Summer 2026 has arrived, and Pokémon fans in Japan have plenty of reasons to head out — the franchise is approaching its 30th anniversary, and three major events are running across the country right now or starting very soon.

1. Pokémon Sleep 3rd Anniversary — Yokohama Minato Mirai

To mark three years since the launch of the sleep-tracking game app Pokémon Sleep, the event 「Pokémon Sleep 3rd Anniversary 横浜でみっけ！ポケモンねがおリサーチ presented by MITSUBISHI ESTATE GROUP」 is running at Yokohama’s Minato Mirai district from 17 July to 23 August 2026.

Inside Landmark Plaza and MARK IS Minato Mirai, visitors can hunt for sleeping Pokémon — including Dedenne, Mimikyu, Numacraw, and Kangaskhan — in the “Sleeping-Face Research” activity. A giant Snorlax greets guests at the B4F “Ekimae Hiroba” plaza of MARK IS, just outside the central ticket gate of Minato Mirai Station. A stamp rally spanning both malls lets visitors enjoy the air-conditioned interiors while collecting stamps.

Landmark Plaza also features a dedicated zone with a large sleeping Snorlax display and Pokémon sleeping-face photos. Visitors can write messages on berry-shaped cards to hang around Snorlax, celebrating the app’s third anniversary. On the third floor, a “Mega Pokémon Gacha” machine offers one of four Pokémon Sleep-design muffler towels at random.

MARK IS Minato Mirai hosts a Pokémon Sleep Shop stocking exclusive event merchandise — including 30th-anniversary Pokémon goods and Pokémon Sleep 3rd-anniversary key-visual items. A Pokémon Sleep Drink Stand serves four game-inspired drinks, and the “Ohirune Kaifuku Sochi supported by TOTONE” experience lets guests try a Monster Ball-design TOTONE relaxation device.

• Dates: 17 July – 23 August 2026
• Venue: Landmark Plaza & MARK IS Minato Mirai, Yokohama
• Hours: 10:00–19:00
• Admission: Free (stamp rally and event areas)
• Co-organisers: Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd. and The Pokémon Company

2. Pokémon Center Narikin Summer! — Pokémon Centers Nationwide

Official Pokémon retail stores across Japan are running 「ポケモンセンター なりきりサマー！」 until 31 August 2026, built around three themes: “Become a Pokémon Trainer,” “Become a Pokémon,” and “Become a Game Hero.”

Campaign highlights include:

• Customers who visit with their partner Pokémon receive a “Hello! Pokémon Trainer” sticker.
• Each purchase of a Pokémon fit plush earns a Clear Shopper bag and background sheets matching the quantity bought.
• Strike a Pokémon pose for store staff to receive a “Hello! Pokémon” sticker.
• Narikin Greeting events feature Pokémon character appearances — including a Happy Summer-style Pikachu — with sticker giveaways for attendees.
• From 18 July, Pokémon Close-Up T-shirts featuring large Pokémon face designs are on sale.

A range of game events is also scheduled, including a Poko a Pokémon town-building experience themed around Ditto, a Pokémon LEGENDS Z-A battle event called “Z-A Battle Club ～2026 Summer～,” plus Pokémon Champions and Pokémon Trading Card Game events. Participants receive a “Hello! Game Hero” sticker.

Smartphone Pokémon HOME users can tap a dedicated in-store panel to receive a special medal bearing the Narikin Summer logo. In Pokémon GO, the “GO Stamp Rally” feature has added a “Pokémon Center Stamp Rally 2026” route covering 18 PokéStops at Pokémon Centers and Pokémon GO Lab. locations nationwide, active from 1 July.

3. Pokémon Anniversary Festival in Namco — Namco Arcades Nationwide

Celebrating Pokémon’s 30th anniversary, the 「Pokémon Anniversary Festival in ナムコ」 runs at Namco amusement facilities across Japan from 24 July to 25 October 2026.

Crane game machines will feature a series of large “Mechamo Fugutto” plushies, rolling out throughout the event period:

• Eevee (Nap ver.)
• Gengar
• Pikachu (Surprised ver.)
• Snorlax (Cozy ver.)

Participating Namco locations will give away a free original sun visor featuring Captain Pikachu from the Pocket Monsters anime. New bonus items are planned from 14 September onward.

The “Namco Kuji” lottery lets players insert ¥500 into a qualifying crane machine for a chance to win exclusive Namco original goods: a large-capacity Clear Pouch, a Clear Tumbler, a Bead Strap with acrylic charm, or a holographic glitter sticker. A new set of Namco original goods will also arrive on 14 September.

Four locations have been designated Pokémon Flagship Stores, each themed around a generation’s starter trio:

• Yokohama World Porters — Bulbasaur / Charmander / Squirtle (Gen 1)
• Aeon Mall KYOTO — Chikorita / Cyndaquil / Totodile (Gen 2)
• Hakata Bus Terminal — Treecko / Torchic / Mudkip (Gen 3)
• Sapporo Factory — Turtwig / Chimchar / Piplup (Gen 4)

Each flagship store distributes its own exclusive sun visor design and hosts an in-store stamp rally: collect three stamps to receive an original clear file with a 30th-anniversary sticker (anime Pokémon design). The clear file design changes by period, so there are multiple versions to collect.

Event Dates at a Glance

• Pokémon Sleep 3rd Anniversary (Yokohama): 17 July – 23 August 2026
• Pokémon Center Narikin Summer!: Until 31 August 2026
• Pokémon Anniversary Festival in Namco: 24 July – 25 October 2026

All three events cover the summer holiday season, with the Namco festival extending well into autumn. Stay hydrated in the heat and enjoy whichever Pokémon event catches your eye!