Pokémon Go popularity has remained fervent internationally -- a craze that's especially clear in the city of Yokohama, Japan, where a Pokémon event saw thousands of people in attendance to celebrate the beloved Pikachu character.
The annual parade was hosted by the Pokémon Company, which used the occasion to promote the franchise's extreme fandom and offer its many consumers the chance to come together as one. During the Pokémon event, 50 enormous Pikachus marched down the street to the tune of cheering fans, who clamored around the performers to snap pictures of the strange sight.
Fans showed their support of the character by dressing up in yellow anime-themed gear as well, with headbands sporting Pikachu's ears seeming to be a popular commodity. Although the Pokémon event was not created by the company as a means to promote the augmented reality game specifically, it's reported that many in attendance took to capturing the creatures on their phones while they were there.
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Anime-themed Parades
- There is an opportunity for companies to create more anime-themed parades to promote fandom among consumers and offer them a chance to come together.
- Character-themed Events
- There is an opportunity for companies to create character-themed events that promote extreme fandom and offer a chance for consumers to come together as one.
- Cosplay Culture
- There is an opportunity for companies to tap into cosplay culture and provide products and services that cater to the needs of cosplay enthusiasts.
Sectors Adopting This
- Entertainment
- The entertainment industry can create more anime-themed parades and character-themed events to promote fandom and offer a chance for consumers to come together.
- Retail
- The retail industry can tap into cosplay culture by offering products and services that cater to the needs of cosplay enthusiasts.
- Marketing
- The marketing industry can use events like anime-themed parades and character-themed events to promote brands and products to consumers who are passionate about a particular character or franchise.
