Pokémon fans can embark on an out-of-this-world adventure this autumn, as the Toyohashi Museum of Natural History welcomes the Pokémon Observatory from September 21.
The special exhibition uses familiar Pokémon to introduce visitors to the wonders of space and natural science, taking them on a journey from Earth to the Moon, the Sun, the solar system, and beyond before returning to Earth with a meteorite.
One of the highlights will be a collection of rare space-related samples, models, and astronomical images from organizations including JAXA, the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, and the National Museum of Nature and Science. Visitors will be able to see samples returned from the asteroid Ryugu by Hayabusa2, as well as meteorites, including one that can actually be touched.
The exhibition also explores surprising connections between Pokémon and the cosmos. For example, Dusclops' striped body and red eye can be compared with the appearance of Jupiter, while interactive quizzes invite visitors to identify other Pokémon with similarities to planets and celestial phenomena.
Life-size models of space-related Pokémon including Gothita, Porygon2, Gothitelle, Solgaleo, Lunala, Rayquaza, Deoxys, and Mew will also be on display. A new MR experience will give visitors another way to explore space and Pokémon through different types of light.
The Pokémon Observatory runs until December 6, with admission priced at 1,000 JPY for adults and 300 JPY for elementary and junior high school students. Preschoolers enter free.
Weekday visitors and those arriving after 5pm on weekends and public holidays will also receive a limited-edition visitor pass, while supplies last.
