Pokémon local acts – Support Pokémon in Japan – My personal suggestions!
Japan is a tapestry of 47 distinct prefectures, each bursting with its own flavours, stories, and traditions. From lively festivals to unique dialects, every region has something special to share. I set out on a mission to visit them all, and so far, I have explored 32, with 15 still waiting for me. The adventure has been nothing short of amazing, revealing hidden gems at every turn. Beyond food and customs, prefectures also showcase their individuality through Pokémon ambassadors. These carefully chosen Pokémon reflect the spirit of their regions and help shine a spotlight on local charm. At present, 12 prefectures have their own official Pokémon ambassador, featured on the Pokémon website alongside exclusive merchandise and special events.
Don’t mix these up with the Pokémon manhole lids found in most prefectures. Twelve special prefectures have ambassador Pokémon gracing their manholes, whilst the others feature a select handful which haven’t officially made ambassador status yet. These covers are scattered almost everywhere, often around sites of importance within a prefecture, and they even tie into a playful Pokémon Go side quest called the Pokelid stamp rally. Pokémon pop up in countless ways across Japan, and today I want to share my thoughts on which prefectures stand out and which Pokémon would be a perfect match for them. I hope even more regions get their own support Pokémon, and I love that this quirky tradition exists. It is just one more way Japan brings joy and celebrates its heritage through a modern, creative twist.
Twelve prefectures have already joined the Pokémon parade, each proudly partnered with its very own Pokémon ambassador. Nagasaki shines with Ampharos, while Kagawa enjoys life in the slow lane with Slowpoke. Hokkaido gets double the charm with both forms of Vulpix, and Miyagi rides the waves with Lapras. Iwate rocks Geodude, Tottori digs both the classic and shiny Sandshrew, and Fukushima is all about Chansey’s good luck. Fukui soars with Dragonite, Mie splashes in with Oshawott, and Kochi brings a smile with Quagsire. Down south, Okinawa basks in the sun with Growlithe, and Miyazaki reaches new heights with both forms of Exeggutor. Each region has its own exclusive merchandise, and every Pokémon partner has been carefully chosen to support and reflect its prefecture’s unique spirit. Let’s take a closer look at some of these clever pairings and the stories behind them, and I’ll also share my own picks for the regions still waiting for their perfect Pokémon match.
Starting with Ampharos, chosen because Nagasaki has the most lighthouses in Japan, it has a staggering 1479 islands. Many are uninhabited, and some make for amazing holiday destinations for those looking to enjoy resort-style vacations. Due to this, there are many lighthouses to protect sailors. Ampharos is the perfect match; in the show, it lights the way within a lighthouse. I particularly like this pairing as it would have been easy to suggest a Pokémon to represent peace, but to bring out one of the prefecture’s unique features and inform people of how many lighthouses it has is fascinating. I have no other suggestion for this prefecture.
Miyazaki is a very rural prefecture and one of the hardest to reach within Kyushu; it is very mountainous, and it is covered in vast forests. The choice of Exeggutor is a fun one. In Miyazaki, there are several crop circles formed from tall cedar trees. These trees are very old, but still not the oldest in Japan; this choice would have worked well for Kagoshima, too, as this is where the oldest tree in Japan can be found. However, a Pokémon like Torkoal or Camerupt would suit Kagoshima better, as Sakurajima is respected here, one of Japan’s most active volcanoes, which sits on an inhabited island. The prefecture is so adjusted to life with an active volcano that it has its own ash forecast informing people when it is safe to hang their washing outside and warning those with breathing conditions to wear a mask on particularly heavy days.
Fukushima gets Lucky with Chansey. In Japanese, Chansey's name means luck, and Fuku also means luck. This cute play on words created a fun pairing. In my prefecture, we have manhole lids featuring all forms of Meowth. Saga holds Japan’s largest hot air balloon festival every year. For me, I feel Pokémon is missing out on having a prefecture featuring Team Rocket’s most iconic talking cat. Team Rocket's iconic trio travels via hot air balloon, and with the Saga Balloon fest held every year, it seems a shame not to have a Team Rocket balloon feature or even a Meowth-shaped balloon. For Saga, I personally would love for it to become the first Rocket teamed prefecture, even having a small Pokémon store primarily featuring the show’s main antagonists would be fun. Despite the fact that they are portrayed as villains, they are hugely popular and fondly remembered from many childhoods. There are many who can recite the famous motto without much thought. It would be a great boost for the prefecture, which is often forgotten even by the Japanese.
Fukui, the dinosaur prefecture, showcases the show’s original postman Dragonite as its official support. This is one choice where I feel Tyrantrum would be a better fit. Fukui is famous for the Fukuisaurus and holds one of the largest dinosaur museums in all of Japan. It was the starting point for the travelling Pokémon Fossil exhibit that has popped up across the world recently. Whilst Dragonite is fondly remembered as it is an original Gen 1 Pokémon, I feel Tyrantrum simply looks closer to what one imagines when we say dinosaur. The Fukuisaurus also walked on two legs. Perhaps this prefecture could be the first to have two support Pokémon?
Tottori, home to Japan’s dunes, is supported by both the shiny form and non-shiny form of Sandshrew, which is a fun choice. These two cuties are often seen promoting the dunes, and they are found in-game, dwelling in the deserts. Moving to Kochi and Quagsire, Kochi has the highest concentration of forested land in Japan, and the waters in the prefecture are often crystal clear. Quagsire is fond of clear waters and is often depicted enjoying a swim in the many rivers of the prefecture. It is a fun choice as it promotes both the forest and the rivers, as Quagsire can breathe on land. From land and sea, we move to rock and Iwate. Iwate was appointed Geodude in 2019 to help support reconstruction efforts. The Pokémon features strong arms, which perfectly fit the image of strength. Another Pokémon which could have represented the prefecture could have been Gholdengo, the gold Pokémon. Iwate used to be known for having a vast amount of gold within the land.
Moving to Wakayama, home to Mount Koya, the prefecture does not currently have a support Pokémon. The Pokémon featured on the Pokelids are a mix consisting of Celebi, Cleffa, Pancham and a few more featuring psychic, fairy, electric and dark types. For me, Arceus or Celebi would be a great fit. Arceus is known as the oldest Pokémon and is often cited as the closest thing to God in the show. He is greatly respected; however, I do see it as being a little hard to sell cute merchandise. Perhaps Celebi would do better on the cute front. Celebi sleeps and protects the land around it, which feels spiritual and a great fit.
Hokkaido showcases one of my original favourite Pokémon with both forms of Vulpix. However, Hokkaido is home to one of the cutest flying squirrels I have ever seen, sporting perfect eyeliner and the cutest bird ever, the Shima-enaga, which looks like a perfect round ball. The Ezo flying squirrel is one of the cutest things I have laid eyes on, and I want to go on the flying squirrel tour to see them. For me, Emolga would be the cutest and easiest choice for selling the cutest merch. Hokkaido’s wildlife is adorable except for the bear, which is becoming a serious concern with an increase in attacks. But both the flying squirrels and birds are adorable. Hokkaido is the largest island in Japan and has a vast ecosystem with unique wildlife. Emolga would be a great support.
For Kyoto, I have two suggestions. The first is Ninetails, who embodies a Japanese legend of Kitsune, fox spirits who are portrayed as having nine tails. There are many Inari shrines in Kyoto, and it is home to perhaps the most famous. These shrines are protected by Kitsune, and often fox statues can be seen dotted around shrine complexes. My second choice is a little abstract, but it’s Froslass, based on another folklore from Japan, the Yuki Onna or snow woman. Froslass wears a beautiful kimono, and the mega form is even more grand. Kyoto is famous for its Geisha and tea houses, and this Pokémon is elegant and looks the part. But the Yuki Onna story does not quite fit the prefecture. And Ninetails, pre-evolved from Vulpix, is Hokkaido’s mascot.
Tokushima, home to Japan’s whirlpools and famous for its Indigo dye, is an easy one for me. I chose Poliwrath, the third evolution in the Poliwag family. Not only is this Pokémon blue, but it sports a spiral pattern on its chest. I chose the third evolution to represent the power of the Naruto whirlpools. Nara prefecture is another easy choice for me with Deerling, Nara’s famous deer are iconic, and there are signposts warning traffic about the carefree deer who roam the area. Deerling is a Pokémon with four different forms depending on the season. Japan prides itself on having four distinct seasons, and Deerling is the perfect fit for this and Nara. It would also make for some very beautiful merch that could showcase local skills and crafts, as it would not necessarily need to be cute.
Saitama, known for its transport museums and aviation, could potentially fit a few Pokémon. Dragonite would be a nice choice here with the flying aspect, and the Pokémon even features on many of Saitama’s Pokelids. Falinks is another good choice, and even recently featured a train costume in Pokémon Go. Shimane could use Pawmo as their Pokémon, as this is the Pokémon that requires the most walking to evolve; players must walk 25 km in Pokémon Go to unlock the evolution. Shimane is one of the most remote prefectures, which caused me to walk over 25 km when the only trainline closed due to rain.
Kumamoto is famous for the king of mascots, Kumamon is a hard one; should a bear Pokémon like Bewear wear the cape? Or perhaps the cute, mischievous Teddiursa? Or maybe another volcanic Pokémon to represent Mount Aso. Kumamoto is famous for its spicy Lotus root, so perhaps Lotad would make a cute fit. Yamanashi is absent from the Pokelid rally, but is home to Mount Fuji, Japan’s most famous icon. I suggest Abomasnow for a few reasons. First, he is used by Grusha, the gym leader who packs an icy punch at a mountain gym. Second, Mount Fuji is most iconic when wearing its snowy cap and third, because of the five famous lakes found here, in my mind, the clear water in the winter would be a great place for the Pokémon to hang out. Perhaps the pre-evolved Snover would make for some cute merch.
Yamaguchi is famous for its Fugu or Pufferfish, cute plushies can be found around the prefecture and even larger statues in Shimonoseki. My choice is Quilfish, he already features on one of the Pokelids, and the shiny form is also very pretty. Not only does the choice represent local cuisine, but it also promotes places like the Shimonoseki fish market, where visitors can go to eat fresh fish. Niigata has four Pokelids featuring the cutest Magikarp designs. The prefecture is known as Snow Country. It is home to half of the Alpine Highway and many ski resorts. For this Pokémon, there are a few choices from Avalugg, the glacier Pokémon, to Cryonagal, the snowflake who freezes its opponents at -148 Celsius. Or if something cuter is called for, perhaps Cubchoo, the cute bear Pokémon depicted with a runny nose.
Shiga prefecture is home to five lids in total, and three of which sport Greninja, the third evolution of Froakie, the cute frog. I think this would be a great choice. The prefecture still doesn’t have a support Pokémon, but the lids hint at what would be the perfect choice. The other Pokémon used is Gyrados, another good choice. But out of the two, I feel Greninja is a perfect fit. The largest freshwater lake in Japan is Lake Biwa, which takes up most of this prefecture. The lake supports many industries and towns. There is a fun, informative museum showing guests the ecosystems, history and folklore behind the lake. Greninja, being a frog, would love it in the freshwater; there is plenty of space for the Pokémon to really kick back and swim.
There are many potentials for fun pairings in the future, and I hope to see some more announcements. For fans of the show, Japan is a haven of unique merchandise, and there are plenty of places to find Pokémon lids and collaborations. Supporting Pokémon is an amazing idea, and I hope that maybe in the future it may be adopted by other places in the world. Perhaps London will gain its own Lids and support Pokémon. But for now, one can only hope to catch them all in Japan and find every stamp possible.
