Facilitating learning in Japan with Pokemon Illustration Lab

This year, The Pokemon Company released Pokemon Illustration Lab, a public domain website that offers free downloads of Pokemon-themed illustration materials. These materials are created to enrich the lives of children, cultivating an environment for them to grow up with their favorite Pokemon.

Pokemon is short for “Pocket Monster”. They are creatures that battle alongside humans and can be carried around in a Pokeball. Pokemon began as a video game in 1996 released by Japanese video game company, Game Freak Inc. By 1997, its overwhelming popularity led to the video game’s adaptation into a long-running television animation series that is broadcasted globally. It is reported that there are currently over 800 different kinds of Pokemon, some of which are yet to be discovered.

At Pokemon Illustration Lab, one can find over a hundred different Pokemon themed illustrations in various outputs. Some examples include individual Pokemon characters, posters to educate children about proper Japanese mannerism, Japanese Hiragana and Katakana tables, coloring templates and drawing papers.

 

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A post shared by 山本香那 (@kanata.setsuna) on Jun 6, 2019 at 2:30am PDT

Pokemon illustration used at a Children’s House. A reminder to hydrate during a hot day.

Although these materials are free of charge, its usage is limited to non-commercial use in Japan only. Some examples of permitted places include schools, medical, and public spaces. Those interested in the materials of Pokemon Illustration Lab are advised to read about the terms and conditions on their official website (in Japanese only) before using.

 

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A post shared by 高山市図書館 (@takayamacitylib) on Aug 1, 2019 at 1:56am PDT

A reading log for the children.

For the past two decades, Pokemon has evolved from a video game into a well-known name around the world. Other than its popularity as a video game, television animation series, Pokemon is also famous for their very own trading card game and game application, Pokemon GO.

The future of Pokemon does not stop here. The Pokemon Company plans to invest in the development of a wider and newer range of content. They hope to continue growing and evolving into a better and more interesting brand for everyone to enjoy while contributing socially.