The Pokémon Company and the city of Yokohama have joined forces to ensure the 'Pokémon World Championships 2023 Yokohama Minato Mirai Event' will be a showstopper. As the sole Asian city chosen for WCS2023, Yokohama's unique charm is about to get a global spotlight, and the locals couldn't be more excited.

The city will come alive with various events, transforming Yokohama into a veritable Pokémon haven. From a Pokémon-infused summer festival to immersive Pokémon-themed experiences, Yokohama is set to go full Pokémon!

Below is a video from a similar event - Pikachu Outbreak 2018 in Yokohama, so cute!

Enjoy exciting games reminiscent of the Pokémon series, like "Magikarp Fishing" and "Pokéball Toss" at vibrant street stalls. Moreover, get in the groove with traditional Bon Odori dances held around the large tower, accompanied by remixed music from the Pokémon game series and live Taiko drum performances.

・Event Schedule: August 11-14 from 9 AM to 7 PM. (Please note that the venue operates on a shift system, and each session lasts 90 minutes. The event date and time are subject to change.)
・Venue: Rinko Park, 1-1-1 Minatomirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama City
・How to Attend: Pre-lottery system (Participation is free). For more details, please check the ticket reservation site
・Application Period: June 19 @2 PM - July 3rd @1:59 PM

(Notice: Please be aware that the event could be canceled or its contents might be changed due to weather conditions or otherwise. No substitutions will be made for other dates if the event is canceled or its contents are changed.)

Delight in a variety of shows and parades during the day and at night, where countless Pokémon will make their appearance.

・Performance Schedule: August 8-14, with one show every day.
・Performance Time: 8:30 PM to 8:55 PM.
・Venue: Rinko Park, 1-1-1 Minatomirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama City
・How to Attend: Pre-lottery system (Participation is free). For more details, please check the event reservation lottery site
・Application Period: June 19 @2 PM - July 3 @1:59 PM.

・Performance Schedule: August 8-14, with two shows daily.
・First Show: 7:15 PM to 7:30 PM.
・Second Show: 8:30 PM to 8:45 PM.
・Venue: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, Red Brick Park, 1-1 Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama City
・How to Attend: Pre-lottery system (Participation is free). For more details, please check the event reservation lottery site
・Application Period: June 19 @2 PM - July 3 @1:59 PM.

・Show Times: August 8-14, twice daily.
August 8-13:
First Show: 3:00 PM to 3:15 PM.
Second Show: 4:45 PM to 5:00 PM.

August 14:
First Show: 1:00 PM to 1:15 PM.
Second Show: 3:00 PM to 3:15 PM.

・Location: Grand Mall Park, Minato Mirai 3, Nishi-ku, Yokohama City
・How to Attend: Admission is free, and no reservations are necessary. Feel free to watch from the viewing area on the day of the event. However, please note that depending on the crowd size, it might not be possible to see the show.

・Show Time: August 14, from 4:00 PM to 4:40 PM.
・Location: Keyaki Street, Minato Mirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama City
・How to Attend: Admission is through a prior lottery system and is free of charge. Please confirm the details on the event reservation lottery website
・Application Period: June 19 @2:00 PM to July 3 @1:59 PM.

All aboard the 'Nippon Maru', a cruise ship decorated top to bottom in Pokémon-themed decor. Game lounges offer free-play for everyone! For a limited time, we're transforming the passenger ship "Nippon Maru" into the exclusive "Pokémon Trainers Cruise". The ship will teem with spaces for Pokémon trainers from around the globe to interact. Bring along your Nintendo Switch or Pokémon Card Game decks and indulge in casual Pokémon battles or exchanges.

Please note, the ship will remain docked at the harbor during the event period and will not be operational. The usual accommodation and meal services provided on the Nippon Maru will not be available during the event, and there will also not be any restaurants, cafes, or other food and drink vendors on the ship.

・Event Timing: August 11 & 12 from 9 AM to 8 PM, August 13 from 9 AM to 12 PM.
・Location: 2-14-1 Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, New Port Pier No.9 - Passenger Ship Nippon Maru.
・How to Attend: Details on how to participate in this event will be announced on the official website at a later date



And Poké-genic Public Transport Decorations!
Keep your eyes peeled for Pokémon sightings throughout Minato Mirai! Fun photo spots and public transport decked out in Pokémon style will surely be a sight to remember.

(▲Pikachu Outbreak in Yokohama 2016)

We'll have areas that encapsulate the ambiance of the different regions where you can meet Pokémon, along with stations brimming with art to celebrate the WCS2023. Plenty of photo spots will be installed - find them, snap pictures, and share the fun!

・Event Dates: August 8-14
(*Note: For areas along the Minatomirai Line, the schedule is mid-July to mid-August.)
・Event Locations: Queen's Square Yokohama, Navios Yokohama, Nippon Maru Memorial Park, MARK IS Minato Mirai, Marine & Walk Yokohama, Yokohama Cosmo World, Yokohama Hammerhead, Yokohama World Porters, Landmark Plaza, locations along the Minatomirai Line, Minatomirai Station, JR Sakuragicho Station, Shin-Yokohama Station, and around the Minatomirai area.
(*Note: The installation locations may change.)
・How to Join: No prior reservations are necessary - feel free to join at your leisure!

The WCS2023 will see competitors from around the world compete in various Pokémon games. The tournament covers "Pokémon Scarlet/Violet," the "Pokémon Card Game," "Pokémon Go," and "Pokémon Unite." With over 1,000 players hailing from more than 50 countries and regions, the previous championship recorded a staggering 8 million viewers from around the globe. Expect Yokohama to put on an even grander spectacle this year!

The hosting location for 2023 has been determined to be Kanagawa, Pacifico Yokohama, with the event dates set from August 11-13.

Since Pokémon's "Pikachu Outbreak!" event in 2014, Yokohama and Pokémon have shared a long-standing partnership. They've collaborated on designing manhole covers called "Poké-futa," organized "Pokémon Go Fest 2019 Yokohama" - the first of its kind in Asia, and so much more. They've also joined hands with the Pokémon With You Foundation to promote ICT education and disaster learning for preschool children, support children's cafeterias, and environmental education.

Hold onto your Ash Ketchum caps, Trainers! WCS2023 in Yokohama is set to be an unforgettable adventure. Pack your Poké Balls and get ready to catch 'em all!