Pokémon GO Fans flock to Fukuoka for exclusive ‘Wild Area’ event

J-STORIES - Get ready, Pokémon Trainers! A special event is coming to Fukuoka, Japan, bringing never-before-seen Pokémon you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Attendees in Maizuru Park will be the first to experience and access this exclusive content.

Pokémon GO is an online mobile game that uses a map feature to provide an explorative experience, in which walking around to find and capture Pokémon is the primary mode of progression. The game’s focus on walking encourages users to get out of the house and exercise, leading to an increase in overall well-being.

The limited-time event "Wild Area" encourages players to gather in Fukuoka to explore the city and discover unique Pokémon. Numerous in-game bonuses will also be available during the event, which will help players level up faster and catch more Pokémon.

Pokémon GO Wild Area is coming to Pokémon GO. Source: Pokémon GO Official YouTube channel

Organizers expect this event to boost Fukuoka’s economy as visitors from around the world explore the city’s vibrant culture, cuisine, and attractions. While Fukuoka attracts fewer tourists than destinations like Kyoto, the city offers an authentic cultural experience.

Fukuoka City Mayor Sōichirō Takashima, who attended a joint press conference with Niantic and The Pokémon Company, said: “I am very excited that this event is only being held in Fukuoka. I am sure that many people will get to know Fukuoka for the first time because of this event.” He also expressed his excitement on social media platforms, informing visitors that “November means it’s cooler and a perfect time for walks and stalls,” adding that he “hope[s] everyone from all over the world will enjoy the city of Fukuoka!”

Pokémon GO logo. Source: Niantic

Since its record-breaking debut in 2016, with a player base of more than 230 million, it has decreased in popularity by around 62%, to around 88 million current users. Although the player base fluctuates year to year, events like "Wild Area" hope to draw in new audiences and bring back old players looking to collect rare Pokémon.

A variety of new Pokémon will be introduced to the game during the two-day event, including an electric/poison type named Toxtricity, with players having the chance to encounter it in shiny or Dynamax form. Origin Forme Dialga and Palkia will also appear during raids, with a chance of gaining unique attacks.

Additionally, a new concept called Mighty Pokémon will be introduced during "Wild Area," giving players a chance to encounter unusually powerful opponents with higher fighting power, size, and capture difficulty. Shiny Pokémon will have boosted rates during the event, so save your PokéBalls now.

Not only will the event feature exclusive Pokémon, it will also debut the new 'GO Safari Ball' PokéBall, allowing players to capture powerful Pokémon.

A view of Maizuru Park from Kamino Bridge in Fukuoka City.     Source: Fukuoka City Hall — A view of Maizuru Park from Kamino Bridge in Fukuoka City. Source: Fukuoka City Hall

The event takes place on Nov. 16 and 17 at Maizuru Park from 8 a.m.-12 p.m., with players then encouraged to explore the city of Fukuoka from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

If you cannot make it to the exclusive event in Fukuoka, do not stress. On Nov. 23 and 24, a global “Wild Area” event will offer similar features. Yet, you will miss out on the community-building aspect of the in-person event. There will be many attendees from Japan and abroad in both Maizuru Park and Fukuoka City, which is a great way to make friends with similar interests.

A glimpse of Fukuoka city from Maizuru Park.     Source: Envato — A glimpse of Fukuoka city from Maizuru Park. Source: Envato

In addition to this new event, recently, All Nippon Airlines (ANA) collaborated with Pokémon to create a new airplane safety video featuring multiple Pokémon characters such as Pikachu and Eevee. The airplanes will have a Pokémon theme on both the inside and outside. They will offer special merchandise available for purchase on the flight.

ANA Safety Video featuring Pokémon. Source: ANA Global Official YouTube Channel

Whether you’re an avid Pokémon collector or just looking to experience the excitement, “Wild Area” offers something for everyone. Fukuoka is waiting – will you be there to catch 'em all?