About POP!

POP! is INQUIRER.net’s premier pop culture channel, delivering the latest news in the realm of pop culture, internet culture, social issues, and everything fun, weird, and wired. It is also home to POP! Sessions and POP! Hangout,
OG online entertainment programs in the
Philippines (streaming since 2015).

As the go-to destination for all things ‘in the now’, POP! features and curates the best relevant content for its young audience. It is also a strong advocate of fairness and truth in storytelling.

POP! is operated by INQUIRER.net’s award-winning native advertising team, BrandRoom.

Contact Us

Email us at [email protected]

Address

MRP Building, Mola Corner Pasong Tirad Streets, Brgy La Paz, Makati City

Girl in a jacket

To all aspiring trainers: Are you ready for your next Pokémon quest?

Among Asian countries, Japan has always been included in many travelers’ bucket lists. And considering the good things you hear about the country—like the hues of their autumn leaves, the taste of authentic ramen, and the thrilling experience of riding the Shinkansen (bullet train)—it’s not surprising that many people choose to spend their vacations there. 

Although these are some of the main highlights that tourists look forward to in an anime lovers perspective, Japan is a haven for them. It showcases several tourist spots dedicated to Otakus of all ages. In fact, a number of these locations were inspired by the world-known anime film, Pokémon.

Prepare your poké balls because a wild Pokémon appeared! 

Last December was the very first appearance of the Pokémon Eevee. The creature’s image was first seen on manhole covers around Ibusuki, Kagoshima Prefecture.

Soranews24 mentions that due to positive responses of the public, images of several pocket monsters such as Pikachu and Geodude, have also surfaced on manhole covers around Japan. 

Come out, Geodude!

Photo courtesy of @kapupura via Twitter

Furthermore, some rock/ground type pocket monsters have also been situated in parts of Iwate Prefecture, since the etymology of Iwate came from the words stone (岩, “iwa”), and hands (手, “te”).

Rhydon can be found in Ofunato City.

Photo courtesy of @OofunatoKBK via Twitter

Shuckle, on the other hand, can be identified in a manhole cover of Otsuchi, a town of Iwate Prefecture, included in the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.

Photo courtesy of @sanriku_project via Twitter

Fans can no longer wait for other rock/ground type Pokémon such as Onyx, Kabuto, and Omanyte to appear in other parts of the Iwate Prefecture.

But this quest won’t be complete without Team Rocket’s Jesse and James’ attempt to capture Ash’s electric type Pokémon, Pikachu!

So, where is Pikachu?

According to Soranews24, Yokohoma city will soon be invaded by different designs of Pikachu manhole covers. Common places such as Sakuragicho Station will showcase two different designs of Pikachu starting August 5, 2019. Additionally, 4 designs will be available in the Minato Mirai area for a limited time.

Looks like we know where Team Rocket’s next destination lies?

Meowth, that’s right! FM

InqPOP! Creator Community/ Willanicole Alexa Ngo

______

Read more from InqPOP!: 

From comfort food to online memes, this is the evolution of instant noodles

Save up to 50%’: Do sale items really save?

Decoding Funko Pops!’: Understanding the craze behind these collectibles

Related Stories

Popping on POP!