With the country’s avid love for them, Japan’s national animal might as well be a Pokémon of some sort. Now, you can get an in-depth look at their origins at the new Pokémon Fossil Museum held at the National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo.
Image adapted from: @Pokemon_cojp
On 15th March 2022, a stream of Pokémon made their way into the Tokyo National Museum of Nature And Science, as part of the Pokémon Fossil Museum exhibit. Though seasonal exhibitions are not uncommon here, the new Pokémon exhibition is definitely one to look out for.
Image adapted from: @Pokemon_cojp
The Pokémon exhibition features a collection of Pokémon fossils and skeletons, arranged and exhibited as if they are creatures that exist in real life.
The collection of Pokémon fossils is a feature in almost every game in the Pokémon series. Players can attempt to resurrect and obtain rare but allegedly extinct Pokémon – the “Fossil Pokémon” – which are prehistoric Pokémon that bear a striking resemblance to the prehistoric creatures of our own world.
Image adapted from: Pokémon Fossil Museum
Although Pokémon are entirely fictional, the point of the exhibition is to let fans learn more about the animals that inspired each Pokemon, including prehistoric creatures such as the Tyrannosaurus Rex.
Image adapted from: Pokémon Fossil Museum
The official Pokémon Twitter released a sneak preview of the Tokyo event, which consists of some footage from their Hokkaido exhibition.
In the museum, there is a gift shop that features the Excavator Pikachu, the archaeologist version of our favourite lightning Pokémon. He carries an adorable little pickaxe and wears a hat not unlike that of the famed explorer Indiana Jones.
Image adapted from: @Pokemon_cojp
The gift shop sells a special selection of merchandise that fits the theme of archaeological discovery: think tote bags, drawstring bags, keychains, and plush toys that feature both the Excavator Pikachu, as well as the whole range of Fossil Pokémon.
Image adapted from: Pokémon Fossil Museum
The Pokémon exhibition in Tokyo will run till 19th June 2022, before moving to the Aichi Prefecture’s Toyohashi Museum of Natural History from 16th July 2022 to 6th November 2022. Its final run is slated to be held at the Oita Prefectural Art Museum from 10th December 2022 to 24th January 2023.
This museum exhibition gives new meaning to ‘bringing your favourite game to life’ – combining both reality and the dreams of fans worldwide. Be sure to check out the exhibition before it’s too late!
National Museum of Nature and Science
Address: 7-20 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, 1100-8718 Tokyo
Opening hours: Tue – Sun 9AM-5PM (Closed on Mondays) | Last admission at 04.30PM
Telephone: 03-5814-9185
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Cover image adapted from (left to right): Pokémon Fossil Museum and @Pokemon_cojp
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