch it instead of going off to play,
so it made me really happy to be in this year's movie", he commented.
Shiori Sato, the voice of Makoto, told the audience "Everyone,
your eyes are sparkling and you all have cute smiles on your faces even though you've yet to watch the movie...
This makes me realize that Pokémon truly has been loved for these 20 years.
We will live up to your expectations! Please enjoy the movie",
her voice filled with energy.
Arata Furuta, the voice of Bonji, greeted the audience with "I really stick out like a sore thumb, don't I?
I'm sorry, I'm such an old man (laughs)", inviting their laughter.
Furuta mentioned he had done a radio show with Inuko Inuyama, the voice of Nyarth, 20 years ago.
"It's already been 20 years since I told her "Inuyama, your name means dog mountain, yet you're a cat?"", he said,
reflecting on that time 20 years in the past.
Shoko Nakagawa, the voice of Joy, cheerfully greeted the audience with a "Pokénchiwa!"
"Lots of people have been involved with Pokémon in more ways than you can count,
and they've made so many friends the world has become one with Pokémon,
and that fact that this summer, we are able to be witness to the birth of the ultimate masterpiece,
the fruit of all these people's 20 years of memories,
means we are experiencing first-hand the legacy..."
she said with passion in her voice,
going on and on until Yamadera, who was standing next to her, warned her that "You're just supposed to say a few words. I tell you this every year"...
She ended by loudly shouting "I'm so happy I encountered Pokémon!".
And from Koichi Yamadera, the voice of the mythical Pokémon "Marshadow", we got the following greeting:
"I can't watch this movie without tearing up. It's a wonderful movie truly befitting the 20th anniversary,
one that both people that have always supported Pokémon, people that used to watch Pokémon and people that are now watching Pokémon for the first time
will all truly enjoy and be touched by."
"The Marshadow I play doesn't talk very much,
but I give it a very intriguing voice, so please remember what it sounds like and try to imitate it.
And please send me videos and such where you try doing Marshadow's voice (laughs)", he commented.
And as Yamadera performed the Marshadow role live,
many voices imitating the Marshadow voice came from the audience.
After the greetings were over, there was a segment where everyone looked at 20 year old photos together with the guest voice actors.
Hongo was 6 years old back then. A picture of him wearing roller blades appeared on the screen.
He was wearing his cap backwards, so it seems he was aware of Satoshi.
When Hongo was asked was he'd tell this past self,
he replied "If I told him "You'll be able to go on an adventure with Satoshi in 20 years",
I'm sure he'd be really happy."
He then turned to the audience and told then "I'm sure Pokémon will go on forever,
so the day you guys will be able to go on an adventure with Satoshi might come as well.
I'll be really happy if you keep loving Pokémon forever."
Matsumoto singing "Mezase Pokémon Master"
at the Next Generation World Hobby Fair 20 years ago
was shown on the screen as well.
When Nakagawa was asked if she, 20 years ago, ever thought she'd be involved with Pokémon to the extent she is now,
she replied "I didn't even dream of it!
I realized that sometimes, dreams come true in ways that exceed your wildest delusions!"
Finally, 20 Pikachu appeared,
wearing sashes with the 20 movies' titles written on them!
Happy shouting about how cute they were came from the audience.
And then, these Pikachu, the guest voice actors and the entire audience took a photo together,
all of them striking the "I Choose You!" pose!
This became a wonderful movie rollout pre-screening,
overflowing with all kinds of thoughts: Thoughts of 20 years ago, thoughts of 20 years, and thoughts of the present.
The movie finally premieres about 2 weeks from now, on Saturday July 15th!
Source: http://www.pokemon-movie.jp/news/?p=2877
A Report From the Movie Rollout Pre-Screening!
A movie rollout pre-screening was held Sunday July 2nd 2017,
at Tokyo Dome City Hall.
Kanata Hongo (the voice of Soji), Shiori Sato (the voice of Makoto),
Arata Furuta (the voice of Bonji), Shoko Nakagawa (the voice of Joy),
Koichi Yamadera (the voice of Marshadow), Rica Matsumoto (the voice of Satoshi)
and director Kunihiko Yuyama went onto the stage, all wearing yukata.
Director Yuyama gave the first greeting,
saying "This year, we have created a movie based around the theme of once again
re-depicting the bond created when Satoshi and Pikachu met.
Please enjoy this movie packed with 20 years worth of memories."
Next, Rica Matsumoto asked the audience "Have you been waiting for the Pokémon movie?",
and was met with cheerful voices screaming "Yes!"
And when she then yelled "I got a Pokémon!" in Satoshi's voice,
the venue grew even more excited.
"Nowadays, people have stopped telling me it (the Satoshi voice) "sounds like him",
and have instead started saying it "sounds really good"", she said,
as the audience laughed.
Kanata Hongo, the voice of Soji, was next:
"When I was little, I loved the Pokémon anime so much that on the days it aired,
I'd always go straight home to watch it instead of going off to play,
so it made me really happy to be in this year's movie", he commented.
Shiori Sato, the voice of Makoto, told the audience "Everyone,
your eyes are sparkling and you all have cute smiles on your faces even though you've yet to watch the movie...
This makes me realize that Pokémon truly has been loved for these 20 years.
We will live up to your expectations! Please enjoy the movie",
her voice filled with energy.
Arata Furuta, the voice of Bonji, greeted the audience with "I really stick out like a sore thumb, don't I?
I'm sorry, I'm such an old man (laughs)", inviting their laughter.
Furuta mentioned he had done a radio show with Inuko Inuyama, the voice of Nyarth, 20 years ago.
"It's already been 20 years since I told her "Inuyama, your name means dog mountain, yet you're a cat?"", he said,
reflecting on that time 20 years in the past.
Shoko Nakagawa, the voice of Joy, cheerfully greeted the audience with a "Pokénchiwa!"
"Lots of people have been involved with Pokémon in more ways than you can count,
and they've made so many friends the world has become one with Pokémon,
and that fact that this summer, we are able to be witness to the birth of the ultimate masterpiece,
the fruit of all these people's 20 years of memories,
means we are experiencing first-hand the legacy..."
she said with passion in her voice,
going on and on until Yamadera, who was standing next to her, warned her that "You're just supposed to say a few words. I tell you this every year"...
She ended by loudly shouting "I'm so happy I encountered Pokémon!".
And from Koichi Yamadera, the voice of the mythical Pokémon "Marshadow", we got the following greeting:
"I can't watch this movie without tearing up. It's a wonderful movie truly befitting the 20th anniversary,
one that both people that have always supported Pokémon, people that used to watch Pokémon and people that are now watching Pokémon for the first time
will all truly enjoy and be touched by."
"The Marshadow I play doesn't talk very much,
but I give it a very intriguing voice, so please remember what it sounds like and try to imitate it.
And please send me videos and such where you try doing Marshadow's voice (laughs)", he commented.
And as Yamadera performed the Marshadow role live,
many voices imitating the Marshadow voice came from the audience.
After the greetings were over, there was a segment where everyone looked at 20 year old photos together with the guest voice actors.
Hongo was 6 years old back then. A picture of him wearing roller blades appeared on the screen.
He was wearing his cap backwards, so it seems he was aware of Satoshi.
When Hongo was asked was he'd tell this past self,
he replied "If I told him "You'll be able to go on an adventure with Satoshi in 20 years",
I'm sure he'd be really happy."
He then turned to the audience and told then "I'm sure Pokémon will go on forever,
so the day you guys will be able to go on an adventure with Satoshi might come as well.
I'll be really happy if you keep loving Pokémon forever."
Matsumoto singing "Mezase Pokémon Master"
at the Next Generation World Hobby Fair 20 years ago
was shown on the screen as well.
When Nakagawa was asked if she, 20 years ago, ever thought she'd be involved with Pokémon to the extent she is now,
she replied "I didn't even dream of it!
I realized that sometimes, dreams come true in ways that exceed your wildest delusions!"
Finally, 20 Pikachu appeared,
wearing sashes with the 20 movies' titles written on them!
Happy shouting about how cute they were came from the audience.
And then, these Pikachu, the guest voice actors and the entire audience took a photo together,
all of them striking the "I Choose You!" pose!
This became a wonderful movie rollout pre-screening,
overflowing with all kinds of thoughts: Thoughts of 20 years ago, thoughts of 20 years, and thoughts of the present.
The movie finally premieres about 2 weeks from now, on Saturday July 15th!
Source: http://www.pokemon-movie.jp/news/?p=2877
The official Pokémon movie website has updated. Translations follow:
A pop-Up shop selling "Pocket Monsters the Movie: I Choose You!" merchandise and other related merchandise
opened for a limited timed starting Saturday July 1st.
Get merchandise featuring Pikachu wearing Satoshi's hat, as well as merchandise featuring the Pokémon that play major roles in the movie!!
We've also opened a twitter account for the pop-up shop, so check it every now and then for product information etc.!
https://twitter.com/pokemonmv_popup
Available items (sample):
Acrylic Key Chains 480 yen (without tax), 4 different kinds
Cute acrylic key chains that can not only hold on to your important keys, but also be attached to the zipper of a backpack, pouch etc. and serve as an ornament.
Polyester backpacks 4800 yen (without tax), 2 different kinds
These backpacks look simple in design at first glance, but when you open the zipper you'll see they're full of Pikachu. Easy to wear and come in two colors, black and navy blue.
Store information:
"Pokémon the Movie Pop-Up Shop: I Choose You!"
Dates/Locations:
Saturday July 1st to Sunday July 23rd 2017: Shinjuku Alta (Tokyo)
Saturday July 15th to Monday July 31st: Atre Kameido (Tokyo)
Thursday August 3rd to Thursday August 23rd: Tokyu Department Store Shibuya Station Toyoko (Tokyo)
"Pokémon the Movie Pop-Up Shop: I Choose You!" Twitter account:
https://twitter.com/pokemonmv_popup
Customer support:
Small Planet Co., Ltd.
TEL：042-643-2779 (Hours： Weekdays 9：30 to 18：30)
Source: http://www.pokemon-movie.jp/news/?p=2865
A Shop Selling Movie Pokémon Merchandise Opens for a Limited Time!
A pop-Up shop selling "Pocket Monsters the Movie: I Choose You!" merchandise and other related merchandise
opened for a limited timed starting Saturday July 1st.
Get merchandise featuring Pikachu wearing Satoshi's hat, as well as merchandise featuring the Pokémon that play major roles in the movie!!
We've also opened a twitter account for the pop-up shop, so check it every now and then for product information etc.!
https://twitter.com/pokemonmv_popup
Available items (sample):
Acrylic Key Chains 480 yen (without tax), 4 different kinds
Cute acrylic key chains that can not only hold on to your important keys, but also be attached to the zipper of a backpack, pouch etc. and serve as an ornament.
Polyester backpacks 4800 yen (without tax), 2 different kinds
These backpacks look simple in design at first glance, but when you open the zipper you'll see they're full of Pikachu. Easy to wear and come in two colors, black and navy blue.
Store information:
"Pokémon the Movie Pop-Up Shop: I Choose You!"
Dates/Locations:
Saturday July 1st to Sunday July 23rd 2017: Shinjuku Alta (Tokyo)
Saturday July 15th to Monday July 31st: Atre Kameido (Tokyo)
Thursday August 3rd to Thursday August 23rd: Tokyu Department Store Shibuya Station Toyoko (Tokyo)
"Pokémon the Movie Pop-Up Shop: I Choose You!" Twitter account:
https://twitter.com/pokemonmv_popup
Customer support:
Small Planet Co., Ltd.
TEL：042-643-2779 (Hours： Weekdays 9：30 to 18：30)
Source: http://www.pokemon-movie.jp/news/?p=2865
The official Pokémon movie website has updated. Translations follow:
The ending theme song
The Oración Theme: Let's Walk Together
Vocals: Asuca Hayashi
This song is based on "Oración" from "Pocket Monsters Diamond & Pearl the Movie: Dialga VS Palkia VS Darkrai", and is composed by Shinji Miyazaki and Akimitsu Honma, while Futoshi (from Aqua Timez) provides the lyrics. And the vocals will be done by Asuca Hayashi, who sang "Chiisaki Mono", the theme song to "Pocket Monsters Advanced Generation the Movie: The Seven-Day Wishing Star Jirachi".
It retains the majesty and emotion of "Oración", while being redone to the motif of this year's movie's story about Satoshi and Pikachu becoming true partners, as well as the themes of adventure and the bonds you have with your friends.
"The Oración Theme: Let's Walk Together" assembles various elements from the entire history of the 20 Pokémon movies, then reconstructs them and gives birth to them anew! It truly is the kind of ending theme song suited for the 20th anniversary Pokémon movie!
A profile on Asuca Hayashi:
After her singing during the personal piano lessons she took at age 12 caught professional ears, she made her debut with the single "ake-kaze" January 22nd 2003 at the young age of 13.
After that, her first album "Saki" was released simultaneously in both Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong and China.
Her single "Chiisaki Mono", which was released July 9th 2003 and which acted as the theme song for "Pocket Monsters Advanced Generation the Movie: The Seven-Day Wishing Star Jirachi", got her American attention as well.
Thanks to "ake-kaze" being such a long-running hit, she was given the New Artist of the Year Award at the 18th Japan Gold Disc Award in March 2004.
"Kokoro no Mama ni", which was released March 21st 2007, was used as an insert song on the NHK morning drama serial "Imo Tako Nankin", where she also made her debut as an actress, playing a female student aiming to become a musician.
After this, she studied Chinese in Taiwan for two years. After she came back home, she appeared on Yoshimoto Kogyo's 100th Anniversary show "Yoshimoto Hyakunen Monogatari" during the June 2012 performance "Hakurai Joto, Do Dekka?", then later during the March 2013 performance "Hyakunen Kansha Kore Kara mo Yoroshiku".
This opened new possibilities for her as an "actor artist".
She gave birth to a baby boy February 16th, 2015, her first child.
At present, she has returned to doing concerts, balancing this career with her motherhood.
http://www.asuca.jp/
Available for purchase starting Saturday July 15th
A special pack collecting both "The Oración Theme: Let's Walk Together", as well as Asuca Hayashi's "Chiisaki Mono" and Shinji Miyazaki's "Oración" will be available!
This is a very special pack that will give you a full taste of "The Oración Theme: Let's Walk Together"'s history.
Included music/artist:
1) The Oración Theme: Let's Walk Together/Asuca Hayashi (Epic Records Japan)
2) Chiisaki Mono (Single Mix)/Asuca Hayashi (Universal Music)
3) Oración/Shinji Miyazaki (Kadokawa/SMDE)
4) The Oración Theme: Let's Walk Together (Off Vocal Ver.)/Asuca Hayashi (Epic Records Japan)
Prices:
250 yen per song, all four together for 800 yen.
For further info, click here
The opening theme song
Mezase Pokémon Master -20th Anniversary-
Vocals: Rica Matsumoto
The 20th anniversary version of the first anime opening theme, "Mezase Pokémon Master -20th Anniversary", will be used as the movie's opening theme song.
This song retains the qualities of the original song, but has also been reworked into a powered up arrangement that adds increased intensity. Most of the accompaniment music was recorded using acoustic musical instruments, and the vocals are an all-new recording by Rica Matsumoto, making for an extravagant piece of music that reaches a high degree of perfection!
When asked about the song, Rica Matsumoto commented "I have been singing this song for 20 years now, ever since Pokémon first started, and it's turned into the song that represents me... But now, when I was allowed to record it as a movie theme song for the first time ever, I felt really happy about having sung it all this time. I'm filled with gratitude."
"Mezase Pokémon Master -20th Anniversary-" is used as the opening theme for the anime TV series "Pocket Monsters Sun & Moon" (currently airs every Thursday at 6:55pm on the TV Tokyo Network) per Thursday June 15th, and has become the talk of the town.
A profile on Rica Matsumoto:
Her father was the chairperson of a Taishu Engeki theater troupe, so she was involved in the world of theater from early childhood, and has stood on many different kinds of stages, including as an actress in both Taishu Engeki and musicals.
She also serves as a radio personality and commentator on variety news shows, etc, utilizing her naturally cheerful character and light-hearted way of talking.
"Mezase Pokémon Master", the theme song for the Pocket Monsters anime, has sold over 2 million.
She works vigorously to connect children's smiles using her self-employed Manmalu Project.
Currently available
Available for purchase at various music download sites,
including i-tunes, recochoku, mora etc.
For further info, click here
Source: http://www.pokemon-movie.jp/shudaika/
Theme songs
The ending theme song
The Oración Theme: Let's Walk Together
Vocals: Asuca Hayashi
This song is based on "Oración" from "Pocket Monsters Diamond & Pearl the Movie: Dialga VS Palkia VS Darkrai", and is composed by Shinji Miyazaki and Akimitsu Honma, while Futoshi (from Aqua Timez) provides the lyrics. And the vocals will be done by Asuca Hayashi, who sang "Chiisaki Mono", the theme song to "Pocket Monsters Advanced Generation the Movie: The Seven-Day Wishing Star Jirachi".
It retains the majesty and emotion of "Oración", while being redone to the motif of this year's movie's story about Satoshi and Pikachu becoming true partners, as well as the themes of adventure and the bonds you have with your friends.
"The Oración Theme: Let's Walk Together" assembles various elements from the entire history of the 20 Pokémon movies, then reconstructs them and gives birth to them anew! It truly is the kind of ending theme song suited for the 20th anniversary Pokémon movie!
A profile on Asuca Hayashi:
After her singing during the personal piano lessons she took at age 12 caught professional ears, she made her debut with the single "ake-kaze" January 22nd 2003 at the young age of 13.
After that, her first album "Saki" was released simultaneously in both Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong and China.
Her single "Chiisaki Mono", which was released July 9th 2003 and which acted as the theme song for "Pocket Monsters Advanced Generation the Movie: The Seven-Day Wishing Star Jirachi", got her American attention as well.
Thanks to "ake-kaze" being such a long-running hit, she was given the New Artist of the Year Award at the 18th Japan Gold Disc Award in March 2004.
"Kokoro no Mama ni", which was released March 21st 2007, was used as an insert song on the NHK morning drama serial "Imo Tako Nankin", where she also made her debut as an actress, playing a female student aiming to become a musician.
After this, she studied Chinese in Taiwan for two years. After she came back home, she appeared on Yoshimoto Kogyo's 100th Anniversary show "Yoshimoto Hyakunen Monogatari" during the June 2012 performance "Hakurai Joto, Do Dekka?", then later during the March 2013 performance "Hyakunen Kansha Kore Kara mo Yoroshiku".
This opened new possibilities for her as an "actor artist".
She gave birth to a baby boy February 16th, 2015, her first child.
At present, she has returned to doing concerts, balancing this career with her motherhood.
http://www.asuca.jp/
Available for purchase starting Saturday July 15th
A special pack collecting both "The Oración Theme: Let's Walk Together", as well as Asuca Hayashi's "Chiisaki Mono" and Shinji Miyazaki's "Oración" will be available!
This is a very special pack that will give you a full taste of "The Oración Theme: Let's Walk Together"'s history.
Included music/artist:
1) The Oración Theme: Let's Walk Together/Asuca Hayashi (Epic Records Japan)
2) Chiisaki Mono (Single Mix)/Asuca Hayashi (Universal Music)
3) Oración/Shinji Miyazaki (Kadokawa/SMDE)
4) The Oración Theme: Let's Walk Together (Off Vocal Ver.)/Asuca Hayashi (Epic Records Japan)
Prices:
250 yen per song, all four together for 800 yen.
For further info, click here
The opening theme song
Mezase Pokémon Master -20th Anniversary-
Vocals: Rica Matsumoto
The 20th anniversary version of the first anime opening theme, "Mezase Pokémon Master -20th Anniversary", will be used as the movie's opening theme song.
This song retains the qualities of the original song, but has also been reworked into a powered up arrangement that adds increased intensity. Most of the accompaniment music was recorded using acoustic musical instruments, and the vocals are an all-new recording by Rica Matsumoto, making for an extravagant piece of music that reaches a high degree of perfection!
When asked about the song, Rica Matsumoto commented "I have been singing this song for 20 years now, ever since Pokémon first started, and it's turned into the song that represents me... But now, when I was allowed to record it as a movie theme song for the first time ever, I felt really happy about having sung it all this time. I'm filled with gratitude."
"Mezase Pokémon Master -20th Anniversary-" is used as the opening theme for the anime TV series "Pocket Monsters Sun & Moon" (currently airs every Thursday at 6:55pm on the TV Tokyo Network) per Thursday June 15th, and has become the talk of the town.
A profile on Rica Matsumoto:
Her father was the chairperson of a Taishu Engeki theater troupe, so she was involved in the world of theater from early childhood, and has stood on many different kinds of stages, including as an actress in both Taishu Engeki and musicals.
She also serves as a radio personality and commentator on variety news shows, etc, utilizing her naturally cheerful character and light-hearted way of talking.
"Mezase Pokémon Master", the theme song for the Pocket Monsters anime, has sold over 2 million.
She works vigorously to connect children's smiles using her self-employed Manmalu Project.
Currently available
Available for purchase at various music download sites,
including i-tunes, recochoku, mora etc.
For further info, click here
Source: http://www.pokemon-movie.jp/shudaika/
The official Pokémon movie website has updated. Translations follow:
The "I Choose You" SNS Campaign
From Sunday July 2nd to Thursday August 31st.
After watching "Pocket Monsters the Movie: I Choose You!", please post your impressions on SNS like Twitter, Instagram etc!
Please make sure to attach Pokémon-related photographs, like ones taken with movie posters or ones that use the SNOW collaboration stamps, as well as the hashtags #キミにきめた and #ポケモン.
We're waiting for your impressions!
We will give out "I Choose You T-shirts" to 30 people chosen via lottery among those that participate in the campaign!
This will make you popular!
Participating rules:
1) Follow the official "Pocket Monsters the Movie: I Choose You!" Twitter account (@pokemon_movie)
2) Post your thoughts on your Twitter/Instagram account, making sure to attach Pokémon-related photographs, like ones taken with movie posters or ones that use the SNOW collaboration stamps, as well as the hashtags #キミにきめた and #ポケモン.
*Please watch out for spoilers.
Terms of service:
Campaign period: Sunday July 2nd 2017 to Thursday August 31st 2017 at 24:00.
How to participate: To participate, you'll need a Twitter or Instagram account.
Posts without the specified hashtags (#キミにきめた #ポケモン) will be ignored.
If you use Twitter to post, please follow the official "Pocket Monsters the Movie: I Choose You!" Twitter account (@pokemon_movie). Also, make sure to set your tweets to "Public" before you post.
If you use Instagram to post, please make sure to set your account to "Public" before you post.
Participating conditions: Please post your impressions of the movie. We also recommend you post a Pokémon-related photo or video alongside your thoughts, like ones taken with movie posters or ones that use the SNOW collaboration stamps.
*Please watch out for spoilers.
Important notes: It may take time before your post is included in the campaign.
The photos/video/etc you post may be used on this website, or in other kinds of promotion.
Compensation and exploitation rights do not apply in these instances.
Please note that if the campaign's executive office (hereafter referred to as the organizers) decide a picture/video is inappropriate, it will not be published here, or if it is already published, it may be removed without further notice.
We do also not have any obligations to explain our reasons or answer inquires regarding the refusal to use a photo/video if this happens.
Submitted photos, video and text will be quoted from Twitter and Instagram.
We are thus able to freely edit photos and video before publishing them.
Only those living in Japan are able to apply for the prizes.
Photos and video must be owned by the poster themselves.
The organizers will bear no responsibility in case of receiving inquires, complaints, injunctions or compensation claims from third parties regarding posted photos or video, and the poster themselves will have to handle and settle all related expenses and responsibilities.
The organizers will bear no responsibility for any damage suffered by the participants due to the creation, posting or use by the organizer of photos or video for any reason (except in case of willful misconduct or gross negligence on the part of the organizers).
Depending on equipment or circumstances, the site may not function.
On the prize lottery/winner announcement: After an impartial drawing, the winners will be contacted by the campaign's executive office.
The winners will be contacted and announced around Mid September 2017.
We will not be able to answer any questions regarding the status of any submissions or the winners.
The status of winner is only to be held by the actual winners themselves, and may not be transferred to another person or exchanged for money.
After the winners have been chosen, the winners will be notified that they have won via a direct message from the campaign's executive office.
*Please set your account to allow for direct message replies.
If the winner can not be contacted due to an unknown phone number or address, the winner's status as winner will be voided.
On the handling of personal information: The winners' personal information will be handled by Toho Co., Ltd. (hereafter referred to as the company).
We will not provide third parties with this personal information without consent, unless required by law or when necessary to notify the winners or providing necessary information to courier services etc.
All personal information obtained will only be used for this campaign and will not be utilized for any other purpose.
Disclaimer: This campaign utilizes services provided by other companies. For this reason, failures and errors not attributable to this company may occur.
We do not accept inquiries regarding selection methods, confirmation on whether a submitted entry has been accepted, or questions regarding anyone's winner status.
This campaign is not connected to Twitter Inc. or Facebook, Inc.
This campaign is subject to change without notice.
We are not responsible for any damages caused by the campaign's interruption or cancellation.
Source: http://www.pokemon-movie.jp/sns_cam/
The "I Choose You" SNS Campaign
The "I Choose You" SNS Campaign
From Sunday July 2nd to Thursday August 31st.
After watching "Pocket Monsters the Movie: I Choose You!", please post your impressions on SNS like Twitter, Instagram etc!
Please make sure to attach Pokémon-related photographs, like ones taken with movie posters or ones that use the SNOW collaboration stamps, as well as the hashtags #キミにきめた and #ポケモン.
We're waiting for your impressions!
We will give out "I Choose You T-shirts" to 30 people chosen via lottery among those that participate in the campaign!
This will make you popular!
Participating rules:
1) Follow the official "Pocket Monsters the Movie: I Choose You!" Twitter account (@pokemon_movie)
2) Post your thoughts on your Twitter/Instagram account, making sure to attach Pokémon-related photographs, like ones taken with movie posters or ones that use the SNOW collaboration stamps, as well as the hashtags #キミにきめた and #ポケモン.
*Please watch out for spoilers.
Terms of service:
Campaign period: Sunday July 2nd 2017 to Thursday August 31st 2017 at 24:00.
How to participate: To participate, you'll need a Twitter or Instagram account.
Posts without the specified hashtags (#キミにきめた #ポケモン) will be ignored.
If you use Twitter to post, please follow the official "Pocket Monsters the Movie: I Choose You!" Twitter account (@pokemon_movie). Also, make sure to set your tweets to "Public" before you post.
If you use Instagram to post, please make sure to set your account to "Public" before you post.
Participating conditions: Please post your impressions of the movie. We also recommend you post a Pokémon-related photo or video alongside your thoughts, like ones taken with movie posters or ones that use the SNOW collaboration stamps.
*Please watch out for spoilers.
Important notes: It may take time before your post is included in the campaign.
The photos/video/etc you post may be used on this website, or in other kinds of promotion.
Compensation and exploitation rights do not apply in these instances.
Please note that if the campaign's executive office (hereafter referred to as the organizers) decide a picture/video is inappropriate, it will not be published here, or if it is already published, it may be removed without further notice.
We do also not have any obligations to explain our reasons or answer inquires regarding the refusal to use a photo/video if this happens.
Submitted photos, video and text will be quoted from Twitter and Instagram.
We are thus able to freely edit photos and video before publishing them.
Only those living in Japan are able to apply for the prizes.
Photos and video must be owned by the poster themselves.
The organizers will bear no responsibility in case of receiving inquires, complaints, injunctions or compensation claims from third parties regarding posted photos or video, and the poster themselves will have to handle and settle all related expenses and responsibilities.
The organizers will bear no responsibility for any damage suffered by the participants due to the creation, posting or use by the organizer of photos or video for any reason (except in case of willful misconduct or gross negligence on the part of the organizers).
Depending on equipment or circumstances, the site may not function.
On the prize lottery/winner announcement: After an impartial drawing, the winners will be contacted by the campaign's executive office.
The winners will be contacted and announced around Mid September 2017.
We will not be able to answer any questions regarding the status of any submissions or the winners.
The status of winner is only to be held by the actual winners themselves, and may not be transferred to another person or exchanged for money.
After the winners have been chosen, the winners will be notified that they have won via a direct message from the campaign's executive office.
*Please set your account to allow for direct message replies.
If the winner can not be contacted due to an unknown phone number or address, the winner's status as winner will be voided.
On the handling of personal information: The winners' personal information will be handled by Toho Co., Ltd. (hereafter referred to as the company).
We will not provide third parties with this personal information without consent, unless required by law or when necessary to notify the winners or providing necessary information to courier services etc.
All personal information obtained will only be used for this campaign and will not be utilized for any other purpose.
Disclaimer: This campaign utilizes services provided by other companies. For this reason, failures and errors not attributable to this company may occur.
We do not accept inquiries regarding selection methods, confirmation on whether a submitted entry has been accepted, or questions regarding anyone's winner status.
This campaign is not connected to Twitter Inc. or Facebook, Inc.
This campaign is subject to change without notice.
We are not responsible for any damages caused by the campaign's interruption or cancellation.
Source: http://www.pokemon-movie.jp/sns_cam/
The official Pokémon movie website has updated. Translations follow:
In order to commemorate the premiere of "Pocket Monsters the Movie: I Choose You!",
we're introducing stamps made in collaboration with the video communication app "SNOW"!
In the first set, we're releasing stamps that let you film yourself together with a Pikachu wearing Satoshi's hat,
as well as stamps that will let you transform into Pikachu or Nyarth!
You can see special actions by opening your mouth in specific ways.
Then, the second set, which has a stamp that lets you role-play Satoshi and reenact a scene from the movie, will be released Friday July 7th (scheduled date)!
These stamps are only available for a limited time, and are scheduled to be taken down Thursday August 31st.
*The "SNOW" app can be downloaded here
Source: http://www.pokemon-movie.jp/news/?p=2855
Will Pikachu Be There With You? Or Will You Become Pikachu? Commemorative Movie Premiere SNOW Collaboration Stamps Make Their Debut!!
In order to commemorate the premiere of "Pocket Monsters the Movie: I Choose You!",
we're introducing stamps made in collaboration with the video communication app "SNOW"!
In the first set, we're releasing stamps that let you film yourself together with a Pikachu wearing Satoshi's hat,
as well as stamps that will let you transform into Pikachu or Nyarth!
You can see special actions by opening your mouth in specific ways.
Then, the second set, which has a stamp that lets you role-play Satoshi and reenact a scene from the movie, will be released Friday July 7th (scheduled date)!
These stamps are only available for a limited time, and are scheduled to be taken down Thursday August 31st.
*The "SNOW" app can be downloaded here
Source: http://www.pokemon-movie.jp/news/?p=2855
The official Pokémon movie website has updated. Translations follow:
The story of "Pocket Monsters the Movie: I Choose You!", which premieres Saturday July 15th 2017, is being turned into a manga!
The serialization on Shogakukan's comic app "Manga One" will start prior to the movie's premiere,
on midnight Sunday July 2nd!
The serialization of a massive depiction of everything from Satoshi and Pikachu's meeting,
up to the last touching scene, will finally begin.
Go here for further information: http://manga-one.com/
©Nintendo･Creatures･GAME FREAK･TV Tokyo･ShoPro･JR Kikaku
©Pokémon ©2017 Pikachu Project ©Ryo Takamisaki/Shogakukan
Source: http://www.pokemon-movie.jp/news/?p=2850
A Comic Adaptation of the Movie's Story "Pocket Monsters the Movie: I Choose You!" is Starting Serialization at Shogakukan's Manga App "Manga One"!
The story of "Pocket Monsters the Movie: I Choose You!", which premieres Saturday July 15th 2017, is being turned into a manga!
The serialization on Shogakukan's comic app "Manga One" will start prior to the movie's premiere,
on midnight Sunday July 2nd!
The serialization of a massive depiction of everything from Satoshi and Pikachu's meeting,
up to the last touching scene, will finally begin.
Go here for further information: http://manga-one.com/
©Nintendo･Creatures･GAME FREAK･TV Tokyo･ShoPro･JR Kikaku
©Pokémon ©2017 Pikachu Project ©Ryo Takamisaki/Shogakukan
Source: http://www.pokemon-movie.jp/news/?p=2850
The official Pokémon movie website has updated. Translations follow:
Magazines:
Monday July 3rd: "Ciào" - Attendance gifts, etc.
Tuesday July 4th: "Pocket Monsters Special" - Manga/Movie presentation
Saturday July 8th: "Mainichi Shogakusei Shinbun" - Interview (with Shiori Sato)
Tv Shows:
Monday July 3rd to Friday July 7th: "Ichiyazuke" on TV Tokyo - Pokémon specials
Friday July 7th: "Ie, Tsuite Itte Ii Desu Ka?" on TV Tokyo - Guest (Kanata Hongo)
Saturday July 8th: "Volcanion and the Ingenious Magearna" on TV Tokyo - Presentation of the movie
Sunday July 9th: "Pokémon no Uchi Atsumaru?" on the TV Tokyo Network - Movie pre-premiere special
*Note that these are the scheduled publication dates/air dates, and as such are subject to change without notice.
*Broadcast dates will vary depending on where you live. (some areas exempt)
For details, please see the website of your local TV station.
Source: http://www.pokemon-movie.jp/news/?p=2861
Media Information
Magazines:
Monday July 3rd: "Ciào" - Attendance gifts, etc.
Tuesday July 4th: "Pocket Monsters Special" - Manga/Movie presentation
Saturday July 8th: "Mainichi Shogakusei Shinbun" - Interview (with Shiori Sato)
Tv Shows:
Monday July 3rd to Friday July 7th: "Ichiyazuke" on TV Tokyo - Pokémon specials
Friday July 7th: "Ie, Tsuite Itte Ii Desu Ka?" on TV Tokyo - Guest (Kanata Hongo)
Saturday July 8th: "Volcanion and the Ingenious Magearna" on TV Tokyo - Presentation of the movie
Sunday July 9th: "Pokémon no Uchi Atsumaru?" on the TV Tokyo Network - Movie pre-premiere special
*Note that these are the scheduled publication dates/air dates, and as such are subject to change without notice.
*Broadcast dates will vary depending on where you live. (some areas exempt)
For details, please see the website of your local TV station.
Source: http://www.pokemon-movie.jp/news/?p=2861
