Last week, a post office in Kagawa Prefecture unveiled a new post box, along with a newly decked-out delivery car. This wasn’t an ordinary post box, though, as it featured a big Slowpoke — a pink Pokemon with a chill disposition — right at the top of the box.
The special collaborative postbox was a collaboration between the Kagawa Prefectural Post Office and The Pokemon Company, one of the founding companies of the Pokemon IP. Furthermore, it was part of The Pokemon Company’s “Pokemon Local Acts” initiative, in which the company “aims to promote Japan’s various localities by highlighting their well-known and not so well-known charms.”
The fun activities and initiatives are designed to bring out the best in the partnering prefectures and municipalities, and involve help from “Ambassadorial Pokémon,” whose characteristics match those of their respective localities.
Quote from the Pokemon Local Acts official website
Slowpoke was chosen for Kagawa prefecture because of some pretty clever wordplay: Slowpoke’s Japanese name, “Yadon” (ヤドン) sounds similar to “Udon,” one of Kagawa prefecture’s most famous foods. Slowpoke is also known for having a sweet-tasting tail, and the ability to start rain. Kagawa prefecture on the other hand barely gets any rain, and is also known for producing Wasanbon — a Japanese sugar used in many traditional confectionary.
This is why Slowpoke was chosen to be part of Kagawa’s “Udon PR Team” back in 2018. The collaboration also includes food products, like Slowpoke Curry Udon and rice, all of which is grown and produced in Kagawa prefecture.
There are many other prefectures that have also been given their own ambassador pokemon. Namely, prefectures that were affected by the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. Here are a few of our favorites:
Fukushima & Chansey: The Lucky Duo
This one is fairly straightforward. Fukushima prefecture (福島), has the kanji for Luck or “Fuku” (福), and Chansey’s Japanese name is ラッキー, literally “Lucky.” Additionally, Chansey is said to resemble a large peach, which also happens to be one of Fukushima’s famous produce.
The prefecture is also very famous for its fresh produce and beautiful flora. Since the start of the collaboration back in 2019, Fukushima has been holding many events and stamp rallies that feature local flower orchards and restaurants. While unfortunately many of the events have been cancelled due to the pandemic, hopefully we’ll be seeing a comeback to the loveable lucky pokemon.
Geodude Rockin’ Out In Iwate
It’s no surprise that Geodude (イシツブテ in Japanese) is Iwate’s ambassador pokemon. Iwate prefecture, written as 岩手 in Japanese, literally translates to “Rock Hands,” a perfect fit. Funnily enough, because Geodude floats in the pokemon universe, the mascot suit features a photoshop-esque transparency pattern on the legs.
The collaboration has extended to many other rock-type pokemon as well. The Iwate Prefectural Government installed new manhole covers that also featured Omanyte, Rockruff, Nosepass, and a host of other pokemon that reference each location’s scenic spots. The manhole covers, part of a recent trend of “designer manhole covers,” can also be seen all around the northeastern region of Japan.
The Sanriku Railway even showcased a special train wrapping with a conductor Geodude at the front!
Lapras Soothes The Miyagi Coast
Miyagi prefecture was one of the hardest-hit prefectures during the earthquake in 2011. In an effort to revitalize and promote the coastal regions that were affected, Lapras — a water-type pokemon known for its soothing songs and love of swimming — was chosen as the ambassador pokemon for Miyagi.
The promotional video above shows the damage that was done to the coast. Since 2019, Lapras was appointed as ambassador and has helped promote the region’s cuisine and local businesses. It has even helped ferry people around the Kesenuma Bay. And like Iwate, Miyagi prefecture also has its own water-type themed manhole cover designs — including one on the border of the two prefectures that feature Lapras and Geodude.
While you may have your opinions about Pokemon as a franchise, its nice to see that The Pokemon Company is putting its IP to good use. Especially with the case of the prefectures introduced in this article, the local population — from businesses to communities — need all the help they can get. And hopefully, through the interest pokemon can generate, more people will learn about the wonderful parts of these regions.
