Cosplay: ONEGAI Bunkasai 2019 - Eiyuu no Uprising

Me: Sometimes, you just have to go out on an adventure. So I've sent you to this theme event today.

Ash: Great! I love an adventure. Where's this one?

Me: It's in a little part of a faraway place I often send you to for theme events and conventions, only a little off the beaten path. You did manage to get there, right?

Ash: Well, yeah. The path was a little bumpy, but I and Pikachu got there.

Pikachu: Pi. Pi-ka. [shaken]

Me: I'm sorry about that. That's something new for me too. So this is another campus theme event focused on Japanese things with a unique title. It's a riff on "onigiri no egao de bunkasai", which means "Smiling Rice Ball Culture Festival", and the theme for this year is "Hero's Uprising".

Ash: The title is fun. I see that, but it does seem like it's got the usual stuff. There are indoor community and goodies stands, and food stands outdoors.

Me: Well, that's par for the course, especially if you see bands and dance groups on stage. You did see them, right?

Ash: A few, and they sound and look real good too! I think one of them knows you too...?

Me: Sure. I know a lot of people - mainly through sending you!

Pikachu: Pi! Pi, pika! [interrupting]

Me: Oh yeah. You too, Pikachu. I think you met at least a few of them.

Ash: Not just a few, but a lot! I think I got you in touch with many more of your friends than usual.

Me: That's always very nice. Now let's get straight to the point: I also sent you for a character parade with a great outfit, your Kalos one.

Ash: That's a great adventure.

Me: Some people wouldn't disagree. How was it?

Ash: I thought I did well, enough to win one of the three prizes. But I didn't.

Me: That seems to happen a lot, even though we did our best. You may have read about the tournament yesterday.

Ash: It might just be not our day.

Pikachu: Pi. Pikachu. [soured]

Me: It might be. By the way, I couldn't set you up for the singing competition, and I'm a bit sorry about that too.

Ash: Maybe you don't need to. When I came, it had already started - someone said it started half an hour by the time I came. You would have had problems sending me.

Me: Good point. Maybe it's best to wait for whenever there is a next time. I'm not quite ready with what I've got for you. What do you think about it overall?

Ash: I guess it's fun. It might not be a lot, but it's fun.

Me: By reports, it did seem fairly basic, but it made for a good one-day adventure. Don't you think?

Ash: Yeah, you know, it was a good adventure!

Pikachu: Pi! Pika pika pika! [heartily agreeing]

Me: Glad to hear. It perfectly ends this month too. Tomorrow we'll start the next month on a jocular note.

One year ago: Mauville's Progress
Two years ago: Nostalgia: Episode 672 - "Here Comes the Trubbish Squad!"

Tournament: Raid Group Cup

It has been a long time since I've participated in a Pokémon tournament and covered it on this blog, so this is quite a great opportunity. There's only one really big difference: this isn't a VGC tournament as in all previous tournament posts. As the "raid group" in the title of this post indicates, it's a Pokémon Go tournament. More specifically, it's a PvP tournament, which is something that the PvP battle feature has opened the doors for. I'll save that for a more thorough discussion later, but for now, there is this one.

This tournament is the first major one that is held by my raid group. Previously, there was a minor one that had a good number of participants, but it was slightly weather-challenged and was almost threatened by other schedules. (It still is today, but it didn't seem as much.) Moreover, I didn't attend that one due to other priorities, and I only received reports of what transpired in that tournament. There was also a test tournament last week after Community Day so that today could work well, but I had other affairs as well. Whatever happened on both of those times, they must have been sufficiently good, though, which is most likely why they went ahead with this one. From what I saw, this one was worlds away from the first and sufficiently more developed from the second.

With 40 participants (the limit, though it became 39 due to one person dropping out at the last minute), this tournament had the greatest number of participants for any Pokémon battle tournament I've participated in; even the VGC ones pale in comparison. But, like some of the VGC ones, the preliminaries of this tournament use a similar system, the Swiss system, with a slight modification. I was also required to register my team (party) beforehand, since the system took this into account. All matches were best-of-three battles, and three Pokémon were selected from the party, much like a Battle Spot single battle in the main series.

And the results of this tournament were... dismal for me, to say the least. I ranked third from the bottom, with five losses plus a "win" by bye. In individual battles, I was able to occasionally steal a win and force a third battle, but then the third fizzled, if the first two hadn't. Among the "bottom feeders", I ranked higher by the number of points, taking into account others' Pokémon. I suppose it just might be that I'm a bit challenged by competitions, Pokémon or otherwise. Practice - and lots of it - should help. Regardless, like any competition that I take part in, I know if I've got Pokémon, I'm "at home" and I can enjoy things no matter what the results. 

Something this major has to have entertainment on the side, and it did. Between the matches of the Swiss round, there were periodic mini-contests. I participated in two of them: one was a Shiny contest to see who had more (powerful) Shiny forms and the other was a trade contest to see who could get many Lucky Pokémon. I won the first one, outnumbering a friend with more Shiny forms with greater CP, while in the second one, I got no Lucky Pokémon with my partner over the course of 10 trades, while two other pairs got at least two. That first one rewarded something which is unique and should also be covered in another post.

The exhibited competitors are on the middle-left.

Meanwhile, during the Swiss round as well as the knockout round, selected matches were also cast on two screens, one for each player. Sometimes it didn't work too well, but it was workable for the most part. This provided a source of entertainment for spectators not competing in the tournament and those who had just completed their matches. The audience was most active when the competitors were initiating Charged moves or defending from them. It was euphoric and thrilling, and it was something I personally rarely see with Pokémon battles. It made me quite happy as a Pokémon fan.

This tournament was quite successful in most regards. The system is solid, the participants were plentiful even with the limit, and entertainment kept things really going. It's something totally new for myself but also quite familiar due to all the Pokémon aspects. Future tournaments ought to be just as good if not better. On that note, I can stand to improve myself as well. That should prove helpful for my stride with my raid group, Pokémon Go, and Pokémon in general.

One year ago: Lugia Raid Burnout
Two years ago: Ice Is Nice with Pokémon

Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 3/29/2019

OK, the next few days are going to be relatively packed for Pokémon or otherwise, so this is pretty much the last opportunity I have to write up a rollup of this month's events in Pokémon Go. And that's perfect, because not only this is near the end of the month, but there has also been a boatload of events for the game with lots of benefits for those Trainers who decide to take part in them all. And if they're active like I am, they surely would have, even if the extents are different.

Before going into this month's notable events, I have to dip into the previous month. Soon after I had posted last month's event rollup, another Limited Research event showed up. This time, it featured the Pokémon Clamperl, which had not been unleashed up until that point. In many ways, this particular incarnation could be considered as an expansion of the event's concept, both in terms of content (Field Research from PokéStops) and featured Pokémon (one that hadn't been seen before). This kind of event needs to be discussed in another post, but for Clamperl I can say that I've achieved the optimal goals, including getting both of its evolved forms Huntail and Gorebyss. I'll continue to explore Limited Research before delivering my overall take on it.

Then there were two Special Raid Week(end)s, one of them being for Latias during the last week of February, and the other being for Rayquaza two weeks ago. For the former, as it was revealed, it was going to be a Raid Weekend, which somehow turned into a Raid Week perhaps due to popular demand; it featured its Shiny form as well, which to my delight, I received on the last day. For the latter, it was just a weekend occasion with no Shiny form (at least not yet), which was celebrated by those who hadn't gotten one or who had awaited its return. After having obtained good results with these as well, I and my raid fellows now wonder when the former's kin (Latios) as well as the latter's Shiny form will come.

Early in this month, there was a one-week Battle Showdown event, which is a repeat of a similar event in May last year. Fighting-type Pokémon took the stage in the wild and in raids, and everyone was rewarded with double Stardust bonuses and double "Gym Points", something that is counted in the progression of Gym Badges. I primarily used the opportunity to gain as many extra Candies as possible for my Fighting-type Pokémon - which I didn't quite take advantage of last year - and to accelerate progress on certain Gyms. Others used it to teach new moves to those Pokémon and look for new Shiny forms (of Mankey and Machop). With such packed rewards, it wouldn't be surprising that this occurred.

Lastly, there was an Equinox event which just ended a few days ago. The event primarily featured Grass-type Pokémon, and the Community Day for Treecko was nicely situated within it, providing a way to prepare for it before and finish it up afterwards. As with Battle Showdown above, the Pokémon were also present in raids and new moves were available. Perhaps the biggest change wasn't for the featured Pokémon type, but for Lunatone and Solrock, which received their Shiny forms and changed regions. Objective selection was more or less like the above as well, though united with Community Day and divided with the region change of the two Pokémon.

These are all quite a boatload of events, and even their payload of benefits are packed. No matter how much activity was devoted to these events, it's still worth it to take insights from what has passed, which is pretty much a function of these rollups. And the most important insight is that there was just much of everything but much results as well. It may just be that after the next few days have passed, this spate of events in Go may just appear meager compared to what's in those days.

One year ago: Takara Tomy Pokémon MonCollé Friends: Pikachu
Two years ago: Pokémon Mechanical Fan

Local EX Raid (and Priorities), 3/28/2019

It's been more than three weeks since I had participated in an EX Raid, and I have to say that I've not been keeping up very well with them. So that meant the next one had to be a priority, something that needed to be done to change things up. I got that EX Raid today, and it turns out that there were a few other priority things about it.

This EX Raid happened to be the first one in my area to feature the Defense Form of Deoxys. The changeover to the form actually occurred with EX Raids starting with those scheduled from Monday earlier this week, but since there were none in my area by then, this effectively became the first one - and so far, the only one, as there are none concurrent with this one. That should change somewhat soon enough.

The place of the EX Raid also seemed to represent a kind of priority shift. When I initially raided the Gym to get the EX Raid Pass, another EX Raid Gym had happened to be open for raids as well, so I raided them both. The Gym that hosted this EX Raid was, in fact, the second to be raided, after I had raided the other. At the time of the distribution, I received the EX Raid Pass for this Gym instead of the other. While I had half-expected to see an EX Raid Pass for the other, I accepted this one, though I and a few of my raid fellows couldn't help but wonder if this actually meant that this Gym had somehow gained importance, and therefore priority.

When the day of the EX Raid came, there was another priority, which was utilizing the invitation privilege bestowed on all EX Raid Passes since a few months ago. My task this time was easier since most of my Ultra Friends had already received theirs on their own or were invited by someone else. In the end, the choice fell on someone who could really take advantage of the EX Raid within the near future and didn't have the means to receive one most of the time. This too was a priority consideration.

Deoxys among the lions.

The results of this EX Raid can be considered optimal. There was a coordination for three battle flights (plus a late one), which was necessary due to the strength of this particular form of Deoxys. I (and the friend who I invited) didn't get a sufficiently strong one, but it's a good start. There should be plenty of opportunities in the coming weeks to get a strong one. It's not a top priority, but it's a priority nonetheless, as this particular Deoxys form may have its uses, unlike the others, which tend to be "fragile" to put it lightly and by first-hand experience.

After having spent quite a bit of time on the previous form, this Deoxys EX Raid is quite a change. Its strength calls for Trainers to really band together to take it down, and the invitation function of EX Raid Passes should be helpful for that. The formidable quality of this form will demand Trainers to join in... which should mean a changing of priorities, however slight. It's something to be seen as the Defense Form makes its priority presence for some months ahead.

One year ago: More on Ali (and the Early Manga)
Two years ago: A Pikachu Wall Hanging

Ingress and Out

Those who are well-versed in mobile gaming may know about and play the game Ingress, the other claim to fame of Niantic, the developer of Pokémon Go. It's a game that, much like the latter, utilizes things based on the real world that players then use to gain supremacy. A cursory look into the game shows that some of the things appear to have parallels, and to a great extent, this is true: the two games have an appreciable link, and the former may be considered the "undercurrents" for the latter.

Now, I don't play Ingress; it's something I can barely accommodate in time, let alone on my phone. But a few of my friends do play or have played Ingress. One of them played in the early days, well before the advent of Pokémon Go; that friend of mine doesn't seem to remain active in the game, however. Another one, who is one of my raid fellows in my raid group, actually was active in Ingress while the others were active with Go, and that person soon became introduced to the latter game. The person also remains active with the former, allowing the others to glean insights from it if necessary.

As for those insights, there are two primary ones. In Ingress, specific areas of its map are highly marked, and this translates to higher appearances of Pokémon in those areas; as a result, they highly correspond. Even if they may not, there's something else that corresponds. Ingress has something called "portals" that can be opened by players in the game at specific sites... and those sites correspond to the locations of PokéStops and Gyms in Go; further, the appearances and disappearances of the latter two have been linked to those of the former, further solidifying the link between them.

There's one more remarkable connection. Ingress has something called "Operation Portal Recon" (OPR) that is only accessible to high-level players. Through this, the players take on the task of reviewing candidate sites that might deserve to have a portal. The review guidelines appear to be more or less in line with those for PokéStop nominations... which indicate that this is also the review process for that. One particular candidate for review, in fact, was jocular yet also indicative of coming from one of my raid fellows. This and the others above indicate that the Go-Ingress connection is rather deep.

The word "ingress" has connotations related to entry points, entrances, or the word "enter" in general. It makes sense, given the "portal" object detailed above. But based on the above, it's also plausible to think of Ingress as an "entry point" of sorts to the world of Pokémon Go, especially given that the former existed prior to the latter. Whatever the connection, it seems that players, including me, are just happy to "get in" and play, whether it's for supremacy across areas and portals, or capturing and battling beside our favorite creatures.

One year ago: Pokémon in Common Terms
Two years ago: Cosplay: CLAS:H/ICGP 2017, Regional Edition

Nominating PokéStops

In Pokémon Go, there are many PokéStops strewn across its overworld. But there may be some areas that may use the addition of a few more of them. That's where player input can come in, in order to point out interesting places in the real world that deserve to have PokéStops in the overworld. In fact, specific groups of players can already do this through a feature called PokéStop nominations; while still somewhat in an early stage, this feature may indeed be very helpful.

So far, this feature is available to Trainers who have reached Level 40, the highest one there is. However, not all of those Trainers can utilize this feature, as it's being limited to Trainers in specific countries. Brazil and South Korea were among the first to have access to the feature, then Thailand and Vietnam followed, and just a couple of weeks ago Indonesia - my current one of residence - also gained access. Needless to say, this was welcomed with fanfare among some people in my local raid group.

Nominations take a bit of an effort and follow some guidelines. Those who nominate are to submit the location, two photos (one of the object and one of its surroundings for support), and the title and description. The general guideline for a nomination is that it should represent something that is man-made and historically/culturally valuable, preferably being nearly permanent as well (more on this is available by looking at the specific guidelines presented during the process); it goes without saying that it should be for something that can fill space in consideration of surrounding PokéStops that already exist. Nominations too are limited, so wise and careful decisions are in order.

Once a nomination is made, it has to go through a review process. It's a bit complicated, but the review process essentially is to confirm that the nomination meets the guidelines; despite the presented guidelines, some may still choose to submit unworthy nominations in a jocular manner, and this helps to stem that. The details are also checked for conformity. After that, it's a matter of time before a particular nomination may be approved and appear in the game as a PokéStop. The emphasis is on "may", since the nomination may still be worthwhile for other purposes.

The great thing about this process is that it can really expand the overworld of Pokémon Go and afford more possibilities for players in different areas. Some judgment is necessary, but with good judgment, the process can at least be followed satisfactorily, which may then lead to the expansion. With that, at least the efforts of a few will be beneficial for many, and the overworld of Go will look more and more like the real world from which it derives.

One year ago: Envisioning More Local VGC Tournaments
Two years ago: Slowpoke Moments

All I Learned with Pokémon

The other day, I posted about something that I may have (and did) learn from Pokémon games. It almost reminds me of a list that has been made once of someone's experiences learning from early years of schooling... and in fact, it does. I also suppose it might be perfectly applicable to my journey with Pokémon. I won't mention all the items in the list directly - containing and explaining them all within a post would make it far too long, and there may be other issues involved - but I can "shoehorn" all the items into three things that encapsulate pretty much most of the list.

The first is "be nice, be clean". The games and anime illustrate many good examples of being nice even when others aren't, and these are good things to take away. In the face of Pokémon battles, it's far better to treat it with good sportsmanship and stay on good terms with each other. As for being clean, this is hard to interpret in relation to Pokémon, but at least I've got one good interpretation also involving the element of cosplay. Being nice and being clean remains something important when considering good relationships with others.

The second is "all in moderation". Pokémon has many things going for it, and there's a sense of a good thing that one should not be caught up entirely in one thing. This may be hard for others, including myself with all of my businesses in and out of Pokémon, but to follow this to some extent is still good enough. Within the games, there is also a sense of balancing efforts - in particular, creating teams - which then may lead to successes all around instead of by just one specific manner. In general, keeping things in moderation is not only a good thing itself but also may bode well for other good things.

The third is "look and wonder". Adventure is something inherent to Pokémon, even if it's a very little amount in some cases. The prospect of an adventure demands one to be curious and cautious, and therefore one is demanded to look in order to stay in line. But by following this tenet, one may be at times be rewarded with wonder, like a mystery Pokémon that flies across the sky, or a paradise for certain groups of Pokémon. Thus to look is a good thing, and if that leads to wonder, that may just be a great thing indeed.

The original list from which these things are derived is neat in itself as it represents good things and important things that are discoverable, even very early in life. The same discoverability seems to apply well to Pokémon, even when those things are condensed for consideration of applicability. At least, if not through early years of schooling, I've managed to learn about them through Pokémon, and they're something I hope to keep learning (or rather, reinforce) as my Pokémon journey continues.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 3/25/2018
Two years ago: "Grow Old Along with Me..."

From One Path to Another

Even if it sounds odd, I do learn a few things from games, including Pokémon games. In the case of an adventure/role-playing game like the main series of Pokémon games, there is something neat that I have learned. It is that if a certain path is not available, then another one may be found instead. It's something that may be vital in those games in order to advance, and in some cases, real life as well may also necessitate the same strategy for certain advancements.

A simple example can be found in the first-generation games. In heading from Cerulean City to Vermilion City, initially the player cannot go through the gates that lead to Saffron City. However, a little bit of exploration leads to the discovery of the Underground Path, which allows the player to bypass the gates (and therefore Saffron City) to head to Vermilion City, at least for that time being until the gates are opened to allow access to Saffron City. The Underground Path becomes the "other path" that allows for progress.

The real-life example is more complex, but it shares the same bones. Today I was on an errand to something, but when I was about to get there, my way was hindered by something I could not prevent and I had no involvement in. I eventually got to where my errand took me, but it took a roundabout approach, or perhaps it may also be called a "buying time" approach. However it's called, it is regardless the "other path" that eventually led me to where I needed to go, and progress was achieved.

This taking of different paths is by no means unique to Pokémon games - rather, it constitutes a basic strategy to those and many more games - but, as hard-wired to Pokémon as I am, it's something that resonates the most with Pokémon personally. It's something to follow in those games and may sometimes be applicable in some cases in real life as well. At the least, it's nice to know that sometimes there is just another way out by way of a different approach.

One year ago: (Again a) Local Ex-Raid, 3/24/2018
Two years ago: The Many Forms of Pikachu in Shuffle

Pokémon Go Community Day, 3/23/2019

There's something to like about the Community Days of Pokémon Go. They attract all (or at least many of) the players to spend three hours of their time to capture many of a featured Pokémon, then to evolve it and gain something special that may be used in later endeavors, or possibly just something unique to show off. The featured Pokémon are rather important as well, whether they're the starters or something else unique. It becomes something that players just want to have.

This month, the featured Pokémon is Treecko, the first time that a third-generation starter is featured. The special (exclusive) move for its final evolution is no doubt Frenzy Plant. Today's other bonus, aside from its Shiny form and extended Lure Modules, is accelerated hatching of Eggs, which is lucrative for anyone wishing to clear out their Eggs or at least make significant progress. So this Community Day is typical in most respects, especially for a starter Pokémon.

What was less typical was the schedule. In previous Community Days, the schedule involved an entire region simultaneously having the event at one time, adjusted for different time zones and possibly being sequestered on different days. For example, Asia-Pacific (my region) would have its Community Day typically from 12 PM to 3 PM Japan time, which means that my local area would have it from 10 AM to 1 PM, due to the time zone shift; notably, for the past three months, this was also sequestered on a different day (Sunday) from the other regions (Saturday). This time, the schedule was made uniform and simplified: it was 3 PM to 6 PM for the local time zone of the area, within the span of this day. This seemed to be a welcome and refreshing change.

The only unfortunate thing is that in my area, at this time of year, 3 PM to 6 PM often means rains, whether heavy or not; this was the case today. The good thing is that most of my fellow players (and I) had prepared for this, so they were determined to get good results no matter what. This seemed to be affirmed when someone discovered a Treecko with the best stats possible, which led to a flurry of people to its area to catch it. I was one of them, and though it wasn't Shiny, it was reported that quite a few captured this Treecko with it being Shiny. I chose to evolve this Treecko, along with two others, one of them being the best Shiny possible. All of these should have their uses.

It's hard not to appreciate Community Day, for any person that plays Pokémon Go. The benefits are great and may be desirable for different uses later on. What happened today was common for a starter Pokémon, but it was also uncommonly good in what I got out of it. I like that, and at least it keeps the attraction going for the one next month and the ones after that.

One year ago: The "Generals"
Two years ago: Pokémon Food... For Us

At the Same Time

All right, this post concerns something that isn't quite related to Pokémon, but there is a neat story that surrounds it and is quite related to Pokémon. I will start with that story. Years and years ago, while searching on the Internet for Pokémon images, I happened upon a neat image that was only named as "pic25.jpg" and gave no further indications as to its overall relationship. The last time I fed the image through Google's Image Search, it failed to bring up the image elsewhere (let alone one of a better or higher resolution), and the last time I fed the name of the picture file, the image never came up. It must mean that the image is rather rare.

However, I can still vividly describe the image. The image contains Ash and his Pokémon from the early part of the Johto saga, sitting at the top of what is a grassy hill. They are all looking up at the night sky full of stars. Curiously, those stars in the night sky are also arranged in "constellations" that represent particular Pokémon, which is indicated by outline images of the Pokémon around the constellations. I personally think it's a powerful image, one that speaks to the richness of the Pokémon world, even back then when there were only a couple hundred of Pokémon species. That led me to think of a particular song I had been listening to at that time:

Think of all the love
Pouring from our hearts
At the same time
Think of all the light
Our love can shine around this world
At the same time...
-- "At the Same Time", Barbra Streisand

The quoted part seems to echo a spirit that goes beyond the image. The attachment that Trainers have to their Pokémon can be a very noble thing indeed, and is surely something shared by the multitude of Trainers. Altogether, this might just be able to light up the world, just like how the night sky filled with stars does the same. And if that night sky contains many constellations of many Pokémon, some of which might belong to certain Trainers - including those of Ash, who is watching from down below - then it probably really is true. Through the Pokémon in the night sky, the attachment of all Trainers to the pours out and shines the world, as per the lyrics.

Unfortunately, I've been unable (perhaps not yet able) to recover my copy of this image. And yet, the vividness of it remains in my mind, as per the above description. It's only helped and reinforced by the song that happened to be present at that point. While the song itself may never have, or was intended to have actual connections to Pokémon, personal circumstances happened to make it that way. It's probably a good thing, and considering the song itself and Pokémon, it may be helpful to think of them all... at the same time.

One year ago: Shiny Lugia Obsessions
Two years ago: A Passion for Red

Gender Appeal

In my previous post, I discussed a girl who is not only a big fan of me, but also Pokémon. She's not alone in that regard, certainly; I'm a guy who is a big fan of Pokémon, if this blog is of any indication, and so are all my Pokémon fellows strewn across various groups, of either gender. And that is something important, because it means that the appeal of Pokémon for both genders is present, and it's a good one.

Many gamers are male, so it's no surprise that many players of Pokémon games are male as well. They may be more comfortable with the "hardcore" aspects or procedures that the games necessitate. Beyond that, they may also be quite interested in "action" aspects, such as in owning figures, especially figures that have great sense of action, that relate to Pokémon. Granted, I myself enjoy quite a bit of the more dynamic aspects of Pokémon, so it's no surprise that others of my gender do so as well, perhaps to an even greater degree than me. That's a great thing for me and them.

For those of the opposite gender, the games may have less of an appeal, but it's not totally absent either; I can recall a specific VGC-style tournament some years ago that involved only girls, and that had a pretty good turnout. Even so, it seems that female gamers attracted to Pokémon are comparably fewer in number. Those that aren't gamers may additionally be interested in merchandise along the lines of dolls or decorative things, which in other words means more artsy things. I suppose this is totally respectable, as are those who decide to pursue the more active side of things.

Meanwhile, for Pokémon things that are quite entertaining, the appeal seems to be universal. I like the anime, as does the girl, my figure fellows, my VGC fellows, a few of my other friends, and so on and so forth. Pokémon cosplay too is something that is an either-gender thing, with a variety of characters for either gender to portray; besides the one that a friend of mine showed off earlier this month, there are plenty of other examples out there, but it's clear that this one doesn't belong to either gender. The entertainment quality transgresses the dividing line.

Pokémon as a whole can be considered to be appealing to anyone of either gender. Despite some delineation with the games and merchandise, entertainment seems to be fairly universal, and this last point can be considered to echo overall. There's really something for anyone who appreciates Pokémon to be happy about, even if they don't pursue everything Pokémon like I do. I'd say that happiness is universal, as universal as Pokémon appeal seems to be.

One year ago: At a Loss... in Lavender Tower
Two years ago: GSC Nendoroid Series #425: Red

A Girl and a Fan

If you've read my post about the theme event from last Saturday, you might have noted that one personal reason for the event was for a certain person. That person happens to be the one who is pictured in the photo I uploaded. As I had stated then, she had said that she would come, so that became a decisive factor for the event. She is the one who I mentioned in a couple of earlier posts, one of them being about "fans of fans", and now is a good time to discuss more about her.

We met at a theme event with an odd title some months ago. At that time, we connected really well. This continued with discussions over instant messaging, by which we found out more about each other. Two months ago, specifically at a particular exhibition, we even communicated by video call through a friend of hers, when she couldn't go and her friend discovered that I went. And then last month, during a theme event where my figure friends converged, we too converged, and she was subsequently inducted into the group as well. It seems like we grow closer with each meeting.

The reason we connected is, of course, because we like Pokémon. Specifically, we're nuts about Ash/Satoshi, and it shows. I cosplay him, and she delves into other artistic aspects. It's no surprise, then, that when she participated in the dubbing (voice acting, or seiyuu) competition on Saturday, she chose to do Ash and a few other characters in a particular scene from the 20^th movie/feature film - and then won. I wouldn't say it was an accident that she won - though she herself said she could have probably used another anime series, and she was one of three participants - so she deserves what she got. It's excellent that we can do things and succeed with Pokémon.

And she is indeed the artist behind the collection of fan art I posted two months ago, which are especially impressive. She actually has a few more things to say about the humanoid Eevee and the other Ash drawing. For the former, what I had posted is actually a work-in-progress, and notably, the lower body was incomplete; I had the chance to view the complete drawing, and it looks impressive, including the color, which may have looked off in the picture due to the lighting. For the latter, it is indeed an offering for me, as it is drawn in an envelope, which contains a touching letter. They are all quite appreciable.

Things may just not stop there. When we talked at the event, we also discussed the future prospect of collaborations. One such collaboration is already underway, and hopefully I may have something to show soon. We also conjectured about participating in J-Song competitions as a duet, though this may be hard because competitions like this are often for individuals rather than groups. The seiyuu competitions may also be viable, as I may be partially interested, but this may or may not happen. All the prospects are interesting, but we may have to play our cards wisely.

I'm incredibly pleased to have met this Pokémon fan who is also effectively a fan of me. I can see what she what she enjoys about Pokémon, and I see similar things within myself. I suppose it would be appropriate to consider ourselves as "Pokétaku" people, given that we both have shared interests and feelings about Pokémon. I'm sure some more of that awaits us as Pokémon develops further in the times ahead.

One year ago: The Place to Be
Two years ago: Cosplay: Daisuki Japan 7 - Wanderlust!

Fashion Statements by Pokémon

I've had the idea for this post for some time, but I've never been able to flesh it out until now. It's supposed to be a complementary post to one about the fashion of Trainers, so it was supposed to be posted shortly afterwards. The point is that in the same way that Trainers are also different but the same, Pokémon are also different but the same. That extends to their tendency to express themselves with certain fashion styles. There are a few of these found among different Pokémon.

Ash's Pokémon have been known for their unique fashion statements. Squirtle, while it was a part of its eponymous squad, was known to have don sunglasses, and this is certainly an intense statement with only an accessory. Similarly, Sandile also dons sunglasses, and this has persisted as the Pokémon evolved, becoming Krokorok and then Krookodile. And while it may be considered less relatable to fashion, the stick that is held by Treecko in its mouth serves similar purposes and likewise has persisted even as Grovyle and Sceptile. These have become the look of the Pokémon and their ways of expressing themselves.

Meanwhile, Pikachu is no stranger to fashion statements of its own. I've already detailed about those that wear certain caps, and they're fascinating in their own regard. It so happens that in Pokémon Go, some people may have also been blessed to have Pichu with the Original Cap (by hatching an Egg) or a Raichu with the Original Cap (by evolving such a Pikachu). I also mentioned back then about the Cosplay Pikachu, which happens to be Pikachu that wear one of five different outfits, including one for a lucha wrestler. Their main draw is less likely for typical battles, but more likely for Contest performances, which suits how they appear. All of them look different and strikingly so, for something that is more or less the series mascot.

Based on the above, other Pokémon can be conceived to be able to have their own fashion statements. Go seems to demonstrate this highly with the above, as well as past entries like Pikachu with sunglasses and a straw hat, with a witch's hat (the Spooky Pikachu), with a Santa hat, and the most recent being with a flower crown, which also happens to be available for Eevee. Their appearance is really the only thing that makes them differ; physically, they are no different than their regular kin. But that may just be the point of a fashion statement: to look different even if there's nothing different.

Not all Pokémon are inclined to making fashion statements, but some are. Though they might not wear clothing like their human partners, friends, and so on, they can be considered to justifiably express their fashions with even simple accessories. Like their Trainers, among one another, they may not be as different as they could be. But at least they may have some sense of fashion, enough to make a statement to stand out and be different.

One year ago: PokéTerminology
Two years ago: Cosplay Hair

Character Songs

In the world of anime and the fandoms associated with or related to it, there is a conceptual phenomenon called character or image songs. These are songs that are sung by the characters, which are often sung by the specific voice actors of the characters themselves. Their composition is intended to show something about the personality of the characters. Being that it has an anime adaptation, Pokémon is not excluded from this phenomenon, at least in some ways.

Quite a few of the characters in the anime have received character or image songs one way or another. May, Dawn, and Serena have received them, the second being notably involved in a duet with Ash for one of the opening themes for the Sinnoh saga of the anime, entitled "High Touch!". There is even a collection of character songs for the Kalos saga, for which the collection by now is hard to get and rather expensive.

One of the songs on the collection happens to be "XY&Z", the opening theme for the latter portions of the saga. It is sung by Ash (Satoshi) himself, who as anyone well-versed in Pokémon knows is voiced in Japanese by Rica Matsumoto. The fact that it's found on this collection firmly identifies it as a character song. Of course, aside from this, several of the past opening themes were also sung by her. And this leads to a small but profound implication.

That implication is that these past openings (for which the above applies) to some extent can also be considered "character songs" for him, even though artist information - in contrast to "High Touch!" above - do not explicitly state as such. The very first one is rather obviously implicative through its features, as I detailed in my write-up about it nearly half a year ago. But in others, there are other implications; as an example, in the first opening to the Unova saga entitled "Best Wishes", it's partially implicit that many of the sung expressions have a singular first-person subject, and therefore that subject is easily and accordingly guessed.

This conceptual phenomenon remains significant when considering anime and neighboring fandoms. With these songs, fans of certain characters and/or voice actors get treated to not only more songs from their favorites singing, but also some views regarding the characters involved. It's not hard to see that the phenomenon very much applies to the Pokémon anime as well, especially if one knows who and what songs to consider.

One year ago: "You Shall Not Pass" - Hard-to-Access Gyms and PokéStops
Two years ago: Alton : Food :: I : Pokémon

"Monkey Trio" Keychain Figures

It's rare that I get a group of keychains, or in this case keychains of figures, as something to own personally. These were obtained from the theme event from the other day. The primary interest for this group is the theme that relates to the group and the convenience in owning them. Of course, there are other considerations to discuss, but that's to come in a bit. This group of Pokémon merchandise is notable in some ways.

The "monkey trio" here refers to the three elemental monkeys of the fifth-generation Pokémon, being Pansage, Pansear, and Panpour. These were found among an assortment of figure keychains, which is a rarity; sometimes there's only one or two, which is not close to a full set. Being that all of them were present, the decision was made to get them all. This was helped by the fact that it was much cheaper to get the three as a set rather than individually. Anatomically, they're quite pleasing and accurate as well. This is certainly a good thing.

The three keychains do appear to have a few flaws. Most notably is for the Panpour keychain, which is missing its chain; this makes it occupy a shady territory between keychain and figure. None of the three figures are free-standing, except for Pansear, which can stand with the help of its tail. The paint job is a little off in parts, even though much of it is passable. That said, it seems plausible and sufficient to use the three as keychains rather than as figures, though I'd have to figure out how to hang Panpour before I do so.

These may not be the best examples of Pokémon merchandise, but they provide good fundamentals and are strongly related to each other. Not to mention, they appeared together, allowing them to be conveniently gotten. There are just a few things to improve to make them really good, and more to make them outstanding. That way, they can become even more notable than they are now.

One year ago: What's Played, What's Not, and What's Next
Two years ago: Pokémon X Food Network ...?

Cosplay: Neko-Neko

Me: Um, OK. There are actually two theme events this weekend, but I can only send you to one of them. I hope that's OK with you.

Ash: Sure. I know you've got a lot to do, and I do too, in a way.

Pikachu: Pika! [with pep]

Me: Yeah, that's always the hard thing when that happens. So, this theme event is a community event by a faraway community, and the theme is "futuristic space cats", and of course Japanese stuff. It's rather odd, but it's well-meant. And that's why the title of the event is what it is.

Ash: I think I get your point. I've seen some pretty strange things on my journey, and this could be another one.

Pikachu: Pi! Pi pika pi! [concurring]

Me: So, the "pick one" thing is one reason. Another reason why I sent you here is because the competitions are still open. You know what you're in for, right?

Ash: Right! I'm in for the singing competition and character parade. You told me you really want to send me in for the first one, and here's a good chance. And you decided on the first opening song from Sinnoh for me, so that meant my outfit for that as well.

Me: Indeed. I'd like to try this one again, because last time, we got a good reception, but we didn't win. Plus, I'm kind of in a pinch. So let's try this one again before we try something else. How'd you do?

Ash: I got nothing, and I think I messed up a bit in both. That's the story.

Me: Hmm. Somehow something is not working out. We ought to just try something different next time.

Ash: Sounds like a good plan.

Pikachu: Pi! [excited]

Me: I agree. Now, the third reason I sent you in is to get me in touch with a special person. Did you?

Ash: I sure did!

Pikachu: Pika! [happy]

Me: Great! She informed me that she would come, and she did. It's good that you got me in touch with her.

Ash: By the way, she did something really special: she voiced me in the dubbing competition!

Me: Wait, what?? That IS special! How'd she do?

Ash: She won! Can you believe it?

Me: That's unbelievably impressive! It's good to know that she won. Anyway, I guess that's that about this event.

Ash: It wasn't all bad. You did what you needed to do, and that's great, even if we didn't win.

Pikachu: Pika. Pika pika. [complimenting]

Me: Agreed. There's just one more reason why I sent you to this one instead of the other, or even both.

Ash: What's that??

Me: The reason for that one lies in future posts on this blog. Stay tuned.

One year ago: Our Glory of Love
Two years ago: Multilingual Pokémon

The Pokémon Search Bar in Pokémon Go

In Pokémon Go, a Trainer may keep hundreds and hundreds of Pokémon, depending on the size of the Pokémon Box the Trainer has. That's a lot to go through for anyone, including me. To make this task easier, the Box contains a search bar in order to be able to seek certain Pokémon quickly and efficiently. However, behind its simple interface, the search bar can be used for highly advanced and complex searches. This might prove to be useful in a variety of cases.

At its most basic, the search bar allows searching for Pokémon of a certain species name or with a certain nickname. For example, I have a Chatot nicknamed "Songbird", and by typing "so" in the search bar, it will show me that, as well as Solrock that are in my Box. Also at a basic level is searching for Pokémon based on specific types. Typing "fire" shows my Fire-type Pokémon, "flying" will show me my Flying-types, and so on and so forth. These searches are expected to be used by most everyone due to their fundamental nature.

One step up from that is searching by numbers. Typing "150" will show me the Pokémon with the Pokédex number of 150 - that is, Mewtwo. CP and HP can be searched for too; prepending "cp" and "hp" to a number accomplishes this. A range of numbers can be searched by joining two numbers with a dash (for example, "152-251" will show me Pokémon of those Pokédex numbers, all second-generation Pokémon), or just prepending or appending a dash to any number for the lower and upper limits respectively (for example, "cp -1500" will show those with CP 1500 or less, perhaps for Great League PvP).

Pokémon with specific moves, properties, or tags can also be queried. Moves are queried by prepending "@" (the "at" sign) and can be searched for name and type. The plus symbol ("+") can be used to find species families, that is, along with evolved forms. Tags like "lucky", "legendary", and "shiny" can be used in a search and will show those Pokémon accordingly. I don't have an exhaustive list, but I encourage exploration to see just what tags can be searched; some of the tags are relatively new as well and require the game to be updated.

Finally, the most advanced feature of the search bar is what in computer science is called "Boolean operators". The AND operator is the ampersand ("&"), the OR operator is the comma (","), and the NOT operator is the exclamation point ("!"). Any of the searches above may be combined with the operators for really advanced searching. For example, "cp -1000 & @tackle" will show me Pokémon with CP under 1000 having the Tackle move, "lucky, flying" will show me either Flying-type Pokémon or Lucky Pokémon (or both), and "!fire" will exclude Fire-type Pokémon. Again, I encourage exploration to see how this works out.

The capabilities of the search bar in Pokémon Go are quite sophisticated, though the search bar itself is rather simple. What's important is that it lets Trainers find specific Pokémon without having to go through what could be very many Pokémon. It may take a bit of know-how to search beyond the basics, but that know-how would be certainly useful in managing burgeoning collections of Pokémon in the game along with the plethora of characteristics associated with them.

One year ago: Ash and Pikachu, DJF 2018 Style
Two years ago: A Psyduck Headache

Profits on the Side

There is another game that I play that, by the virtue of its popularity, drives up demand for a particular object. Essentially, the game indirectly allows profits to be gained from that particular object, even if it's small. For all the parties concerned, this seems to be a wonderful thing. It's something that perhaps Pokémon can do as well. And yet, with some considerations, Pokémon may already have allowed this to happen.

It's hard to overlook the Safari Zone event of Pokémon Go in this regard. By the game inviting many players to come and spend several days in a particular location, the players also drive up the demand for things in that area and beyond. The most likely beneficiaries are lodging and food establishments that offer two things that players need most while they're there, as well as those related to travel in their efforts of providing something to get players there. All told, this is a big thing, and I'm sure the establishments are happy to get something out of this event, whether or not they realize it.

And then there is merchandise to be concerned about. Companies who license Pokémon to make official merchandise (such as the freezer bottle from a long way back) are already expected to make something out of their efforts. It's a basic calculation, really - from what they sell, they're expected to pay off the licensing and make a little something for themselves. If they couldn't, they probably wouldn't have done it in the first place. Sure, what they make directly comes from what they sell, but the Pokémon factor indirectly helps in this regard. Pokémon still has an appreciable role in it.

Speaking of merchandise, it's also hard to ignore the undercurrents of doujin and indie ones. They're something persistent given any fandom, especially Eastern(-directed) ones like Pokémon. Those who create such merchandise will surely receive something, but then this may also recirculate to official merchandise, which then feeds creative juices for more unofficial ones, and so on and so forth. So it may not all be a bad thing, as long as it's not large-scale. The profits may just go around and around, indirectly feeding one another.

I'm not an economics major, but much of this is rather logical. Pokémon may beget some great-selling things and some great profits in return, but others may also experience indirect windfall out of that through events, merchandise, and so on. As far as I'm concerned, that's a wonderful thing as well. Everyone may just have their portions out of the pie of profits and may be indirectly entitled for second helpings.

(All this discussion about profits makes me hungry - for real pies. Happy Pi Day! [see below])

One year ago: It's Pi Day!
Two years ago: Pokémon and Puzzle Games

The Poké Ball Classics Merchandise Line

By the same circumstances as the last time I discussed two new Pokémon Center merchandise lines at that time, I recently found out about another new line. That line is called the Poké Ball Classics line, and this one is quite remarkable. It's advertised as a way to "look sharp" for a meeting or battle, which will become obvious as I explain. I find this line appealing, which is why it's the focus of this post.

The reason why it's called the Poké Ball Classics is because all the items feature the distinct motif of a Poké Ball on all of its items. What are those items? They include a bag, shirt, tie, and scarf; in short, they're items that someone wears or uses when going to the office to work. Now it's obvious why this line was advertised the way it was, for these items are supposed to be things that can accompany or form the basis of office wear. It's fancy, and yet it's evocative and expressive of Pokémon.

The most interesting item in this line for me personally is the tie with the Poké Ball motif. I've always imagined that one day I can have and wear a tie with some sort of Pokémon motif, and this is an answer to that. It looks sleek, and because it's predominantly black and it's often said that black goes with everything, I can see it complement whatever fashion I choose. The Poké Balls are subtle and makes the tie what it is. If I could get only one item, I would choose this one.

A couple of the other items also deserve some mention and discussion. A shoulder bag that is part of the line is all black with a cover containing the Poké Ball motif and a red accent. It looks almost like the bag of the fifth-generation male protagonist Trainer, which is neat. The line also includes a Fossil watch that is distinctively adorned with the Poké Ball motif in the background. I'm not quite fond of fancy watches, but this one appeals at least a little bit because of the Pokémon relationship. I'd have to personally consider getting either of these, though I personally prefer the former.

This merchandise line is playfully serious. It's playful because of its links to Pokémon, and it's also serious because it really could be incorporated into office wear. Someone who works at an office always needs to look best, and if that person happens to enjoy Pokémon as well, I suppose items from this merchandise will help with that. I wouldn't mind getting a piece of the action as well if I ever have the chance to purchase or obtain items from this line.

One year ago: Yes, Even More Pokémon Stickers
Two years ago: Every Day We're Shufflin'

Beta Testing

Just a short while ago, I had been given the privilege to test the beta version of a certain game, though it is a game that isn't quite (or is only very distantly) related to Pokémon. I'm asked to do certain things and provide feedback about certain aspects. It instills in my mind that Pokémon games can and do have to go through the same process. It would have to, given a few considerations that apply.

Nearly a year ago, there was the revelation of an early beta for Gold and Silver. What was present then was radically different from what players got as the final product. Further developments refined this, of course, but beta testing arguably would have some role to play as well. As it was then, the concepts were good, but somewhat rough; if they weren't tested, they would have remained rough and probably wouldn't have made for a good game. The fact that players got a good game in the end means that beta testing must have helped in this regard.

As well, beta testing helps to find, fix, and get rid of glitches, which may resemble those found in the first-generation games even though the games were finalized. Not every glitch may be discoverable and fixable, if the patches for main series games on the 3DS indicate, but at least a good amount may be. I suppose it's no wonder that barring the flaws that were fixed with the patches, players got gameplay that is overall non-problematic and close to flawless, free of the early glitches that plagued as above. Beta testing has to have its role in this process.

Behind everything that makes the gameplay of the main series pleasant, there is an intricate system of mechanisms. Even if the developers wanted to, they couldn't possibly oversee everything by themselves. Beta testing would share this burden with others who are willing to do the same, and furthermore, this could lead to further insights into the parts that are good but could be better. I'm sure that this intermingling of views occurred during beta testing and has been realized in the final game - it's something that's inevitable, if at all.

In the short time that I've been beta-testing the other game, I've found that all of these had occurred to some extent. For Pokémon games, it would seem that it wouldn't be any different. It's paramount and necessary that the games have to be beta-tested to make them as best as they could possibly be. Maybe someday I'll get to beta-test some form of a Pokémon game; at least my current experience will show me what to do if that ever happens.

One year ago: Taking the Go Train
Two years ago: Worldly Inspirations for a Small World

Quantity and Quality

There is a bit of curiosity that occurs with this post. This would be my 800^th overall post since I've started this blog. It's hard to believe, but it is. It almost equals the number of currently discovered Pokémon species, minus a few of the newest ones. In reference to their (possible) number, I've written a couple of posts about them. Of course, on the flip side of number - that is, quantity - there is also "quality" to consider. And I say, whether it comes to Pokémon species or the posts on this blog, both have some considerations.

In regard to Pokémon species, with each generation, there are always new species, sometimes even variations on old species (as with the Alola forms). There has to be the starters to begin with and the ultimate Legendary Pokémon, and everything in the gamut from "common" Pokémon (say, Gulpin) to exceptional ones (like Gible). "Quantity" is no problem there; "quality" is another thing. Over time, there have been Pokémon that are popular for one thing or another, while others are less so. Those things are the quality that makes them so, and as long as they are great, then the Pokémon will be great as well. Still, each deserves some respect for what they bring to the table, and none are intentionally downplayed for another.

The same is likewise true of my posts. Each tries to bring a Pokémon aspect to light as well as some personal aspects - that is, my own. Some will inevitably turn out better than others in the light of someone else, though this is not what I intentionally and personally do; it would just happen to be the case due to certain qualities. As for quantity, the title of this blog makes it clear that day-to-day things are involved, so it would be natural if I make a post each day, especially as I've hinted in my very first post here. And true to that, I've still posted each day every day to this day. I could have posted much less, for instance every other day, but then some posts would still stand out more than others.

A famous writer once said, in response to a critic saying that many of the writer's books are bad, that the writer wasn't purposefully making a great number of bad books. That would be an accomplishment that is sure not intended to happen. The same is true of my posts on this blog and Pokémon species in general. None are truly "bad" or intentionally made to be as such, but prevailing attitudes and game mechanisms may make them so. In the end, my posts and Pokémon species still have reliance on both quantity and quality to certain extents, with the two being inseparable.

One year ago: Cosplay: Daisuki! Japan Fest 2018
Two years ago: Have You Seen My Childhood?

Everybody, Polkamon

Krabby, Snubbull, Venonat
Mankey, Chansey and Zubat
Slowking, Ditto, Butterfree
Lugia and Caterpie

Oddish, Poliwag, Goldeen
Elekid and Nidoqueen
Victreebel and Magneton
Everybody Polkamon!
-- "Polkamon", "Weird Al" Yankovic

Before I leave off of the theme of "interpretative soundtracks", I'd like to mention a curiosity from one of them, specifically the song that I have quoted above as something more jolly compared to the song from two days ago. It's on the one for the second feature film, titled in English as Pokémon 2000: The Power of One. It too appears in its ending credits with a small snippet, which also then led me to the full song.

"Weird Al" Yankovic, by account of his nickname, is a bit of an oddball musician. Those in the know about polka music will recognize him as a popular artist of this genre of music. Meanwhile, those who are well-versed in modern music might recognize him for making parodies of certain songs. The song above would certainly fit as the former, seeing how it is a piece of the genre. However, Pokémon is a modern thing, and this would then be considered modern, though not a parody. In any case, it could be described as a blend of two sensibilities.

The song itself consists of three verses with a bridge between the second and the third. The verses consist mostly of Pokémon names (of the first and second generations) strung together with other expressions, which then end with the words as quoted above and in the title of this post; the bridge is a simple invitation to dance the polka, perhaps with a Pokémon partner or two. In that respect, this song is spiritually and partially a PokéRap, though it doesn't come close to all 251 species names at the time this song came out; only about one-fifth of that is mentioned.

This does lead to some considerations about its place in the "interpretative soundtrack". On one hand, it is fully related to Pokémon by its structure as above. On the other hand, it doesn't allude to any particular theme (barring the general theme of Pokémon) of the feature film, despite being placed in the soundtrack. It seems acceptable to consider it generally linked to Pokémon, in addition to being placed in the film's soundtrack to complement it. It is thus a good Pokémon song.

Certainly, it does seem like this song is a curious thing. It's polka, and it's Pokémon, for which both have their fans. It's in a specific soundtrack, but it has a more overarching general relationship to Pokémon. Whether it's one or the other, what really matters more is that this song can be enjoyed in relation to the film or just as a Pokémon song. I say either are perfectly fine, just as fine as inviting one's closest friends and Pokémon to do the polka together.

One year ago: Action or Strategy?
Two years ago: Thank Heaven for Little Boys

Interpretative Soundtracks

In a couple of posts on this blog, one old one and another more recent one, I mentioned the term "interpretative soundtrack". This term refers to particular assortments of music that have some relationship to the Pokémon feature films in their old English dub. These are fascinating things that are as much linked to Pokémon as anything else, and they deserve a bit of explanation and discussion.

The "interpretative soundtrack" contains a collection of songs (mostly of the pop genre) that may have already been created prior to the film and are evocative of certain themes found in the film. This is something that I consider distinct from the "actual" soundtrack to the feature films themselves, which includes incidental music that play in the scenes and any songs that may be based on these and/or specifically made to relate with the film, as is common for other movies and on the Japanese side of the soundtracks. Even so, the two may coexist as one soundtrack.

The first two Pokémon feature films with their old dubs famously have their "interpretative soundtracks", which are previewed over the course of the credits sequence with bits and pieces of the songs concerned. After that, the practice waned, perhaps due to the decreased mainstream popularity of the films; it may not have been justifiable to license a number of pop songs to be compiled as a soundtrack to something that could be considered as "cult". Regardless, there are some gems found among the soundtracks, including the songs I've discussed above.

Anyone with a thorough knowledge of (popular) music and attachment to Pokémon could still conceivably make custom "interpretative soundtracks" for all the other films. It's something that a friend of mine had done for something outside of Pokémon, so it could be practiced for Pokémon as well. The soundtracks could be made contemporary to the time of the release of the film (not using anything made post facto) or free to use any music; it may perhaps use songs beyond English and Japanese. Whatever happens, the soundtrack has to be able to touch on themes that are addressed in the film, which is the key point of these soundtracks: to illustrate and evoke the films by music that may not be directly related.

These "interpretative soundtracks" are remarkable in that they encapsulate sentiments in the movie through a collection of music that aren't necessarily linked to Pokémon. While their official existence is rather short, those who are dedicated can always contrive one informally. What's important is that they can and do convey those sentiments, which makes them truly "interpretative". At that point, I consider their relationship to Pokémon worthy.

One year ago: Father Figure?
Two years ago: Tonight, We Honor the Hero

Add Hope and Tears...

If only tears could bring you back to me
If only love could find a way
What I would do, what I would give
If you returned to me someday
Somehow, someway
If my tears could bring you back to me
-- "If Only Tears Could Bring You Back (To Me)", The Midnight Sons

There's a certain bit of sadness in my heart right now. Some of it might have to do with missing or longing, which is something that certainly may be felt by anyone. In my case as a Pokémon fan, I also feel the feeling through something related to it. That would be this song, which at first glance doesn't seem like it would have to do with Pokémon. But it does, in particular through a little connection that I've also explained a bit before.

The song that I've quoted above is part of what I would term as the "interpretative soundtrack" to the first Pokémon feature film (movie). A snippet of this song, along with all the songs featured on the soundtrack, plays during the end credits of the feature film with the old English dub cast. I was impressed by that snippet, so I eventually listened to the full song, and I became more impressed by it, as it encapsulates a significant feeling.

The title of this song, of course, alludes to the "tears scene" in the feature film, which has its own significant musical links. As for the song itself, it's a fairly standard pop song and love song about a missing significant other that someone can only hope to be brought back by tears. It's in contrast to the situation in the film, but that in itself becomes the alternative ending for the situation in the song.

In that way, the song is slightly hopeful as well, even if there may be no hope. The thought that a flood of tears may return someone or something is a fanciful one, but whether it does or doesn't happen, some tears may just provide relief. It may not be as great as an actual return, but it's a relief nonetheless. It may be just what I need with the bit of sadness I have within me, in anticipating it growing larger.

With luck, there may just be something returning by way of a flood of tears.

One year ago: Cultivate or Gather Berries?
Two years ago: Pokémon and Music Games

The Marketing of Expectations

As many Pokémon fans know, the eighth-generation main series games have been revealed, along with the starter Pokémon that will initially accompany Trainers on their journey. But that's about all that has been revealed; things like the final evolved forms of those starters have not, and they have been left up to the imagination of fans, at least for the time being. The thing about this is that this may be considered a marketing ploy, and a lot of expectations may ride on it.

The "marketing ploy" part is that by letting the imaginations of fans run rampant, free, and wild about the final evolved forms before the actual reveal of those forms, they're actually communicating about the games. They are letting other fans (and other players) know that Pokémon will have a new game out soon with specific things, and they're also putting in their two cents about what they think of it. It's kind of like what I do with the posts on this blog, except in a more visual form, and viral thanks to the social media of today. And so far, this has resulted in some nifty things, whether serious-hypothetical or humorous-jocular.

The "expectation" part naturally arises out of these imaginative speculations (or speculative imaginations, if one prefers). The creation of the fan art involving the final evolved forms creates not only thoughts about what they might be, but also what they should be, according to the minds of the players. This is of course part of the "hype" of things prior to the release of the games, although in my mind, this could become unnecessarily too much, especially if left unchecked. I seem to be seeing indications that this might be happening to a number of fans.

I personally try to "keep a level head"; I try not to let all these speculations take over my sentiments when they aren't even official to begin with. I don't mind having and seeing all these speculations, and I'll admit they achieve the marketing goal in a unique way. Yet I also feel that it's hard to justify being too worked up over something that may or may not end up becoming true, and therefore I play down the expectations. Once the real thing comes about, then I may get quite worked up about it.

Even with my personal sentiments about "the marketing of expectations", what happens with the imagination of fans is surely a testament to creativity. They satisfy their sentiments as well as those of others with their conceptions. It's almost as great as the creative forces behind what makes the game possible to be realized. And in that process, this realizes a kind of marketing tactic, which could be said to be impressive. For now, that may just be OK, as the fans wait for the actual games with their own impressions.

One year ago: How Many to a Raid?
Two years ago: To Be Continued... maimai ORANGE (PLUS)

(Make Way for a) Local EX Raid, 3/6/2019

It's actually been over a week (actually, nearly two weeks) since I've participated in an EX Raid. I'm not sure why, but when I received the EX Raid Pass, the other EX Raid Gym appeared to be available for raids, rather than being "sterile" in preparation for the next EX Raid. This is the first shake-up since December, when the third EX Raid Gym returned from a long hiatus. And then there's the day of the EX Raid itself, which is today.

Today I was a bit tied up with things. I had to welcome a few special guests that may have something different for me soon. There were a few extra things I had to do because of that, as well as other specific agenda. The latter even included tasks that test my mind, including but not limited to Pokémon. And many of these were unplanned or barely planned. It's plainly obvious how the tag for today's EX Raid came about: the EX Raid just had to make way even with all of these things.

And there was also rain, which may be why the area around the EX Raid Gym at the scheduled time looked quite sparse today. There were a few others that came to the place, and it becomes obvious that they had to make way for the EX Raid as well. But that was no problem, because it meant we could raid together, and so we did. With the EX Raid still being Deoxys in its Attack Form, there was no need for formalities either - just raid and go.

If you've read about my previous EX Raids, you might notice that this one is kind of a flashback, by having the EX Raid at the first-ever place in my area. It could be considered a "making way" as well, because I had somewhat hoped for this to happen, and it did. It certainly made way for taking the above picture with the Attack Form, something I hadn't done here since December, when the Attack Form came out.

As for making way for a future EX Raid, the next one has already been scheduled a week from now for a different Gym, and I won't be a part of it, unless I happen to receive an EX Raid Pass by invitation before then. And there has been no word of Deoxys changing Forms any time soon, something that may be somewhat overdue. After these two things occur, there will surely be headway for more EX Raids, at least if I don't make way now.

One year ago: Bipeds and Quadrupeds
Two years ago: Ride the Pokémon

A Gold and Silver Postcard

Along with the Mew pouch that I obtained from Sunday's convention, I had the liberty - a small liberty, but one nonetheless - to obtain another piece of merchandise, and I chose a certain one that is rather simple but effective in communicating Pokémon sentiments. It's a postcard, which might seem like a piece of merchandise that is too simple and not so spectacular, and yet, it's not as simple as that.

This postcard depicts the three main Trainers of the second-generation games, in particular Gold and Silver. From left to right are the rival, the male protagonist, and the female protagonist. They're also accompanied by evolved versions of their starter Pokémon, being Croconaw, Quilava, and Bayleef respectively. They're set against a background of the sea and the sky, with grass in the foreground. Further, the three Trainers appear to be moving or running towards the left side. This is very well done for a fan art, and it's quite detailed too.

The combination of all these elements creates a very dynamic and lively image, which I rather like. This is especially true if I can get only one, which happened to be the case. There were some very neat images on all of the other postcards that were offered, but some of them are complementary, which might have necessitated me getting more than one. But since that wasn't the case, I chose this one as something representative of all those postcards. That said, perhaps this postcard is best not used as one, and may be better used to display the image.

Regardless of the circumstances that surrounded the postcard when I obtained it, this remains an exceptional piece of Pokémon merchandise. The postcard by itself is simple and detailed. And by that alone, it seems quite representative enough for this kind of merchandise as offered. I exercised my liberty to get this one, and it's certainly something I will do again with similar Pokémon merchandise.

One year ago: Being a Pokétaku
Two years ago: I'm Swept Away

A Mew Pouch

It wouldn't be a great convention yesterday without some great (Pokémon) merchandise, and here's one. When it comes to this kind of merchandise, I'm not overly picky about what I can or can't get, so yesterday I got this Pokémon pouch featuring Mew. There are quite a bit of good things about it, which is why I got it so I can discuss it in a post on this blog.

This pouch is actually one of a series of Pokémon pouches that feature a few different Pokémon. The other featured Pokémon include the seventh-generation starters and a couple of the fourth-generation starters. I got Mew because... OK, it was a bit late when I got it, and there was only it and Chimchar remaining. But honestly, I already had my heart set on Mew since I saw it for the first time, so it wasn't quite a loss. And it wasn't because it's "pretty in pink" either, but I'm sure that's a selling point for this particular pouch.

The pouch is closed and opened by manipulating the upper part and the rope loop. For a pouch, it's rather roomy; the base is 20 cm and the height is 24 cm. I could conceivably put my 3DS case in there, but I won't. However, I can already think up of a few usage scenarios for the pouch, which may or may not involve Pokémon. As for Mew itself, it's really expressive the way that it's depicted with an extreme close-up of its upper body. Its stare really affirms the presence of Mew for whoever sees or uses the pouch.

The vendors of the pouch said that the pouch was (or is) actually available for pre-order to feature other Pokémon than the ones seen at the convention. However, the process of creation would be uncertain and the fee for shipping would be as expensive as the pouch. After some consideration, I thought it wasn't wise - at least for now - to follow through on this offer, and I got the Mew pouch as planned. Someday I may decide to follow through that offer, but for now Mew suffices.

As I've said, I'm not too picky on Pokémon merchandise - I take whatever can be gotten. This one is rather satisfactory, looks really great, and can be used in different ways. I'd say that's good enough, maybe until the other Pokémon featured on pouches look at me in the eye and say they're good enough for me to have as well.

One year ago: How Do I Live, Without You?
Two years ago: Two Pokémon Notebooks

Cosplay: Daisuki! Japan Fest x ICGP Regionals 2019

Me: This is it - this is the biggest convention or theme event in my area. It's something no one wants to miss, including me. That's why I send you here year after year.

Ash: I can see that! Last year and two years ago were really great and really exciting. But I think there's something a little different this year...?

Pikachu: Pi! Pika pi! [noticing]

Me: You're right! This year they partnered with ICGP, which as I explained two years ago, is designed to find characters who really can do what they can do and then send them to compete overseas. It's hard for us to qualify for this, but I suppose we can always cheer them on.

Ash: Yeah, I guess that's great too. You know what, though, the convention today isn't too much different from last year. It's always crowded from the start, and then there are food stands, and goodies stands, and the communities, and the performers, and...

May: Hi!

Ash: Oh wow! May is here! That's great! And I'm wearing my Hoenn outfit, so this is perfect!

Me: Well, what do you know. Looks like my friend decided to send her in. And she's got Eevee with her - that's fantastic!

Ash: Yeah, you're right. By the way, I don't see any way to sign in for character competitions.

Me: What I'm told is that any character that people send in can be chosen as a winner by character judges that walk around. It seems interesting, but you'll have to be wary and watch for them.

Ash: OK. Now the problem is that like two years ago, it really rained like two years ago, so the food stands and goodies stands had to go through that again, and... where's May?

Pikachu: Pi! Pika pika pi! [pointing out]

Ash: Oh wait, there she is! Where were you?

May: Sorry about that. I was just eating over here.

Me: Well, that happens sometimes at a big convention like this, especially with many people around. Don't fret.

Ash: Yeah, I see what you mean. Oh yeah, there were so many performers, they had to have two stages, but one was outside, so I think the rain got to it.

Me: Yes, a few years ago it was like this too, with multiple stages and at least one being affected by the rain. It was a mess. You were there.

Ash: Now that you say it, yeah, I remember. I don't think many people liked it either that time.

May: I need to go. I'll see you at another event later.

Ash: So soon? But it's not even the end yet.

Pikachu: Pika, pi pika. [concerned, letting go]

Me: It can't be helped. I mean, my friend has another agenda that needs to be done. How was ICGP, by the way?

Ash: I like the 11 teams that performed. They said it was the most that ever competed. So the people decided that there should be two big winners than just one.

Me: Wow, that's excellent! I've never heard of this happening before. How was the other character competition?

Ash: I didn't win. It seems like the judges award the winners in secret. I saw a couple of them award a couple of characters, but I didn't see the others. And there were only five winners, one for each judge.

Me: Well, that's fine. Maybe next time. It seems like this is one of those times that it's just mediocre. It wasn't too good, but it wasn't too bad either. The ICGP is the main draw, I think, and looking at the success, it may just be back next year.

Ash: You know, I'm sure you're right. And maybe we can get something big next time?

Pikachu: Pi? [intrigued]

Me: Maybe. Who knows.

One year ago: Investing for PokéCoins
Two years ago: To Pre-Order or Not to Pre-Order?