The Pokémon Company (TPC) has revealed a special Indian-inspired look for Pikachu in celebration of the upcoming festive season. The male Pikachu dons a stylish navy-blue kurta paired with a beige vest, while the female Pikachu is adorned in a pink saree. This new attire is part of a campaign titled ‘Pokémon Festivities’, unveiled at an event in Mumbai attended by media, social media personalities, and Pokémon enthusiasts.
Pikachu's traditional attire features a Mago Berry pattern, reminiscent of India's national fruit, the mango, alongside the iconic Poké Ball motif. These design elements celebrate India's cultural richness while aligning with Pokémon's beloved identity. Pikachu will be featured in various initiatives over the coming months, including special events in Pokémon GO.
One notable initiative is the launch of a limited-edition Pokémon Festivities Gift Box, created in partnership with Yakult Danone India Pvt. Ltd. These gift boxes, showcasing Pikachu in its festive attire, will be available to customers who purchase four sets of five Yakult bottles, priced between INR 336 and INR 400 depending on flavour combinations. The promotion will run until 31 October 2024 in urban centres such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, with over 250 Yakult ladies delivering gift boxes directly to customers’ doorsteps.
As part of the campaign, TPC has introduced a collection of “Pokémon Festivities” GIF stickers. This set of 10 animated stickers features Pikachu in its new outfit, portraying a range of fun expressions inspired by gestures commonly seen in India. These stickers will be available on various social media platforms until 15 January 2025, adding a festive touch to users’ communications.
Additionally, Pikachu in traditional attire will appear in a dance video on Pokémon Kids TV, set to launch on 16 October 2024. The video features popular Japanese influencers Mayo Japan and Kaketaku, blending Indian and Japanese dance styles to create an engaging experience. Fans can watch Pikachu's festive performance on the Pokémon Kids TV YouTube channel.
An exciting on-ground activation, Pokémon Mela, is scheduled for 6 to 8 December 2024 at Phoenix Marketcity, Vimannagar, Pune. This event promises a vibrant fest-like atmosphere with mini-games, stage shows, gift campaigns, photo spots, and interactive activities, allowing fans to engage with Pikachu in its new look.
Expressing enthusiasm about the launch, Susumu Fukunaga, Corporate Officer at TPC, said, “Over the years, Pikachu has grown to become incredibly loved and cherished across the globe, including India. With the increasing interest and engagement from the Indian market, we wanted to create a special connection with our fans here. By presenting Pikachu in celebratory traditional attire, we aim to bring joy to everyone during the festivities. We hope that people will enjoy Pikachu’s new look, celebrate with us, and feel a stronger bond with Pokémon.”
In a related development, Niantic, co-developer of Pokémon GO, announced the integration of Pikachu’s festive look into the game. From 1 to 4 November 2024, Trainers will have the opportunity to catch this special Pikachu wearing a saree and enjoy various bonuses during the event.
Niantic also introduced celebrity couple Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh as brand ambassadors for Pokémon GO. Known for their genuine connection and family values, they embody the spirit of togetherness that the game aims to foster among its players.
Omar Tellez, Vice-President at Niantic, stated, “We are thrilled to introduce Pikachu’s Indian look into Pokémon GO. It embodies the vibrant spirit of India’s culture and reinforces our commitment to bringing innovative and unique experiences for millions of Indian Trainers. To celebrate the Festival of Lights this year, we have exciting raids and in-app activities lined up, allowing Trainers to enjoy cultural festivities in a fun and interactive way.”
With a series of exciting events and in-game experiences planned, this festive season promises to be a memorable one for Pokémon enthusiasts across the country.
