Sunday, March 1, 2026

The Season of Memories in Motion

Like in many end-of-season posts, I actually had included a preview of the next one to come, specifically in its closing. With regard to that, the key parts of the preview were the words of "remember" and "progress", which corresponds to the season's title of "Memories in Motion". The title suggests a dynamic season as well as a commemorative one, both points of which I'll get to shortly, and even its seasonal image is composed of mostly blue elements... like the sea where the blue water is constantly in motion with the waves.

Now, this year marks the 30th anniversary of Pokémon (which I've already highlighted), and it also marks the 10th anniversary of the game itself (which I'll highlight later on). Thus, the commemorative aspect still becomes rather evident, with the new season being positioned right after the former. As for the dynamic aspect, a bit of a radical restructuring is about to go on in this season, and there's as much regularity as there is change in it. The commemoration and dynamicity are to be revealed and highlighted as all things progress.

Prior seasons have also been analyzed for their relevance beyond Pokémon Go, and this one will be no different. Per the above, commemoration and dynamicity will be the things to look for in all kinds of Pokémon happenings, especially given the anniversary year. In fact, given what was divulged at Pokémon Presents, which I've still got to get to, this anniversary year might just also present a "commotion" as something beyond just regular "motion", being the obvious dynamic of this season. It even might continue into the next year.

"Commotion" might also represent the happenings outside of Pokémon, which only have a minor bearing but could still affect in major ways if the happenings are big enough, like what happened some years ago. For the present, it seems a certain dynamic is unfolding by itself - and has done so just recently - and if that dynamic continues, it too might be an influencing factor for this season and beyond. But that may be something to ignore for the most part at present, and the winds of change might still be localized to Pokémon (Go).

Based on all of the factors above, both internal and external to Pokémon Go as the relevant realm, this season might be construed as one of the most dynamic yet for Pokémon Go. In addition, as part of the greater Pokémon anniversary, there is surely going to be quite a bit of movement on that front within and outside of Pokémon Go. As for the "memories", all things from the past and present are to be remembered for Pokémon (Go), and it'll be fascinating to see how all of them pass the time of this season and beyond.

Three years ago: The Season of Rising Heroes
Four years ago: The Season of Alola
Five years ago: The Season of Legends
Seven years ago: In Living Galar
Nine years ago: Posters
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Saturday, February 28, 2026

The Peak of Precious Paths

Then, as with many of the past years (see below), it's time to send off the Pokémon Go season with the post on the season's end. Actually, the end of this season won't be for another couple of days, but also as usual, I'm covering the season's end on this day just like in previous years to keep that in line. So, the season was dubbed as "Precious Paths", and as I noted at its beginning, it has a bit of a celebratory quality to it, and that became evident in all of its happenings for not only Pokémon Go but also beyond. 

Pokémon Go brought the celebrations in full force from the expected ones in the first and last months of the season, as well as some wild ones in the middle of that. The real celebration, though, has to be Pokémon Go Tour that straddles the anniversary of Pokémon itself (and is actually proceeding today and tomorrow - more details very, very soon). They're all very great moments, and they're all meandering all over the place, so the "Precious Paths" become evident through the happenings.

In other areas of Pokémon, the paths may not have been evident, but their meandering - as with Unite's new licenses and TCGP's new packs - obviously headed to the same anniversary, and that's still something to behold. That also means that every fan, no matter what their game or dealing for Pokémon, expects the anniversary as much as any other of their kind - it's their most "precious path", in a way. The regularity involved with them may or may not have suggested precious things, but what was gained from them may have.

At any rate, for both of them, the most "precious path" would be the development of Pokémon from its other beginnings and the contributions that have shaped that and in turn these specific forms. After 30 years of that development, just about anything from that path can then be considered "precious" even though today's path is actually a branching of multiple paths from the main path. The games above then present the best parts of these paths, conjoining them into their own "precious path" as above.

Now that the paths presented as things in Pokémon Go are at their ultimate point, the things to be taken from them are the things that fans can stand to remember for the better. Certainly, because of the subtitle of the game, the remembered things can progress on their own paths and make new ones that fans will further remember. For that, the same can be regarded as being true for Pokémon itself as three decades have passed and it continues its development for many, many more years to come.

Three years ago: The Peak of Mythical Wishes
Four years ago: The Peak of Heritage
Five years ago: The Peak of Celebrations
Seven years ago: The Birthday of a Hero
Eight years ago: Cosplay Poses
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Friday, February 27, 2026

Six by Five: Pokémon Day 2026 - 30th Anniversary

I say "long in the tooth" from one (personal) anniversary to another, because indeed today is Pokémon Day, and indeed it is its 30th anniversary. I've subtitled it personally as "six by five" since my yearly theme this year has a six in it, and last year's had a five, and six times (by) five makes the number you see (ahem). That's a long stretch of time, and the franchise certainly stretches longer than that, so this year's anniversary is quite special - and as mentioned last year (see below), it falls on a round number, which augments that very much.

Also as I've mentioned last year, by tradition, the number of years for this year's anniversary is considered as the "pearl" anniversary. Pearls, like the regular kind and "Big" kind, which are in-game items in the main series, are round and valuable, and in fact are attested as such in those games. For all the things that have happened with Pokémon so far, each one is a precious pearl (not to mention the main series game that bears the label) among the various segments of the franchise's fans. Strung together, they make for a wonderful piece of jewelry, and every fan will have their own version of this, including me. It's a good imagery for this year.

Closely associated with pearls is the word "wisdom". Taken together, they make an expression that refers to how some valuable sayings or advice are or can be encapsulated in little chunks of words. It may be considered that a lot of things from the Pokémon franchise carry their own weight of wisdom, and it is up to the fans to package them in whatever little chunks (pearls) they choose to have and (perhaps optionally) to string them up into a piece of jewelry they can be proud of. After 30 such years of those things, the "pearls" may end up in different sizes - or may not even be "pearls" at all - but at least they may all look pretty somehow.

Speaking of "pearls of wisdom", there are some of "those" in an edition of Pokémon Presents as is the norm for this very day in many past years. As a preview of what was highlighted in that edition before I discuss them more or less thoroughly, there are the requisite anniversary festivities in many current spinoff games, the next steps for competitive Pokémon battling (including the all-important World Championships later this year), the reminding preview of the content of the latest "main series alternate", and... something that's blowing in the _____ and riding on the _____, two fill-in-the-blanks to be filled with the later discussion.

Of the anniversaries that have occurred thus far, this one is obviously a significant one for all of its merits as above... at least philosophically. The realism of everyone's Pokémon experiences with the games, entertainment, merchandise, and everything in between is what tells the tales, stories, enjoyment, memories, and fun that are at the core of all of those things. Not everyone will get a chance at owning pieces of absolutely all of those things, but what they own might "multiply" the experiences in the same way that this year's anniversary number "multiplies".

Happy pearly and iridescent (and wise) 30th anniversary.

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Thursday, February 26, 2026

Fourteenth Cosplay Anniversary - Make the Old New Again

So, today as usual is my "cosplay anniversary", as the day I first started cosplaying formally. It certainly started with a Pokémon cosplay and that remains the bread-and-butter of my cosplay efforts even to this day. That's an ongoing effort, and it's also an old effort (especially given how long it has lasted, 14 years to this day), so that brings up an interesting point, in that a lot of my current efforts are also "old" efforts, whether it's bringing up an old character from the rich history of Pokémon or reworking an old cosplay, both of which apply to Ash as my most frequent character. Thus, I thought of discussing the "new" element that can apply to these.

Bringing up an old character in a way makes it still relevant for a cosplayer, and that would be true for me with Ash, who is no longer seen in the Pokémon anime but is still influential for me even now. I can see the same thing in other cosplayers who bring out other characters that are just as old or even older than Ash, yet they too are still relevant for them and even in this modern age. That becomes my vindication that I can still cosplay as Ash or any character from any point in Pokémon history, and that would still represent the relevance of Pokémon to me.

Then, the reworking of old cosplay represents my desire of giving them improvements so that the above process of maintaining relevance can still occur. Even if they're not completely new, at least the spirit is still new or renewed. It's a continuous process that is still occurring for as long I have the costumes, and it's also necessary in many ways in the case that certain "new developments" occur and may preclude any and all cases of my continued foray into cosplay.

What is also affirmed is that the process as mentioned is important, whether for the possibility of new costumes being made or just the renewal of old costumes. I have to keep this in mind, and perhaps others do too - both the cosplayers and the makers - so that they too can also include and experience the "new" spirits in some way.

Regardless, it is with Pokémon cosplay that I've attained many of these realizations, and on this anniversary, that seems important as I've become a long-in-the-tooth cosplayer and Pokémon itself is also "long in the tooth" for its existence.

New things are great, but giving "newness" to old things is also great in some ways, and that may be just as well for my (Pokémon) cosplay.

Happy fourteenth cosplay anniversary to me.

Nine years ago: Fifth Cosplay Anniversary
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Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 2/25/2026

The "precious path" of this so-called Pokémon Go season is almost at its grand finale. But before that can happen, it is necessary to roll up the game's events that took place in this month, being the final month of the season as well. With that in mind, this month's events themselves can be considered to be just as grand as that grand finale lying in wait, and that's saying just a little to start - with a lot more to follow in the rollup below.

In celebration of Carnival, a grand festival of its own right, Flamigo makes its debut in the aptly titled Carnival of Flamigo from February 3 to 8. It appeared in the wild, Collection Challenges, and rewards from Research, both Field and Timed (the latter also in the free and paid guises with item rewards); it also awarded extra Stardust when caught. Other pink, cutesy, and winged Pokémon - specifically Spritzee, Lotad, and Pikipek - became the complement to the event, also in the same channels, and had boosted Shiny chances. Incense of both kinds were also of double length to enhance the festivities, along with a Catch Mastery event featuring Oricorio  on February 7 (for whichever form is in one's region) involving throwing tasks and bonuses for accomplishing them. This Carnival was really "for the birds", in some ways.

After a year's absence, the Valentine's Day event returned from February 10 to 15 in its true form. Along with the return of being able to obtain the Heart Trim for Furfrou, this edition featured lovely couples and pink buddies, as Nidoran of both genders (with their crown-costumed evolved forms in raids) and Gardevoir and Gallade (also in raids along with their special move when caught or evolved into) along with baby species (in 7 km Eggs, of course) and Audino - many with certain Shiny boosts. A Global Challenge focused on sending Gifts also unlocked a Timed Research featuring Spinda with the heart pattern alongside capture (XP) and Gift (Rare Candy) bonuses. XP from catching and Stardust from Gifts were also increased. On the big day - February 14 - there was a Raid Day for Enamorus in its Therian Forme, and this was followed by a Battle Day for Gigantamax Meowth the next day (February 15). The return of the event was lovely as all the basics of its particulars.

Just as grand as love is (was), there was also the occasion of the Lunar New Year, bringing forth its event from February 17 to 21. This year is the year of the Fire Horse, so a special feature was made for Blitzle and Darumaka (with Shiny boosts) - though both Ponyta forms were still present. They and other reddish, fiery, and charming Pokémon were in the wild and Field Research rewards, and were part of a Collection Challenge. Gimmighoul through its means was also Shiny boosted, and some PokéStops could turn gold without the Golden Lure Module. Lucky Pokémon and Lucky Friends were also boosted, and the extra paid Timed Research had charming rewards, all for this charming and festive celebration.

Closing up the month is a grand run-up to the Global edition of Pokémon Go Tour with the Road to Kalos event from February 23 to 27. This event features "daily specials" of Pikachu with Trainer caps from each prior region (some newly appearing, others returning from past Go Tour editions), caught from Incense, raids, and Timed Research; daily Legendary raids with special moves, and new special backgrounds from raids and returning ones for Unova from last year's Go Tour; and daily wild appearances (including first partners) and Field Research tasks. All this is wrapped up with 2 km Eggs containing powerhouse Pokémon and halved hatch distance, Frustration removal by Charged TM, increased daily remote raid limits for the entire event, and a special Go Pass that also serves the Global edition of Pokémon Go Tour with grand rewards and bonuses, free and paid, for the grand finale weekend to come soon.

Even as the "Precious Paths" come to an end, some grand things and celebrations still manage to accompany those paths. Yet that also fits into the grand scheme of what "precious" might mean to many Trainers still playing this game, and those paths along with their conclusions have been laid out for all of them to traverse, enjoy, and truly complete at this season's end.

Seven years ago: Meeting of the Minds
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Tuesday, February 24, 2026

(Really) Stuck on You

Stuck on you
I've got this feeling down deep in my soul
That I just can't lose
Guess I'm on my way
Needed a friend
And the way I feel now
I guess I'll be with you 'til the end
Guess I'm on my way
Mighty glad you stayed
-- "Stuck on You", Lionel Richie

After the matter on "you" in the previous post, I thought I'd run with the theme and present a song that also relates to Pokémon experiences with relation to that theme. Its anniversary is also coming up quickly, so there has to be something related to that, and this song also fits the bill. It's also similar in some ways to a certain song that I brought up a few years prior at around this time, which makes it even more appropriate.

This pop (and slightly country) song, which is by a well-known singer of old times, is about a certain attraction that a person just can't let go of - likely a romantic one in the vein of similar songs. Other themes involved in and for the attraction, as expressed in the song, are relations, yearning, and thankfulness, especially if that attraction has been in progress for quite some time. The hope is that the attraction can last in the times ahead.

Of course, for Pokémon fans, the attraction would be for Pokémon itself - thus, being "stuck on Pokémon". That's how it may have been from the beginning, whether from the start of a fan's attraction or from the start of the existence of Pokémon itself. It's especially significant for the occasion of this anniversary, which is pretty long, so this song might be of significance to those certain fans - and especially me, who has also been in it for a long time.

For the people embedded within Pokémon itself - that is, whose popular moniker is Trainers - they might just be stuck on the individual species that they train, befriend, associate with, and so on and so forth. The sentiments in the song apply very well in this regard (in some cases [ahem] also romantically, as the actual suggestion of the song), and the attachment becomes quite evident for those who bear the specific moniker as above.

It's been a real long time for Pokémon and all of its fans everywhere, and their attachment to the franchise has to be evident and true at this point. The "you" song as quoted above could be construed as a reflection of their sentiments, moreover as the character(s) they identify with and the eponymous species they are linked to. With that, every fan of Pokémon is "on their way" and should be glad that it has stayed all this time.

Three years ago: The Hoenn Cup of GBL
Four years ago: The Johto Cup of GBL
Seven years ago: Don't Forget Our Roots
Nine years ago: Memories of Johto
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Monday, February 23, 2026

It's All About You

Regular readers might notice - aside from the recent pacing of posts - that apart from those made in "conversation" style and/or with special addressing, I've seemingly shied away from usage of the word "you" to refer to other Pokémon fans, players, and/or any other relevant parties. Yet it's such a vital way of referring to others not only textually but also personally. To that end, I've decided to take a post to regroup my thoughts on the matter while also still including the necessary Pokémon references for support.

The "seemingly" part may be due to my attempts of shifting tones on posts to try to discuss the matters in them in a more authoritative (in a way, formal) manner, even if the matters are more liberal (again in a way, casual). Pokémon matters are expected to be more of the latter than the former, so it might be unusual or even a little nonsensical to try to make things out as the former if it's not completely necessary to do so. The bottom line is that there is room for interpretation in either direction regarding the discussion of Pokémon matters.

What may be just as important is to consider the feelings and relevance toward the parties I might potentially refer with the word "you", which might involve any or all of the ones whom I had already mentioned above. In that regard, something like the aspects of Pokémon Go that occasionally causes trouble for some of you (ahem) players out there or the merchandise items that you (ahem) collectors obtain might provide an opportunity for sentimental connections to be made by inciting the reference with the word.

Given the above considerations, there might still be room for the usage of "you" in various non-conversation and non-special discussions on the posts of this blog, even if I might still shy away from its usage from time to time. In order to try to reach out to others in a more relaxed manner, the usage of the word - perhaps in the ways that I have put forth as above - might be necessary. Pokémon remains something that is personal to many people (including yours truly), and that personal connection may be needed for you and me - us. 

So, as the final word: you (Pokémon fans, fellows, friends, or whoever) are awesome, and you are you - and Pokémon makes all of us who we are.

One year ago: Cosplay: Utsuru 9.5
Two years ago: AFA ID Returns
Four years ago: Good Builds for Unite?
Seven years ago: Let's Go Take Pictures
Eight years ago: Community Days!
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