Japan’s second-largest city of Yokohama has been coming to life every August since 2014 as hundreds of Pikachus overrun the area in an annual celebration called the “Pikachu Outbreak.”
Each year’s “Outbreak” runs under a different theme and this year’s theme is titled “Science is Amazing.”
The Pikachu army marches. pic.twitter.com/fmJeVpCkBy
— Adam Esat (@adamesat) August 11, 2018
In its fifth year, the organisers have added some extra excitement to the Pokémon festivities by introducing the world’s first Eevee march.
Thousands of fans swarmed to the seaside town to watch the beloved Pokémon characters Pikachu and Eevee march in the annual festival on Sunday.
ピカチュウ大量発生中で今日はイーブイの行進は中止だったけど、ショーみたいのたまたま通って見れた😭💕 pic.twitter.com/g76zvd06f8
— エミ (@cnblueemi) August 10, 2018
One of the highlights of the week-long festivities is the chance to see Pikachu parades daily around the Minato Mirai harbour district, where over 1,500 Pikachu mascots strut through the streets, get wet and wild, and bust out dance moves amongst crowds of fans who come from around the country to catch a glimpse of them.
The Pikachu parade route runs from Queen’s Square Yokohama to the Grand Mall park area, whereas Eevee parade route runs from Shinko Central Plaza in the Red Brick Warehouse district.
While the Eevee parade will only be held during the day, the Pikachu parade will be held after sundown as well, when a procession of electric Pokémon will appear in flashing-light costumes.