After a wildly popular collaboration with Japan's professional baseball teams for its 30th anniversary, Pokémon is now taking over the soccer pitch.
The Pokémon Company has officially announced a new partnership with the Meiji Yasuda J1 League, Japan's professional soccer league. The "Pokémon J.League Carnival" will involve all 60 professional clubs from the J1, J2, and J3 divisions, with the event officially kicking off on August 7, 2026. As part of the celebration, every team has been assigned its own official partner Pokémon.
The collaboration is timed to celebrate the J.League's new season start in August, symbolizing a fresh "evolution" for the league. To mark the occasion, each of the 60 teams has been paired with a fully-evolved Pokémon. These "Team Partner Pokémon" will be featured on stadium giveaways, limited-edition merchandise, and at various live events to welcome fans to the new season.
Furthermore, seven select matches will be upgraded to "Pokémon J.League Special Carnivals." At these events, Pikachu will be joined by other fan-favorites like Cinderace for special performances.
A collaboration with Pokémon GO has also been announced, with specific details to be revealed at a later date.
Full List of All 60 J.League Club Partner Pokémon (By League / Team / Partner Pokémon)
League Team Partner Pokémon
J2 Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo Noctowl
J2 Vanraure Hachinohe Malamar
J2 Vegalta Sendai Braviary
J2 Blaublitz Akita Kingdra
J2 Montedio Yamagata Beartic
J3 Fukushima United FC Blaziken
J2 Iwaki FC Aurorus
J1 Kashima Antlers Charizard
J1 Mito HollyHock Salamence
J3 Tochigi SC Infernape
J2 Tochigi City FC Sirfetch'd
J3 Thespa Gunma Pangoro
J1 Urawa Red Diamonds Incineroar
J2 Omiya Ardija Emboar
J1 JEF United Chiba Boltund
J1 Kashiwa Reysol Heliolisk
J1 FC Tokyo Ceruledge
J1 Tokyo Verdy Decidueye
J1 FC Machida Zelvia Greninja
J1 Kawasaki Frontale Palafin (Hero Form)
J1 Yokohama F. Marinos Azumarill
J2 Yokohama FC Clefable
J2 Shonan Bellmare Empoleon
J3 SC Sagamihara Ferrothorn
J2 Ventforet Kofu Mightyena
J3 Matsumoto Yamaga FC Tyranitar
J3 AC Nagano Parceiro Appletun
J2 Albirex Niigata Swanna
J2 Kataller Toyama Gogoat
J3 Zweigen Kanazawa Staraptor
J1 Shimizu S-Pulse Pawmot
J2 Júbilo Iwata Altaria
J2 Fujieda MYFC Nidoking
J1 Nagoya Grampus Typhlosion
J3 FC Gifu Meganium
J3 Reilac Shiga FC Whiscash
J1 Kyoto Sanga FC Gengar
J1 Gamba Osaka Luxray
J1 Cerezo Osaka Cherrim (Sunshine Form)
J3 FC Osaka Primarina
J1 Vissel Kobe Houndoom
J3 Nara Club Sawsbuck (Autumn Form)
J3 Gainare Tottori Gallade
J1 Fagiano Okayama Unfezant (Male)
J1 Sanfrecce Hiroshima Ursaluna
J3 Renofa Yamaguchi FC Pyroar (Male)
J3 Kamatamare Sanuki Tangrowth
J2 Tokushima Vortis Poliwrath
J3 Ehime FC Talonflame
J2 FC Imabari Wailord
J3 Kochi United SC Mabosstiff
J1 Avispa Fukuoka Beedrill
J3 Giravanz Kitakyushu Sunflora
J2 Sagan Tosu Porygon-Z
J1 V-Varen Nagasaki Swampert
J3 Roasso Kumamoto Rapidash
J2 Oita Trinita Blastoise
J2 Tegevajaro Miyazaki Granbull
J3 Kagoshima United FC Camerupt
J3 FC Ryukyu Mantine
via： Ｊリーグ公式サイト