Road of 25th Anniversary: The Road in Kaleidoscope

It's really getting down to the wire for the major 25th anniversary of Pokémon, with it about to end in two months or so. As well, almost everything related to that anniversary that makes it what it is has been divulged. I thought that before the close of that anniversary, I'd collapse what has been divulged of the anniversary into a "kaleidoscope", similar to what some people might do for other events of the year, also right around this time of year.

One big thing about that anniversary is "world travel". This has been evident with the "regional exhibits" on the anniversary web site, which has presented each of the known regions somewhat in a travel guide manner, enough to make one visit the regions as presented. And one might do just that, specifically through the anime, whether through reminiscing past episodes or (re-)watching the current ones as through (Master) Journeys, the "world saga". It is regardless an important theme for any Pokémon Trainer, and that has to be realized even without being able to leave the confines of one's own home - likely.

Whether for "world travel" or staying home, "good vibes" (through neat music) is always neat to have, and that would be pretty much the whole intent of the P25 Music program. That program has totally delivered by providing amazing music through the contributions of amazing artists; they all touch on themes related to Pokémon, even subtly. While the event that Pokémon Go had with a collaboration with Ed Sheeran is not part of this and can only be described loosely as an adjunct to this anniversary music program, it may be considered to reaffirm the philosophy to a certain extent if little else.

This anniversary is the 25th, which in some ways is rather extraordinary. "Extraordinary" would also explain much of the collaborative merchandise for this occasion. The expected ties with "silver" and jewelry - and even crystals - would be a given, thanks to the gravity of the anniversary. But then there are also unexpected forms like snack food collaborations and even books for the beginning Trainer, as in the ones that really begin to know about life (now further expanded with editions for colors and shapes). All the stops have to be pulled out for this anniversary, even unusual ones.

If Pokémon were to be considered a "kaleidoscope", it would be that it involves facets of life that are multicolored and dazzling, as one would get when one looks into such a device. For the 25th anniversary, such a sight would have to be involved in all its special features, and based on what has been divulged, it has. All that is remarkable (and brilliant) for everything that has been presented in the span of a quarter century.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 12/27/2020

Two years ago: Pokémon and the Furry Fandom

Three years ago: A Tripartite Conversation

Four years ago: I Can Hear Your Voice