An airport in Ishikawa Prefecture's Noto Peninsula was temporarily renamed with a Pokémon theme on Tuesday to attract visitors after a deadly 2024 earthquake.
Noto Airport received the nickname "Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport" on July 7. A life-size Pikachu mascot dressed as a pilot joined officials at a ribbon-cutting ceremony, while a floating Pikachu on a plane-shaped balloon adorned the lobby.
More than 100 Pokémon characters appear on walls and elsewhere, with limited-edition merchandise and meals also available. The name will be used for three years, according to the Pokémon With You Foundation.
After the 7.5-magnitude quake on New Year's Day 2024 that killed over 700 people, overnight visitors remain at just over 30 percent of pre-quake levels, NHK reported in February.