Out-ranked only by The Super Mario Bros, Pokemon is the second-most successful franchise of all time, creating and selling tv shows, movies, toys, video games and card games. Official merchandise can be found at Pokemon Centres, these stores sell everything the average Pokemon fan could want, plus they usually have additional spaces such as Pokemon Card Stations where gamers can play Pokemon TCG (Trading Card Game). There are 17 Pokemon Centres, the first opened in Osaka in the late 90’s and since then 15 more have opened up around Japan, plus one in Singapore. The Pokemon Center in Okinawa then is a big deal to Pokemon fans. When it first opened in the summer of 2022, queues formed through the night and a ticketing system was put in place to control the crowds.
Located on the ground floor of Okinawa Rycom Mall, customers are welcomed by a beautiful Arcanine and Pikachu plush. Did you know Pikachu was not the original Pokemon mascot? Just past the store entrance there’s a gaming space, and a corner for gachapon machines. Further in there is an entire wall of Pokemon TCG packs and a huge display of Pokemon plush’s of varying sizes, complete with giant touch-screen Pokedex. Right at the back of the store are the Okinawa-themed exclusive products featuring images of Shuri Castle, hibiscus and Pikachu dressed in traditional Okinawan costume. Dotted around are areas to enjoy video content and themed art works and displays. It’s bright, it’s loud, it’s a must for all Pokemon fans.
https://goo.gl/maps/QDoDKrX4jZ6hxUoS6
Aeon Mall Okinawa Rycom 1F, Kitanakagusuku, Nakagami District, Okinawa 901-2306
098-987-8063
https://www.pokemon.co.jp/shop/pokecen/okinawa/
Open 7 days 1000-2200 (AEON MALL Okinawa Rycom hours)
Free parking available
Cash (Yen), credit cards and electronic payments accepted
