Japan Is Covered in Pokémon!? The “Pokémon Local Acts” Craze Is Real
Photo by せとうちタクシー ヤドンのタクシーWhen I went on a business trip to Kagawa recently, the moment I stepped out of the airport—
the station, signs, even taxis— everything was covered in Slowpoke.
I was like, “Wait, why? Is Kagawa secretly obsessed with Slowpoke or something?”
After a quick search, I found out it’s actually part of a nationwide Pokémon project backed by local governments.
Yep, this is real. And honestly? This is what “local power” looks like.
Introducing the country-wide campaign that's decking out cities with their own “mascot Pokémon”—
it’s called Pokémon Local Acts.
So, What Is “Pokémon Local Acts”?
It all started back in 2018 with a collaboration between Tottori Prefecture and Sandshrew.
Each region pairs with a Pokémon that perfectly matches their local charm—
and the result? A new type of tourism and community revitalization initiative.
Now, 12 prefectures are part of the project, promoting their areas with themed merchandise, wrapped trains and buses, and tons of Pokémon collab events.
What’s wild is that the Pokémon usage rights are essentially free, granted for local revitalization.
Name another IP this generous—we’ll wait. This is some next-level official support.
But what truly catapulted this initiative into national fame was—
the debut of the Poké Lids: Pokémon-themed manhole covers.
What Are “Poké Lids,” Anyway?
Starting around 2019, Pokémon-themed manhole covers—aka Poké Lids—started popping up around Japan.
Installed as part of the Pokémon Local Acts initiative, they blend local sights and Pokémon into stunning pieces of street art.
As of March 2025, over 379 Poké Lids are installed across 35 prefectures, surprising fans with unexpected Pokémon-place matchups.
They’re so well-designed, even casual fans can’t resist snapping pics. It’s become a whole new way to experience Japan.
Official Poké Lid site:
https://local.pokemon.jp/en/manhole/
Meet the Pokémon Repping Each Region!
Think “This city has this Pokémon, and that town has that one…”
But here’s the cool part—the connections are often shockingly deep.
From local cuisine to climate to historical ties, these pairings go way beyond surface-level branding.
Let’s take a look at some of the most iconic Pokémon x Prefecture combos!
1. Kagawa × Slowpoke｜The Chill Pokémon Takes Over Udon Country
Kagawa is lovingly nicknamed “Udon Prefecture.”
In 2018, Slowpoke was appointed to its tourism PR team.
Why? Because “Udon” and “Yadon” (Slowpoke’s Japanese name) sound alike.
What started as a pun became full-blown dominance—manholes, merch, sweets, festivals…you name it.
Even Slowpoke’s sweet tail matches perfectly with Kagawa’s famous wasanbon and rare sugar sweets.
There’s also the legend that Slowpoke brings rain with its yawns—fitting for Kagawa, which has a history of drought.
It’s safe to say this chill pink Pokémon has evolved into a true symbol of the region.
2. Tottori × Sandshrew & Alolan Sandshrew｜From Sand Dunes to Snow Fields
In 2018, both Sandshrew and Alolan Sandshrew were made Tottori’s official Pokémon ambassadors.
Tottori is famous for its massive sand dunes, so Sandshrew is a perfect match.
And for the snowy side of the prefecture? Alolan Sandshrew has that covered.
Together, they represent the dual nature of Tottori—sand and snow.
These two now roll across the region, making appearances at events, on merch, and in travel campaigns.
🌐Tottori Sandshrew Routes 2025
3. Iwate × Geodude｜Literal Name Match, and It Works
In 2019, Iwate and Geodude teamed up in what might be the most straightforward match ever.
Geodude = a rock with hands. Iwate = “iwa” (rock) + “te” (hand).
Yeah. That’s the whole joke. But it landed hard.
Now Geodude is the “Iwate Support Pokémon,”
teaming up with other rock-types for manhole covers, campaigns, and special products across the prefecture.
He’s basically the face of Iwate now. Rock on.
🌐Iwate North Sanriku – Geodude Park
4. Hokkaido × Alolan Vulpix & Vulpix｜Winter Foxes for the Northern Frontier
In 2018, two Vulpix joined Hokkaido’s “I Love Hokkaido Discovery Squad.”
Alolan Vulpix fits the snowy north like a glove,
while the classic reddish-brown Vulpix suits the lush forests and colorful seasons.
These two foxes now roam the entire island—from Poké Lids to travel collabs, they’re icons of Hokkaido’s natural beauty.
5. Mie × Oshawott｜Seafood Meets Wordplay in the “Mijū” Prefecture
In 2021, Oshawott became Mie’s official PR Pokémon.
Why Oshawott?
“Mie” (三重) sounds like “Mijū,” which is close to “Mijumaru” (Oshawott’s Japanese name).
But beyond the pun, Oshawott’s shell—resembling a scallop—fits perfectly with Mie’s rich seafood culture: pearls, oysters, and more.
This playful water-type is now the face of seaside charm in Mie.
6. Fukushima × Chansey｜Bringing Smiles & Eggs to the Land of “Fuku”
Appointed in 2019, Chansey is the perfect mascot for Fukushima.
Its name (“Lucky” in Japanese) matches the “Fuku” in “Fukushima” (福 = luck/blessing).
Plus, Chansey’s wholesome, egg-carrying image pairs well with Fukushima’s nutritious produce—fruits, rice, and more.
Together, they’re spreading smiles and good vibes all across the prefecture.
7. Miyazaki × Exeggutor & Alolan Exeggutor｜Tropical Vibes, Pokémon Style
In 2020, the towering palm-tree Pokémon Exeggutor and its Alolan version became “Miyazaki Love Pokémon.”
Why? The official tree of Miyazaki—Phoenix palm—is basically their twin.
With a warm climate year-round, Miyazaki is Japan’s “sunny south,” and these walking jungles fit perfectly.
From beach events to airplane wraps, they’re bringing tropical flair wherever they go.
🌐Exeggutor Resort in Miyazaki
🌐Exeggutor Jet – Solaseed Air
RAW JAPAN Comment
Tired of the same old “visit spot, eat food, go home” travel routine?
Hunting for Poké Lids takes you to unexpected towns,
lets you stumble across random Pokémon,
and before you know it—you’ve formed a weird attachment to the place.
“Visiting to meet your fave Pokémon” might sound silly,
but honestly? That’s the perfect kind of silly.
So go ahead. Take a trip that’s hard to explain when you get back.
Related Links
Pokémon Local Acts Official Site
https://local.pokemon.jp/
© Pokémon. © Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.
Pokémon is a registered trademark of Nintendo, Creatures Inc., and GAME FREAK Inc.