The Peak of World of Wonders

Then comes the end of the Pokémon Go season. Billed as a "World of Wonders", the season had indications of not only astonishing things, but also possibilities of magical attractions and circus-like gallantry, as I had noted at the beginning of the season. As is the norm, I consider its last day as the height of things rather than a closure, and I have to view things in the former rather than the latter viewpoint, while also factoring in happenings from outside Pokémon Go yet still in relation to the seasonal theme.

For that, it's wise to start off with Pokémon Go as the root of things. Considering the game events - including Community Day - over the course of these three months, there has been a certain diversity of both aspects and species of Pokémon, and that may be enough to qualify as a wonder "circus". For those living in the "Emerald of the Equator", having two parts of the journey of the famed mascot might be an extra-special wonder (even, "magic"), though so is any of the other events happening elsewhere in the world. The bottom line seems to be that the wonder can be found if one looks hard enough.

In other Pokémon areas, there may have been a little less wonder to go through. Yet if Pokémon Presents from the transition from last season becomes of any indication, despite being "business as usual", all the divulged new content "circus" and the "attractions" that have been realized up to this point in time brings about a continued wonderful presence all their own. The real wonder may strike later on like a returning boomerang, but enough wonder has been realized now that it does somewhat fulfill the premise of the season.

Generally, it may be considered that wonder is a requisite when it comes to Pokémon, regardless of form or presentation (for example, the presently ending Pokémon Go season). Still, the Pokémon Go season does serve as a bit of a reminder that the wonder does exist and it may not take much to find it. This will become the effort in the forthcoming Pokémon Go seasons as well as other general Pokémon happenings.

As for what those may bring, it may help to consider that the presently ending Pokémon Go season had "world" in its title, which might have suggested a slight impression of being kept close to the ground. After a season with such an impression, there might be the time to take to the skies and share the wonders (and related things) with fellow Pokémon fans. That seems to be a wonderful world in and of itself.

One year ago: The Peak of Rising Heroes

Two years ago: The Peak of Alola

Three years ago: The Peak of Legends

Four years ago: Tournament: Raid Group Forest Cup

Five years ago: A New Pokémon "Wave"

Six years ago: Off We Go... to Alola!

Seven years ago: I Need More Rumble World Players

Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 5/30/2024

As is typical of end of Pokémon Go season months, once all the Pokémon happenings of the month are over and done, I typically have only a few days left in the month to make the event rollup for Pokémon Go, and in this case, I only have this day, as the other is reserved for the end of the season. This is one pattern, but it seems the events this month present another: they have some commonality in structures. Thus, an exploration of them is also pertinent.

This month actually has (had) two "events" that aren't really as such. The first of these kicked off the month, as the Glitz and Glam event from May 1 to 3. From the first day of this event, Trainers can access a Special Research set that features a Diancie encounter (or more Mega Energy for the Pokémon if they already obtained it from last year's Pokémon Go Fest). To herald and support this new set, Field Research tasks rewarded more of that Mega Energy or encounters with Carbink as the genetic kin. And that's all, really; after that, the beauty is for Trainers to discover by themselves.

Other happenings took place within modest timeframes yet weren't shy in features. Rivals Week returned from May 4 to 9, bringing attention to a few battle-capable Pokémon as well as those who duke it out against each other (Zangoose and Seviper, Throh and Sawk, and Heatmor and Durant); the latter group came in two-day periods while the former was present throughout, in the wild and raids. Field Research tasks led to battle-capable encounters, and Timed Research furnished additional items. This event also encompassed a Go Battle Weekend on May 4 and 5, with more battle sets, more Stardust, and free and paid Timed Research with nifty rewards, along with themed showcases throughout. With or without battling, Trainers had much to contend with over the course of this event.

Single-day events were also the norm for this month. May 11 saw the Flock Together Research Day from 2 PM to 5 PM, which was clearly focused on Pokémon species of the Flying type. For those not in some specific areas, two assortments of Flying-type Pokémon were available in the wild and as Field Research task rewards, all of them possibly Shiny. Those that want more could opt for paid Timed Research for extra encounters of a selected Field Research reward Pokémon by completing those tasks. While things weren't "for the birds", some Trainers might have found them to be a handful on that day.

The other "non-event" event was the Catching Wonders event from May 14 to 19. As with the first one at the beginning of the month, Trainers can access another Special Research set for a Master Ball with the same title as the event, dubbed a "Masterwork Research" due to its supposed longevity. This one, though, had a few extra bonuses of increased XP and Stardust for the first catch and PokéStop spin, as well as special Field Research tasks and Web Store bundles. Like the first one, things were minimalist aside from the Special Research set, and certain Trainers can leverage the bonuses if need be.

As the ultimate event of the month (and season), Ultra Space Wonders from May 23 to 28 delivered some major elements. This served as the debut of Naganadel (by evolving Poipole through a condition) as well as Blacephalon and Stakataka (in raids in western and eastern hemispheres respectively) and Shiny Mareanie. Complementing them were Pokémon of the Poison and Dragon types in the wild and raids, with the Ultra Beast raids rewarding double XP. Field Research also could reward Pokémon of the types above, the final part of the seasonal Special Research was unlocked, and paid Timed Research rewarded Mareanie encounters, useful items, and a fashion item. All these were complemented with a Web Store bundle, Collection Challenges, new fashion items, and showcases, befitting its ultimate nature. 

Somewhat near to the end of the month was also the other single-day event, Ferroseed Incense Day, on May 26. True to its types and event norms, the event featured the Grass and Steel types, alternating in appearances from 11 AM to 5 PM, as attracted by Incense; Ferroseed and its Shiny form could also be encountered more often. Daily Adventure Incense was also doubled in duration, while an extra Incense could be purchased for 1 coin, and Field Research tasks gave item rewards. It was a somewhat long event, but it might very well have been significant for some and in closing.

Over the course of this month, Trainers were presented with multiple events with some similar formats, but it seems they served well for a patterned end to the season, this month being its last. After having explored the events for the month, it would serve right for me to continue exploring the current season until its end tomorrow and the new season when it begins the day after to make sense of everything and proceed through their happenings.

One year ago: The State of Nominations, Part 22

Two years ago: The State of Nominations, Part 16

Three years ago: Quickies: Ice, Pokémon, and Chilling Out

Four years ago: Team Rocket, Minus Motto

Five years ago: Woodblock Art with a Pokémon Twist

Six years ago: Old Adventure, New Sensibilities

Seven years ago: Ad Astra per Aspera... and the Third Games

The State of Nominations, Part 28

My detailing of my PokéStop nomination progress continues after another two months, and this time I've got some big things to share. That's because there's been some expansion on both my front and the system (Wayfarer) front, and that's big as far as things go. Since bigger isn't always better, though, I have to quantify those things against my current actual progress, and that's always the purpose of this bimonthly post along with just reviewing my progress in general.

As always, numbers have to tell the tale in some respects. Presently I have 127 Accepted nominations, which is 7 more than last time, and that's big in and of itself. I also have 64 Not Accepted nominations, which is the same as last time; though there were more, a few were also Appealed and became Accepted, making things even - I have one such Appeal in progress. For undecided nominations, I have 19 In Voting and 7 In Queue, both likely to have major swings the next time I update. Duplicate nominations stay at 11, and I don't expect to see major swings in this one even the next time.

Then there's the big things for Wayfarer. The Contributions section has been expanded, and now it also shows those for adding to or editing currently existing Waypoints (that become realized as PokéStops in Pokémon Go). These additions and edits are also an ongoing matter and have been as such for a long time. Now, though, with these being outlined, I am inclined to keep tabs on them much like PokéStop nominations as above, further as they (are now revealed to) have the same statuses. It's a big addition regardless, and the results may lend themselves to major progressions as well.

Other major things to remark include my use of an Upgrade for the very first time, on a close-to-home nomination that really needs its use, also by having marked it earlier with Upgrade Next. Further Upgrades will likely require significant efforts, if the one for this nomination is of any indication, and will therefore not be on my mind until I even get anywhere close to earning one for use on a nomination some ways into the future. Even so, some recent nominations seem to just "upgrade" themselves by becoming Accepted in mere days rather than weeks, and this is also something to look forward for others later on as well.

Some big things can and always do occur with PokéStop nominations, particularly the ones I've been making and the process that goes on for it in the Wayfarer system. Whether that means things have become better or not, perhaps that's not for me to say completely, even with the usual efforts. For now, they still need to continue, further as some areas can be readily identified to need them, and the biggest things may just occur after nominations are made and realized.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 5/29/2023

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 5/29/2022

Three years ago: The State of Nominations, Part 10

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 5/29/2020

Five years ago: Lure Modules Evolve

Six years ago: The "Attractors"

Seven years ago: A Hero Looks to the Sky

"Pokémon in Concert"?

Pokémon is known for having a breadth of musical content for all of its media forms, from the games to the anime and beyond. It's a rather wide breadth, and what could seem to be a good idea is to take elements of that wide breadth, package those elements in a single happening, and make it available for audiences to view. Certainly, I'm suggesting a concert of the musical kind, which would seem to be an exciting prospect by the above, yet would also have to be fleshed out in detail.

Some Pokémon music has been featured before in concert - specifically in orchestral form - in the "Smashing... Live!" concerts from many, many years ago, but these were for the greater Nintendo co-mingling that is Super Smash Brothers. Furthermore, there has been a history of some other Pokémon songs in orchestra symphonic form, and they could make for good concert material. As such, an orchestra seems to be in demand for a possible Pokémon concert, along with the musical material for it, some of which might need further adaptation while others can be used directly in this form.

Many artists have graced Pokémon, for the anime or otherwise, and their songs can stand to be included. Rica Matsumoto is certainly an artist fodder, but admittedly she's getting on in years - which does explain why things moved from Ash - so if she is to be included now, the Pokémon concert has to be realized quickly. A more recent entrant is YOASOBI, who has contributed to Pokémon with a song of their own and has in fact performed with Pokémon mascots in their concerts, and thus could also be included. Any other artists who have (covered) Pokémon(-related) songs are also surely welcome.

Recent local Pokémon events (in my area) have also featured a "Pikachu EDM" segment featuring electronic music and dance, and this could also become fodder for a full-fledged Pokémon concert, expanding the musical diversity. The current concept could be utilized, but it could also be possible to collaborate with others like Ryutaro Nakahara (Ryu☆), who also happened to be at last year's ICC and might be interested in dropping a few contributions of his own. EDM is certainly not everyone's cup of tea, but at least some of it might just appeal to Pokémon fans and other concert-goers.

With all the content possibilities, a musical concert built around Pokémon musical works could be an enticing possibility, even with the possibility that it might be difficult to realize such an event, considering the talents that might be involved. Yet it could be a great Pokémon wonder if one ever comes to be, for the more musically inclined fans like me and perhaps a few music observers in general, as a showcase for all existing potentials of Pokémon music that is just as diverse as the species. 

One year ago: Master Ball, Now in Pokémon Go

Two years ago: Chasing Competitive Dreams

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 5/28/2021

Four years ago: Pro Job, Fun Job

Five years ago: Memories of Sinnoh

Six years ago: Helix Fossil Understands

Seven years ago: Takara Tomy Pokémon XY Pikachu Plush Doll

The Dragon Carnival in Pokémon Unite

Although I've written quite a bit about Pokémon Unite this month, I've somewhat "fallen off the wagon" in writing about the events that go on in the game. Fortunately, there is one recent (more specifically, ongoing) event that I can write about, and it's a pretty significant and fascinating one. It concerns a group (or type) of Pokémon and having them duke it out against one another as well as others already in the game. By the title of the event, it becomes clear that no ordinary Pokémon are involved.

The Dragon Carnival, as it is called, involves the six Pokémon species of the Dragon type that are already in the game (Dragonite, Garchomp, Duraludon, Miraidon, Dragapult, and Goodra) and playing with them in various ways. The primary part of the challenge involves selecting them two by two for a series of tasks that require either their usage by the player or at the least their presence in a battle. Completing these tasks rewards points, which can then be traded for a set of goodies, the most significant being a clothing set based on Raihan the Duraludon Trainer. This may be the only enticing part, apart from completing the set of Unite Licenses for these Pokémon and getting experience of using them in battle.

Like previous "festive" events (Pika Party and Eevee Festival), this event also features a unique map, called "Full-Burst Battle! Dragon Dustup", which allows all six - and only those six - Pokémon above to be played, with repetition allowed much like the Eevee Festival unique map. The base of the map is Mer Stadium with only Swablu and Altaria as the regular wild Pokémon, Regidrago as the only "boost" Pokémon (which also marks its debut, appearing intermittently), and Rayquaza in the legend pit with similar effects as with Theia Sky Ruins. The map is an intense one - losing footing once could mean losing the entire battle at the end, though as always, anything can happen.

In order to encourage playing the map, aside from the challenge above, there is also a selection of missions with daily tasks and repeat tasks that can be played to earn points, which at specific milestones will allow the earning of useful items that can be used day in and day out. Even so, the missions as well as the above challenge also have tasks that don't require (and in fact require something other than) the unique map, although admittedly the map is more helpful in certain circumstances. Still, the effect is that the unique map is definitively incorporated into the event, and it as a whole presents a unified aspect that demands lots of play with the Dragon-type Pokémon species as above.

Dragon-type Pokémon are significant in their own right, even those that have appeared in Pokémon Unite. With that, the current Dragon Carnival event is a fitting tribute to them, being also a significant and definitely writeable event that is also fitting of my current run of Pokémon Unite posts. Fittingly, it should prompt any player to duke things out with the involved Pokémon - which in fact has happened for me to prepare this writeup - and challenge things supremely with the aid of some extraordinary Pokémon.

One year ago: Introducing Shadow Raids

Two years ago: Living in the "City on the Trees"

Three years ago: Electrify Your Power

Four years ago: Coffee in My Coffers?

Five years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 5/27/2019

Six years ago: Long Raid's Journey Into Night

Seven years ago: A Test of My Resolve: I Still...

Cosplay: Helloweebs Spotlight Event 2024

Me: OK, so here's Act 1 from yesterday and... I guess it would be Act 4 for today - but more on that later. 

Goh: Oh, it's the same one from last year.

Me: More or less, I think we might be able to say? Like last year, it runs for two days, obviously. 

Ash: It really was like last year - the stands, the stage, everything. 

Pikachu: Pika chu. ["Exactly that."]

Goh: I'm sure the competitions are the same too.

Me: You bet: singing, character parade, and character performance. Since Ash didn't get into any of them last year, I had to get him in this year's.

Ash: I was in the singing competition yesterday... with something a little different.

Goh: How different? 

Ash: Usually a group would sing it.

Me: So the story I put for you is that it's an idol song - but Ash is my "idol", so you have the privilege to sing it.

Ash: And it's the same one from a few months ago and the little festival two weeks ago!

Me: There's that - it's the first time we put it into competition. Also, a sister group of the original performed it with Pikachu, coincidentally during that time on the island, so now it has a faint Pokémon connection.

Pikachu: Pi, pika? ["Nice, right?"]

Goh: I see! That must have been a riot now.

Ash: Actually, no - the people watching were normal.

Me: I have a few theories about this, but we'll have to put it in another competition.

Goh: How'd it go, though?

Ash: My cap almost flew off because of the wind on stage! And I used a stand, but somehow it didn't feel too good. Maybe the judge saw this and thought so too - but the singing was fine.

Goh: So, no win.

Ash: No - a friend told me later.

Me: Hmm. As I've said, I want to put this into another competition to verify things, including to fix this now.

Goh: I'll support that. So, what about the character parade?

Ash: It was also yesterday, but I wasn't in it because it was the exact same time as the other festival.

Me: That, and I think you got a better return from the other one even without a win.

Goh: Then there's the performance competition.

Ash: That was today. I saw a couple, and they looked so involved.

Me: I had a hunch. This one might be a little out of our league, but I'm still interested in putting you in one - just one that's less involved, so probably not this one.

Ash: I can't wait for that.

Pikachu: Pika chu pika. ["I'm right with you."]

Goh: Oh, and other entertainment?

Ash: They had a few games for people, and a few dance groups and a DJ. I saw the last two today.

Goh: OK, same as last year, like just about everything else.

Me: Agreed, so let's discuss something else. Any big hits?

Ash: I got to meet many of your friends as usual. I even had a lively Pokémon talk with one of them.

Goh: I'm sure some of our friend's friends share the same interest for Pokémon as we do.

Me: That's pretty much the truth, and it's always a big reason why I keep sending Ash - not to mention for the competitions and all.

Goh: If there are hits, there had to be misses - were there anything?

Ash: The people who ran it seemed to be a bit out of their minds - I almost missed the part where the singing competition judge was to talk to me, and then I missed the group picture when I headed to the other festival.

Me: When I set you up, they did seem rather quiet. I do wish that they told us the details before everything started so everyone would know what to expect.

Goh: If you missed stuff, I can imagine some of the others would too.

Pikachu: Pi... pika pika. ["Well... it's possible."]

Goh: By the way, if this is Act 4 today, what was Act 3?

Me: Oh, Ash needed to do a bit of something involving Ferroseed - and again at the festival. Did you do it?

Ash: I did, before I came. And I think it slightly improved at the festival.

Me: Awesome, so thanks for taking care of that. Anyway, overall, the festival part of it is pretty good, but the competitive part could be a bit better, even with this being our first competitive experience for it.

Ash: Yeah! I'd be happy to come again next time and do something for the competitions.

Goh: This is a "spotlight event", after all, so they're putting you and the others in the spotlight.

Me: Why not - let's see if they and I can make that "spotlight" brighter next time.

One year ago: SA Factions: The First (and the Last) Cycle

Two years ago: Pokémon in 1995?

Three years ago: Pokémon SM KFC Toys: The Rest, Part 2

Four years ago: Safe, Pleasant, and Beneficial for All

Five years ago: Best of the Rest: T-Shirt Contest

Six years ago: Read, Play, and Enjoy

Seven years ago: A Camera and a Pikachu Doll

Cosplay: M-Cell Grand Opening

Me: All right, this weekend is going to be a "circus", in a way.

Goh: Oh, are there multiple festivals and/or happenings?

Me: Hmm, you could say that. This first one is actually the second, but it's the main one today. 

Ash: So we'll save the first one for tomorrow!

Me: Yeah, pretty much. So, around four years ago, we talked about phones and stuff, and that was also with the pretext of sending you somewhere.

Goh: I remember that. So... this is a development of that?

Me: Goh is on it. In the same place and all.

Ash: It's a phone shop. They remodeled a lot since last time.

Me: They did, so they wanted to celebrate - and here we are. It's actually been going on for a week, and this was our day with characters and such.

Ash: Back then it was them who invited me and other characters. Now...

Me: It's some of our friends helping them out, so they need the support and all, what with the other festival.

Pikachu: Pika chu pika. ["Sounds noble of you."]

Ash: Well, sure! So I got there after going to the other festival, and it was just like last time - a street festival. But now it's on the other side.

Goh: I'm sure it was roomy.

Ash: It was! I signed up for the character parade just like you told me to, after waiting a bit.

Me: Yeah, I didn't want to make it seem like you "butted in". These are my friends, even though sometimes...

Goh: Well?

Me: Probably I shouldn't discuss it with you all. Anyway, maybe there were a couple of other different things?

Ash: There were a couple of food stands and a proper stage this time.

Goh: What was it like last time?

Ash: We were just out on the lot.

Goh: OK, yeah, that's an improvement.

Me: What about the character parade itself? (I sent you with your Journeys outfit, by the way.)

Ash: They wanted it short, and they got it from me.

Pikachu: Pika! ["And me!"]

Goh: What about the results, though?

Ash: Nothing, even with only 20 characters and lots of prizes.

Goh: Well, that's a drag.

Me: Tell us about it.

Goh: Maybe you had fun in another way?

Ash: I just watched the others play games, sing songs, and dance.

Me: OK, that's not much. But it was good for just a late afternoon into the evening.

Goh: That short, huh?

Ash: Maybe it could have been longer if more people came!

Me: Maybe, maybe not. They probably were set on doing things the way they were, with or without the other festival.

Ash: It did feel a little closer with fewer people around.

Pikachu: Pi pika. ["I think so too."]

Goh: Sounds like the other festival stole people from this. I'd like to know about that.

Me: So do I, and that's actually the Act 1 to this Act 2.

Ash: Plus some more tomorrow!

Me: They would be Act 3 and Act 4. As I've said, it's a "circus" of a weekend, and it's not quite over yet.

One year ago: Tournament: SWEEP JR vs. Budak_Korporat.ID (SA Factions)

Two years ago: Sensitive Parts of Pokémon

Three years ago: Pokémon SM KFC Toys: The Rest, Part 1

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 5/24/2020

Five years ago: T-Shirts in Distress

Six years ago: Trading Items?

Seven years ago: Retro Rendezvous

For the Very Little Ones: monpoké

Pokémon obviously appeals to kids of all ages - including those who only remain as such at heart - and I've covered this in many different ways and aspects on this blog. This post takes yet another aspect for this discussion, one which might turn things (and heads) around, quite literally. That's because this post concerns something called "monpoké", which at first glance looks very odd as the name is an inversion of the already-established Pokémon branding. Behind this oddity, however, is a world of Pokémon things that appeal to kids - specifically, very little ones.

That's because the sub-brand involves all kinds of things that are directed to "very little" Trainers, as babies or at the least infants. Of all the groups of people who could be exposed to Pokémon, they are the ones who possess the least understanding of Pokémon, at least at their developmental point in time. Yet prospective parents who wish to introduce Pokémon (eventually) to their children might just find this sub-brand incredibly amusing and entertaining, fitting well for that purpose while looking good and generally representative of Pokémon.

As expected, this brand involves a few merchandise items. There are new infant outfits in collaboration with Bonpoint as well as a few new storybooks as a joint effort with Scholastic. Though not part of the sub-brand per se, the Pokémon Primers books from way back when could also be considered to support the sub-brand, and so does a few other merchandise lines of the plush doll variety. Other merchandise items are sure to result and will likely appear in due time.

On the entertainment side, as something that everyone can enjoy, there are a few video clips featuring Pokémon in puppet play under the banner of "Fun Times on monpoké Island", the playlist of which can be seen on YouTube. The Pokémon look very cutesy in the typical brand style and are subtitled for young viewers' convenience (being a Pokémon Kids TV production) and even feature understandable Pokémon voices. They're all very nicely made and are great time fillers.

It's a little fascinating how Pokémon can leverage an inversion of its brand name and make something out of it for very little Trainers to get into Pokémon from an early age while remaining very pleasantly enjoyable for fans of the older kind, who are likely to peruse the items to make sure that their little ones can also join in the Pokémon fun, now and as they grow up.

One year ago: Tournament: SWEEP JR vs. Budak_Korporat.ID (SA Factions)

Two years ago: Sensitive Parts of Pokémon

Three years ago: Pokémon SM KFC Toys: The Rest, Part 1

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 5/24/2020

Five years ago: T-Shirts in Distress

Six years ago: Trading Items?

Seven years ago: Retro Rendezvous

The New State of Pokémon Go Item Boxes

Every so often, I've discussed the item boxes in the in-game shop of Pokémon Go, but not majorly since a change to them occurred five years ago. And that's a long time, which means that a change to them now has to be significant - and it is. In fact, it may affect the purchasing habits of Trainers on a regular basis, even from day to day. The prospect seems to be just as fascinating as it is confounding, so as many aspects of the change as possible need to be explained, which is the purpose of this post. 

Instead of appearing for some time and then disappearing (the previous previous model) or being persistent with a selection for a time then changing (the previous model), this time the boxes are persistent on a daily basis, then changing at midnight local time each day. There are also a few new boxes with different names. Furthermore, the boxes are different from one Trainer to another, and the contents may be said to be "tailored" for the Trainer. For example, at the time of making this post, I have three boxes entitled "Legend Box", "Explorer Box", and "Gold Box", primarily containing raid passes, incubators, and boost items respectively. But there has also been a history of boxes with other items like capture balls and Berries, not all of which may be enticing - but some will be, most likely for items related to raids. 

From time to time, there will also be other, additional boxes containing set items that don't change each day but are only available for a limited time, which is indicated below the name and price. Obviously, item bundles for Community Day fall into this category, but a few other events might have their own specific boxes (for example a Raid Box with raid passes or a Hatch Box with incubators, possibly in combination with other items). They're obviously useful, at the very least in addition to what items the changing boxes do provide, which will be the primary target regardless of Trainer or event.

As for my primary target, I'm sometimes interested in the boxes with raid passes (especially of the remote kind) but not much else, including for incubators as I always have a ready supply of those. It is agreed universally that the contents of most other boxes are relatively worthless, so I don't go for them, as with most other Trainers. 

The item boxes in Pokémon Go have gone through a history of their own, and the present iteration seems the most dynamic yet with some daily changing ones and others specific to certain happenings. Yet within all that, Trainers should find useful things in the mix of items the boxes contain and, as they purchase the boxes accordingly, make them fit their adventure as the item boxes also attempt to do as such.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 5/21/2023

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day Goodies

Three years ago: The Laissez-Faire Approach to Pokémon

Four years ago: The State of Nominations, Part 4

Five years ago: A Friend and Fellow Pokétaku

Six years ago: Favorite LINE Pokémon Stickers, Again

Seven years ago: Becoming a Connoisseur

Let's Talk About Remembrance

Me: Well, as usual, today is someone's special day. And it happens to be the first one "after the fact" on my end of things.

Goh: We did discuss it way back when...

Me: Indeed we did, and everything back then continues to apply. What also continues to apply is the remembering of things - and a lot of that applies in all of our cases.

Ash: I think I know what you mean! I know I have to remember there are friends and family everywhere...

Pikachu: Pi pika! ["And me!"]

Ash: ...and of course buddies like Pikachu!

Goh: And I have to do pretty much the same - now that I crossed paths with Ash.

Ash: Yeah! That makes sense.

Me: Sometimes I have to do that too, though I'm not sure about people on the other end.

Goh: I'm pretty sure they do - if not, it could be disappointing.

Me: Sure, even though this is starting to digress. Before that happens, let's move on to something else to remember.

Goh: How about... goals and objectives?

Me: Ooh! That's a good one.

Ash: I think Goh is right. Even now I still think about becoming a Pokémon Master and how that would be for me.

Pikachu: Pika pika chu. ["I'm with you there."]

Goh: And then there's me with Mew and all that.

Me: So, we can say it's absolutely important, because they guide all of us.

Goh: With us being here, you must have one too for that.

Me: Of course! It's just... I'm still not there yet. But I'm trying as best as I can. I still think it can and has to work out.

Ash: I'm not there yet either, actually - but we can and should get there.

Me: Exactly! As for what I have to offer to remember, we have to remember our roots, origins, basically where we came from.

Goh: You did bring up about this the last time, a little bit.

Me: And I even wrote a little bit about it a long time ago too - at that time I was looking at something of my past. Even today I got reminded of it and looked at it again.

Ash: Oh, that's interesting! But yeah, I do think sometimes about that first day I got a Pokémon.

Pikachu: Pika chu. Pika pika. ["Yeah, that. And then my past."]

Goh: Now you got me thinking about my school, and then what got me to deal with Mew. 

Ash: So our friend's past is a little like our past too - it's hard to forget, but we have to remember it.

Me: That seems to be very true, and it can even be very similar to the present, as with you two and afterwards.

Goh: Maybe that thing is in us after all.

Me: Maybe so. Finally, there's the thing to remember about today.

Goh: Yes, that!

Me: Happy "birthday", Ash.

Pikachu: Pika chu! ["Rejoice!"]

Ash: Thanks! 

Me: We also have to remember that it may not be set - but who knows. For all I (and many others) care, it's pretty much set.

Goh: It happens when it happens.

Ash: But it's still special for me! 

Me: Even "after the fact", it still is very much that way.

Ash: And it's something you'll always remember.

Me: Now, and maybe just for as long as possible.

One year ago: Let's Talk About Perpetual Connections

Two years ago: Let's Talk About Meaningful Things

Three years ago: Let's Talk About Filling in Things

Four years ago: Let's Talk About Some Moments

Five years ago: After All These Years

Six years ago: GiRL (Gyms in Real Life)

Seven years ago: To Japan and Beyond

A Slowing Down for Pokémon Go?

Lately, there's been a few "signs" that some things are seemingly slowing down in Pokémon Go, certainly effected by its developer (Niantic) among other things. While they don't appear to be too concerning on the surface, the history of challenges faced by the game does make things somewhat suspect with the appearance of the "signs". As such, there seems to be the imperative to bring them up and address them in a discussion.

First, a couple of recently added Special Research sets have no "research guide" to them, indicated by the absence of the character icon on their headers. They just simply pop up with a device icon when obtained, and no remarks are given when completing each page. Timed Research sets having no guide (since they're essentially Special Research with an assigned time limit) have been the norm since the beginning, but full-fledged permanent Special Research sets having no guide does lead to the suspicion that "corners are being cut", in a way.

"Cutting corners" also seems to be suspiciously evident on the official blog for the game. Some of the more recent posts about events no longer include full Pokémon graphics where applicable, as well as icons that highlighted specific features. Granted, this could simply mean that they have made the posts into "lo-fi" versions that are better for viewing and loading on mobile devices (especially where Pokémon Go is played). Yet it still represents a reduced presentation effort from what it was previously.

Then, there are the items in the item boxes in the in-game shop. There has in fact been quite significant changes to the workings of these, but the details of that are best reserved for a fully separate post. What's important is the items, which are sometimes useful, other times useless, and often heavily discounted - with all of these having the qualitative keyword of "relative". So it is that the "relative" quality might not indicate too much of anything, but it seems that one cannot help but be observant of the quality as the items themselves are observed.

Supposedly, others and I probably shouldn't be "reading too much" into these apparently observed "signs" of things slowing down in Pokémon Go. Regardless, for those who notice them, like me, it's hard to not consider them as nagging indicators of further issues. Whether or not any of these is true or apparent as such, at the least, play can still continue, and that's still probably a primary concern for the game outside of its issues.

One year ago: Cosplay: Harusaki no Matsuri - COSMO's 9th Anniversary

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 5/21/2022

Three years ago: Anime with Mixed Language Content?

Four years ago: More Virulent Impacts

Five years ago: Respect for Rica Matsumoto

Six years ago: Throwing Poké Balls

Seven years ago: Cosplay: East and West

My Pokémon Boost Emblem Progress in Pokémon Unite

While I'm progressing through ranks and challenges in Pokémon Unite, I'm also collecting the "boost emblems" that serve to enhance the Pokémon that I use by way of having their Unite Licenses. Still, it seems neat to keep track of my collection progress and discuss further efforts for collection as well as possible usage. It would also continue a string of Pokémon Unite posts this month, which looks set to create a monthly run similar to that of Café Remix last month.

Anyhow, for that progression, I actually have almost all of the emblems for currently available Pokémon. The only three Pokémon (out of 256) for which I do not have emblems of any kind are Wooper, Celebi, and Zacian, the last of these being "out of band". All others have an emblem of at least Bronze, with a good majority having Silver and around half having Gold. Of Platinum emblems, I only have 14; this last kind is rather circumstantial, so the situation is understandable.

Since the primary method of obtaining them is through energy exchange, it's still a luck-of-the-draw situation for most of these emblems that aren't of the Platinum level. For that, some time ago, the Unite Weekend has been instituted on the first weekend of the month, which includes tasks that allow a Platinum emblem to be earned; obviously I would still need to partake in this when the occasion arises to collect more Platinum emblems. 

Though at present my emblems have been primarily tailored for use with Charizard - which is my ace in Ranked matches - I may be open to use different emblems for the same Pokémon, something that I will have to look into. I don't expect this preference to change, but if it did, it would take something radical to incur this, and my emblem placements would probably have to change radically as well. Yet it's likely that the first radical change will be for my current emblem usage.

Even though the "boost emblems" may take some fortunate happenings in collection and usage (to some extent), they're evidently still a part of the workings of Pokémon Unite and, in my personal case, it seems helpful to cover them. Evidently, though, I'm already quite well off in this regard, so the next update I make on this might just show how much better off I am after this point - perhaps more significantly than even the present.

One year ago: Tournament: Arcaviary Tournament - Arcana Cup

Two years ago: BJ Podcast: The Varied Nature of Japanese Fans

Three years ago: Reminiscing Pokémon Karaokemon... and More

Four years ago: More "Countermeasures" for Pokémon Go

Five years ago: Performance Critique: Bunkasai 2019 J-Song

Six years ago: Shiny Obsessions... Again?

Seven years ago: Oddest Things with Pokémon

Pokémon Go Community Day, 5/19/2024

Me: Welcome back!

Ash: All right! Community Day!

Goh: OK, it should be a nice change of pace. What do we have today?

Me: Well, today we're in the tropics. (Technically I already am, but that's another matter...)

Goh: Let me guess: something from the Alola region?

Me: You bet! Today we have Bounsweet.

Ash: Nice! I'm already reminded of Mallow. Remember, Pikachu?

Pikachu: Pika! ["Sure do!"]

Ash: We made and ate wonderful things together.

Me: Great, isn't it? As usual, though, you're not here to cook - you're here to catch.

Goh: So, it evolves twice - to Steenee and then Tsareena. What move does that one get?

Me: It gets High Jump Kick this time. Now, that's an interesting move, because typically if the user misses...

Goh: ...they hurt themselves.

Me: Right. But you never miss when you're on the go, so instead, it can drop your defense by quite a bit in this case, at least when battling another Trainer. 

Goh: Same function, different approach.

Me: Sure enough.

Ash: I'm interested in the main bonus.

Me: So are a lot of people. That would be quartered hatching distance for Eggs, so if you needed to get Eggs hatching and out, you'd make use of it.

Ash: OK, let's see what I can do.

Me: Other than that, I think we can guess how everything else plays out.

Ash: Well, I think we need the double Candy and Candy XL chance, since you don't seem to have a lot of those.

Me: True, that.

Goh: And you'd need to have the Bounsweet come by extended Incense and Lure Modules.

Me: Of course.

Ash: I think I heard a couple of your friends want to trade. We can use the extra Special Trades and the trade discount.

Me: I think you may have heard right.

Ash: I get to do tasks by myself and with Professor Willow today!

Me: As usual.

Goh: And if you can, you'd take pictures to have Bounsweet show up, raid Steenee, put Pokémon in showcases, buy an item bundle, and get stickers.

Me: To an extent. I already got a lot of the stickers over the past week as well.

Ash: I think I'm ready!

Pikachu: Pikachu. ["Let's go."]

Me: Sure. So, how'd things go today?

Ash: I got to meet all your friends, check in for the tasks with Professor Willow (it was called "A Sweet Surprise"), and then got to deal with all the Bounsweet.

Goh: Were there any "perfect surprises"? Some of the last few ones had had one.

Ash: I had one from a task! But just for myself. Don't know about the others...

Me: Nice! Definitely an improvement over the ones I'd already captured before. How'd you spend the day?

Ash: I got to walk around the place from before with someone who knows about Pokémon a whole lot!

Goh: That must have been as fun for you as the person.

Ash: It really was. We practically spent the entire time together.

Goh: How many Shiny Bounsweet did you catch?

Ash: Just six, but I think that's enough.

Me: That's fine for us - we don't need too much.

Ash: Then I Lucky Traded one of them and evolved it, along with that perfect one, your Buddy, and two for battling.

Me: Great! All the usual ones.

Goh: Speaking of usual... there must have been a group photo op.

Ash: Of course!

Goh: And then giveaways like every time with a group.

Ash: I didn't win anything. The Shiny ones were all average and there weren't many categories.

Me: Yeah, that happens from time to time.

Ash: But you probably didn't need what the others gave away.

Me: If it is as I suspect, then not all the time.

Ash: Oh, I then raided Regirock and Shadow Suicune, but I only got Suicune.

Pikachu: Pi pika! ["Nice one!"]

Goh: Wow! That should have been a sight. Also about sights... our friend must have had a reason for sending Ash.

Me: Right. There are actually a few happenings I could have sent Ash to today, but they would be either usual or costly.

Goh: I see, and Community Day was the least expensive and not too usual option.

Me: That's the point. But like the Pokémon, today seems to have been pretty sweet enough as it was.

Ash: I'd agree! This Community Day was a bit sweet for everyone, even us.

Me: It surely can be different each time, even if it is regular. We can reap sweet rewards elsewhere at another time, but for this one, the featured Pokémon speaks for its sweet self. 

One year ago: Need Some Help, Niantic?

Two years ago: Bits and Pieces of Pokémon Merchandise

Three years ago: The Hum of (Pokémon) Life

Four years ago: Better for the World

Five years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 5/19/2019

Six years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 5/19/2018

Seven years ago: On the Mystery of Dungeons

And Now, We Go

Discover whole new different worlds

Ready, set - here we go

Together to the farthest places

There's a magical adventure ahead if we go

Wherever our destiny takes us

You don't have to be afraid anymore

Spread your wings

Believe you'll rise up and soar

We go, We go...

-- "We Go", aespa (English version)

So, that one other song for the "musical tributes" for the new Pokémon anime isn't so much a "tribute" because it constitutes actual Pokémon music - or one that has been inducted as such. Yet it has to be "honored" in some way, and what better time than now, as I'm getting into the new series. It ties into the anime by serving as an opening theme for that series, including its "other language" version, which will soon be made evident in a moment. By that, its significance becomes paramount to the series.

That "other language" would be Korean, and thus the song is also part of the K-Pop fabric, being sung by a girl band. Over in the land of ginseng, the song is used for their local language dub of the anime series. In some ways, this is important, as it becomes a clear indication that the appreciation of the people over there for Pokémon, which I had also pointed out in another post, is still maintained even today. The song having an English version becomes fortuitous for the rest of us... to an extent.

I say that because the English version of the song is indeed used as an opening theme, for the Asian English distribution; even the Indonesian dub, which I also had the chance to preview recently, has this song as the opening as well. Here, it replaces the common English distribution opening entitled "Becoming Me", though its instrumental version is retained as an ending. I'll get to this other song at some point later on, but this situation becomes unique as the song itself is unique.

By that, through the (admittedly partial) English version, for which the chorus is quoted above, and translation notes for the full version, the song suggests a sort of "renewal" for the individual(s) mentioned within it, to seek new places and rise to greater heights. Evidently, this aligns very well with the spirit of the new anime series after a change in the main character, and especially as a good wish for that. The titular phrase is repeated many times, affirming its intent for newness.

As this "musical tribute" series of posts for the new Pokémon anime concludes with this song, which goes beyond the "tribute" concept, all that becomes left to do now is to continue watching the anime and see where the journey of Liko, Roy, and the gang continues and takes them - and to touch on other matters involving the series once they become pertinent. In essence, we are all fulfilling the core premise of the song, and things can only proceed onward and upward from there.

One year ago: Every Day Is a Grind

Two years ago: New Factions Battlefields and More

Three years ago: One-Day Pokémon Adventure

Four years ago: Trivia Questions and Answers

Five years ago: Trainer Image Cards

Six years ago: Marathons...?

Seven years ago: Pins and Pins

Royals of the Universe

Born to be kings

Princes of the universe

Fighting and free

Got your world in my hand

I'm here for your love and I'll make my stand

We were born to be princes of the universe

-- "Princes of the Universe", Queen

I've got two more songs that I want to cover for the "musical tributes" to the new Pokémon anime, but only one of them is properly a "tribute". The other, well... that remains to be detailed. For now, there is that proper "tribute", which comes by way of the song above. Fans of pop culture - albeit obscure facets - might recognize this song as being one from a series rooted in European historical facets, which I hear some people really like about the series, though I personally don't care too much for it. What I do care about plentifully is Pokémon, so I'm "borrowing" this song for this "tribute".

Some songs from this legendary band don't follow set lyrical patterns, and this is one of them. Regardless, I've quoted what could be considered as its "chorus", as it is repeated once. The song overall is a statement by a group of people - the "princes" referred by the song - and their ideals of conquest, in the process becoming the "kings" that are mentioned. This has a parallel to the characters of the other series, and it could also be considered to parallel the journeys of Trainers to become the very best (or at least the best they can be), and that leads things back to the current "musical tribute".

For the purpose of this "tribute", I've taken the song as a way to honor the new main characters - Liko, Roy, and the rest of the Rising Volt Tacklers - and their current struggles as well as wherever and to whatever those struggles may lead. The journey is still fairly new (to a certain extent), and they may only be hardly "princes", but a lofty destiny may just await them. Speaking of, they're also of different genders, unlike what the song and the other series imply, so there are "princesses" in the mix - which is why I have titled this post as such, to the "royals" of the present.

As with the previous "tribute", this one is also retroactively applicable to the main character of the past, which is none other than Ash as well as all those who have been present on his journey, including Goh as the last significant one. To those who have been watching, they may be considered literal "princes" (or "princesses", depending on who one is thinking of), and while they may not turned out to have become "kings" (or "queens") by the time things turned over to the new series - or may even have "denied" such status - fans may still very well consider them as being such.

The legendary band - as "legendary" as some Legendary Pokémon species - that came up with this song probably never foresaw Pokémon or an element of it as something that can embody the spirit of this song for another series. Yet it may not seem all that hard to find the parallels and satisfyingly bridge the song into a Pokémon frame of mind - in this case, the new anime series. It makes for a fitting "musical tribute" for the present, as well as the past in a way, and as far as I am concerned, it seems awfully right to consider any Pokémon Trainer as a "royal", both budding and supreme.

One year ago: The Sunshine Cup of GBL

Two years ago: The New Structure of Factions

Three years ago: Quickies: Bike for Pokémon

Four years ago: Everything Is Electric

Five years ago: A Wonderful PikaWorld

Six years ago: Beyond Gyms and Trials

Seven years ago: A Pokémon Pencil Bag

Please, Let Me Grow Old with You

So please, please

Let me grow old with you

After everything we've been through

What's left to prove

So please, please, please, oh please

Let me grow old with you

-- "Please", Elton John

After a "musical tribute" about the youth for the new Pokémon anime, it seems apropos to follow it up with one for the not-so-young. The song may be considered one that is somewhat obscure - even with the artist being as famous as he is - and it incidentally comes from the same album as three other songs that had also come up on this blog for interpretation with my Pokémon experiences. Still, in the context of the current "musical tribute", there are messages to be gleaned from the song, and so it has to be made.

Expectedly, as it is a pop or "adult contemporary" song, the theme of love is at hand. It's mentioned in the first line of the first verse as well as the bridge. The song is overall about the sentiments of a couple (obviously noted by the pronoun "we" in different places) and their struggles of making it through life and their relationship. However, if anything, the core message of the song lies in the chorus, which is the part that is quoted above. It suggests a desire of wanting to be together across time, and it's one that seems to be perfectly applicable even beyond the confines of (romantic) love.

So it is that the above becomes applicable in this "musical tribute" context. While the anime is fairly new, some recent fans might just have the desire to be able to grow old (and up) with this incarnation of the anime, possibly for a good amount of time - many years down the road - without a change even for the sake of change. It's a nice desire, and some older fans may also share this desire as they watch the current anime series and continue their Pokémon interests in this manner, which would be one of many.

It has to be admitted that this song is just as applicable for Ash as the former main character, which in retrospect means that the song could and should have been interpreted when that was the case. Even so, with the "spiritual continuation" of his journey despite not appearing, the "grow old" aspect still presents a valid point, especially as I've made a post in the past that relates this along with something else that presents the aspect. The history that Ash has made over the course of the anime is still something that cannot be cast aside even with the new anime incarnation, so the point of the aspect may still be considered valid regardless.

Considering this song as a "musical tribute" as well as the non-musical "tribute" as presented above, being able to grow old with Pokémon seems to be a vital part of the experience. It has been done for the previous incarnation of the anime, and the current incarnation now effectively has its turn to realize that. There may still be some "points to prove" from both of these, as suggested by the song and especially for the current incarnation, but the "grow old" aspect might be one that proves itself in this case.

One year ago: More Available Regular Formats for General PvP?

Two years ago: How Far Should Pokémon Be Translated?

Three years ago: Command and Conquer, PvP Style

Four years ago: A Multicultural Cast

Five years ago: Carry On Carryin' On

Six years ago: The Living Dex

Seven years ago: Pastrana and Pikachu

The Blood of Youth

Young blood - the blood of the youth

They feel courageous, never wanting to yield

Youth is a time of becoming flared up

They feel always self-righteous, never caring about their mistakes

Young blood

-- "Darah Muda (Young Blood)", Rhoma Irama (poetic translation)

Next on the "musical tribute" agenda for the new face of the Pokémon anime is a local song. It's admittedly a rather "retro" song - even for me as a "retro" fan of Japanese things well before Pokémon - and it seems as possibly far out from Pokémon as things can be. That last part is also why I've chosen to provide a poetic translation instead of making the effort to have a lyrical one that can be sung. Still, the song does have some pertinent matters, and they need to be brought up as the "tribute" is made.

As can be discerned, this song describes the characteristics that young people ("the youth") seem to have and the things that they seem to do. Overall, it also attempts to send out the message that they should exercise caution at times so that they won't regret their actions, whether immediately or much later on. In any case, the spirits that they have can be traced to what gushes and races within them: their blood, as their life force, in common with those of other people... only for them, it is undeniably new, fresh, and pure, giving their spirits a sense of what they are, also suggested by the song.

By the above, it's easy to see where this song fits in. It becomes a "tribute" to the youthful spirit that the new characters have, in particular Liko and Roy as the primary ones of concern. Some of the actions they have taken at the start of this new series align well with the premises of the song, and they're spirited as spirited can be. At this moment, the new anime series is fairly new (and thus "young" as well), so it has the same youthful spirit as some of the characters do. It obviously can develop both in character (IC) and out of character (OOC), and that is fascinating to consider, regardless of how that may turn out. That also serves well to be honored, in particular as this song allows.

In general and beyond the anime series, this song is also a testament of the appeal of Pokémon to the current generation of young people... and not-so-young people like me. If anything, the younger ones are even more daring, hot, and steadfast - as the main verse of the song cited above suggests - than the older ones, but that's not to say the older ones can't show moments of youthful spirit themselves. In either case, their blood surges and fuels them for enjoying more and further Pokémon experiences, like those which I'm only glad to detail through this blog and so much more.

There will always be young people of some sort in this world, and if they're like me, they will also become attracted to Pokémon. If so, they then can become like Liko and Roy of the new series, channeling their blood (and vigor) to the things that can jump-start or even continue their adventures, experiences, and any other forms of involvement with Pokémon. It seems appropriate to honor all of that through a song, especially as the Pokémon anime turns over a new leaf for a more youthful start.

One year ago: Tournament: SWEEP JR vs. Foul Noctowls Elite (SA Factions)

Two years ago: Steering and Nearing with Tsunekazu Ishihara

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 5/15/2021

Four years ago: Coming Full Circle

Five years ago: Everything Old Is New Again

Six years ago: 15 Minutes of Fame

Seven years ago: Fallen Comrades

Alive, in Life

When you call on me

When I hear you breathe

I get wings to fly

I feel that I'm alive

When you look at me

I can touch the sky

I know that I'm alive

When you bless the day

I just drift away

All my worries die

I'm glad that I'm alive

-- "I'm Alive", Celine Dion

The new Horizons anime series for Pokémon is certainly totally different, yet at the same time it presents a fresh face, even for old fans like me. Thus, as with the heralding of Ash's final appearance, I've decided to make another set of "musical tributes" for this new face, starting with this song. I've only heard this song fortuitously just as I was watching an earlier episode in the series, and it's such an appropriate song that I have to include it as a "musical tribute" to herald the new series. 

Like many pop songs, this song contains the theme of "love", specifically for a "significant other" who might inspire one to feel (and stay) alive. There's also a bit of a divine element in this song, especially towards its conclusion. Overall, there is an uplifting feeling that the song gives, whether it's for a loved one or the good things in life - where Pokémon is also concerned. The music video is just as uplifting in that regard and with modification could certainly fit in the Pokémon world.

Beyond the "love" theme, that's where the "musical tribute" fits in. Liko realizing an adventure beyond the bounds of her school - similarly for Roy and the rest of the Rising Volt Tacklers - becomes the "uplifting" part of the program and a testament to their living wonder. It's undeniably the stuff Pokémon dreams are made of, so to see Liko, Roy, and others making things happen and taking things to the sky is (and should be) exhilarating for any Pokémon fan and anyone potentially watching this series.

I also want to make an aside, which involves part of the title of this song and how I titled this post for that. The overall theme of this song relates to living and being alive, and another song - with a similar title to this post - also contains the same theme... only maybe a little darker, and further yet, it (only) has ties to Pokémon by way of its artist. I'm getting far ahead and a little off track, but "life" is definitely a theme explored in songs, even if those songs only manage to circle around Pokémon.

Overall, the Pokémon anime could itself be considered to be a "celebration of life", and perhaps there is no better time for that than now, with the new Horizons series. Beyond the certain newness that it presents for those who are familiar with the Pokémon anime, there are still lively spirits to be found, so I offer this song as a "musical tribute" for any fan or viewer. The song may be a serendipitous find, but then the characters in the new series do so with their lives as well.

One year ago: Consolidation: New Café Remix Updates

Two years ago: Starter Pokémon in the Wild

Three years ago: The Retro Cup of GBL

Four years ago: Going Elite with TMs

Five years ago: Detective Pikachu Burger King King Jr. Toys - Arcanine

Six years ago: Round Pikachu Keychain

Seven years ago: Cosplay: Isshoni Tanoshimimashou 12

Horizons of Promise

Finally, after a long time I can also make this post. For those who have been living behind a Graveler, the Pokémon anime has moved into a new territory, one where Ash isn't the main character, having been sent off. It's a totally new territory for Pokémon and all of its fans, and the English subtitle given for the series is very much appropriate for that: "Horizons", a word that suggests some qualities of newness. It was also first announced at an edition of Pokémon Presents about a year ago, and formally introduced by its distribution along with a special Pokémon Go event back in March. Now that I'm involved with it, I have to write about it as well.

In this new series, the main character this time is a girl, named Liko. It's the same Liko that I wrote of having seen someone resembling her in a dream about a month ago, so it seems she has made a bit of an impression. As a supporting character, there is Roy, a boy with zest and zeal - perhaps almost amounting to those of Ash. Pikachu continues to be present, but this time it accompanies Frede, the leader of the Rising Volt Tacklers group, which eventually becomes associated with both Liko and Roy. All three were incidentally featured in the photo bombs in the previous Pokémon Go event in March along with the Pokémon they are known for.

The series, at least based on the initial end of it, takes an approach that may be considered similar to the Journeys series. Though Liko is stated to be from the Paldea region, the introduction to her actually takes place in Kanto along with the rest of the characters above. A visit to Paldea later on is a practical given, based on the fact about Liko's origin as above and the current dealings of Pokémon, but other regions can't be ruled out either, also because of the Kanto introduction. Still, the "expanded" approach has been proven to work, and that's fine.

As for my case, I've seen the first few episodes of this new series, and in them alone, there has already been significant friction and movement that are admittedly not as "cheesy" compared to when the anime started out with Ash. Some spirits, however, are still shared, as in the case of Liko and Roy getting along with their first partner Pokémon, albeit with a little less friction compared to the case of Ash, also from way back when. I've still got a few more episodes to catch up to the current distribution cadence, but they'll be watched in due time and enjoyed thusly. 

Liko, Roy, and the rest of the gang now lead both old and new Pokémon fans alike toward a horizon (or more appropriately, horizons) with certain new things. With that, it seems that these horizons hold at least some promises for those who are daring to approach them. Fulfilling these promises may be the hardest thing - and certain involvement is seemingly never guaranteed - but with sights set on them, new things will appear certainly just as new skies do.

One year ago: The Last Stop: The End of The Silph Road

Two years ago: Useless Rewards in Pokémon Games

Three years ago: The Road to Victory

Four years ago: Seeing Pokémon in Rice Fields

Five years ago: The Exclusive Detective Pikachu Promotional TCG Card

Six years ago: Cosplay: INOCHI 2018 - Yuki no Hana

Seven years ago: Cosplay Photography

Cosplay: "Mobile Japan Fest" [2]

Goh: Hmm, "Mobile Japan Fest" is back again.

Me: Yeah. By now they've done it multiple times, but this is only the second time I'm sending Ash, so I'm marking it with a "[2]" for that purpose.

Ash: OK, but I'm still a little tired from yesterday.

Pikachu: Pika pika... ["So am I..."]

Me: But as usual, the festival is only in the afternoon, so it shouldn't be too much of a bother.

Ash: That would be just fine.

Me: So, I think it's pretty much the same things as last time, so we don't need to touch on that. And I think I got you there just in time before it started.

Ash: You did! And I signed up for the character parade too.

Me: Great!

Goh: How was the festival part?

Ash: As our friend said, it was really just like before. I didn't spend much time in it.

Goh: Did other things happen?

Ash: I got into the karaoke challenge with an idol group song! All I got was a keychain, though.

Goh: Interesting. Our friend must have set you up for this.

Me: Hehe, and it might just work for a later time too. But I can't say much more for that.

Goh: All that's left now is the character parade.

Ash: I got nothing. There were only four prizes for four of the other 16 characters.

Goh: But you did do something on stage, right?

Ash: Of course. But I think it wasn't enough.

Me: I would think it's a combination of factors, and as you said, it's the yesterday thing as well. So you did what you can.

Ash: We'll get it next time.

Pikachu: Pika chu pika. ["Next time it is."]

Goh: So today, we were just filling time.

Me: Goh is essentially right. And this festival isn't (becoming) much of one anyway, especially as it keeps getting repeated.

Goh: But there's always a chance Ash can get something.

Me: Right, or as with the karaoke challenge, prepare for something else.

Ash: I see what you mean. We'll try a few more things for you too, just like what we tried.

Pikachu: Pika! ["Sure!"]

Goh: By the way, any interesting entertainment?

Ash: Just a mini band and two dance groups. Nothing too special.

Goh: Well, that's fun too.

Me: I think we got the gist - just a bit of fun for a little bit of time today. There will always be some opportunities for that, along with Pokémon in tow.

One year ago: Listen to Our Hearts

Two years ago: More Online Statuses for Pokémon Go?

Three years ago: Three Bears

Four years ago: Missed Pokémon Merchandise in Snacks

Five years ago: Watching in Style, with Friends

Six years ago: To Know the Unknown

Seven years ago: You Are Blessed

Cosplay+Pokémon Go: Pikachu's Indonesia Journey in Surabaya

Me: Surprise again!!

Goh: Oh my! So you mean to tell us, the one before wasn't the only one?

Me: Well, it was kind of expected, really, by the "journey" theme - it just wasn't made clear. I have intelligence that there are four "focus areas", and the island location (Bali) and this one are two of them.

Goh: What are the other two?

Me: One seems to be a city close to famous temples, and the other is the biggest metropolitan area.

Ash: So you didn't actually have to send me to the one before.

Me: No, but the experience back then was the biggest thing with all the people who came.

Ash: Yeah - now that I think about it, that was the fun thing about it. So thank you. 

Pikachu: Pika! ["Thanks!"]

Me: No problem. All right, so this one has most of the same exact content as the island one, so we don't have to touch on that too much. But the card image will certainly be different.

Goh: That makes sense. The location is different after all.

Me: And... there is an extra event to deal with today later on in the afternoon, but that's for later. This was what the people on the island had to deal with on the second day, and you get to deal with the situation this time on the first day.

Goh: So, like before, it's a two-day thing.

Ash: And I guess we weren't lucky today, huh.

Me: The specific Pokémon Go event is two days, but the rest... well, just see for yourself. Anyhow, that's enough of the specifics and background; how'd things go?

Ash: Everything went almost the same way like they did on the island! But it was a little cramped because it was smaller, even if it was comfortable. 

Goh: What was the setting?

Ash: It was a mall!

Goh: Yeah, that's different and small, all right. It makes it kind of like PFJ from that time. 

Ash: And I remember I used to go to the mall for other festivals and conventions way back when.

Me: Yes, I remember sending you for them. It's nice to see it once. What about the Pokémon you captured?

Ash: I got a few Latias and Latios with the card image. One of the Latios was even Shiny!

Pikachu: Pi! ["Nice!"]

Goh: I see a big city in the card image. I guess it makes sense that our friend sends you here for things every now and then.

Ash: And it wasn't too hard to get anywhere too.

Goh: Obviously so. What about other Pokémon? 

Ash: I only got a few of the special Pikachu, since our friend still kept most of the ones from back then, and they were the same. And one was Shiny too - the balloon one. 

Goh: How many Shiny Pokémon did you catch?

Ash: Five, which is much better now than back then, where I only caught one. 

Goh: I very much agree on that. 

Ash: All the other Pokémon were still the same - but there were lots of Sharpedo and Totodile too.

Me: That must be the tie-in to the city location and its legendary figures - the shark (Suro) and crocodile (Boyo), here represented by Pokémon species.

Goh: Aha, I see now. They're trying to blend in with the locals.

Me: Which I'm sure is the point of this journey.

Ash: Oh yeah! I caught a few bird Pokémon from tasks in the late afternoon - that must be the other event.

Me: You'd be right; that is its own special event, and I'll explain that soon.

Me: Also, I didn't activate Incense for too long since it was cramped, but I got the Professor Willow tasks and Collection Challenge all done in time today.

Me: Great! So overall, a much better turnout in some ways. I wonder how much it was like PFJ.

Ash: A lot! They had all the card game stuff in a different part of the mall, and they had the show and goodies just after the entrance, like with PFJ.

Goh: What was the show like?

Ash: They showed, um... me, before I had my Journeys outfit, and then someone else's story.

Me: Like for the island, I sent Ash with the Journeys outfit. And that other story is now an important one. 

Goh: I can tell. 

Ash: They also had a small music show and a meeting with Pikachu and the starters from Paldea. I got to take a picture with the Pikachu wearing the shirts.

Goh: Oh, wait. The other shirt looks different.

Me: It's still a batik shirt, only with a different motif. If you look closely...

Goh: I see Xatu on it! It looks rich.

Pikachu: Pika chu pika. ["It looks unique."]

Me: You bet. Like I said earlier, you could make it look like anything now.

Ash: By the way, that was it for the show. There was no Pikachu parade or anything like that - I think they just didn't have the space.

Me: In a mall, I think you're absolutely right. Also, did you happen to notice (or got noticed by) figures of repute?

Ash: I ran into a couple of people recording videos, but I didn't seem to see anyone famous - and if I did, I think I would know by the person.

Me: Hmm. I think you're right. Trying to look for certain people in events like these can sometimes be a "needle in a haystack" problem.

Ash: I also saw that the shows are happening next week too.

Pikachu: Pi pika pika. ["That's the case."]

Me: Yes, that's happening for at least one important reason. So in a way, this becomes a "mini festival" of sorts.

Goh: I guess that would include tomorrow, when you can't send Ash?

Me: Of course. But I'll have to hear about that from my other friends, who are going tomorrow. And they'll keep things out for the week within that time.

Ash: It seems they're making it big from small things.

Me: Very true for this Pokémon journey, which will continue soon enough.

One year ago: Cold Appearances

Two years ago: Blogging on Blogs: Pokémon Blog

Three years ago: Forgotten (Event) Days

Four years ago: (Preparing for) Shuffle's Last Stand

Five years ago: Special Feature Film - "POKÉMON: Detective Pikachu"

Six years ago: Just Like a Rainbow

Seven years ago: A Shout-Out to a Fellow Blogger