On the 26th, Seibu Lions announced that it will hold the "Pokemon Baseball Festa 2026" during games Softbank Hawks from May 4th (Monday, holiday) to May 6th (Wednesday, holiday).

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the release of the first game in the series, "Pokémon Red and Green," and Pokémon has teamed up with 12 professional baseball teams. Each stadium will feature special Pokémon-themed performances, as well as special events for the smartphone game app "Pokémon GO." Original merchandise featuring Pikachu dressed in each team's jersey and the Pokémon chosen as the team's partner will be on sale.

At Seibu Lions Lions home games, on the first day, Monday the 4th (holiday), The Lions original Pokémon T-shirts will be distributed to attendees. In addition, from now until Wednesday the 6th (holiday), the popular character Pikachu will be visiting Belluna Dome, and there will be a "Pikachu Welcome High Five" before the game and a "High Five with Pikachu! Base Running" event for junior high school students and younger every day after the game.

There will also be an event where parents and children can participate in a ceremonial pitch under the watchful eye of Pikachu. Details will be announced on the official website as soon as they are decided.

▼ Chihiro Sumida

"Congratulations on the 30th anniversary of Pokémon! I'm really looking forward to this event with Pokémon, which I've been playing with since I was little. I heard that The Lions' team partner Pokémon is Pyroar, and I thought it was a great match for the lion. By the way, my favorite Pokémon is Infernape, which is also a fire type like Pyroar! During the event, we'll be giving away original The Lions Pokémon T-shirts and holding events where you can meet Pikachu, so please come to Belluna Dome!"