Issue 40: I Wanna be the Very Best
It's Pokémon's birthday this week, so we're celebrating with a whole dedicated issue!
Hey friends!
Did you know that on February 27, 1996, Pokémon was first introduced to the world? This childhood cartoon still captures our adult hearts that we felt it was only right to curate a newsletter with some Pokémon 90s nostalgia and Japanese pop culture. Because why not? Take a trip down memory lane with us and dive into the colorful world of Pokémon!
Thank you for joining us on this nostalgic journey. Here's to never giving up in the spirit of Pokémon and everything else we set our hearts to.
Until next week,
Marissa & Akina
🎵I Wanna Be the Very Best No One Ever Was
By Marissa
I remember waking up to this tune every weekday morning before school. It became my morning ritual and unknowingly became the fight song throughout my pre-pubescent adolescent years. Although I wasn't a diehard fan of trading cards, I never missed an episode and would sing along to the iconic opening theme song (I still do to this day).
For many of us in the AAPI community, Pokémon was more than just an anime - it defined a significant part of our childhoods. Its premise was simple yet captivating: to become a Pokémon Master by capturing and training "pocket monsters," aka Pokémon, in a journey that resonated with millions around the globe. In retrospect, this created a universally shared experience that transcended language and cultural barriers.
Since its inception in 1996, Pokémon has evolved from trading cards and video games into a beloved franchise, including an anime series that has become the cornerstone of our collective nostalgia. This year marks over a quarter of a century since Ash Ketchum and his first Pokémon, Pikachu, set out from Pallet Town on a journey many of us followed. The anime has grown with us, introducing new regions, new characters, more Pokémon, and adventures, yet its core message of friendship, perseverance, and the joy of discovery remains unchanged.
As we explore the legacy of Pokémon in this issue, we do so not only as fans but also as a generation that grew up believing in the values it taught us. It warms my heart to see my 9-year-old son Nolan be as captivated with Pokémon as I was at his age. When we watch it together, I remember the days when I, too, learned about the power of never giving up, no matter the odds. It taught us that any challenge could be overcome with determination - a lesson that will always be relevant.
This is a piece of our childhood that we can proudly share with the next generation. We hope it continues to inspire many others with its timeless lessons and reminds us to ease up and incorporate a bit of play into our lives. After all, it's what keeps us young at heart ☺️
Ash's Last Journey
After 25 years and over 1,200 episodes later, Ash and Pikachu's journey has come to a bittersweet end. Japan (and the rest of the world) witnessed the moment we've all been waiting for – Ash becoming the ultimate world champion. Such an iconic ending that even the BBC covered it.
Fun fact: the Japanese and American theme songs are different.
Play: Pokémon Go Around the Island
While living in Guam means that we've all been around the island a hundred times, let's make it fun by fulfilling our childhood dreams of becoming Pokémon Masters.
Pokémon Go is a revolutionary augmented reality (AR) mobile game that has taken the world by storm since its release. It encourages players to explore their surroundings in search of Pokémon, engaging fans old and new uniquely and interactively. The game blends the virtual and real worlds, allowing players to catch Pokémon in their actual environment, visit PokéStops for items, and battle in Gyms scattered across various locations.
Download: Pokémon Go App for Apple or Android
📍Tumon Bay 🌊
Start by walking on the beachside of Tumon Bay or through the sidewalks along the hotels. If you go by the water, you'll see it's a haven for water-type Pokémon. The area is dotted with PokéStops and Gyms, located at various landmarks and art installations, making it a perfect spot to stock up on Poké Balls and battle fellow trainers.
📍Two Lovers Point💗
Next, head to Two Lovers Point, a popular lookout point offering stunning ocean views. It's a romantic spot, and in Pokémon Go, it's known for its high elevation, ideal for catching flying and dragon-type Pokémon. The site's historical significance and breathtaking vista make it a must-visit PokéStop.
📍 Chamorro Village🚶🏻♂️
For lunch, make your way to Chamorro Village. This cultural hub is great for local cuisine, community, and history, which naturally extends to Pokémon Go. The area's numerous PokéStops are often lured, attracting a wide variety of Pokémon and making it a great spot to mingle with other players.
📍War in the Pacific National Historical Park 🇬🇺
Before sunset, drive to the War in the Pacific National Historical Park. This site offers a mix of history, nature, and Pokémon. The park's significant landmarks, memorials, and beautiful trails are populated with PokéStops and Gyms, providing a serene environment to catch Pokémon while paying respects to the island's war history.
Our very own professional triathlete, Manami Iijima Martin, is a huge Pokémon Go fanatic. She and her husband train every weekend and of course catch Pokemon during their rest stops.
Week to Weekend Itinerary for All Things Pokémon in Japan 🇯🇵
While Japan is a hot spot vacay destination, you'll want to plan accordingly to hit up all these Poke-spired spots. Ya'll wanna bookmark this.
Hunt for Pokémon Lids
There are adorable Pokémon Lids (manhole covers) scattered all over Japan, with 12 right in the heart of Tokyo. Head over to Machida city to catch the adorable starter trio 🔥🌱💧or Yokohama for all the Pikachu ones ⚡️
Use this map to SNAP them all: Poke Lids
Pokémon Cafe & Pokémon Centers
If you want to dine in at the Pokémon Cafe, you can be ahead of the game by making a reservation (or sprint up 9 floors like how Annie and I did because walking 7 miles a day throughout the city wasn't a challenge enough already). Of course, you must check out all the fun Pokemon goods at the centers – that's a must.
Pokémon Center (Tokyo Skytree)
Catch Regional Pokémon With Pokémon Go
Did you know there are some Pokémon you can only catch regionally? In Asia, it’s Farfetch’d, Zangoose, Volbeat, Pansage, Flabébé (Blue Flower), Oricorio (Pa’u Style), and Oricorio (Sensu Style).
Ride in True Pikachu Fashion
Get to your next destination by riding the "Pokémon with YOU" train. "Pokémon with YOU" is a foundation created in response to the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake with a mission to bring smiles to children's faces. It is decked out in Pikachu gear, and the routes are to encourage visitors to visit Tōhoku.
Nerdy Pokemon Finds
Bulbapedia – Bulbagarden - community-driven Pokemon encyclopedia that's been running since 2005. There are over 52,000 articles on all things Pokemon.
Ever imagined having a Pokemon themed wedding? Yes, wedding bands and all.
Giant Charizard now a part of Build a Bear
Some free Pokemon Lid coloring pages
See you Next Issue!
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