Japan is set to open its first Pokémon-themed airport
Starting July 7, Noto Satoyama Airport will operate under the name Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport. It has been redesigned in the style of the Pokémon franchise as part of the region’s recovery efforts following the 2024 earthquake on the Noto Peninsula. It is the world’s first airport with a full Pokémon-themed identity.
Hypebeast reports on this.
The project was created in collaboration between Ishikawa Prefecture and the Pokémon With You Foundation.
All 111 Flying-type Pokémon are hidden inside the terminal. They appear on walls, signs, boarding bridges, and in waiting areas. A giant statue of Pikachu with an airplane was installed on the second floor, and a miniature “rural” location with dozens of Pikachu stickers was created on the observation deck.
The creators paid special attention to the theme of the region’s recovery following the natural disaster. In the arrivals area, they installed the art installation “Bright Future,” created to show solidarity with those affected by the earthquake. The main characters of the composition are the most famous Pokémon—Pikachu, Plassl, and Maynun.
A new series of illustrations titled “Sky of Hope,” featuring Pokémon flying through a rainbow sky, was created for the airport. These will be used in decor, souvenirs, and on special buses that will run across the Noto Peninsula.
The terminal will also launch a short animated series for smartphones. One of the episodes—"Fly, Bagon!"—will tell the story of the Pokémon Bagon, who dreams of learning to fly.
As part of the project, the airport will also open a themed merchandise store, and the Annon restaurant will offer Pokémon-themed food and drinks, including pancakes featuring characters from the franchise.
The Pokémon With You Foundation was established following the 9.1-magnitude earthquake in the Tohoku region in 2011. The organization undertakes projects that help support communities in the aftermath of natural disasters.
The 2024 earthquake on the Noto Peninsula was one of the most destructive in Japan in recent years. It claimed hundreds of lives and severely damaged the region’s infrastructure.
The special "Pokémon" franchise-themed airport decor will remain in place until September 30, 2029.
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