First permanent Pokemon theme park to open in Tokyo
Japan has welcomed a record influx of visitors in recent months, boosting demand for tourist attractions, including the Making of Harry Potter film-studio park that opened in Tokyo in 2023.
Named PokePark Kanto, the new 2.6ha area will be located in Yomiuri Land, Tokyo's largest amusement park, the company said on Tuesday.
"We want to create a space where Pokemon are always present and where people can have fun with them," its chief creative officer, Junichi Masuda, said in a video announcement.
The park will have two areas: a Pokemon forest described as a spacious wilderness and an area for shopping and rides.
Pokemon became a global hit after its 1996 launch as a role-playing game for Nintendo's handheld Game Boy console.
Inspired by the Japanese summer childhood tradition of bug-collecting, players catch and train in battle hundreds of round-eyed "pocket monsters", 'creatures' ranging from mice to dragons.
The franchise also includes movies, an animated TV show, and the 'Pokemon Go' augmented-reality mobile game.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
11 minutes ago
- The Star
Taste of Japan in Kuala Lumpur
Pavilion Bukit Jalil has been transformed into a cultural haven with spectacular performances for the Matsuri Festival – 'Konnichiwa' Japan! Together Here. — Photos: LOW LAY PHON/The Star MALAYSIANS will not need to board a plane to experience the vibrant culture of Japan this week. Pavilion Bukit Jalil is hosting Matsuri Festival – 'Konnichiwa, Japan! Together Here'. The five-day celebration, which ends tomorrow, is organised in collaboration with Japan Graduates Association of Malaysia (Jagam). The festival brings the essence of Japan to Kuala Lumpur, featuring traditional performances, authentic street food, cultural showcases and family-friendly activities throughout the mall. Highlights include Japanese pop music as well as Yosakoi and Bon Odori dance performances Look out for comedy performances by 3 Gaga Heads and a show by idol group KLP48 today and tomorrow. People enjoying the performances at the mall and recording the show. Pavilion Kuala Lumpur chief executive officer (retail) Datuk Joyce Yap said it was part of their mission to create an immersive experience beyond retail. 'We believe in curating experiences that go beyond shopping – bringing people together and enriching lives with the best the world has to offer. 'Through our collaboration with Jagam, we are proud to present an authentic cultural journey where families and friends can discover the rich traditions and modern delights of Japan,' she said in a media statement. According to Yap, the festival is a celebration of connection, learning and shared memories that inspire visitors long after they leave. Other attractions include a bonsai showcase highlighting the intricate art of Japanese miniature trees, a Tamagotchi Pop-Up by Cotton Blue and the Doko Koko Pop-Up by Nijigen. Visitors can also explore displays of traditional arts and crafts, enjoy cosplay performances today and tomorrow, and witness a maguro cutting show today, which is a demonstration of the traditional Japanese technique of butchering a whole bluefin tuna. Grab the opportunity to try on a yukata for RM40 at the venue too.
The Star
42 minutes ago
- The Star
Playful Japanese vibe at sake spot in Chinatown
A giant Astro Boy atop a van placed in a shoplot in Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown greets visitors looking for a taste of Japan. The presence of the fictional Japanese character is a delightful nod to the country's whimsical street food culture. This rather unusual sight also hints at the lively spirit you'll find in a great yakitori bar. Shibui Yakitori Bar Kuala Lumpur aims to capture such essence, transporting guests to a cosy izakaya that offers grill-to-order skewers as well as refreshing sake and creative cocktails. Stepping into the bar, one can't help but notice the pop culture references with several figures of Doraemon characters. Imported Japanese snack packaging plasters the walls while vintage items hang on display, creating a playful vibe. On one side, a bright neon sign displays the Hiragana characters for 'sugoi,' meaning 'great' or 'wonderful.' This place stands out as a sake and yakitori bar in Chinatown, offering not only sake and infused sake but also sake-based cocktails and shots. Sake selections include Kizakura Junmai Daiginjo, Dassai 45 Junmai Daiginjo and Manotsuru Junmai Ginjo Toki. The Yakitori Platter comes with chicken thigh and wing, salmon, prawn, leek, cherry tomatoes and shiitake mushrooms. However, for those who want more fruity flavours, the infused sake is a great choice. The lychee-infused sake offers a sweet flavour, while the asam boi-infused sake is a subtle acknowledgement of the locally loved preserved sour plums, highlighting a familiar and nostalgic flavour. As for the sake-based cocktails, the Lychee Saketini Slushie is a sweet and sour libation. Mixed with lychee, lemon and sake, this cocktail is approachable and easy to drink, suitable for pairing with a platter of yakitori. The Lychee Saketini Slushie is a sweet and sour drink. The Ginza Garden cocktail, on the other hand, has a bit more acidity as it is a combination of gin, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, cranberry, lime and soda. It is cooling and refreshing. For something stronger, the Melon Blossom cocktail is recommended as it is mixed with apple whiskey, melon, lime and shiso. One can also try the Jim Beam Highball series, available in classic whiskey and soda, or with apple or honey flavour selections. Drinks aside, visitors are spoilt for choice in the food selection which ranges from small bites to main courses. The Yakitori Platter, which comes with chicken thigh and wing, salmon, prawn, leek, cherry tomatoes and shiitake mushrooms, is a must-have. Suitable for sharing, the skewers are grilled to perfection with a mouth-watering marinade. The Ginza Garden cocktail is a combination of gin, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, cranberry, lime and soda. Grilled items include scallops (a chef's recommendation) as well as a lot more luxurious offerings such as Wagyu beef. In terms of bar bites, the Lychee Mayo Cauliflower stands out – it is served with a creamy sauce, while the lychee fruit adds a hint of sweetness to the dish. One can also order truffle cheese fries, crispy fried squid and crabby clam soup to go with its selection of beers and spirits. Over to the main course, the Chicken Sesame Tantan-Men is appetising. It comes with an umami-filled broth that is topped with eggs, cabbage, black fungus and minced chicken. For desserts, try the assorted mochi and burnt cheesecake. SHIBUI YAKITORI BAR KL, Ground Floor, No.147, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, Kuala Lumpur. (Tel: 014-646 2566) Business hours: Noon to 1am (Tuesday to Sunday). This is the writer's personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
Free Malaysia Today
13 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Nintendo's quarterly revenue surges thanks to Switch 2
The Switch 2 smashed industry records by selling 3.5 million units in its first four days. (AFP pic) TOKYO : Nintendo today said quarterly revenue had more than doubled year-on-year thanks to the Switch 2, which became the world's fastest-selling console after its launch in early June. Pent-up demand for the new gadget from the 'Super Mario' gamemaker fuelled fan excitement at the release that saw sold-out pre-orders and midnight store openings. Like the hugely popular original Switch, the Switch 2 is a hybrid console that can be handheld or connected to a television, with a bigger screen and more processing power than its predecessor. It smashed industry records by selling 3.5 million units in its first four days, and Nintendo said today that the figure had increased to 5.8 million units by the end of June. 'Net sales increased significantly in the first quarter, due mainly to the launch of Nintendo Switch 2,' the Japanese company said as it reported a 132% on-year jump in sales for April-June, to ¥572 billion. Net profit in the quarter rose 19% on-year. However, a challenge for Nintendo will be maintaining a supply of hit games for the new system, gaming industry consultant Serkan Toto told AFP. 'There are new games from the Pokemon, Metroid and Kirby franchises coming later this year, but some fans have already started to ask for even more titles,' he said. But 'the launch of Switch 2 has surpassed many people's expectations' and it will be hard for another console to match its strong start, Toto added. 'Nintendo should be able to comfortably ride on this momentum through the holidays and into 2026,' he predicted. 'Major comeback' The company expects to sell 15 million Switch 2 units by the end of March 2026 – a target it left unchanged today. Nathan Naidu of Bloomberg Intelligence said Nintendo was 'likely' to hike this number, having already sold 40% of the target. The Switch 2 launch positions the company 'for a major comeback after four straight years of lacklustre top-line momentum… barring punishing US tariffs that might prompt Nintendo to hike hardware prices', he wrote today. While Nintendo is diversifying into hit movies and theme parks, consoles remain at the core of its business. The original Switch soared in popularity during the pandemic with games such as 'Animal Crossing' striking a chord during long lockdowns worldwide. It has sold 153 million units since its 2017 release, making it the third best-selling console of all time after Sony's PlayStation 2 and the Nintendo DS. The Switch 2, which has new features including controllers that can also be used like a desktop computer mouse, costs US$449.99 in the US – more expensive than a launch price of US$299.99 for the original. 'Once the hardcore Nintendo fans are tapped out, the company will need to get to the next level by convincing mainstream players to make the jump to Switch 2,' Toto noted. But the postponed launch of the hotly anticipated 'Grand Theft Auto VI' (GTA6) by US publisher Rockstar Games from this year to May 2026 will be a boon, he said. 'If GTA6 (had) launched this year, it would have sucked almost all the oxygen out of the room and made marketing Switch 2 definitely harder for Nintendo.'
