YOKOHAMA -- This summer, more than 1,500 Pikachu will again be set to appear in the Minato Mirai area of Yokohama during the summer holidays. The popular Pokemon character is the star of the Aug. 10 through 16 event Pikachu Outbreak. A nighttime light and sound show using the latest digital technology is also planned.
The event is being organized by The Pokemon Co., which makes video games and animated works, and the city of Yokohama. This year marks the fifth time the event will be held, with a total of 8 million people having attended.
This year's theme is "Science is Amazing." Along with Pikachu, about 20 Eevee, another Pokemon character, are scheduled to appear. Shows, parades and other attractions will be held from morning to evening at places such as the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse and the harbor area of Minato Mirai.
"I would consider it a big success if people who experience the event say, 'Science is great,'" said Pokemon Co. President Tsunekazu Ishihara during a press conference at Yokohama City Hall with Yokohama Mayor Fumiko Hayashi.
Yokohama attracts many day-trippers from surrounding areas and is using the global popularity of Pokemon to highlight the event's night show.
"We hope more people from overseas will visit and stay overnight," Hayashi said.
To avoid the chaotic situation caused by huge crowds of visitors, this year there will not be any official events related to the popular smartphone game "Pokemon Go."
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