1. Inspired by Pokémon Fans
“Shima Spain Village somewhat seems like the scenery of Pokémon” This typical reaction of Pokémon fans who visited Shima Spain Village in Mie Prefecture was the origin of a new project: Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet Pokémon Extracurricular Class in Shima Spain Village.”
Shima Spain Village is a theme park modeled after a Spanish village, offering more than just standard attractions. Guests can also enjoy exotic street views and authentic Spanish cuisine.
The team centered the project on the concept of an extracurricular class, inspired by the fact that the protagonist in the games is a student at an academy and that the event would run during summer vacation for children.
The project gained momentum in 2024 as the park celebrated its 30th anniversary. To mark the occasion, Shima Spain Village representatives proposed a collaboration with The Pokémon Company, with the idea of recreating the landscapes of the Paldea region by utilizing the existing scenery and architecture found in the park.
2. Bringing the Video Game World to Life
Above all, both partners wanted to prioritize making the park as similar to Paldea as possible.
For example, Plaza Mayor, the main square inside the Village, became a focal point. Fans had noted the strong resemblance to the Battle Court at the game’s academy.
To deepen the immersion, in-game music is played throughout Plaza Mayor. The effort was a big hit with visitors, with many Pokémon fans remarking, “Wow! It feels like we’ve actually stepped into Paldea!”
The team also took a unique approach to photo spots. While they initially considered simply placing Pokémon in the most photogenic spots, they eventually decided to integrate them into the surrounding landscape. This added a sense of realism and atmosphere to the entire park.
3. Where Do Pokémon in the Shima Spain Village Live?
If this were the Paldea region from the games, which Pokémon would live here, and which spots would best showcase them?
The team considered these questions as they brainstormed possibilities. For example, they chose Sunflora, the Sun Pokémon, in a spot filled with sunflowers, and positioned Smoliv, the Olive Pokémon, near olive trees.
A Shima Spain Village staff member spoke about the creative process: “We decided where to place each Pokémon by walking through the park with the team from The Pokémon Company. It was incredibly fun to let our imaginations run wild, thinking ‘that Pokémon might fit there!’”
Sunflora and sunflowers
The staff from The Pokémon Company also focused on choosing and placing Pokémon in a way most faithful to the Pokémon worldview.
For example, early ideas suggested placing the Mimicry Pokémon Tatsugiri near a Japanese restaurant because of its resemblance to sushi. However, while the visual connection was clear, the lore in the games explains that Tatsugiri actually lives near water. To stay true to the source material, the team ultimately decided to place this Pokémon near a fountain instead.
Tatsugiri, the Mimicry Pokémon4. Events and Menus Designed to Delight Every Player
The team developed “Gimmighoul’s Treasure Hunt” as a rally-style event for both children and adults. In the Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet games, Gimmighoul, the Coin Chest Pokémon, hides in various nooks and crannies throughout the Paldea region.
Bringing this experience to the park proved popular, as visitors thoroughly enjoyed searching for Gimmighoul in the real world.
The “Gimmighoul Treasure Hunt Book.” Guests enjoy the hunt using the book for clues.
The park’s restaurants also featured a collaboration menu that highlighted the best of Shima Spain Village and Pokémon.
One especially unique offering was the “Smoliv Olive Churro Sundae.” This dessert combined the Spanish staples of olive oil and churros with ice cream to create a delicious and refreshing treat, perfect for the occasion.
The menu also featured dishes inspired by the two Legendary Pokémon, Miraidon and Koraidon. A set was served that included paella, tapas, and dessert, featuring sauces inspired by their signature moves, Collision Course and Electro Drift.
Furthermore, the staff recreated the sandwiches that serve as a vital item in the games. When players make custom sandwich creations in the games, they finish the process by placing a pick in the center.
For the real-world menu, guests were able to complete their sandwiches by inserting a star-shaped pick themselves. This small detail brought the game experience to real life, bringing a smile to the faces of many Pokémon fans.
5. Where Reality and the Virtual World Seamlessly Blend
Many Pokémon fans who attended the event expressed surprise at how accurately and excitingly the world in the games was recreated. Some visitors fully immersed themselves in the fun of the experience, bringing their favorite Pokémon plushies or even wearing handmade academy uniforms.
As a representative from The Pokémon Company noted, “We were surprised ourselves by how perfectly the atmosphere of the Paldea region matched the scenery of Shima Spain Village.”
The event’s success, which began with a few fan comments, was made possible by the unique landscapes of Shima Spain Village and the passion of the staff on both sides who carefully merged these two worlds. By working together, our two companies delivered an experience that left fans moved, wondering at how real the world of Pokémon could truly feel.
WACOCA: People, Life, Style.