Ishikawa Prefecture and the Pokémon With You Foundation team up to revitalize the Noto region through an immersive Pokémon experience.
⚡ Key Takeaways (Quick Facts)
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Location: Noto Satoyama Airport (Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan).
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Launch Date: Scheduled for August 2026.
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Project Goal: To support recovery from the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake and boost tourism.
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Investment: Approx. 53.5 million JPY (allocated in the FY2026 budget).
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Highlights: Full airport decorations (interior/exterior), tour events, and regional collaboration.
A New Holy Land for Pokémon Fans
In a major initiative to support disaster recovery, Noto Satoyama Airport in Ishikawa Prefecture is set to transform into a “Pokémon Airport” this summer.
According to the FY2026 budget proposal announced on the 20th, Ishikawa Prefecture has allocated 53.5 million yen to the project. In collaboration with the Pokémon With You Foundation, the airport will be rebranded as a lively hub where visitors can immerse themselves in the world of Pokémon immediately upon arrival.
What to Expect
The renewal is expected to be completed around August 2026. The project includes:
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Visual Overhaul: Extensive decorations featuring popular Pokémon characters on both the exterior and interior of the airport.
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Interactive Events: In-airport activities designed for fans to explore the facility.
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Regional Tours: Collaborative “excursion projects” with local municipalities to encourage visitors to explore the wider Noto region.
Supporting Recovery Through “Pokémon Power”
This initiative is deeply rooted in disaster relief. The Pokémon With You Foundation was originally established to support children affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, 2011.
Following the Noto Peninsula Earthquake on January 1, 2024, the foundation signed a comprehensive partnership agreement with Ishikawa Prefecture in July 2024. Their ongoing support has included:
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Visits to kindergartens by Pikachu.
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Themed decorations for the Noto Railway trains and station buildings.
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Creation of new tourism content to bring smiles back to the region.
Boosting Tourism from Tokyo
By transforming the airport into a major attraction, Ishikawa Prefecture aims to increase the use of flights connecting Haneda Airport (Tokyo) and Noto.
The goal is to expand the “relationship population” (people connected to the region) and the “visitor population,” driving economic revitalization in the areas hit hardest by the earthquake.
FAQ: Visiting the Noto Pokémon Airport
Q: Where is the Pokémon Airport located? A: It is the Noto Satoyama Airport (NTQ), located in Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan.
Q: When does the Pokémon Airport open? A: The decorations and renewal are scheduled to be completed around August 2026.
Q: How can I get there from Tokyo? A: You can take a direct flight from Haneda Airport (HND) to Noto Satoyama Airport. The flight takes approximately 60 minutes.
