Japan opens world’s first Pokémon-themed airport a symbol of post-earthquake renewal

The world's first Pokémon airport opens in Japan: giant Pikachu, 111 Flying Pokémon, theme buses and plans to revive Noto after the earthquake.

From July 7, 2026, Japan will officially have its first airport dedicated to the universe of Pokémon. Ishikawa Regional Airport will change its name to Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport, making it the first airport in the world to bear the trademark of the famous saga born in the 1990s. The initiative will run until September 2029, and aims to transform a small local hub into an international tourist destination.

Behind the project is a collaboration between Ishikawa Prefecture and the Pokémon With You Foundation, an organization set up after the devastating Tōhoku earthquake in 2011 to support communities affected by natural disasters. This time, the focus is on the Noto peninsula, struck in 2024 by a magnitude 7.6 earthquake that caused loss of life, destruction and very heavy damage to local infrastructure. The airport has become not only a pop attraction, but also a symbol of the region's economic recovery.

Giant Pikachu, 111 Flying Pokémon and treasure hunts

The entire terminal will be invaded by 111 Flying Pokémon, scattered throughout the corridors, boarding gates, walls and signage. A gigantic installation of Pikachu aboard an airplane will dominate the central hall, while the second floor will host immersive sets and miniatures inspired by Japanese rural landscapes, known as "satoyama". Visitors will be able to explore the airport as if on a digital treasure hunt.

Among the most moving elements of the project is the work "A Bright Future", created in support of Noto's reconstruction after the earthquake. Three-dimensional monuments dedicated to Pikachu, Plusle and Minun will appear in the arrivals hall, while the theme of hope will be reflected in the "Sky of Hope" illustration, a work of art filled with rainbows and Pokémon in flight. Even the tourist buses connecting the airport, Kanazawa and Wajima will be decked out in Pokémon colors.

Themed restaurants, exclusive merchandise and original cartoons

The experience will continue well beyond the boarding areas. The Annon restaurant will be serving pancakes and drinks inspired by the Pokémon universe, while the Serendipity souvenir store will be selling exclusive merchandise such as t-shirts, posters, key rings, luggage tags and suitcase straps featuring illustrations created especially for the event.

An original animated series, accessible on smartphones inside the terminal, will also be available. One of the episodes already announced, "Fly, Bagon!" ("Fly, Draby!"), tells the story of a little Bagon (Draby) who dreams of learning to fly. A simple metaphor, but perfectly in tune with the spirit of the initiative: to use one of the world's most famous franchises not only as a commercial attraction, but also as a concrete lever for bringing tourism, attention and hope back to one of the hardest-hit regions of contemporary Japan.