Watching Pokemon Anime & Movies in Japan 2025

For many kids around the world, the anime was their first introduction to Pokemon. When you visit Japan, you can immerse yourself in the culture of the show!

1. WATCHING IT LIVE ON TV

When and Where:

• The newest animated series (currently "Pokemon Horizons") airs every week on terrestrial TV.
• Channel: TV Tokyo (Channel 7 in the Kanto/Tokyo region).
• Time: Friday evenings at 6:55 PM.
• Cost: Free! Just turn on the TV in your hotel room.

Note: It is entirely in Japanese without English subtitles.

2. CATCHING UP ONLINE

If you want to watch older episodes while resting in your hotel:

Netflix Japan:

• Netflix Japan holds the rights to most recent Pokemon seasons (like Journeys).
• Language: Most episodes on Netflix Japan offer BOTH Japanese and English audio/subtitle tracks!

Amazon Prime Video Japan:

• Contains a massive backlog of older seasons and movies. (Requires a separate Japanese Prime subscription).

3. POKEMON THEATRICAL MOVIES

Every summer (usually in July), a brand new full-length Pokemon animated movie hits Japanese cinemas.

• Where to watch: Major chains like TOHO Cinemas or AEON Cinema.
• The Experience: Japanese movie theaters are incredibly quiet and respectful. You can buy exclusive Pokemon popcorn buckets, drinks, and merchandise at the concession stand.
• Event Pokemon: If you buy a movie ticket, you get a serial code to download a rare Mythical Pokemon to your Switch game!
• Warning: Theatrial releases do not have English subtitles.

4. THE POKEMON CAFE (TOKYO & OSAKA)

To truly feel like you are in the anime, you must eat at the official Pokemon Cafe!

The Experience:

• Locations: Nihonbashi (Tokyo) and Shinsaibashi (Osaka).
• The Menu: Pikachu Souffle Pancakes, Snorlax Curry, Eevee Latte Art, and seasonally rotating menus based on the newest games/anime.
• The Show: Chef Pikachu or Waitress Eevee actually comes out to dance for the customers!

The Hard Part: Reservations

• You CANNOT just walk in. You must book a table on the official website.
• Reservations open exactly 31 days in advance at 6:00 PM JST.
• Tables book out worldwide within literally 2 minutes. You must be on the website refreshing the page the second the clock strikes 6:00 PM.

CONCLUSION

Watching the anime on Japanese TV while eating combini snacks in your hotel is a core memory waiting to happen!