Japan's two new Pokémon themed parks open to the public

Two new Pokémon-themed parks, each named “Mijumaru Park,” have officially opened in Mie Prefecture, marking the first parks of their kind in the Tokai region of Japan.

The new parks are the result of a comprehensive partnership agreement between The Pokémon Company and Mie Prefecture, which was first established in December of 2021.

pokemon oshawott — The new parks are based on Oshawott (Mijumaru in Japanese)

This collaboration is part of the “Pokémon Local Acts” initiative, a nationwide program where an “Ambassador Pokémon” is chosen for each prefecture to help promote local tourism and highlight the region’s unique charms.

pokemon local acts — The “Pokémon Local Acts” initiative assigns Pokémon to represent areas of Japan

The most famous of these “Ambassador Pokémon” is Slowpoke, who represents Kagawa Prefecture, which now has both a Slowpoke park and a Slowpoke train in operation.

A local train has been re-designed based on Kagawa Prefecture’s ambassador Slowpoke

For Mie Prefecture, the Sea Otter Pokémon, Oshawott, known as Mijumaru in Japanese, was selected as its official ambassador.

The name “Mijumaru” has a phonetic similarity to the “Mi” in “Mie,” and the character’s signature “scalchop,” a shell-like organ on its stomach, is a fitting symbol for a prefecture known for its abundant seafood, including pearl oysters.

pokemon mie prefecture oshawott 6 — Oshawott is the ambassador Pokémon for Mie Prefecture

The new parks, located in the cities of Suzuka and Toba, feature a range of playground equipment designed with Mijumaru as the main motif.

pokemon mie prefecture oshawott 3 — A new “Mijumaru Park” has now opened in Suzuka

These parks were created as part of “My First Pokémon,” an internal project at The Pokémon Company that aims to create more points of contact between children and the Pokémon world in their everyday lives.

Gv1CKPEW0AAQ 0Q — The Suzuka Park will include an Oshawott seesaw

Opening ceremonies were held at both locations, which were attended by a life-sized Oshawott mascot character.

pokemon mie prefecture oshawott 2 — Another “Mijumaru Park” was opened in Toba

At the ceremonies, two new “Poké Lids,” the popular Pokémon-themed manhole covers, were also unveiled and have been installed within the parks.

pokemon mie prefecture oshawott 4 — Oshawott manhole covers have been installed in both parks

The unveiling of these new “Poké Lids” come after 6 new designs were revealed for Ibaraki Prefecture, which include the popular Pokémon Rayquaza.

ibaraki pokelids pokemon manhole covers — The new Ibaraki Prefecture “PokéLids” were revealed by Pikachu

Additionally, two new wrapped buses featuring Oshawott’s design, which will operate primarily in Suzuka City, were also revealed.

01826b8500247632e35d10fe99e2c9bf8f03e265 — Dewgong makes an appearance as a spring rider at the Toba park

To celebrate the opening of the new parks, a special collaboration with the augmented reality mobile game Pokémon GO has been launched.

pokemon go key art — Pokémon GO players can also benefit from the the new parks

From Monday, July 14th, to Friday, August 15th, players who visit either of the “Mijumaru Parks” will have a slightly increased chance of encountering a wild Oshawott in the game.

For the next two years, until August 15th, 2027, players who use the “GO Snapshot” feature to take photos in the game will have a chance for Oshawott to photobomb their picture once per day, which will then cause the Pokémon to appear on the world map for a chance to be caught.

pokemon mie prefecture oshawott 5 — Oshawott will be photobombing players for the next two years

Some of the playground equipment in the parks will also appear in the game as “PokéStops,” where players can receive special in-game gifts that feature photos of the park.

Official “Routes” have also been created within the game, encouraging players to explore the areas around the parks.