User:Rustle/Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo

User:BthrussellUK/Pokémon Center Infobox Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo (previously Pokémon Center Tokyo) is

History

Pokémon Center Tokyo

The original Pokémon Center Tokyo opened on April 25, 1998^[1] in the Kawasakiteitoku Building, Nihonbashi, Tokyo (where Creatures Inc. had their headquaters at the time^[2]) and was the first ever location. A special Pokémon Center Tokyo Game Boy Light was available as a celebration of the opening and the release of the first Pokémon movie.

In January 2002, to celebrate the opening of Pokémon Center New York, special ポケモンセンタートウキョー Pokémon Center Tokyo promo cards where given to customers who made purchases at the store.

On July 16, 2007 the original Pokémon Center Tokyo closed and on July 20, 2007 reopened in Hamamatsuchō, Tokyo^[3]^[4]. To celebrate the opening of the store a special Pokémon Center Pikachu edition Nintendo DS Lite was available to purchase via a lottery system^[5] and those visiting the new store on their birthday were promised a gift if they brought their Nintendo DS and a copy of Pokémon Diamond or Pearl. Also, a ラルースのゴンベ LaRousse's Munchlax promo card was given to those making purchases at the store.

As part of the Pokémon 10th Anniversary celebrations, a ピカチュウ Pikachu promo card was given to customers between June 16, 2008 and July 31, 2008, depicting Pikachu and an image of the store.

Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo

On December 7, 2014 the second Pokémon Center Tokyo closed, and on December 12, 2014 Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo opened at the Sunshine City mall^[6] in Ikebukuro, Tokyo to replace it^[7]^[8]. Between when the store closure was announced^[9] and closing day, customers were awarded a おひっこしピカチュウ Moving Pikachu sticker or clear file for purchases made^[10]. In celeration of the opening, shiny Pikachu and Charizard Event Pokémon for Pokémon X, Y, Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire were distributed on alternate hours at Pokémon Center stores across the country^[11]. Also those making purchases at Pokémon Centers were awarded with a メガトウキョーのピカチュウ Mega Tokyo's Pikachu promo card^[12], and if a qualifying purchase was made they were entered into a ポケモンセンター DE メガチャンス Mega Chance at Pokémon Center raffle. The grand prize was a "Kalos Region Pokémon Mega Stone Complete Set", a set containing the 28 Kalos Mega Stones to be used with the Pokémon Mega Ring toy, the second prize was a set of two commemorative Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo Opening tumblers and the third prize was a Diancite Mega Stone toy.^[13]. There was also a range of opening goods and merchandise^[14] to buy.

On December 19, 2019 Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo expanded to include the first Pokémon GO Lab, a Pikachu Sweets by Pokémon Cafe and a new Pokémon Card Station^[15]. The Pokémon GO Lab includes a life-size Professor Willow statue along with exclusive Pokémon GO merchandise^[16]. The location is also a Gym in Pokémon GO, and in-game events are planned for the store^[17]. Pikachu Sweets by Pokémon Cafe is a takeaway cafe with a range of Pokémon themed cakes, sweets and coffee as well as a selection of goods and souvenirs^[18]. Pokémon Trading Card Game events are held every day at the purpose-built Pokémon Card Station and a "Pokémon Card Concierge" is on hand to answer any questions about the game^[19]. A new children's play area themed after "Pokemon Kids TV" and Pichu opened at the same time within the Sunshine City mall in which Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo is based^[15].

On December 20, 2019 it was announced that the main Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo store would close on January 14, 2020 until Spring 2020 for refurbishment. During this time the Pokémon GO Lab, Pikachu Sweets and the Pokémon Card Station remained open.^[20]

Timeline

April 25, 1998 - Pokémon Center Tokyo opens in Nihonbashi, Tokyo
July 20, 2007 - Pokémon Center Tokyo moves to Hamamatsuchō, Tokyo
December 12, 2014 - Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo opens in Ikebukuro, Tokyo
December 19, 2019 - Pokémon GO Lab, Pikachu Sweets by Pokémon Cafe and the Pokémon Card Station open