Saturday, May 23, 2026

A Life Truly Alive

Allow your dreams to dance
Upon the earth that you walk on
Strike and break the mirror
That shows your hatred in the reflection
Chase after all your dreams
Even though you are not adept
Feel the strength of life
With your entire body and spirit
-- "Alive A Life", Rica Matsumoto (interpretive translation)

After Ash's supposed "special day" this year, I want to cover this actually long overdue topic. A couple of years ago, I brought up a song about "life" as a tribute to the new Pokémon anime, and I titled it in a way that it referenced another song about "life" with closer Pokémon ties yet still quite far off. That referenced song is now the focus of this post, and given the lyrics (the first chorus, specifically) as quoted above, those ties are rather evident.

Several years ago, I also alluded how Rica Matsumoto is well-known beyond Pokémon, and the song above is one of those aspects. It's a song for a tokusatsu series - one that involves heroes in suits and riding motorcycles, I trust fans know which one - and it's the opening theme for an iteration of that series. Given the interpretive translation as above, it can be seen how it might be a little "dark", as I've said before above - particularly with the word "hatred".

Yet after giving the song a listen and following that up with many more since the first one, I remain under the impression that Ash is singing it, and not just because the singer is the voice talent. The timbre of the voice is very close to Ash's and is almost indistinguishable in that regard. Certain other fans familiar with the artist might share the same viewpoint, even if yet others may still dispute that by maintaining that the song belongs in its different realm.

Faithful readers will note that I've performed the song (through Ash himself) on two occasions some two years ago, the former non-competitively and the latter competitively, but I've yet to perform the song again since then. It may be a good time to bring back the song at some point, something that I'll decide at a later time and when the opportunity presents itself as good enough for that purpose - in summary, it'll be a "good point" in life.

It may be considered that any life worth living has its ups and downs, for which this other Rica Matsumoto song seems to suggest, and extremely at that. The same could also be considered for Ash during his time appearing on the Pokémon anime, and this song would then carry over as such by virtue of the voice talent singing it almost with the same mannerisms. That then would make that, as indicated by this post's title, a life that's really and truly alive.

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Friday, May 22, 2026

Let's Talk About Heavens and the Earth

Me: It's that time of year again.

Ash: It's a great day!

Goh: It's "your" day.

Me: As usual, it might be a "guesstimate", but as far as certain things are concerned, it might very well be true in some way.

Goh: Yeah, why not. 

Ash: And we always have something to talk about today.

Pikachu: Pika! ["Right!"]

Goh: So, what's the theme today? 

Me: Well, last year (see below) we talked about wild things, but then there was one wild thing I only mentioned at the end.

Ash: Oh, uh... It was the "blue" thing!

Me: Right. The "wild blue yonder" then refers to... can you guess?

Goh: I'm pretty sure you're talking about the sky.

Ash: Sounds about right.

Me: I am. So that's what we're talking about - and I want to couple that with what we're standing on.

Goh: The earth! Totally makes sense.

Ash: There's a lot of Pokémon in both.

Pikachu: Pika... ["A lot..."]

Goh: When I think of the sky, I think of Rayquaza, the one who lives all the way up there.

Ash: We passed by when we were in a city once.

Goh: Oh, I heard about that. There was a chaos with a Pokémon from out of nowhere.

Ash: I think it came from beyond the sky.

Goh: Well. So you never know.

Me: But closer to the earth, there are more familiar ones... say, two siblings?

Ash: Latias and Latios!

Me: Yeah, you know them all too well.

Goh: Besides the one that you helped, like last year?

Ash: There were two in a watery city, but then... there was one...

Pikachu: Pika, pika! ["Wait, wait!"]

Goh: Oh, um... I think we might have to hold off for this one.

Me: So, let's talk about the earth, then. 

Ash: That's easy. Everyone's right here.

Goh: But then there are the really "earthy" ones, of the Rock and Ground types.

Ash: There's also a lot of that, from the little Geodude...

Goh: ...to the big Regirock, and even bigger Groudon. 

Me: Yeah, you get the gist. Of course, the earth supports plants, water, and so on...

Goh: So, a lot of Pokémon - and people is supported by the earth.

Ash: Where would we be without it? 

Me: Very true. 

Pikachu: Chu pika. ["So true."]

Me: Now, philosophically, those who have left us are said to go into the heavens, while their remains become part of the earth.

Goh: There you go - I guess that's why you picked this theme today (aside from mentioning it last year).

Me: Yeah, and like Ash was about to say, it can pertain to Pokémon too. Latios, right?

Ash: Uh-huh.

Goh: Mm-hmm.

Me: And then... there's the lasting impression of "my Delia" who's gone there, which I think we've talked about.

Ash, Goh: Yeah.

Goh: Don't worry, you have us, and you'll have great things too.

Ash: I second that!

Pikachu: Pika chu! ["Third for me!"]

Me: So, there's a certain relevance for "heavens and the earth" in our lives, especially our Pokémon lives.

Goh: I can see that. 

Me: And with today being "your" day, I think there's a special sense for it, don't you think? 

Ash: I think that's great.

Goh: It can be special for you too - everyone, in fact.  

Ash: I'm sure it is. We all make it that way.

Me: On that note, there's something to be said about making our glory reach as high as the heavens - even with us still being on the solid ground of the earth.

Ash, Goh: Yeah!

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Thursday, May 21, 2026

My Mezastar Tokens and Progress

I had mentioned Pokémon Mezastar in my post about arcade Pokémon games, and that's for a good reason, besides the fact that it exists: I have actually played the game, at least as it is localized for where I am currently present. That means I've also obtained the tokens that are used for playing the game, through the game itself and by other means. This post then serves as a discussion of those tags and my plans for them as I deal with this game.

Currently, I have ten tags, comprised of Pokémon rated two stars (4 species), three stars (1 species), four stars (3 species), and five and six stars (1 species each). The last of these, the ones for Pinsir and Lunala, are extremely fortunate acquisitions - more so for the latter - so they can also be considered quite rare; that also means they'll certainly stay with me for as long as I have the opportunity to play the game (and it remains playable).

Needless to say, those will also be my "workhorses" in future playthroughs, though it too may depend on the Pokémon that come up. For that, the species rated four stars will also fill in the third slot interchangeably and accordingly. I can particularly see Haxorus and Meowscarada becoming the "pinch hitters" depending on the situation, so they'll have to be prepared for whenever I have the chance to play and to make it rather worthwhile. 

Even so, I have to say that not all of these tokens were obtained by purely playing the game. The four-star tokens in particular were the result of me "adopting" the tokens from another player since I had very few workable tokens to play effectively when I first started playing. In theory, I could also "adopt" tokens for higher-rated Pokémon, but that's something I want to avoid unless it's necessary or the situation comes by courtesy. 

Meanwhile, I'm also considering obtaining containers and/or cases to hold and protect these tokens, particularly the six-star Lunala one since it has a glittery and sparkly design. That would also make it a little easier and convenient to carry these tokens around for whenever I think I would have the chance to play the game - though that may become a bit of a guess even in the near future, as does that very consideration itself.

Admittedly, Mezastar is becoming a bit of interest for myself, given in part by its accessibility where I am and the gameplay at least in some part. Collecting its Pokémon tokens then becomes an effort that is on par with collecting Pokémon in other gameplay realms, one that can reflect my progress with the game to an extent. That may just be reflective of the game's status as a (local) Pokémon arcade game wonder.

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Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Focused Pokémon Collections

There is a trend among younger Pokémon fans, particularly in Japan and particularly those who collect Pokémon merchandise - in great quantities, no less. These fans and collectors have shown their tendency and effort to collect a lot of merchandise that specifically tie to one particular Pokémon species, perhaps even similar models (like dolls) related to them. I've taken to call this particular style of collection as "focused collections", and now I also want to discuss their merit and demerit, as well how it might apply to me and other Pokémon fans I know.

A big merit is that the process (as a trend) shows its dedication, much like how I have nearly all of Ash's outfits for cosplay. It would show that they really like that Pokémon and they want it in as many forms (maybe even sizes) as possible, and with different fans liking different Pokémon, it can show that all kinds of Pokémon can have their dedicated fans, much like these ones. The only real demerit would perhaps be the impression that they seem to be "hogging" all the Pokémon merchandise for the particular species, even if they didn't go and buy it all from one store. Other fans pose the same considerations, given their comments on these collections.

As for me personally, I tend to be eclectic in collecting Pokémon merchandise, so I may not exactly be described as a "focused" collector. That said, I do have a fondness for Pikachu, so that forms a basis of my collection, essentially becoming a "partial focus" in a way. Others may or may not show such a focused tendency; for example, one of my friends who likes Sylveon might just be interested in getting a lot of things tied to it if given great amounts of resources for that purpose. Meanwhile, I have another friend who is practically in the "Mimikyu fan club" but that friend doesn't go overboard with "focused" merchandise like the specific fans above.

The idea of collecting all kinds of Pokémon merchandise for a selected species might appear to be insane - and it is, if the pictures of these collections are indicated to be as such. Even so, there is a certain heart, as possessed by the collectors, in these "focused collections" that is only matched by those collectors who are more diverse (or eclectic, as in my case) in collecting Pokémon merchandise. With that, some Pokémon merchandise collectors may indeed "focus" themselves in other to diversify them and the merchandise, and that trend could just persist.

One year ago: I'm On to Your Vitals
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Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Yo! ...Pokopia

The recently released Pokémon Pokopia game may still be fresh on the minds of many fans, including yours truly and even if they are beset by certain challenges that make it hard or even nearly impossible to play the game. That "fresh on the mind" aspect may then prompt other thoughts that involve the general outline of the game and expanding it to some other realms, where the game's aspects may not be as prominently involved... or perhaps rather differently.

Specifically, I've thought up of such a realm. It's about a group of friends - of whom only one is a human - exploring various situations in a world that seems to arise out of nothingness. That seems to be in parallel with the premise of Pokopia, where the main Ditto character assumes a humanoid form and deals with other Pokémon in the same way. Furthermore, I've already given a not-so-obvious hint in the title of this post, which may take a little rearrangement.

Meanwhile, that group of friends is composed of other creatures, which would be understood naturally as Pokémon species in the Pokémon sense. Two of them would be a Donphan as a persistent friend of the humanoid Ditto, and a Dachsbun as a playful companion to said character. The interactions of these three would define a lot of the dynamics that go on in the realm I'm thinking of, and especially if the realm were to be placed in Pokémon vice versa.

Yet they are not the only ones, for those who know what I'm thinking of. There is also a bird that doesn't have a lot to say most times, but when it does, it could be quite expressive - for which it could perhaps be described as a Chatot. Then there is a duck that might be thought of having a personality of its own (but not entirely clueless), for which a Ducklett would be fitting in this regard. The Ditto would interact with these two as well to explore the situations.

With all of that, it should be fairly obvious what I'm bringing up, at least for Pokémon fans who like and recognize the other realm. Somehow, it too could tie in well with the spirit of Pokopia as a recent Pokémon game spinoff that presents a neat premise and lovable characters - and so too does the other realm. It is then not hard to see how the two realms could go together, at least in the mind, to show that there is something to be built and gained from various times.

Three years ago: Need Some Help, Niantic?
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Monday, May 18, 2026

Raid RSVP and Scheduling in Pokémon Go

One of the latest features to be introduced into Pokémon Go (and that I haven't covered at this point - which I'll do now) is being able to set a battle time for an upcoming or ongoing raid battle and to indicate interest and/or reserve a spot for that battle time. This feature, which as the title of this post indicates, is the scheduling and RSVP feature. It sounds like a convenient feature that possibly has some nice things about it - and it does, which is also why I've decided to cover it right now.

For an upcoming nearby raid, Trainers can view a raid boss Egg and tap the RSVP button to select a battle time - usually as the Egg hatches and in 10-minute intervals thereafter. Doing so indicates one's willingness (but not requirement) to participate, and others can be invited, even remotely, to join. The process is nearly the same for an ongoing raid except that the button is on the right side of the usual "Join" button. And of course, one can also indicate not to join afterwards (as a last resort) or to be unsure - much like for Campfire meetups.

As for Trainers joining remotely, they will be notified if another Trainer does send an RSVP invite to a faraway raid; if they accept, then the raid invite will be placed under the new RSVP tab in Nearby, an included feature with the above. Regardless of location, Trainers will then be notified that the scheduled raid is about to begin, and they can make their local and remote preparations for that purpose. The rest of the raid process occurs normally as with a typical raid wherever one is concerned.

What benefits are furnished by making an RSVP? Besides being able to gauge the interest of other Trainers in raiding (including the faraway ones) and establishing convenient times for doing so, those who make an RSVP actually receive a few more Premier Balls during the post-raid bonus capture challenge. This is also very convenient, in particular if the Trainers present in the raid aren't friends or at least are at low levels. Thus, it seems that if a schedule and RSVP can be made, it might be very well worth it to make them.

Evidently, even little features like scheduling and RSVP for raids in Pokémon Go can have somewhat of a big impact, and that is true for the aspects that it has and the benefits it offers. The ability to establish times for battling and getting as many Trainers in on the action as possible is a way of creating and allowing for involvement, which fits in with the community aspect of Pokémon Go that is always promoted, then and now. That too is a good thing aside from making efforts to be involved in the raids themselves.

Two years ago: And Now, We Go
Three years ago: Every Day Is a Grind
Seven years ago: Trainer Image Cards
Eight years ago: Marathons...?
Nine years ago: Pins and Pins

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Sunday, May 17, 2026

Before Things Get Expensive

This post may be considered a continuation of a post I wrote up a couple of months ago about maintaining an appreciation of Pokémon even when the economy is at a bit of a downturn. In fact, it seems that downturn might be extending itself given the current circumstances where I am currently present and even elsewhere. With that, it seems that I need to revisit the topic to give it some more considerations with current Pokémon goings-on, for me and others, and in particular before certain prices get even more out of hand.

For us, it's likely that we may have typical goings-on in certain free Pokémon games with paid elements. In that case, there may be the prompt to both "stock up" and "save up" on some of those paid elements (like coins in Pokémon Go) - to buy what can be bought and to use what has been bought judiciously and only when absolutely needed. It's already sometimes a difficult thing, but it may get even more difficult with those current circumstances. Therefore, there is an interest in "stocking up" and "saving up" for peace of mind.

Meanwhile, it's also necessary to keep the things used to enjoy Pokémon, whether they're the devices (consoles, phones, and others) or the collected or earned merchandise, in working order. It may be expensive, in particular for the former, to fix things if they happen to break somehow in current times and buying new ones is out of the question, especially given that either of these things may be sourced from resources elsewhere other than local ones. In any case, their functioning may need to be kept regardless for life to go on.

Certainly, it's undeniable right now that everyone is living in a strange time, perhaps even stranger than a fever dream brought upon by a Gengar. That strange time also could possibly mean more expensive things on the horizon, for Pokémon or otherwise. With that, continuing the previous discussion seems to mean to make a reminder to keep things as viable as they can at and given current prices, which means the above points. Until the strange time passes (and the dream is gone), even Pokémon may still go on.

Two years ago: Royals of the Universe
Three years ago: The Sunshine Cup of GBL
Six years ago: Everything Is Electric
Seven years ago: A Wonderful PikaWorld
Eight years ago: Beyond Gyms and Trials
Nine years ago: A Pokémon Pencil Bag
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