A new collaboration betweenPokémonand the Japan Skating Federation will bring Pikachu and Ice-type Pokémon to skating rinks around Japan to cheer on young ice skaters. The Pokémon Company has collaborated with plenty of companies and programs before, but its newest initiative is the first time fans will be able to watch an ice-skating Pikachu (with the exception of the 1999 anime episode where Pikachu and friends participated in winter games).
The adorable new program will seePikachu teaming up with retired Olympic skater Satoko Miyaharato “perform a graceful skating routine,” asFamitsudelightfully phrases it. A video of Pikachu performing with Miyahara shows the professional doing most of the graceful skating, as Pikachu wiggles adorably next to her, doing its best. The program will officially begin on May 11.
Pokémon Turns Learning To Skate Into A Game
Complete Achievements And Earn Badges
Besides just being cute, thiscollaboration between Pokémonand the Japan Skating Federation is intended to be a way to encourage young Pokémon fans to learn to skate. As part of the initiative,mascot versions of various Ice-types will arrive at skating rinks around Japanto cheer on the young members of basic skating classes held by the JSF. Young skaters will have a chance to skate alongside their favorite Pokémon, encouraging them to continue learning.
Children who visit select skating rinks in Japan will also get a free copy of the “Pokémon Skate Challenge: Aim for a Triple Axel” booklet. The booklet challenges skaters to complete 52 tasks, like learning to put on skates properly and executing techniques like spins. Kids can earn a sticker of an Ice-type Pokémon for every skill they master, andcollect badges for leveling up from beginner to advanced skaters. This turns the learning process into a game, with the goal of filling out the Ice-type Pokédex in the booklet.
Pokémon Collaborations In Japan And The West Are Very Different
The Skate Challenge Is Unlikely To Make It To The West
Unfortunately, the Pokémon Skate Challenge will likely remain a Japan exclusive, along with many other fun Japanese collaborations that the company has had over the years. Although collabs sometimes make it to the West, when they do, they tend to focus on things thatthe company believes will appeal to a broader audience. Some collaborations that Pokémon has had in the West include stints with Post Malone and Katy Perry, while Japan’s Poké-collabs tend to be bigger, like an entire train for Pokémon fans.
Some events featuring Pokémon aren’t region-locked, like theMcDonalds Happy Meal promo, many others never make it outside of Japan. Even though many WesternPokémonfans will never get to ice skate with Pikachu, at least we can watch the adorable video promoting the event.
