To mark Pokémon's 30th anniversary, a special pre-opening event for the "Pokémon Japan Championships 2026" (PJCS2026) was held on June 5, 2026, at Pacifico Yokohama Exhibition Hall A/B/C/D. The event preceded the main two-day tournament scheduled for June 6 (Sat) and 7 (Sun), billed as the largest PJCS in the event's history.
Guests at the event included the comedy duo Takuro—comprising Akagi Yu and Kimura Band, who won the M-1 Grand Prix 2025—judoka Abe Hifumi, a multiple world champion in the men's 66kg category, and Nagahama Hirona, who topped the "Furyu Kawaii Trend Grand Prize" in 2025 and claimed 1st place in the People category at the "JC/JK Trend Word Awards 2025." These representatives of various fields gathered as "champions" in their own right.
The event also looked back at the eight-year history of PJCS. First held in 2018, the tournament survived the pandemic-forced cancellation in 2020, added the Pokémon GO division in 2022, and the Pokémon UNITE division in 2023. PJCS2026 marks another milestone, as Pokémon Champions—released for Nintendo Switch in April 2026—joins as a new game division title, meaning this will be the first time a national champion is crowned in that title.
Monster Ball Stage Revealed; 27 Starter Pokémon Gather for the First Time
Guests arrived in colorful outfits evoking the four PJCS division colors: green for the Game division, red for the Card Game division, blue for the Pokémon GO division, and yellow for the Pokémon UNITE division. Nagahama commented: "I aimed for the look of a Pokémon trainer in the game—I think this outfit brings out my best! (laughs)"
With the call "Pokémon Japan Championships 2026 Special Event, begin!", Akagi, Kimura Band, Abe, and Nagahama pressed a switch together, dropping the curtain from a large Monster Ball-shaped stage. Alongside it, all 27 starter Pokémon from the entire Pocket Monsters series—from the original Pokémon Red & Green (1996) through Pokémon Scarlet & Violet—appeared together for the first time ever.
Akagi noted, "I really felt the history of it all," while Nagahama exclaimed: "I'm so happy I can't stand it! I want to hug them all! I want to take them home! (laughs)"
When asked about their favorite Pokémon, Abe shared: "When I was young I played Pokémon Diamond & Pearl, so the Sinnoh Pokémon make me nostalgic." Nagahama said: "I started with Pokémon X & Y, so the Kalos Pokémon are incredibly cute to me! I especially love Fennekin—it was right in front of me and I had to hold myself back from petting it! (laughs)"
It was also announced that the 27 Pokémon will make appearances across Japan at various locations including Pokémon Centers nationwide, following their debut at PJCS2026. As regular national tourers themselves, the two members of Takuro offered some friendly advice to the Pokémon heading out on the road, with Akagi joking about always pre-arranging dinner plans ahead of time, prompting Kimura Band to quip: "That's not advice at all! Just enjoy yourselves!"
Talk Session: What Does It Take to Be a Champion?
During a talk session themed around "PJCS" and being a "champion," guests were asked what they valued most in reaching the top of their fields. Abe answered earnestly: "I always focus on building my strengths—that's something I'm still conscious of today." When Akagi spoke of daily training, meditation, and running, Kimura Band swiftly cut in: "You don't meditate! And the running is just to sound cool! Daily hard work—that's the real answer. (laughs)"
Guests also participated in a flip-board segment on what champion they would pursue in a completely different field. Nagahama chose "Drama Champion": "I want to carve out my own style in acting—everything from detective roles to romantic film heroines." Kimura Band picked "Directions Champion": "I want to know every road in Tokyo. I only moved here in April and I still get lost. I think it looks really cool when taxi drivers nail perfect directions. (laughs)"
Pokémon Champions Exhibition Match: "Hifuhina" Pair Takes the Trophy
PJCS2026 is the first tournament to include Pokémon Champions as a game division title, where Japan's first-ever national champion in that game will be determined. To let more people experience the title, an exhibition match was staged between Takuro (Akagi and Kimura Band) and the "Hifuhina" pair (Abe and Nagahama). Before the battle began, each guest's favourite starter Pokémon—Fennekin (Nagahama), Charmander (Abe), Totodile (Akagi), and Bulbasaur (Kimura Band)—arrived to cheer them on.
Nagahama declared: "Fennekin came to support me, so I'll definitely beat Takuro!" Abe added: "This is my first time teaming up with Nagahama, but I want to sync up and win no matter what!" Akagi promised a surprise strategy involving attacks "from behind," prompting the MC to point out: "Attacks come from the front!" drawing laughter from the audience. Kimura Band confidently stated: "Honestly, our teamwork is 100% better!"
The match was intense and full of laughs throughout. Abe chose Machamp—a fitting pick for a martial artist—and landed heavy blows on the Takuro team from the start. Nagahama's Alcremie provided crucial support, while Akagi hit back relentlessly. Both teams Mega Evolved their Pokémon, and after a fierce contest, the "Hifuhina" pair emerged victorious. The two winners were presented with a replica of the trophy to be awarded to the PJCS2026 Game Division champion.
After the match, Abe reflected: "It really felt like a proper competition—lots of strategy and mental effort. I'm so happy I got to win using my favourite Pokémon!" Nagahama beamed: "I've loved Pokémon since I was little, so winning feels incredible! I always used to lose, so winning here with 'Hifuhina' is the best!" Even in defeat, Akagi kept the mood light: "I was gutted, but at least I managed to take down that powered-up Machamp—that felt great! (laughs)"
The event also confirmed that the smartphone version of Pokémon Champions will begin a rolling release on June 17 (Wed). The game is free-to-play with optional in-app purchases, and has already attracted many players since the Nintendo Switch version launched on April 8, 2026.
Pokémon Japan Championships 2026 Event Details
The Pokémon Japan Championships is a tournament to determine Japan's top players across the Pocket Monsters game series and the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Top finishers earn the right to compete at the Pokémon World Championships.
- Dates: June 6 (Sat) and June 7 (Sun), 2026
- Venue: Pacifico Yokohama Exhibition Hall A/B/C/D (1-1-1 Minatomirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 220-0012)
- Admission: Free
- Entry Times:
- Lottery winners: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (last admission 6:30 PM) on both days
- Walk-in same-day admission: 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM (last admission 6:00 PM) on both days
Times are subject to change depending on venue conditions and match progress. A live stream is planned on the official YouTube channel and Niconico Live on both days.
General walk-in visitors may not access the sales corner on the day. Entry and same-day admission may be restricted depending on conditions at the venue.
Official PJCS2026 website: https://www.pokemon.co.jp/ex/pjcs/2026/
