The Pokémon Company has announced a massive sports crossover event to celebrate the historic 30th anniversary of the video game franchise.
This exciting partnership brings the “Professional Baseball 12 Teams x Pokémon 30th Anniversary Special Project” collaboration to stadiums across the country in Japan.
The Pokémon franchise launched in 1996 and quickly became a global phenomenon centered around teamwork, strategy, and friendly competition.
These core themes align perfectly with the spirit of professional baseball, which is one of the most beloved and widely watched sports throughout the nation.
Fans attending the special Pacific League games will be treated to exclusive stadium events, including live appearances by Pikachu mascots.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase original collaboration merchandise featuring Pikachu dressed in official team uniforms alongside specific partner Pokémon chosen for each baseball club.
The festivities extend into the digital world with special in-game events for Pokémon GO players visiting the stadiums during the designated match days.
Special Raid Battles will appear at newly established Gyms inside the venues, offering a chance to catch a unique Pikachu wearing a baseball shirt.
Lucky trainers might even encounter a shiny version, and Pokémon caught during these raids may feature an exclusive location background.
Visitors can also complete a temporary Timed Research quest to earn another encounter with the baseball-themed Electric-type mascot.
Let’s take a look at the Pacific League teams, their partner Pokémon, and the event schedules!
Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles: Partnered with Braviary. Events run from Friday, April 10, to Sunday, April 12, 2026, at Rakuten Mobile Park Miyagi.
Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks: Partnered with Staraptor. Events run from Friday, May 1, to Sunday, May 3, 2026, at Mizuho PayPay Dome.
Saitama Seibu Lions: Partnered with Pyroar. Events run from Monday, May 4, to Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Belluna Dome.
Orix Buffaloes: Partnered with Paldean Tauros. Events run from Friday, May 8, to Sunday, May 10, 2026, at Kyocera Dome Osaka.
Chiba Lotte Marines: Partnered with Wingull. Events run from Friday, May 15, to Sunday, May 17, 2026, at ZOZO Marine Stadium.
Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters: Partnered with Alolan Vulpix. Events run from Tuesday, August 11, to Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Es Con Field.
In other 30th-anniversary related news, the official Pokémon Center has announced three new ranges of merchandise.
Fans can check out the new “Pokémon Timeless Adventure” stationery line, which focuses on the Kanto region and features exclusive artwork of Pikachu and the classic starter creatures peering at a Pokédex in a laboratory.
The retro-styled “Pikachu of Beginnings” plushies perfectly replicate the vintage, chubby aesthetic of the iconic mascot from the original 1996 video games.
Those looking for a sparkling commemorative item can grab the “30th Anniversary Pika Pika! Pikachu” plushies, featuring high-quality velour treated with a delicate glitter finish and a celebratory birthday ribbon.
Finally, fans in Tokyo can also look forward to the “Pokémon Card Game TOKYO LUMINOUS NIGHT Celebrating 30 Years” event, a massive projection mapping light show set to take place at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building that will showcase dynamic representations of nostalgic classic cards.
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