Annual Pikachu Festival Dates Announced with Rumored Cameos by Other Pokemon

For the last three years, the Japanese city of Yokohama has suffered through an annual outbreak of Pikachu over the summer. Dozens of giant Pikachu descend upon the city, marching through the streets, performing elaborate dance routines, and generally delighting residents and tourists with their antics.

The Pokemon Company has announced the dates and theme for the next Pikachu Outbreak, and Pokemon fans are even more excited than usual. This year's Pikachu Outbreak will take place from August 9th through August 15th and will feature a Brazilian carnivale theme. But what has fans really intrigued is the official name of this year's Pikachu Festival: "The Not Just Pikachu Pikachu Outbreak."

It appears that three years of partying has attracted other Pokemon to Yokohama's annual Pikachu Festival. Although the Pokemon Company hasn't given any other details about what to expect, some popular suspects include perennial favorites like Eevee, Squirtle, and Charmander along with Pikachu-esque creatures like Marill, Emolga, and Mimikyu.

Technically, this won't be the first time that another Pokemon species has snuck into the Pikachu Festival. Last year, eagle-eyed fans noticed a Ditto cleverly blending in with the other Pikachu during the festivities.

Over 1,500 Pikachu will participate in the festival, which culminates with a 100 Pikachu parade on August 14th.

(via RocketNews)