The Japan Olympic Museum (JOM), operated by the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC), will hold the special exhibition "Pokémon and Athletes' Moves" from September 19 (Sat), 2026 — the opening day of the 20th Asian Games (Aichi-Nagoya 2026) — through November 23 (Mon, holiday).
Pokémon learn a variety of moves to battle one another, while athletes hone their own techniques to compete. The exhibition compares these two kinds of "moves" side by side, letting visitors handle actual sporting equipment while learning about the connection between Pokémon moves and athletic skill.
Exhibition Overview
Exhibition name: Japan Olympic Museum Special Exhibition "Pokémon and Athletes' Moves"
Dates: September 19 (Sat) to November 23 (Mon, holiday), 2026, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last admission 4:30 PM)
*For details on open and closed days, please check the JOM official website.
Venue: Japan Olympic Museum, 1st floor "Welcome Salon"
(4-2 Kasumigaoka-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, JAPAN SPORT OLYMPIC SQUARE)
Admission: Free
*Admission to the 1st floor is free only during the exhibition period. Regular admission fees apply for the 2nd floor exhibition space.
Organizer: Japanese Olympic Committee
Cooperation: The Pokémon Company
Exhibition website: https://japan-olympicmuseum.jp/jp/exhibition/pokemon_athletesmoves.html
59 "Cheer Pokémon" Join the Exhibition
In 2026, the year Pokémon celebrates its 30th anniversary, Pokémon was appointed JOC Kids Sports Ambassador. For this exhibition, 59 "Cheer Pokémon" were selected from more than 1,000 Pokémon species based on the sports and events in Team Japan's lineup for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, with each Pokémon chosen to match the characteristics of its assigned sport. The exhibition showcases the appeal of both Pokémon and sports through these Cheer Pokémon.
A Few of the Cheer Pokémon
Zeraora (Track and Field)
Known for its dashing speed, Zeraora cheers on track and field. Zeraora can jump and unleash the punching move Plasma Fists, among other abilities — a versatile skill set that suits the many different events in track and field.
Gholdengo (Skateboarding)
The Cheer Pokémon for skateboarding is Gholdengo, which lives in lively towns. Gholdengo makes friends with anyone right away, much like skateboarders who practice together and build camaraderie with those around them.
Decidueye (Archery)
Decidueye, the Arrow Quill Pokémon that nocks and fires its own feathers like arrows, cheers on archery. Its precision is sharp enough to pierce a pebble 100 meters away, and its knack for never missing its mark makes it a perfect fit for archery.
Greninja (Gymnastics)
The Cheer Pokémon for gymnastics is Greninja, the Ninja Pokémon. Known for its ninja-like agility and swift movements, its light, nimble motion resembles that of a gymnast.
Inside the "Pokémon and Athletes' Moves" Exhibition
*A look at part of Section 1 of the exhibition.
Under the theme "See it! Touch it! Discover sports and Pokémon!," the venue offers a variety of exhibits and hands-on experiences.
Section 1: Compare the Moves
This area lets visitors compare the many different "moves" athletes display in competition with the moves Pokémon use in battle. Athletes and Pokémon may share some unexpected similarities in their moves.
Section 2: Moves and Poses
In this area, visitors can strike and photograph the same "poses" athletes strike at the peak of their performance in sports such as weightlifting, surfing, skateboarding, and breaking, together with Pokémon.
Section 3: Moves and Equipment
This area displays actual sporting equipment, including bats, rackets, bicycle wheels, and rowing oars. Visitors can learn about each sport by comparing the shapes and characteristics of the equipment used.
Section 4: Try the Moves Yourself
This area offers hands-on experiences, including sports trials and simulators, that let visitors move their own bodies.
A Quiz Rally to Enjoy While Touring the Exhibition
A quiz rally featuring Pikachu enjoying various sports will also run alongside the exhibition. Visitors can tour the exhibition together with Pikachu and discover the similarities and differences between sports and Pokémon moves.
Visitors who complete the quiz rally while touring the exhibition will receive an original certificate sticker.
*The quiz rally booklets and prizes are available while supplies last.
Related: "Pokémon Sports Park" Special Website
In conjunction with this exhibition, The Pokémon Company has launched a special website called "Pokémon Sports Park," where visitors can search for the "Cheer Pokémon" of various sports while learning about sports and Pokémon in a fun way.
https://sportspark.pokemon.co.jp/
*This link leads to a site operated by The Pokémon Company.
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