On August 1, 2024, The Pokemon Company signed a partnership agreement with Okinawa Prefecture, aiming to collaborate on mutual initiatives for revitalizing the region. This partnership seeks to enhance Okinawa's brand power through promoting its attractions, increasing its recognition, and supporting tourism, local products, and sports development.

This mutual collaboration between Pokemon and Okinawa Prefecture marks the 11th project under the "Pokemon Local Acts" initiative. Growlithe, the Puppy Pokemon from the "Pokemon" series, has been appointed as the "Okinawa Support Pokemon." Through the activities of "Pokemon Local Acts," Growlithe will help promote Okinawa, encouraging many people to visit various places and discover the numerous charms of the prefecture.

To commemorate Growlithe's appointment, four buses and one Yui Rail train, wrapped with Growlithe-themed designs, will begin operation starting in August 2024. Based on the partnership agreement, various products featuring collaborations between Growlithe and Okinawa's local specialties will be released to promote local products. The first items include Kariyushi wear and Okinawa's famous sweets, which will be rolled out primarily within Okinawa starting in August.

Bus Information

Operators: Okinawa Bus Co., Ltd., Naha Bus Co., Ltd., Ryukyu Bus Transportation Co., Ltd., Toyo Bus Co., Ltd.
Operation Start: Sequentially from August 2024
Operation Area: Routes within Naha city operated by each bus company

Yui Rail Information

Operator: Okinawa Urban Monorail Co., Ltd.
Operation Start: Sequentially from August 2024
Operation Area: From Naha Airport Station to Tedako-Uranishi Station

Source : ORICON NEWS