Pokémon 30th Anniversary in 2026

Pokémon Turns 30, ANA Launches three Special Edition Jets

All Nippon Airways (ANA) introduces three new Pokémon Jet liveries in 2026, each is inspired by Pokémon Red, Green and Blue. The aircraft will fly on international and domestic routes, of which the latter returns after about a decade’s absence. The upcoming fleet will consist of three aircrat types and will enter service progressively this year.

JetAircraftRoute
Pokémon Jet RedBoeing 787-8Domestic
Pokémon Jet GreenBoeing 787-9International
Pokémon Jet BlueBoeing 737-800Domestic

Specific livery visuals and exact launch dates are expected to be revealed in May.

27 February 2026 is Pokémon Day and marks exactly 30 years since Pokémon Red and Green were launched. It also coincides with the 40th aniversary of ANA’s firsrt international flight.

Keiji Omae, ANA’s Executive Vice President of Customer Experience, said the initiative aims to create an immersive travel experience that sparks imagination and curiosity for passengers across generations.  

The Japanese airline already operates the Pikachu Jet NH and Eevee Jet NH under the broader Pokémon Air Adventures project. To date, eight ANA aircraft have carried special Pokémon liveries. The three new jets represent the next phase of that strategy, with additional passenger campaigns and onboard experiences expected to follow.

For aviation watchers and Pokémon fans alike, the expansion signals a deeper integration of pop culture into the travel experience. The return of domestic Pokémon Jet operations in Japan also widens the chances of spotting, or flying on, one of these themed aircraft.

With Pokémon Day on 27 February 2026 marking the franchise’s 30th birthday, expect more global activations, merchandise drops and game events to build momentum throughout the year.

Other Pokémon Day Activities

Pokémon Fire Red and Leaf Green

Ahead of Pokémon Day on 27 February 2026, The Pokémon Company group has confirmed a new Pokémon Presents video presentation will stream globally, marking three decades of the franchise. The broadcast will air at 6:00 a.m. PST, 2:00 p.m. GMT and 3:00 p.m. CET on the official Pokémon YouTube and Twitch channels, with the company teasing major updates across the Pokémon ecosystem.

The celebration extends beyond the livestream. Pokémon FireRed Version and Pokémon LeafGreen Version, the 2004 Game Boy Advance remakes, will arrive as download-exclusive titles on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 immediately after the presentation. The company is also rolling out its yearlong “What’s Your Favourite?” fan campaign, encouraging players to share their favourite Pokémon via Pokémon GO’s new snapshot feature. Adding to the merchandising push, the first-ever LEGO Pokémon sets will debut on the same day, featuring brick-built versions of Pikachu, Eevee, Venusaur, Charizard and Blastoise.

Singapore Hosts World’s First Pokémon Car Meet

Singapore hosts world's first Pokémon Car meet
Singapore hosts worlds first Pokémon Car meet

Singapore is adding its own spin to the global Pokémon 30th anniversary celebrations with the debut of what organisers describe as the world’s first Pokémon Car Meet. Announced by the local Pokémon Community in partnership with PokéCarClub SG, the event will take place on 27 February 2026 at the Kallang Stadium McDonald’s carpark, turning the familiar space into a pop culture showcase built around customised vehicles and fan engagement.

The showcase will feature six specially modified cars, including five wrapped in bespoke Pikachu liveries and one high-contrast Gengar-themed vehicle. Designed as an accessible, family-friendly gathering, the meet invites fans, collectors and curious onlookers to get up close with the builds and interact with their owners. Organisers say the initiative aims to blend automotive creativity with Pokémon fandom while creating a safe community space for enthusiasts across generations.

According to Pokémon Community Leader Rayson Choo, the event is intended to go beyond a typical car gathering. The goal is to bring together families, collectors and hobbyists through a shared sense of nostalgia while introducing a fresh cultural crossover for Singapore’s fan scene. The programme reflects the growing trend of grassroots fan activations complementing official brand celebrations during major franchise milestones.

Visitors can expect a full evening line-up, with public photo sessions and fan interactions running from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, followed by an exclusive lucky draw at 9:00 PM and the global Pokémon Day livestream at 10:00 PM. Children attending the event will also receive complimentary Pikachu plush toys while stocks last. Admission is free, with vehicle formation beginning from 4:00 PM ahead of the main festivities.

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