Pokémon Local Acts
Discover Japan’s regional support Pokémon and the stories connecting them to each locality.
Choose a locality on the map or in the list below to read its Pokémon story. Use the mouse wheel, drag, or zoom buttons to inspect the map.
Pokémon Local Acts
In October 2018, Alolan Vulpix and Vulpix were appointed as members of the “Hokkaido Aficionado Expedition” to promote the prefecture for residents and visitors alike. Alolan Vulpix, the white Fox Pokémon that lives in snowy mountains, and Vulpix, the beautiful brown-furred Fox Pokémon, will work together to promote the beauty and colorful seasons of Hokkaido, one of Japan's snowiest regions.
Pokémon Local Acts
Geodude was appointed in May 2019 the Iwate Support Pokémon, put in charge of galvanizing support for the prefecture and its reconstruction efforts. Geodude is a Rock-type Pokémon, which is one of the 18 elemental types represented in various Pokémon. The prefecture name, Iwa-te (rock-palm), is a perfect match for the Pokémon with a boulder body with two sturdy arms extending from it.
Pokémon Local Acts
In July 2019, Lapras was appointed the “Miyagi Support Pokémon,” and has been making appearances at various events. Being the waterborne “Transport Pokémon,” Lapras evokes for many people the perfect image of breezy sails along the prefecture’s shores, which suffered extensive damage in the 2011 earthquake. This gentle Pokémon would have loved to boost Miyagi’s tourism by doing what it enjoys—ferrying people across oceans.
Pokémon Local Acts
In February 2019, Chansey was appointed the “Fukushima Support Pokémon.” This Pokémon is said to bring happiness, so it echoes the etymology of Fukushima, as “Fuku” means luck. Just as Chansey’s delicious and nutritious eggs are part of its image as an auspicious Pokémon, Fukushima’s image is closely tied to its auspicious name and the many variety of fresh produce it offers to residents and visitors.
Pokémon Local Acts
On October 23, 2023, Dragonite was appointed as the “Fukui Support Pokémon.” Fukui Prefecture boasts the highest number of new dinosaur fossil discoveries in Japan and is home to one of the leading dinosaur museums in the world. The Kuzuryu River, flowing through the Reihoku region, serves as a symbol of the prefecture, and there are numerous locations in its basin with names that are associated with dragons. When you think of dragons in Pokémon, “Dragon-type” is the first that comes to mind. And that is why Dragonite, a Dragon-type Pokémon, is the perfect choice to represent Fukui Prefecture.
Pokémon Local Acts
Appointed in December 2021, Oshawott is now the Support Pokémon of Mie Prefecture. The Japanese characters for Mie can also be read “Mijuu,” which fits with Oshawott’s Japanese name, “Mijumaru.” The yellow seashell Oshawott carries on its stomach, known as a “scalchop,” calls to mind Mie’s bountiful shellfish, including oysters like the Akoya pearl oyster. This makes Oshawott the perfect Pokémon to represent and support Mie Prefecture. Going forward, Mie Prefecture and Oshawott will be working together to showcase the very best of Mie for you to discover.
Pokémon Local Acts
In December 2018, Sandshrew and Alolan Sandshrew were appointed the “Tottori Furusato Ambassador,” put in charge of promoting Tottori to prospective visitors from all over the world. They have made their appearances in scenic spots and events. Sandshrew is a desert dwelling Pokémon, a perfect fit for the prefecture known for its sand dunes.
Pokémon Local Acts
Slowpoke’s involvement with Kagawa Prefecture dates back to 2015, but it was in December of 2018 that this Pokémon was officially charged with promoting the prefecture as a member of “Team Udon-ken PR.” The Pokémon’s name “Yadon” sounds similar to “Udon,” the noodle dish that has long been recognized as the prefecture’s iconic comfort food. Slowpoke, a Pokémon who is said to summon rain and has a tail that secretes sweet sap from the tip, is a perfect match for the prefecture, with its low precipitation and an institute that researches a substance called rare sugar.
Pokémon Local Acts
In November 2024, Quagsire was appointed “Kochi Support Pokémon.” Kochi Prefecture has the highest concentration of forested land in Japan. The verdant forests give rise to the crystal-clear waters of the Shimanto River, Niyodo River, and many other streams, where one can easily picture Quagsire leisurely swimming. Through various initiatives, Quagsire will help promote the endless charms of Kochi Prefecture, from the seas where the Kuroshio Current ebbs and flows, to the mighty mountains, to the unspoilt landscapes of yesteryear.
Pokémon Local Acts
In June 2024, Ampharos was appointed as the “Nagasaki Future Support Pokémon.” Surrounded by the sea, with an intricate coastline and many large and small islands, Nagasaki is one of Japan’s leading regions in terms of the number of lighthouses. The bright light on the tail of Ampharos, the Light Pokémon, can be seen far away, acting as the beacon of the seas. Ampharos, which evokes the image of a lighthouse, is the perfect Pokémon for Nagasaki, a place that has historically welcomed foreign ships and spread their culture throughout Japan. “Denderaryuba,” a folk song widely known in Nagasaki, has the sounds “den” and “ryu,” reminiscent of the Pokémon’s Japanese name, “Denryu.”
Pokémon Local Acts
Appointed in October 2020, Exeggutor is now the Support Pokémon of Miyazaki Prefecture. Also called the “Sunny Spot of Japan,” Miyazaki Prefecture is known for its yearly warm climate, and the official prefectural tree happens to be the “Phoenix” palm tree. It is for this reason that Exeggutor—which resembles a palm tree and is also known as “The Walking Jungle”—is the perfect match for the role of Support Pokémon. Miyazaki Prefecture takes advantage of its warm climate to grow mangos, hyuganatsu, kumquats, cucumbers, green peppers, pumpkins and other agricultural produce, and going forward Exeggutor will optimize its synergy with Miyazaki Prefecture to make appearances and really get things rolling.
Pokémon Local Acts
Okinawa Prefecture, surrounded by clear blue waters and blessed with nature thriving under its subtropical climate, is home to the Yambaru Forest, which has been designated as a Natural World Heritage site. The culture of Okinawa, nurtured by its unique history, has been passed down through generations to the present day. It can be seen in such mythological relics as Shisa, a guardian creature against evil. With a brave personality that lets Growlithe fearlessly face stronger and larger opponents, the Pokémon perfectly matches the image of Okinawa and is expected to promote the charming prefecture with its fervor for a long time to come.
