Pokémon Japan Championships 2027 – Yokohama

What to expect

Pokémon Japan Championships 2027, commonly known as PJCS, is the official national tournament that decides the absolute best Pokémon trainers in the country. It is the most important event on the competitive Pokémon calendar in Japan and the final stepping stone on the road to the Pokémon World Championships, which in the upcoming cycle will be held in Singapore for the first time in Southeast Asia.

The tournament covers multiple competitive formats, bringing together top-tier players from both the digital video games and the tabletop trading card game. More than 21,000 fans packed Pacifico Yokohama in the previous edition — more than double the prior year’s crowd — to watch epic battles across four disciplines, demonstrating the massive growth of competitive Pokémon in Japan.

Expect an invite-only elite competition where only players who have earned qualification through Champions League events and online qualifiers can compete. The atmosphere combines intense high-level strategy with festival celebration, including exclusive merchandise, live stage performances, special appearances by Pokémon mascots, and free distribution events in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Pokémon TCG, and Pokémon Champions.

The event is organized by The Pokémon Company and serves as the national final that awards coveted invitations to the World Championships. Whether you are a competitor or a fan, PJCS offers championship-level gameplay and community celebration in one of Japan’s most iconic waterfront venues.

Event dates

Event Dates: June 2027 (Dates TBD)

Venue: Pacifico Yokohama, Yokohama, Japan

Official Website: https://www.pokemon.co.jp/ex/pjcs/2026/

Edition: Pokémon Japan Championships 2027 – 2027 Season

Games: Video Game, Trading Card Game, Pokémon GO, and potentially standalone events depending on 2026-27 season restructuring

Schedule Structure Based on Previous Editions:
Day 1 features opening ceremony, Swiss rounds and group stages for all divisions across Exhibition Halls B, C, and D
Day 2 features Top cut playoffs, semi-finals, and grand finals with closing ceremony and World Championship invitation awards
Doors typically open mid-morning with matches starting shortly after and continuing into evening

Exact timetable with door and start times is announced via official website and Pokémon official social media closer to event.

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Venue & exhibition site

Main Venue: Pacifico Yokohama, 1 Chome-1-1 Minatomirai, Nishi Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 220-0012, Japan. The venue consists of Exhibition Halls B, C, and D used for main tournament floors, plus conference center halls for side events and merchandise sales.

Historical Venue: Pacifico Yokohama has been the consistent home for Pokémon Japan Championships since recent years, including the 2025 and 2026 editions. The venue is located on the waterfront in Minatomirai, Yokohama’s central business and entertainment district.

Exhibition Site Layout: Exhibition Hall B typically hosts Video Game and Pokémon GO tournaments, Hall C hosts Trading Card Game, Hall D hosts Pokémon UNITE stage when included and main stage for finals. Conference center rooms host staff, judging, and player rest areas. Large concourse areas host exclusive merchandise corner, photo spots with giant Pokémon displays, and free play areas.

Facilities: Pacifico Yokohama offers full convention facilities including food courts, accessible restrooms, coin lockers, and direct connection to Minatomirai shopping and hotels. The venue is fully accessible and offers views of Yokohama Bay.

Merchandise Corner: Exclusive merchandise collection available only at venue’s merchandise corner, including caps, deck shields, deck cases, pins, playmats, and apparel. Some items may become available through official Pokémon Center Online store at later date depending on stock levels.

Full gaming programme

Championship Programme: Official national tournament that decides best trainers in country across multiple formats. Players compete in Junior, Senior, and Master divisions, with Master division being most competitive. Invitation-only event where players are limited to participating in qualified divisions.

Qualification Path: Typically there are three Champions League events each season, with most successful players qualifying for Pokémon Japan Championships, the country’s next stepping stone on road to Worlds. Online competitions in Pokémon Champions also serve as qualifiers with regulation sets such as Regulation Set M-A Double Battles, invitation only, players limited to participating in limited number of matches.

World Championship Qualification: Top finishers in each division and game earn invitations and Travel Awards to Pokémon World Championships, which for upcoming cycle will be held at Singapore EXPO, Tampines.

Side Events: Free play areas, casual battles, trading card game side events, and distribution events for special Pokémon.

Entertainment Programme: Special stage events featuring 27 Pokémon appearances, performances by popular guests such as Takuro, Hifumi Abe, and Hina Nagahama, and 30th anniversary celebrations in recent edition.

Featured games & developers

Video Game: Pokémon Scarlet and Violet and upcoming Pokémon Champions game serve as main Video Game Championship titles. Regulation formats include Double Battles with current regulation sets. Developer is Game Freak and The Pokémon Company.

Trading Card Game: Pokémon Card Game, featuring standard format with latest expansions. Deck Shield Premium Gloss and Deck Cases are exclusive merchandise tied to this division. Developer is Creatures Inc. and The Pokémon Company.

Pokémon GO: Mobile game division where players compete in Great League and other formats, with location-based gameplay adapted for tournament.

Pokémon UNITE: MOBA title that has been part of PJCS in previous seasons. According to recent 2026-27 season updates, Pokémon UNITE will be removed from main championship circuit and run as standalone World Championship event to be held in Japan with separate qualification. This means 2027 PJCS may focus on Video Game, Trading Card Game, and Pokémon GO, while UNITE players qualify via separate path.

Developer Organization: The Pokémon Company, Nintendo, Game Freak, Creatures, and Niantic collaborate on event organization and game support.

Special Distributions: Free Pokémon distributions via Nintendo Switch for attendees and viewers, such as exclusive Pokémon Champions distributions.

Esports tournaments & competitions

Video Game Championship: Double Battle format where players bring teams of six Pokémon and battle with four. Swiss rounds followed by Top cut single elimination. National champion crowned and awarded invitation to World Championships.

Trading Card Game Championship: Standard format tournament with Swiss rounds and Top cut. Players compete with 60-card decks. Exclusive deck shield and deck case merchandise released for event.

Pokémon GO Championship: Trainers battle in GO Battle League format with Great League teams, featuring fast-paced battles on mobile devices.

Pokémon UNITE Championship: When included, 5v5 team battles with professional esports team REJECT having won PJCS2025 UNITE division, advancing to World Championship for second consecutive year. Team-based strategy with objective control.

Divisions: All tournaments feature Junior Division for younger players, Senior Division for teens, and Master Division for adults and most competitive players.

Prize Structure: In addition to World Championship invitations, winners receive trophies, exclusive merchandise, and championship pins that have been released since 2024 as exclusive pins for Japan Championships.

Tournament & event schedule

General Flow Based on Previous Editions:

Early Day – Opening and Swiss Rounds: Opening ceremony on main stage, followed by Swiss rounds for all games across Exhibition Halls B, C, D. Players compete in multiple rounds to determine Top cut.

Mid Day – Side Events and Entertainment: Special stage events with guest appearances, Pokémon mascot shows, and exclusive merchandise sales continue alongside main tournament.

Final Day – Playoffs and Finals: Top cut playoffs, semi-finals, and grand finals held on main stages with live commentary and streaming. Closing ceremony awards invitations to World Championships and crowns national champions.

Daily Operations: Doors typically open mid-morning, matches continue until evening. Streaming available via official Pokémon YouTube channels for all main stages.

World Championship Road: Results directly determine Japanese representatives for upcoming World Championships in Singapore, making competitive stakes especially high.

Ticket types

Pokémon Japan Championships is primarily an invite-only competitive event for qualified players, with spectator access managed differently than open conventions.

Player Entry: Invitation only for players who qualified via Champions League events and online qualifiers. Players must register via official portal and present player ID. No entry fee for qualified players beyond qualification requirements.

Spectator Tickets: Spectator access has varied by year. Some editions have been free entry for fans to watch and enjoy merchandise corner, while others have required free or paid spectator tickets via lottery due to high demand. Previous edition attracted more than 21,000 fans, more than double previous year, leading to capacity management.

General Admission: When open to public, general admission is free or low-cost, allowing access to exhibition halls, merchandise corner, and viewing areas for finals on large screens.

Premium Viewing: Some editions offer premium viewing areas with better sightlines to main stage finals, potentially requiring separate ticket or early arrival.

Merchandise Access: Exclusive merchandise corner typically accessible to all attendees, with purchase limits per person.

Pricing Converted to USD: Based on previous merchandise pricing and potential spectator ticketing, general admission when ticketed has been free to approximately $15. Exclusive merchandise pricing examples include deck shield premium gloss at approximately $7, deck case at approximately $3.50, caps at approximately $35 to $45, pins at approximately $35 to $50, and playmats at approximately $30 to $55. Player entry remains invitation only with no direct ticket purchase.

Online Viewing: Free live streaming via official Pokémon YouTube and Twitch channels for all main stages.

VIP & premium access

Competitor VIP: Qualified players receive player badge, access to player lounge, and dedicated staff support.

Premium Spectator Areas: Some editions offer premium viewing zones near main stage for early arrivals or lottery winners.

Press and Industry Access: Media and content creators can apply for press credentials via The Pokémon Company for access to press area, photo pit, and interview opportunities with champions.

Sponsor and Partner Access: Pokémon Center and partner sponsors receive hospitality areas.

Exclusive Merchandise Priority: Some premium ticket holders or early entry lottery winners receive priority access to exclusive merchandise corner, which often sells out quickly.

Family Support: Family rest areas and child-friendly viewing spaces available for Junior Division families.

Exhibitors & gaming companies

Main Organizer: The Pokémon Company as organizer and IP holder.

Game Developers: Game Freak for Video Game, Creatures Inc. for Trading Card Game, Niantic for Pokémon GO, TiMi Studio Group for Pokémon UNITE when included.

Hardware Partners: Nintendo for Switch consoles used in Video Game division, with dedicated tournament consoles.

Merchandise Exhibitors: Pokémon Center Japan offering exclusive PJCS merchandise including caps, deck shields, deck cases, pins, playmats, and apparel.

Sponsors: Various gaming peripheral companies, beverage companies, and local Yokohama sponsors.

Media Partners: Official Pokémon YouTube channels, streaming platforms, and gaming media covering event.

Exhibition halls & gaming zones

Exhibition Hall B: Typically hosts Video Game Championship with hundreds of battle stations, large screens for feature matches, and judging area.

Exhibition Hall C: Trading Card Game area with hundreds of tables for matches, deck check area, and live feature match stage.

Exhibition Hall D: Main stage for finals, Pokémon GO and UNITE stages when included, and special entertainment stage with guest appearances.

Merchandise Corner: Large dedicated area in concourse offering exclusive PJCS merchandise such as PJCS 2026 Cap Mega Raichu X/Y, Logo Pin, Deck Shield, and Playmat.

Photo Spots: Giant Pokémon displays, Pikachu statues, and championship backdrop for attendee photos.

Free Play Zone: Casual play area where attendees can battle and trade with other fans.

Battle Hub / Streaming Zone: Area with large screens showing live streams of all main stages.

Game demos & new releases

New Pokémon Distributions: Free distributions of special Pokémon for Scarlet and Violet and Pokémon Champions for attendees and viewers during event.

New Card Reveals: Trading Card Game often reveals new cards and expansions during Japan Championships weekend.

Game Updates: Announcements of new regulation sets, balance updates, and upcoming features for Video Game and GO.

Exclusive Pins: Starting from 2024, exclusive championship pins released for Japan Championships, such as PJCS 2024, 2025, and 2026 logo pins and special Pokémon pins like Mega Raichu.

30th Anniversary Content: Recent edition celebrated Pokémon’s 30th anniversary with special event report featuring 27 Pokémon appearances and special guests.

Future Roadmap: Announcements regarding next season’s Champions League schedule and World Championship qualification path to Singapore.

Event rules

Invitation Only for Competitors: Only players who qualified via Champions League and online qualifiers can compete. Players limited to participating in qualified division.

Player Rules: Players must bring own Nintendo Switch and game for Video Game, own legal deck for Trading Card Game, and own device for GO and UNITE. Decks and teams must comply with current regulation sets.

Spectator Rules: Follow staff instructions for crowd flow, no outside food and drink in tournament areas, no flash photography during matches, no harassment.

Merchandise Rules: Purchase limits per person for exclusive merchandise, typically one per item type to ensure availability.

Photography: Photography allowed in general areas but restricted during feature matches to avoid distracting players.

Age Restrictions: All ages welcome, but Junior Division players must be accompanied by guardian.

Re-entry: Generally allows re-entry with wristband or badge, but may be restricted during peak hours due to capacity.

How to get there

Address: Pacifico Yokohama, 1 Chome-1-1 Minatomirai, Nishi Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 220-0012, Japan.

Nearest Stations: Minatomirai Station on Minatomirai Line, 5 minutes walk via covered walkway. Sakuragicho Station on JR Negishi Line and Yokohama Municipal Subway Blue Line, 12 minutes walk via moving walkway. Yokohama Station on multiple JR and private lines, then transfer to Minatomirai Line, total about 10 minutes.

From Tokyo: From Tokyo Station, take JR Tokaido Line to Yokohama Station then Minatomirai Line to Minatomirai Station, total about 40 minutes. From Shibuya, take Tokyu Toyoko Line directly to Minatomirai Station, about 30 minutes.

From Airport: From Haneda Airport, take Keikyu Line to Yokohama Station then Minatomirai Line, total about 45 minutes. From Narita Airport, take Narita Express to Yokohama Station then Minatomirai Line, total about 90 minutes.

Public transport & parking

Public Transport Strongly Recommended: Pacifico Yokohama has limited parking and roads around Minatomirai are heavily congested during large events. Public transport via Minatomirai Line is most reliable.

Train Frequency: Minatomirai Line and JR lines run frequently with extra services during large conventions.

Bus: Yokohama City buses and tourist loop buses stop at Pacifico Yokohama and Minatomirai area.

Parking: Pacifico Yokohama has parking lots but they fill quickly and charge premium rates, typically $15 to $30 per day. Pre-booking recommended if driving. Avoid driving if possible.

Taxi: Taxis from Yokohama Station cost approximately $10 to $15, from central Tokyo $60 to $90.

Accessibility Transport: Minatomirai Station has elevators and is fully accessible. Pacifico Yokohama is barrier-free with wheelchair access to all exhibition halls.

Accommodation areas

Best Areas to Stay:

Minatomirai and Sakuragicho: Closest area with hotels like Yokohama Royal Park Hotel located within Pacifico Yokohama complex, InterContinental Yokohama Grand, and Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu ranging $120 to $250 per night. Walking distance to venue.

Yokohama Station Area: Business hub with easy Minatomirai Line access. Hotels like Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel and Tower and JR Tower Hotel Nikko Yokohama range $100 to $200 per night.

Kannai and Bashamichi: Historic area with boutique hotels and business hotels ranging $80 to $150 per night, 10 minutes by train to Minatomirai.

Budget Options: Toyoko Inn, APA Hotel, and Dormy Inn chains near Yokohama Station and Sakuragicho offer $50 to $90 per night.

Book at least two to three months in advance as Pokémon Japan Championships attracts more than 20,000 fans plus competitors and nearby hotels sell out quickly.

Accessibility

Venue Accessibility: Pacifico Yokohama is fully barrier-free with elevators to all exhibition halls, accessible restrooms on every level, and wheelchair spaces in main stage viewing areas.

Wheelchair Access: Wheelchair spaces available via advance application through official inquiry form.

Hearing and Visual Assistance: Main stage finals have large screens providing close-up views of gameplay. Commentary available via venue speakers and streaming.

Family Support: Nursing rooms, family restrooms, and child-friendly viewing areas available.

Language Support: Event announcements in Japanese with some English support for international visitors. Official website offers Japanese information.

Contact for Accessibility: Contact The Pokémon Company via official website inquiry form for specific accessibility needs.

Previous year’s highlights

Pokémon Japan Championships 2026: Held at Pacifico Yokohama, attracted more than 21,000 fans, more than double previous year’s crowd, making it Japan’s biggest Pokémon tournament ever. Featured Video Game, Trading Card Game, Pokémon GO, and Pokémon UNITE divisions. Celebrated Pokémon’s 30th anniversary with special event report featuring Takuro, Hifumi Abe, Hina Nagahama, and 27 Pokémon appearances. Exclusive merchandise revealed including Mega Raichu X/Y caps and deck shields.

Pokémon Japan Championships 2025: Held at Pacifico Yokohama Exhibition Halls B, C, and D. Crowned top battlers across four categories. Professional esports team REJECT Pokémon UNITE Division won championship, advancing to World Championship for second consecutive year. Event set stage for World Championships in Anaheim and later Singapore announcement.

Historical Context: Championships usually held in Yokohama around mid-June, serving as national final to determine representatives for World Championships. Since 2024, exclusive pins have been released for Japan Championships, becoming collectible items.

Road to Worlds: With World Championships 2027 heading to Singapore EXPO, Tampines, first time in Southeast Asia and first return to Asia since Yokohama hosted in 2023, stakes for Japan Championships are especially high as primary pathway for Japanese players to earn Championship Points.

Official tickets

Official Website: https://www.pokemon.co.jp/ex/pjcs/2026/

Ticket Information: Player entry is invitation only via Champions League qualification. Spectator ticketing information announced via official website and Pokémon official social media closer to event.

Merchandise Sales: Exclusive merchandise corner at venue, with potential later availability via Pokémon Center Online store depending on stock levels.

Streaming: Free live streaming via official Pokémon YouTube channels and Twitch for all main stages, including Video Game, Trading Card Game, GO, and UNITE when included.

Social Media: Official Pokémon Japan Twitter and YouTube for announcements, distribution codes, and live stream links.

Contact: Via official Pokémon Japan Championships website inquiry form.

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