Japan has taken its passion for Pokémon to the next level, naming an entire airport after the popular video game and anime franchise.
Noto-Satoyama Airport (RJNW) has been completely redecorated with dedicated art portraying all 111 flying Pokémon and has been renamed Noto-Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport.
Although this is temporary, and everything will go back to normal on September 30, it’s also a world-first.
Until now, Japan’s passion for mating the Pokémon franchise with aviation has been limited to special liveries for aircraft or decorations in limited areas of certain airports, but this is the first total makeover and renaming.
You can see what it looks like in the news video below, courtesy of the local TV Kanazawa, and in the pictures, courtesy of the Pokémon With You Foundation.
If you want to visit, Noto-Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport is easily reachable from Tokyo Haneda with two flights a day operated by ANA, and it’s the gateway to the beautiful Noto Peninsula. Unfortunately, both the airport and the whole area have been heavily damaged by an Earthquake in 2014.
Initiatives like this one with Pokémon have been aimed at revitalizing tourism and commerce in the region, making them even more important.
A variety of activities have been prepared to enrich the experience, including the observation deck filled with countless Pikachus and three animated shorts that can be seen only at the airport.
One, titled “Fly Bagon!,” tells the story of a bagon who trains hard to one day fly in the sky. Within the airport, there’s a statue linked to this uplifting video, portraying a Bagon looking up to a Salamence.
Of course, the restaurant will offer a special themed menu, while dedicated merchandise will be available.
If you’re eagerly waiting for the next generation of the franchise, you can check out the reveal of Pokémon Winds and Waves.
