Pokemon Go finally launches in Japan

I (finally) choose you!

Pokemon Go launched in the little pocket monsters’ birthplace of Japan today. The smash-hit game is now available in over 40 countries.

Pokemon Red came out in 1996. The Japanese have been trying to catch them all a full two years longer than the rest of the world, yet have been made to wait for the latest installment of the game due to server load constraints.

Wednesday was rumored to be the official launch date, but an email leaked with rollout details forced an additional wait. TechCrunch reports Niantic and sponsors were concerned increased hype from the leak would strain servers. Fans have not been happy about the slow release.

That’s not to say the country hasn’t been getting in on the action. Nintendo’s stock has doubled since the release of Pokemon Go, setting a new record for the most shares ever traded in a single day in Japan.

Image credit: McDonald’s.

McDonald’s has been prepping for things with Pokemon Happy Meals. An additional tie-up with the burger-joint will see 3,000 McDonald’s across the country become “gyms” in game maker Niantic’s first collaboration with a business.

Character heaven

Japan is poised to take Pokemon Go mania to another level. It is obsessed with characters. There are over 1,000 across the country representing local districts and an annual competition that draws millions of votes.

For those not living in Japan, perhaps John Oliver sums it up best.

Not even the infamous seizure incident that sent 685 children to the hospital in 1997 could stop the love for Pikachu.

While franchises like Yokai Watch have been vying for public attention the past few years – it seems like everyone knows the Yokai theme song dance – Pokemon is set to reclaim its throne as king of the characters.