Bringing Pokémon Cosplay to the Big Time

As Sunday's convention made it evident, one of the exhibited performances in the final round of the big-time cosplay competition that day was a Pokémon performance. All told, it was somewhat based on the TCG but also took cues from the main series games - Scarlet and Violet, since the performance involved species of the ninth generation. The inclusion of this performance affirms that Pokémon cosplay can be brought into this realm, but the reality isn't as simple as this affirmation. For that, I want to make a good bit of discussion regarding this matter and how it ties into me as both a Pokémon fan and cosplayer to boot. 

First up, it's helpful to bring up the relevant competitions and realms again. ICGP is part of the competitive realm of the World Cosplay Summit (WCS), and its focus is placed on the art and craftsmanship of cosplay; it accordingly has a number of regulations and checks - particularly on costume creation - for those who are competing for and in it. ICC meanwhile is part of the realm of Pop Culture Hiroshima, and its focus is highlighting that and its appeal; its regulations are less focused on costume creation and more focused on the performing arts, especially on making cosplay performances wholesome (family-friendly) - a requirement briefed to me for the competition I didn't get to see, but did receive reports on.

With this, the hurdles for each are obviously different. One has to be practically a "semi-pro" or professional crafter (in addition to being a cosplayer in general) for the former, while one may just need to be well-versed in cosplay for the latter. Another hurdle is the selection of suitable subjects for depiction in performance... although as seen the other day, if Pokémon can be made to work, then it shall work - and it does (did), for the team that won the regional ICGP competition with the performance and performed again for the finals with it. Even so, many years ago for ICGP/WCS in particular, it was reported that the subjects were limited because of the constant issue of rights management, though it was relaxed later on; obviously now this is no longer a problem for Pokémon, and the same may be said to apply to ICC/PCH.

Yet even then, there's the question of Pokémon being able to deliver a winning (not to mention entertaining) performance. The Pokémon performance the other day lost out to a few other teams, whose takes are admittedly more intricate and appealing to the audience - a Pokémon battle tends to be just like "that" compared to other, more action-driven series, but that's not to say that it can't be intricate and appealing, which would be something for a potential contender to figure out. If a Pokémon battle is involved, and it will likely be that way, it would have to be as intricate and entertaining as the ninja battle (for that well-known series I keep hinting about) that was performed at last year's WCS finals, which incidentally is also the winner of that competition.

I also can and do have to talk about myself as a part of these. Obviously, I'm out of the league for ICGP/WCS, as my crafting ability for cosplay or otherwise is so-so. This competition is especially looking out for "cutting-edge" materials and techniques - again, something that professionals would understand (for example, one of the teams talked about "biodegradable" materials, something rarely heard within cosplay). I'm better suited for ICC/PCH, and even then if there is a partner who is willing to work and stand by me for the purpose of this competition, and that's something that's hard to come by when it comes to Pokémon. And believe me: I really can't go it alone for very obvious reasons.

The prospect for bringing Pokémon cosplay to the big time - specifically these competitions and others in their vein, with the aim of bringing winners to Japan for the ultimate competition - is wide open, if it hasn't already been affirmed as such. It becomes the challenge of the contenders to work with the materials that they have as well as the regulations that apply to either, and present a dazzling performance, which can and should be done with involvement of Pokémon. The big-time reward is impressive - as is perhaps going there without competing - and appealing, even for this Pokémon fan.

One year ago: To All the Lovely Boys (and Girls)

Two years ago: Cosplay: Indonesia Comic Con - Pop Asia 2023, Day 2

Three years ago: The Pokémon Unite Club Membership

Four years ago: Until Perfect, Until Appreciated

Five years ago: Let's Talk About Grievances

Six years ago: The Show Must Go On

Seven years ago: Jumping the 'Karp

Eight years ago: Married... to Pikachu?

Five Years of Café (Re)Mix

This is one Pokémon game anniversary I haven't discussed on this blog (and wasn't there for its early editions), but since it's happening and it's on a bit of a significant number, I thought I'd discuss it regardless. So, Café Remix - including its earlier iteration of Café Mix, has reached the age of five, which is starting to become somewhat long. But that is still impressive, especially considering what the game was and now is.

If what is presently known in the game as extra orders are of any indication, being the way puzzles were first presented, the game (as Café Mix) had a rather rudimentary start to things even if the mechanics pretty much carried over to Café Remix. The extra orders still being present as they are - and giving out rewards for their completion - means that the game still stays true to its roots even with all the changes.

Speaking of changes, I was just barely there for the initial iteration of the Delivery feature before its turnover to giving outfit levels, and it's a profound change that even now may or may not be warmly received. The change in maximum levels that came with the addition of Macarons has been a great dimensional extender, however, and staying on top of this matter becomes the key for endeavors in the new event puzzles.

Meanwhile, the current anniversary would be aptly considered a "visual" one, adding several new features enhancing the look of the game - to be detailed later, of course. Apart from that, the game goes on in the same state as of a few months ago, and no major shakeups are expected. There might still be a few minor shakeups, but that will be if and when they are announced through the game's News feature.

Five years is not a short time, but again, it's still a significant number of years to reach. That quality also very much applies to what Café Remix has to offer in its present state and after its change-up from Café Mix. Now it seems that players have to bring their own significance to what is offered and how much time they can offer in return given the above - a time that, like the past five years of the game, seems to just fly by.

One year ago: Let's Talk About Not Becoming Ourselves

Two years ago: Cosplay: Indonesia Comic Con - Pop Asia 2023, Day 1

Three years ago: 2000 Posts!!!

Four years ago: Cosplay: YASUMI 2 - Sunday Holiday

Five years ago: Lifestyle Gaming

Six years ago: Cosplay: ENNICHISAI 2019 + CLAS:H/ICGP Nationals

Seven years ago: Gym Rework, One Year Later

Eight years ago: Pokémon Go Gym Rework

Cosplay: ChibiCon 6 x ICC & ICGP Finals 2025

Ash: ChibiCon!!!

Pikachu: Pika chu! ["Look at that!"]

Goh: Well, I figured just as much.

Me: Since it's a "constant agenda", it's just got to happen.

Goh: I hear you. But is there anything different about this one, though?

Me: It's still two days as usual, but... it's a little more dense. Have a look. 

Goh: Oh wow. That's a loaded schedule. And... there are two stages, yes?

Me: Indeed, in two different areas, both having had their shares of conventions and festivals. 

Ash: And there are two big character competitions this time!

Me: Yes! Indonesia Cosplay Crown (ICC) - Hiroshima Pop Culture and the all-too-familiar Indonesia Cosplay Grand Prix (ICGP) - World Cosplay Summit, both holding their grand finals to select representatives to go to the Land of the Rising Sun.

Goh: Usually it's just one of either. How'd that happen?

Me: Funny you should ask. The convention where the latter was going to be held - which would usually be in the biggest city - was apparently delayed, so the competition got moved... to this one.

Ash: But... you wouldn't be able to put me in these.

Me: Not for the latter (and even then not without a lot of effort), but for the former, there could be some leeway. I'd just need someone to help out both of us... and that is hard to come by.

Goh: Anyway, based on the schedule, the first one was yesterday, and the second one is today. 

Ash: And... the regular character parade was yesterday, wasn't it. And yesterday was also Community Day.

Me: Exactly that. Whether you were there or not, you'd have the added assignment of going to a Community Day meetup and missing either or both the parade and competition - and this time I went for the money-saving option, saving our go at the convention for today, the second day.

Goh: I guess that makes sense.

Ash: So I guess we're just having fun today - with my new Kanto and Johto outfit.

Pikachu: Pika... ["Let loose..."]

Me: Not quite. There's also a fair bit of connecting to do with people we rarely see these days. And since the convention is so big now, instead of dealing with everything seen and unseen, let's focus on what (and whom) you did see and do.

Ash: I spent the morning with your girl fan friend and the afternoon with your techno friend. Your techno friend even sent in a character - a ninja with a bowl cut!

Goh: Oh, that's unique! Ninja characters must be popular where you are.

Me: You better believe it. What did you do?

Ash: We looked for goodies in the creator market - I even bought a few cheap ones - and watched the performances.

Goh: There were bands and dance groups, yes?

Ash: Sure, but I only saw a couple. The rest was the big thing for today and a few odd things.

Goh: The character competition. How'd that go?

Ash: Everyone was impressive. There was even a performance by... Armarouge and Ceruledge!!

Pikachu: Pika!! ["Impressive!!"]

Me: Note from me: they're both species found in Paldea.

Goh: Wow!! So you can put Pokémon into these competitions.

Me: Sure. That might even have been the case since the beginning - but I want to discuss this on my own. Lots to reason, you see.

Goh: Did they win?

Ash: Another team won. I think that's because they also got the audience really worked up.

Me: I'm also going to take that into consideration for my reasoning. What else for today?

Ash: I saw and met two people who looked like me but not quite, and one of them gave away prizes - I got a mini model.

Goh: That seems neat!

Ash: I did want to try getting a picture with Armarouge and Ceruledge... but I guess they were still busy after their performance - and I just never had a chance.

Me: I think it's always hard to get to the people who send them; they're semi-pros after all, and they expend a lot of energy.

Goh: Can you recall a time where you met other characters that performed on the same stage instead?

Ash: You know, I can't say that I have. So I think our friend is right. Still...

Goh: You really wanted to meet them, huh.

Ash: Yeah.

Pikachu: Chu... ["Hmm..."]

Me: Let me see if I can dredge up my social media skills for this purpose. Other than that...

Ash: The convention is just as great as it's ever been - and it had a lot of Pokémon today!

Goh: As we keep saying, it's no longer "chibi" (little), but it always seems to work out - and so it did for you today. 

Me: This "constant agenda" has a lot of constants to it - but a little change of pace like today (and of course, a lot more Pokémon) is very much welcome. It's a lot like that ditty you hear...

Ash: "All In, ChibiCon, All In, ChibiCon..."

Goh: Like Wurmple inside people's heads. I got you.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Community Day Classic, 6/22/2024

Two years ago: The Eternal Pokémon Fanfare

Three years ago: The Catch 'Em Battle Arena

Four years ago: All for a "Pokémon (Pikachu) Meal"

Five years ago: Dub Absence, Again

Six years ago: Tournament+Cosplay: Club 40 Indonesia Tournament

Seven years ago: Food Chain Axioms

Eight years ago: Technology, Good and Evil

Pokémon Go Community Day, 6/21/2025

But of course, the rhyme and reason for putting up a post about Community Day just the day before is because this month's edition of said event comes today. Now, I did mention "dragons in June", and this month is indeed June; in prior years, some Dragon-type Pokémon have showed up in this month as a featured species, and that comes as a natural prospect. So it is that the prospect is also fulfilled for this month's edition that furthermore comes as a respite between Pokémon Go Fest editions, being significant in more ways than one. 

For that purpose, this month's featured Pokémon is Jangmo-o, the scaly dragon of Alola, with its Shiny form as expected. Evolving it to Hakamo-o and then to Kommo-o allows it to learn the Charged move of Clanging Scales, one that is potentially useful in PvP due to its effects. The main bonus is triple catch XP, yet again another one geared to those still looking for it. The secondary bonuses of double catch Candy and extended Lure Modules and Incense come naturally to make the most of the event period as would be expected.

That also applies to the rest of the bonus cohort: double Candy XL chance, photo bombs, an extra Special Trade, discounted trades, item bundles, and showcases, as well as the plethora of Research tasks (Field, paid Special set, background Timed set). Whether these bonuses are new or old, they are now part of the dynamics of the event and to be expected for this and other current editions; they also particularly enhance the dragon aspect.

Now, for good reasons to come soon, I've gone and enlisted the help of a good friend for this event, and with another one, we make a discussion about it.

Goh: Oh, Ash is back again.

Ash: Well, why not? It seems like the perfect time.

Me: I thought long and hard about this, and I decided to send Ash instead of just sending myself - right at the last minute.

Ash: Like I said, it seems perfect. You already had my Alola outfit from Wednesday, so you just had me wear it again. And Jangmo-o is definitely a cool Pokémon from there.

Me: That's one of the points. But let's not discuss this too much - how'd Community Day go?

Ash: I didn't catch many Shiny Jangmo-o. Just five in all. 

Goh: OK, we can't always expect to be always lucky, just like last time with Pawmi.

Me: Sure. I bet it wasn't enough for a toy car either (like I need another one).

Ash: Nope, nothing from your "friends". 

Me: Of course.

Ash: And I evolved a few to Kommo-o, but I think you need to take care of the rest.

Me: No problem, there's a week to do so. There might be other challenges, but I'll see what I can do.

Goh: What about our friend's other friends? You know, the ones who aren't problematic?

Ash: I met two in the middle of the event, and we did a few things together - and caught Jangmo-o, of course.

Goh: Sounds like a good time.

Ash: Yeah, just right before going back to the "friends".

Me: I hear they're doing something tomorrow that's good to give back to health... but I can't do it myself even if I wanted to.

Goh: I'm sorry about that. There might be better things you can do.

Me: Sure! Meanwhile, this weekend is actually a "happening" weekend, which is another reason for me to send Ash.

Goh: I see. I think I know where this is going.

Ash: It's about a big character thing somewhere, isn't it? 

Me: Hmm... you'll just have to find out about it all tomorrow.

Said to be a "cool" Pokémon, the Special Research set title "Jangmo-o Yeah!" (I'm told) suits the species perfectly. That may or may not leave some people "howling" with excitement about the Pokémon, but at least Community Day is a perfect vessel for that excitement.

One year ago: My Pokémon Leveling Progress in Café Remix

Two years ago: So You Think You Can (_____) with Pokémon

Three years ago: The Fossil Cup of GBL

Four years ago: Community Day Patterns

Five years ago: Another Anime Dream

Six years ago: Cosplay Card, Fourth Version

Seven years ago: Local Ex-Raid (and Complications), 6/21/2018

Eight years ago: Resets and Redos

General Community Day Prospects

About a year ago, I discussed about prospects - as the things that might just happen - for Community Day in Pokémon Go and specifically its Classic edition. Lo and behold, two of them (Beldum and Ralts) eventually became realized, with the third still waiting for its turn. With such a state of affairs, I then thought about discussing the prospects for Community Day in general, and now that's exactly what I want to do - to see where the monthly event might be headed and what to expect for it.

The Classic edition still serves as a good place to start. Based on the editions that have taken place thus far, an obvious prospect would be Chikorita as another gap filler, considering its kin from Johto have gotten the treatment. Then it would move on to the ones from Hoenn (Treecko, Torchic), and then... perhaps oddities like Weedle, Abra, and Gastly - all of which have final evolved forms with Mega Evolution - could stand to be repeated as one or more Classic editions. Given time, they all could be fair game.

Meanwhile, for the regular edition, it is almost certain that this year will see all of the starters or first partners from Paldea, with the last of them (Quaxly) due for its turn any time. Next year, then, the ones of the remaining region present but not represented (Galar) will be featured - certainly to get things rolling. Then, it will be all for these Pokémon... unless they, like Charmander, get a second turn with an unexpected move, but that is rather a last resort, and not exactly what Trainers may want or need - in contrast to "dragons in June".

Some unusual fodder could also be at hand for the regular edition. Since there have now been a few rounds of dual-region lines, something unusual like the Grimer family might just pop up - though this too is a last resort. Less of a last resort would be the Applin family with its wild evolution line, but the family has only been fairly recently introduced, so it would take some time. Most unusually, the Cosmog family could pop up since it's composed of three stages... but the thought of this is as outlandish as it is sensible.

If any of these general prospects for Community Day have anything in common, it is that they all follow certain sorts of patterns, and those patterns are maintained after eight years of the monthly event - even with a few hiccups along the way. And where the patterns lead, there lies the prospects of the future, all waiting to be realized in some way, sooner if not later. They are what they are, and with time, anything can be possible, including their realization as had been outlined even for a specific sub-edition.

One year ago: Driving and Loving with Pokémon

Two years ago: Possible Silph Successors?

Three years ago: I Love You, As Long As You Are

Four years ago: Trainer Rank in Pokémon Shuffle

Five years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 6/20/2020

Six years ago: Thematic Battles

Seven years ago: Losing Touch and Keeping in Touch

Eight years ago: Pokémon Exclusivity

Held Items in Pokémon Unite

In all the times I've dealt with Pokémon Unite and wrote about its facets on this blog, it seems unbelievable that I haven't directly covered the facet I'm about to cover and I only had mentioned it indirectly, as in the case of "builds" for specific Pokémon. And yet, it's also so key to the workings of the game, not to mention having other particularities of its own that are worthy of discussion even now. It is therefore fitting to make that discussion and delve into the facet into some (and greater) depth for its understanding.

The facet is certainly that of held items, which all Pokémon in the game can carry three into battle. Some of these items are based on items in the main series games, like the Focus Band (previously mentioned), Weakness Policy, and Amulet Coin (recently introduced). Others are unique to the mechanics of the game, such as the Score Shield (previously mentioned), Slick Spoon, and Rescue Hood. New items are certain to be introduced to keep the dynamics of the game changing and fresh, alongside the Pokémon.

Each item is upgradeable to level 30 ("Max Grade") with the use of Item Enhancers that can be either earned or purchased - likely the latter if one is serious to get more than the earned ones can provide. If one is unsure, though, one can use a 7-Day Trial Coupon for this purpose to see if the upgrade works out. For other items that work out, one can also use the Super Item Enhancer to upgrade an item to Max Grade and recoup the Item Enhancers used for that purpose. Judgment of these three situations remains the discretion of the player.

Such is also true of the usage of the items, which constitutes the "build" for the Pokémon as mentioned. Those who are certain might have already made their "builds" by trying things out, but for those who are less certain, they can use sets made by other players through the Example Sets feature in the Held Items menu. This also offers exploration potential and a quick way of accomplishing that - especially for Pokémon that fewer players use, yet others need to get up and running for certain purposes.

As for other aspects, there are but a couple. Zacian is notable for having a permanent held item, the Rusted Sword, which is also already at Max Grade, and so it only can (and needs to) bring two other held items. Longtime players also will likely - or rather, should - have had all their held items upgraded to Max Grade, which also becomes another prompt for the continued addition of new items alongside just challenging players anew with combinations that they may never have thought of before and have great battle potential.

Held items have been a longstanding concept or facet in the main series games, so it was natural to bring it to Unite, itself being a part of the MOBA games family for which others have similar implementations. Likewise, though, they all require some understanding of the aspects that may be involved aside from the functions of the items themselves, which might take some time... just like for this post to be made about the ones in Unite. The essentials as above may just point players and their Pokémon in the right direction in battle.

One year ago: Saving (Preserving) Pokémon Locations

Two years ago: The Flurry of Unite Team Creation

Three years ago: Say You Love Me (Not)

Four years ago: Earthing with Pokémon

Five years ago: Taking Pictures of Pokémon

Six years ago: LINE Pokémon Emoji

Seven years ago: The Super Incubator

Eight years ago: The Badge Arcade Hit Its Limits

Cosplay: Amphoreus Cup 25 - Futsal and Cosplay

Me: Welcome to an instance of "midweek characters".

Goh: Right in the middle of the week, huh. I remember you and Ash dealing with this. 

Ash: Yeah! This one from way back and the one from years ago. [See below for the latter.]

Goh: But those were on Saturdays. What's one doing in the middle of the week?

Me: Well, I'm sure some people are free today at this time of year, like the students who compete in the same tournaments like from back then.

Goh: Oh, there must have been one. Right? 

Ash: Right! Just like those times.

Pikachu: Pika pika chu! ["A tournament!"] 

Ash: Oh yeah, the place was in the same one from years ago.

Goh: Aren't there many places for people to play the sport?

Me: Sure! But like for food, some people (players in the case of sports) might go to a usual place, and this would be one for the person behind it all.

Ash: The "ninja teacher"! Yup, he was there and did it all like last time.

Goh: He must teach sports - or I think the correct term for your world is "physical education". 

Me: By all reports, that he does.

Goh: How'd the tournament go?

Ash: I didn't get to look really close, but the students all had fun - and they won for their teams and themselves.

Goh: I see, individual and team awards.

Ash: Yeah, that's it. And... I guess I also got sidetracked by other students on another field playing a sport with a ball and sticks.

Pikachu: Pi pika - pika pika. ["Me too - looked neat."] 

Me: Oh. They must have been playing field hockey. I'd actually prefer playing that compared to soccer, myself.

Goh: They can do that at the same place?

Me: This is the first time I've had this report, but I guess it works.

Goh: So... where did characters come in?

Ash: At the end, with a parade. I was one of 10.

Goh: OK, so post-game entertainment.

Me: I guess the students were busy enough that they couldn't fit in a "halftime show".

Ash: For the parade - with my Alola outfit - Pikachu and I tried playing soccer together with a spare ball that was lying around.

Goh: My guess is that it would be like if you were invited to play with the students - like that real Pokémon sport thing.

Ash: Yeah, that's what I was going for. And hey - we got the "Best Action" award for it.

Pikachu: Pika pika! ["Very nice!"]

Me: See, this is what I like about Pokémon: it really blends into our lives.

Goh: Hey, you said it.

Ash: But after everything, I went out to see if your other friends would battle nearby, and I didn't get anything. 

Me: Well, it can't all happen the way we would expect.

Ash: Other than that, today was great!

Goh: I'm sure it's not like the conventions or festivals you send Ash to on weekends normally, but it did seem to work out for a break in the middle of the week.

Me: It's a good break, and one that's filled with some sporty things - so why not.

Ash: You might just take it up.

Me: Who knows. And hopefully there will be Pokémon alongside. 

One year ago: Community Day Classic Prospects

Two years ago: Beachside with Pokémon

Three years ago: Cosplay: Mini Futsal Gathering & Cup 2022

Four years ago: Pokémon Words from the Coach

Five years ago: Pokémon (PKMN) Presents, 6/17/2020

Six years ago: On Copyrights

Seven years ago: Boxes of Go-Goodies

Eight years ago: There Is Only One Ball