BUTOLPOST The Japanese government will give the name “Pokémon” to Noto Airport in Ishikawa Prefecture, central Japan, as part of efforts to revive the Noto Peninsula area affected by major disasters in 2024.
The airport will use the name “Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport” from July 7, 2026 to September 30, 2029.
According to a report by the Kyodo news agency, this step was taken to provide a fun experience for children as well as attract tourists to the Noto area which was hit by a powerful earthquake during New Year 2024 and heavy rains in the same year.
“I want to provide a fun experience for the children of Noto and raise their spirits as much as possible,” said Ishikawa Governor Yukiyoshi Yamano.
The airport’s new name was proposed by the Pokémon With You Foundation in April last year. This foundation was formed by employees of The Pokémon Company for social activities and humanitarian support.
The airport in Wajima City was previously known as Noto Satoyama Airport. The term “satoyama” itself refers to the Japanese rural ecosystem consisting of fields and forests managed by local communities.
As part of the project, the airport will be decorated with at least 111 Pokémon characters and feature a special shop selling a variety of exclusive Pokémon-themed merchandise.
Not only airports, the revitalization project also includes installing Pokémon-themed manhole covers and foot-washing facilities decorated with Pokémon characters in disaster-affected areas.
The regional government hopes that this unique project will be able to revive the tourism sector and local economy on the Noto Peninsula.
