The "Pokémon Japan Championships 2026 (hereinafter PJCS2026)," which determines Japan's top Pokémon battle players, will take place over two days on Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7, 2026.
Prior to this, a special event commemorating the tournament took place!
The guests included Yu Akagi and Kimura Bando from the comedy duo "Takuro," judoka Hifumi Abe, talent Hina Nagahama, and a total of 27 Pokémon.
Here is a report on the excitement at the event!
"PJCS2026" Pokémon 30th Anniversary Special Event! Guest Talks and Battles, Plus the Adorable Appearance of the Pokémon
Saiga NAKTo commemorate Japan's top Pokémon battle tournament "PJCS2026," a special event took place on Friday, June 5, 2026, the day before the tournament.
At "PJCS2026," tournaments will run in four categories: the Video Game category, Trading Card Game category, "Pokémon GO" category, and "Pokémon UNITE" category.
Dressed in the theme colors of these four categories, four special guests appeared at the venue!
In connection with the "Pokémon Japan 'Championships' 2026," champions from various fields gathered together.
Hina Nagahama (@hinak.o0619) is the most popular talent among active high school students, making her a champion in her own right.
She has openly declared her deep love for Pokémon on the radio as well.
Judoka Hifumi Abe (@hifumi.abe) is a gold medalist from the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
He is also the champion of the 2018 World Championships!
Yu Akagi (@takuroakagi) and Kimura Bando (@takurouband) from the comedy duo "Takuro" are the 2025 M-1 champions.
They crowned themselves as the champions of Manzai comedy.
The First Partner Pokémon 3-Packs from All Series Gather for the First Time in History! A Total of 27 Pokémon Appear
Saiga NAKFrom the start of the event, a massive curtain covered the venue.
What happens when the four of them press the red button...?
Saiga NAKGrand music played throughout the venue as moving silhouettes appeared.
Saiga NAKAs the curtain dropped, a massive Poké Ball stage and a total of 27 Pokémon revealed themselves!
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Pokémon, the first three partner Pokémon that players have started their journeys with over the years gathered at the venue!
This marks the very first time that all 27 Pokémon from all generations have assembled together.
Everyone should be able to find at least one Pokémon they recognize.
After the photo session, the guests played around with the Pokémon.
While everyone commented "So cute!," Hina Nagahama interacted with her favorite Pokémon, Fennekin.
Saiga NAKYou can meet these 27 Pokémon at the "PJCS2026" venue.
Furthermore, starting with this tournament, these Pokémon will also appear at Pokémon Centers nationwide!
Saiga NAKA wonderful campaign centered around "meeting" them will also take place at Pokémon Centers during June 2026.
Please look forward to it.
Talk Session with the Guests! Memories of Pokémon and a Lively Panel Talk
After the 27 Pokémon exited, a talk session featuring the guests took place.
Which "PJCS2026" Category Are You Interested In?
Saiga NAKThis tournament features four categories, starting with the Video Game category.
When asked about the category they are interested in, Kimura mentioned, "Since what we do is also like a team strategy," pointing to the team-based "Pokémon UNITE" category.
When the announcer pointed out, "You aren't making eye contact with Akagi, though," Akagi smiled wryly and declared, "It's a team effort! Manzai is a team sport!"
If You Were Aiming to Become a Champion, Which Pokémon Would You Want as Your Partner?
Saiga NAKNext, when asked, "If you were aiming to become a champion, which Pokémon would you want as your partner?," Nagahama expressed her passion by saying, "Because I really, really, really love Fennekin!"
She showed off her love, stating, "It's absolutely Fennekin!"
What Does It Take to Become a Champion?
Saiga NAKWhen asked about what he valued to become a champion, Abe replied, "Developing your strengths and what you are good at."
He also shared his thoughts on Pokémon battles, saying, "I think it's the same for Pokémon, where it's good to develop their strengths based on how they battle."
If You Were to Aim for a Champion Title in Another Field?
The four guests are all champions in their respective fields.
A talk session also unfolded where they answered the theme "If you were to become a champion in another field?" using flip boards.
Abe commented, "Judoka tend to get stuck with the image of just being a judoka, so I want to become a fashion champion."
When asked about his strength in fashion, he replied while hesitating, "Well, a white T-shirt actually looks pretty good on me," wrapping the guests in laughter.
Nagahama smiled and said, "I want to become a drama champion."
Regarding the acting roles she wants to try, she said, "A detective... or a heroine in a romance movie...," to which Kimura interrupted with a retort, "A detective and a romance drama are completely different things."
Nagahama expressed her enthusiasm for romance dramas, saying, "Because I'm a maiden at heart."
While prefacing with "I'm sorry," Akagi answered that he wants to become the "Central League champion," to which Kimura immediately responded, "Don't underestimate them."
Akagi showed his love for baseball, stating, "I'm a huge Giants fan. They are doing great this year."
Kimura answered with "Giving directions."
When the other guests voiced their confusion asking, "What do you mean by that?," Kimura, who only recently moved to Tokyo, passionately spoke about his admiration, saying, "It looks so cool when taxi drivers give directions."
Experiencing "Pokémon Champions"! A Match Between the "Hifuhina" Pair and the "Takuro" Duo
After the talk session, a battle took place using Pokémon Champions, which players will also use in the Video Game category of "PJCS2026"!
A 2v2 match was played between the "Hifuhina" pair of Nagahama and Abe, and the "Takuro" duo of Akagi and Kimura.
The rules are the same as "PJCS2026," where players choose four Pokémon from the six registered in their battle team, send out two at a time, and the side that defeats all of the opponent's Pokémon wins.
Saiga NAKFor their initial Pokémon, the Hifuhina pair chose Absol and Machamp, while Team Takuro chose Venusaur and Slowking.
As the battle began, Team Takuro's Slowking showed off the move Chilly Reception!
While the announcer followed up by saying, "That's not a bad joke from you two, by the way," both teams repeated their offenses and defenses.
Saiga NAKThe Machamp controlled by Abe powered up using Bulk Up and a cute Decoration.
Team Takuro fought back with a Mega Evolved Heracross, leading to a close battle with two Pokémon remaining for Team Takuro and one for the Hifuhina pair!
Saiga NAKAt the end, the Hifuhina pair's Charizard launched a fierce attack, leaving Team Takuro's last Pokémon unable to battle.
The heated match between the two groups ended in a victory for Team Hifuhina!
Saiga NAKPresenters handed the victorious Team Hifuhina a replica of the trophy that officials will award at the "PJCS2026" tournament.
Saying "This is the first time I've ever received a trophy!," Nagahama held the trophy with the glowing Poké Ball, showing a face full of joy.
Heading Into "PJCS2026." Messages from the Guests
Saiga NAKAt the end of the action-packed event, the guests shared messages heading into the opening of "PJCS2026."
Hifumi Abe
"At 'PJCS2026,' I think we'll be able to see the unique battles of various trainers, so I'm looking forward to seeing the intense battles of all the players at the venue and through the live streams. Thank you very much for today."
(Translated from Japanese)
Hina Nagahama
"At 'PJCS2026,' where you can also meet the Pokémon, I want to learn more and more about them and grow my love for Pokémon. Everyone, please come to the 'PJCS2026' venue to watch the Pokémon battles. Thank you very much for today!"
(Translated from Japanese)
Yu Akagi
"It was really fun. Playing Pokémon with this amazing sound system and huge monitor got me so hyped. It was truly fun to be able to battle in this sacred place, and if there's a next time, I want to practice and win! I want a rematch!"
(Translated from Japanese)
Kimura Bando
"It was incredibly fun, and it brought back my childhood. I've been playing since 'Pokémon Red and Green,' and it makes your heart feel like a kid again while you can also enjoy intense battles. I think it will truly be a place you can enjoy from the bottom of your heart, so I hope everyone comes out and just has a great time!"
(Translated from Japanese)
The Japan-Top Battle Tournament "PJCS2026" is Just Around the Corner! Let's Witness the Heated Battles Through Free Spectating and Live Streams
Saiga NAKThis pre-event closed while wrapped in excitement.
The main tournament, "PJCS2026," will take place on Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7, 2026!
Held on the largest scale in history, tournaments will run in four categories as follows:
- Video Game category
- Trading Card Game category
- "Pokémon GO" category
- "Pokémon UNITE" category
In addition to being able to spectate for free with same-day registration at the venue, you can also watch the matches via live streams on the Official Pokémon YouTube Channel.
For details on spectating methods, please visit the "PJCS2026" Official Website.
Let's witness the heated battles that determine the number one spot in Pokémon battles!
| Event Overview | |
|---|---|
| Tournament Name | Pokémon Japan Championships 2026 |
| Categories | Video Game category Trading Card Game category "Pokémon GO" category "Pokémon UNITE" category |
| Dates | Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7, 2026 |
| Venue | Pacifico Yokohama |
| Spectating Method | Venue spectating (same-day registration available), Live stream |
