Highlights
- Pokemon Concierge, the first-ever collaboration between Netflix and The Pokemon Company, has created tremendous excitement among fans with its recent trailer release.
- The show focuses on Haru, a newly employed concierge at the Pokemon Resort, and features a refreshing twist by shifting the spotlight from Pikachu to Psyduck.
- Pokemon Concierge offers a calming and relaxing experience for both Pokemon and viewers, deviating from intense battles and allowing beloved pocket monsters to enjoy a well-deserved break.
A trailer was recently released for a new Netflix show - Pokemon Concierge. After over thirty years of Pokemon on our screens, what is it about this upcoming show that has ignited such excitement among Pokemon fans?
A recent Netflix trailer for the upcoming show Pokemon Concierge - the first-ever production between Netflix and The Pokemon Company - has ignited tremendous excitement among fans. Since the debut of the first Pokemon anime in Japan in 1997 and in the US in 1998, fans have followed the journey of the trainer who wanted to be the very best, like no one ever was - young Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town. Ash finally did catch ‘em all in March of this year as his arc finally came to a close, and he achieved the coveted status of Pokemon Master - a journey he had been on for almost three decades. Over the years, there have been many other Pokemon shows and movies, including - Pokemon: The First Movie,Pokemon 4Ever, the Detective Pikachu series. However, it's the newest installment - Pokemon Concierge seems to be creating a buzz among fans the franchise has not seen in a long time.
What is Pokemon Concierge?
Pokemon Concierge will follow the story of Haru, a newly employed concierge at the Pokemon Resort. Some Pokemon that will be appearing at the resort include Panpour, Bulbasaur, Pikachu, Eevee, Dragonite, Magikarp, and Psyduck. In a refreshing twist, the spotlight shifts from Pikachu to the often-overlooked Psyduck, a headache-prone Pokemon. While Pikachu has enjoyed widespread popularity, the decision to feature a different Pokemon adds a welcome change of pace. In a behind-the-scenes video posted on Netflix Anime’s official YouTube channel, the director of the series - Ogawa Iku - discusses that while the story will be primarily centered on the Pokemon, it is also about Haru and her growing into her role as a Pokemon concierge and building her relationship with different Pokemon, while also growing as a person.
Pokemon Concierge is also doing something that is not seen often in the Pokemon series - letting them relax. Not since Pikachu's Vacation - which was featured as a short before Pokemon: The First Movie, have we gotten to see our favorite pocket monsters relax. While intense battles are a major part of Pokemon as a whole, this show seems to be trying to provide a more calming experience for both Pokemon and viewers alike. Many fans express excitement at getting to see their beloved pocket monster enjoying this well-deserved and much-needed break. One commenter said, "Pokemon in a more peaceful environment is so much enjoyable. Makes me want to play Pokemon Park again." Games like Pokemon Park and Pokemon Snap cater to fans who appreciate Pokemon, but prefer experiences that do not involve battling. Pokemon Concierge is of that same vein - resonating with those who enjoy a more laid-back Pokemon universe.
Another notable thing is the art style of Pokemon Concierge - stop motion, a first for the Pokemon franchise. Stop-motion has a very distinct nostalgic quality, reminiscent of classic animation styles. One commenter stated that it was “Rankin/Bass-esque” - which is a reference to Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass of Rankin/Bass Animated Entertainment, a company that is known for creating Christmas stop-motion classics such as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman and Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town.
Pokemon Concierge will feature all-star cast for the Japanese version, as well as the English dub. The English dub cast includes Karen Fukuhara (The Boy and the Heron) as Haru, Imani Hakim (Everybody Hates Chris) as Alisa, Josh Keaton as Tyler (Voltron: Legendary Defender), and Watanabe voiced by Lori Alan (SpongeBob SquarePants). Voice actors for the Japanese voice actors include Non as Haru (In This Corner of the World), Fairouz Ai as Alisa (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean), Tyler voiced by Eita Okuno (Yell), and Yoshiko Takemura (TIGER & BUNNY) as Watanabe.
Pokemon Concierge will be available for streaming on Netflix starting December 28, 2023.
