In the nearly three decades that Pokémon has been around, the franchise’s influence has extended far beyond the scope of most video games. Of the many things Pokémon does with this widespread influence, one of the most interesting is Pokémon Local Acts. This program aims to highlight the unique identities of many regions of Japan by assigning them a Pokémon ambassador and running promotional events. The latest of these regional mascots to be assigned is the beloved Quagsire, being the representative for the Kochi prefecture.
The announcement ceremony was held today, in which the well-known Water Fish Pokémon was formally adopted as the region’s ambassador. There will likely be lots of promotional merchandise and activities soon to come, much like there have been with past iterations of the program. Already in fact, a train car themed around Quagsire was shown off, beginning operation on the same day. If you’re local to the area or can read Japanese, keep an eye on the official website to see what promotions come up as part of this!
Quagsire joins the ranks as the 12th ambassador as part of the Pokémon Local Acts. There will certainly be lots of fun to be had for those in the area, and this likely won’t be the last of these unique real-world partnerships. Who knows, maybe one day all of Japan’s prefectures will have a Pokémon representative to call their own, only time will tell!
Past Pokémon Ambassadors
Pokémon’s Dragonite becomes an ambassador for Japan’s Fukui prefecture
Pokémon Geodude named tourism ambassador to Japan’s Iwate Prefecture
Kagawa Prefecture calls upon Slowpoke to promote tourism in quirky new video
Pokémon invasion of the human world commences as Sandshrew take hold of Tottori Sand Dunes
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