Shout for Slowpoke: Japan Pokémon Center’s Funny Promo

Pokémon Center Japan Holds Hilarious Promotion: Shout the Slowpoke Cry for a Free Gift

The Pokémon Company has launched a unique and humorous in-store promotion at all Pokémon Center locations across Japan, challenging trainers to embrace their inner Slowpoke to receive a special reward. The campaign, which runs from October 24 to November 30, 2025, is tied to the opening of the new Pokémon Center Kagawa.

The best part of this promotion is the method of obtaining the prize: players must approach a staff member and perform an imitation of Slowpoke’s signature, lazy cry.

The Task: Shouting “Ya~n” in Public

To receive the special in-game item, players must perform a small, embarrassing act of fan devotion:

• The Requirement: Visitors to any Pokémon Center in Japan must shout or loudly say the Slowpoke cry, “Ya~n”, to the staff.
• The Goal: Once the player successfully imitates the cry, the staff will present them with a Mystery Gift code.

This promotion is a playful nod to Kagawa Prefecture, which has adopted Slowpoke as its official prefectural mascot.

The Reward: A Special Slowpoke

The code received from the “Ya~n” shout-out grants players a special version of the beloved, lazy Pokémon.

• The Pokémon: Players receive a Slowpoke via the Mystery Gift feature. The code can be redeemed in either Pokémon Legends: Z-A or the Pokémon HOME mobile app.
• Exclusive Details: This special Slowpoke comes inside a highly coveted Cherish Ball. It also has a distinct moveset, learning the otherwise TM-exclusive moves Calm Mind and Safeguard, making it a unique collectible.
• Timing: The event is running for a limited time, ending on November 30, 2025, meaning trainers must be in Japan during this window to earn the code.

The Context: Celebrating Kagawa Center

This nationwide event is designed to draw attention to the grand opening of the first official Pokémon Center store on the island of Shikoku, the Pokémon Center Kagawa. The store features unique designs, exclusive merchandise, and promotional campaigns celebrating Kagawa’s tie to Slowpoke, including an Udon Pikachu plush. The “Ya~n” promotion is an excellent, lighthearted way to connect this new location with the global fanbase.

 origin: Game With

Our Take: An Embrace of the Absurd

Pokémon promotions have always been creative, but requiring fans to publicly shout a Pokémon’s cry for a prize reaches a new level of brilliant, self-aware marketing. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate the community’s passion while embracing the inherent absurdity of the franchise. This promotion not only encourages physical visits to the centers but also creates unforgettable, slightly awkward memories for the dedicated trainers who are willing to overcome their embarrassment for a Cherish Ball Slowpoke.