As part of its nationwide earthquake recovery efforts, the Japanese government is looking to renovate a number of important structures with new themes to celebrate the country’s strong lineage. One such building is the Noto Satoyama Airport, which is located in Japan’s Ishikawa prefecture. Pokémon fans will want to take notice, because the airport is soon to be renamed the Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport, which will feature all kinds of Pokémon branding and decorations.
Set to reopen on July 7th, 2026, the airport will soon have Pokémon-themed attractions and a number of different events planned out for the next three years. The renovation will feature around 111 flying-type Pokémon around the facility, enticing patrons to spot them all during their visit. Pikachu will also be featured prominently in the center, though no mega evolutions or regional forms will be featured.
EuroNews has a full breakdown of the changes coming to the airport, which includes themed floors, a new logo, and a gift shop with fun merchandise to collect. Said items include keychains, suitcase belts, luggage tags, and t-shirts. I like the sound of “wandering Pokémon,” which almost makes me believe there will be literal critters running about. The plans don’t stop at the airport, though, as Aerospace Global News mentions that other structures around Japan will be receiving a Pokémon facelift.
One is pretty obvious, which is that airport shuttles and buses will be wrapped in Pokémon liveries. There are some Pokémon-themed footbaths and hot springs, which are pretty adorable. A new piece of artwork, titled “Sky of Hope,” will also be unveiled for the airport’s opening, which Ishikawa prefecture officials explain, “expresses the longing for the sky, the joy of flying freely, and the ‘hope’ for a new journey, together with the expression of dazzling lights and sparkling rainbows.”
This is all part of the broader “Pokémon With You” initiative, which will expand to other parts of Japan in the coming months.
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Written by Peter Glagowski
Peter has been a freelance gaming and film critic for over seven years. His passion for Nintendo is only matched by the size of his collection.
