Marvelous has announced their Results Briefing Materials Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2022 on May 12th, 2022. The report indicated that they were affected significantly by the COVID-19 pandemic but Pokémon MEZASTAR largely contributed to their increases in sales and profit.

Earnings Highlights (Statement of Profit and Loss)

In the online game business, sales of existing titles declined, and the stage performance business, which was significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, struggled, while sales of game software and a hit of Pokémon MEZASTAR largely contributed to increases in sales and profit, resulting in year-on-year increases in both sales and profit as a whole.

Amusement Business: Initiatives Starting in FY Ending March 2023

• New tag of Pokémon MEZASTAR newly began operations in April.
• Overseas expansion of Pokémon Ga-Olé is continuing in anticipation of the COVID-19 pandemic subsiding.

Source: https://corp.marv.jp/english/library/img/presentation4q2022.pdf

McDonald's Japan has unveiled the Pokémon MEZASTAR Happy Set which will begin on March 4th, 2022 at participating locations. There are 5 different tags to collect.

Pokémon MEZASTAR Tags:

Pikachu & Arceus (ピカチュウ & アルセウス)
Pochama & Palkia (ポッチャマ & パルキア)
Hikozaru & Dialga (ヒコザル & ディアルガ)
Naetle & Giratina (ナエトル & ギラティナ)
Riolu & Darkrai (リオル & ダークライ)

YouTube Clip - Pokémon Happy Set - March 2022 - Pokémon MEZASTAR

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4Z5wgYlgnc

BANDAI NAMCO AMUSEMENT CO., LTD. will hold the Pochama's Chewing Rush! Campaign in Namco (ポッチャマもぐもぐラッシュ！キャンペーン in ナムコ) from September 21tst, 2021 to October 31st, 2021, targeting crane game machines that contain candy prizes. The campaign will be held at directly-managed amusement facilities by Namco across Japan.


When playing the crane game machines that contain candy prizes, please ask the staff for a "service ticket". One service ticket will give you a Pochama Pokémon Card Game promo card. If you collect two service tickets, you will be able to enter the Namco Lottery. In the Namco Lottery, you can win one of Namco's original goods such as a cup, coaster, or sticker. In addition, all participants in the Namco Lottery will receive a Namco original special Pochama tag that can be used in the Pokémon MezaStar amusement machine.


During the same period as the campaign, the Meza Studio Kawasaki (Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture) will be decorated with Pochama designs.

During the campaign period from September 21tst, 2021 to October 31st, 2021, players will receive one "service ticket" for every 300 yen they spend on an eligible game machine.

Service Ticket Prizes

A cup made of melamine resin. Two types are available: one with an image of the energetic Pochama, and the other with a simple design that is easy for adults to use. (Size: approx. 90mm in height)


Cute stickers with various poses of Pochama. (Size: approx. 60mm in height)


These coasters are made of acrylic. They can be carried around with a ball chain. The ball chain is not included in the package. (Size: approx. 90mm long)

Source: https://bandainamco-am.co.jp/event/game_center/pokemon-pochama/

Starting on June 11th, 2021, McDonald's Japan will be offering a new Happy Set featuring Pikachu toys. There will be 3 distribution periods, each offering different toys during the first two periods while the 3rd period will offer all the toys at random until supplies last.

Week 1: June 11th, 2021 until June 17th, 2021

Pikachu Balance Challenge (ピカチュウ バランスチャレンジ)
Pikachu Dash (ピカチュウ ダッシュ)
Pikachu Dunk (ピカチュウ ダンク)

Week 2: June 18th, 2021 until June 24th, 2021

Get Pikachu! Ball Attack (ピカチュウゲット！ボールアタック)
Pikachu Trick Trick Throw (ピカチュウ トリックわなげ)
Pikachu Rock-Paper-Scissors Attack (ピカチュウ じゃんけんアタック)


On June 12th and 13th, 2021, they will also be distributing 4 different Pikachu Pokémon MEZASTAR tags.

Source: https://www.mcdonalds.co.jp/family/happyset/new01/

YouTube Clip - Happy Set Info

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BL6bxoeE_dU

YouTube Clip - Happy Set Commercial

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hby723d8MmY

Toy manufacturer TOMY and game manufacturer Marvelous Inc. announced that in just over 6 months since the games launch on September 17th, 2020, the amusement machine Pokémon Mezaster has ships over 30 million tags and there is now more than 500,000 Pokémon Mezaster Trainers nationwide in Japan! High resolution artwork from the press release has been added to an Imageboard thread.

Pokémon Mezastar is the first Pokémon arcade game to feature a large-screen twin cabinet where adjacent screens can be linked for cooperative battles. This is the latest amusement machine that allows players to battle Pokémon, catch Pokémon, and collect tags that are distributed from the machine. As the successor to Pokémon Ga-Olé, Pokémon Mezastar went into operation on September 17th, 2020 and in just one week, the number of tags dispensed reached approximately 2.4 million. One month after the start of operations, the number of tags shipped exceeded 10 million, and six months later, on March 31st, 2021, the number of tags shipped finally exceeded 30 million. Also, on April 12th, 2021, the number of Pokémon actually acquired exceeded 30 million.


As of March 20th, 2021, the total number of registered users with Memory Tags, an item that allows you to record game data, exceeded 500,000, which means that more than 500,000 Trainers that have been actively playing nationwide.

One of the most popular features of Pokémon Mezastar is the Special Tag Battle, which can occur when two Trainers are playing next to each other, and the normally two separate screens are connected and combined into one screen. The game is gaining popularity because it allows users to enjoy powerful cooperative battles between friends, parents and children, and sometimes even between users who happen to be next to each other.

On April 22nd, 2021, Pokémon Mezastar's 4th expansion set will launch which will feature legendary Pokémon appearing for the first time in Pokémon Mezastar. The Legendary Pokémon Mugendina and Budrex will appear in the forth set!


In addition, the Mezastar Club, a free web service that allows players to register if they have a Memory Tag, will have new elements added with the launch of the 4th set, such as dress-up items for players' avatars and the ability to use them to change their look. In addition, they will be conducting a campaign to distribute free tags in stores to show the fun and appeal of Pokémon Mezaster to new users.


Sources: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000150.000009185.html and https://pokemonmezastar.com/new/4.html

The 51st Next-Generation World Hobby Fair was held online for the first time ever. Exhibitors from Shogakukan's Corocoro Comics, Shonen Sunday, Chao and other magazines gathered together to present games, hobbies, character bios and the latest information from various franchises.

Two Pokémon Stage segments were held on day 1 which was Saturday, January 16th, 2021, Pokémon Stage by Pokénchi and a Pokémon Mezastar stage panel. The stream was only available live on YouTube for the Pokénchi segment but Mezastar stage panel was also posted on the official MezastarTV YouTube channel after its live broadcast. High resolution pictures of the Pokénchi panel have been added to an Imageboard thread.

Pokémon Stage by Pokénchi (ポケモンステージ by ポケモンの家あつまる？)

The Pokémon Stage by Pokénchi panel featured Pokénchi hosts Shoko-tan, Rinka and Abareru-kun and they were joined by MC Kajisac Onashas. Hyadain was not in attendance.


To promote the Pokémon the Movie Coco, they started off by introducing the Coco TV Commercial (Theme Song Collection) which began being broadcast on Japanese television just before the movies premiere in December 2020. It is available on YouTube on the official Japanese Pokémon YouTube channel as of December 24th, 2020.

YouTube Clip - Official Pokémon the Movie Coco TV Commercial (Theme Song Collection)

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN3m4DjhuM4

Abareru-kun then transitioned to promoting the Pocket Monsters 2019 anime by showing the latest trailer for the series that showcased upcoming scenes in 2021. The VTR video didn't play exactly on cue, which got him a laugh as he kept repeating himself for the video to start. The trailer originally aired as part of Pocket Monsters Christmas Special: "Battling & Getting! Mewtwo Comes Back" special on December 25th, 2020.


The stage show featured two Get a Flash of Inspiration! Let's PokéRiddle quizes which Abareru-kun presented and Shoko-tan, Rinka and Kajisac tried to solve along with the viewers watching the stream. The first hint to the puzzle was to use Flamethrower 「かえんほうしゃ」を使おう！ After a few seconds to figure out the hint, it was revealed that by melting the ice letters with Flamethrower and reading the remaining letters as they fell like Tetris pieces, it would reveal the answer. (「かえんほうしゃ」で氷の文字を溶かして残った文字を読んでみましょう)

Answer: Lizardon (セイカイハ リザードン)


The second puzzle was more difficult than the first one and they were given a board to write their answers down. Read the letters in order from the top left and follow the instructions to read the letters there. (左上から順番に文字を読んで指示に従いそこに書かれた文字を読もう). The Pokémon is hidden in the box third from the right, first from the top. (みぎからみっつめうえからひとつめにかくされているポケモンがにたえ).

Answer: Karakara (からから　カラカラ)


They then switched over to games where they announced that New Pokémon Snap would be available in Japan on April 30th, 2021. They showed the latest trailer to highlight their talking points. This trailer was also available on the official Japanese Pokémon YouTube channel as of January 14th, 2021.

YouTube Clip - New Pokémon Snap PV

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKzYOCXlR9s

To finish off the stage show, they highlighted the ICHIGEKI Master and RENGEKI Master TCG set and played a brief game to highlight the new Single Strike Style and Rapid Strike Style Battle Styles gameplay mechanic that will debut in the set.

Pokémon Mezastar Special Live Stage

Viewers on this event got a first-hand look at the Pokémon Mezasta Set 3 and got to hear Naomi Tamura (田村直美) and Tomohiro Hatano (幡野智宏) sing "Visit! Pokémon Mezastar! (見参!ポケモンメザスタ!!)" in a special live performance! The four Mezastar Navigators: Masato (マサト), Sakura (サクラ), Ai (アイ) and J where the hosts of the event which took place on January 16th, 2021 from 11:00 to 11:30.

YouTube Clip - Pokémon Mezasta Special Live Stage

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rF02STw8mPs

New Pokémon Snap is now available for pre-order at game retailers nationwide in Japan! Those who pre-order and purchase the game at participating stores will receive special perks from each store they order the game from!

Pokémon Center and Pokémon Store Pre-Order Details:

The release date for New Pokémon Snap has been set for Friday, April 30th, 2021. Starting Friday, January 15th, 2021 until Thursday, April 29th, 2021, pre-orders will be available at Pokémon Centers, Pokémon Stores, and Pokémon Centers Online throughout Japan. Early purchasers of the physical version will receive a "Pokémon Center Original New Pokémon Snap Acrylic Stand"! It's perfect for interior decoration and will add a cute touch to your home. At the Pokémon Center and Pokémon Store, if you pre-order by April 18th, 2021, you can have it delivered free of charge. Buy "New Pokémon Snap" early at the Pokémon Center and get the amazing benefits! New Pokémon Snap costs 6,578 yen including tax.

Source: https://www.pokemon.co.jp/info/2021/01/210114_p01.html

Pre-order Item Details:

Source: https://www.pokemon.co.jp/ex/newpokemonsnap/news/210114_02/

Laplace New Pokémon Snap Pokémon Mezastar Tag

The physical version of New Pokémon Snap comes with a special Laplace New Pokémon Snap ver. tag as an early purchase bonus which can be used in Pokémon Mezastar, a popular Pokémon video game machine!

The number of special offers tags is limited and will end as soon as they are gone. The special tag will not be included for the downloadable version.

Source: https://www.pokemon.co.jp/ex/newpokemonsnap/news/210114_01/

Takara TOMY has announced that the Pokémon Dynamax Band (ポケモン ダイマックスバンド), which can be used with Pokémon Mezaster, will go on sale in Japan on February 11th, 2021 for 1,980 Yen. An Imageboard thread has been created with high resolution product pictures.

Product Description:

The Dynamax Band works in conjunction with Pokémon Mezaster to ensure that Dynamax is activated. Get an advantage in battles and get powerful Pokémon tags! It comes with a special Dande's Lizardon Dynamax tag that can be used in Pokémon Mezastar.


In addition, when you shake the Dynamax Band, character voices will sound in response to the vibration, and you can experience Dynamax with sound effects, cheering background music, and light effects. It has two modes: "Dynamax Mode" where you can experience the process of activating a Dynamax move, and "Cheering Mode" where 14 different cheering voices of Satoshi, Go and Dande are played.

In order to activate Dynamax in Pokémon Mezaster, you will need Dynamax Tag.

Product Details:

Price: 1,980 Yen
Release Date: February 11, 2021
Battery: LR44 button x 2 included
Item Number: 4904810129110
Manufacturer: TOMY
Brand: Pocket Monsters
Package Size: W100 x H120 x D60mm
Target age: 6 years old and up

Sources: https://takaratomymall.jp/shop/g/g4904810129110/ and https://www.takaratomy.co.jp/products/pokemon/daimax_band/

YouTube Clip - Takara TOMY - Pokémon Dynamax Band Commercial

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jc4IUIqtF98

Pokémon Mezastar is a "Pokémon" amusement machine which was released in Japan on September 17th, 2020. Pokémon Mezasta is a new game machine that uses "tags" to play! Battle against wild Pokémon and catch them! You can get tags of the Pokémon you catch! Collect tags for your favorite Pokémon, including Grade 6 Superstar Pokémon, Grade 5 Star Pokémon, and more! We have added a content database page for Pokémon MEZASTAR and we will continue to update info on the game as information is revealed.


The Pokémon Mezasta can combine multiple machine screens! When the Special Tag Team Battle (スペシャルタッグバトル) which combines the screens occurs, you and your friends can battle powerful Star Pokémon together! Join forces with your friends to get it! If you can grab the Pokémon, you'll both get your tags!


Put a hundred yen in the machine and the game begins! We recommend the "Battle and Get" mode, where you battle with Pokémon! When your opponent's Pokémon come out, place a tag and battle! Power up your moves and then go on the offensive!

When the battle is over, you can get a Pokémon! For 100 yen, you can throw a ball to get the tag of the Pokémon you caught!

Select the area where the boss you want to battle is and battle! The boss is different for each area! Before the battle, select your Pokémon ally and slide the tag forward! All that's left to do is to launch the button and attack! Can you get your hands on a powerful Star Pokémon?

YouTube Clip - Pokémon MEZASTAR Commercial

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwe_2Dd2dEI