'Pokemon airport' opens to help Japanese quake-hit region

An airport in a remote Japanese region devastated by a powerful earthquake has been given a whimsical makeover, temporarily adopting the name 'Noto Satoyama Pokemon With You Airport'. The initiative aims to revitalize tourism in the Noto Peninsula, which has struggled to recover since the 7.5-magnitude quake on New Year's Day 2024 claimed over 700 lives.

On Tuesday, a life-size Pikachu mascot, dressed as a pilot, joined officials for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially launch the airport's new moniker. The lobby is now adorned with more than 100 Pokemon characters, including a large, plane-shaped balloon featuring the beloved character, as part of a three-year agreement with the Pokemon With You Foundation.

Public broadcaster NHK reported in February that overnight stays in the region have only reached just over 30 percent of pre-quake levels. The Pokemon-themed rebranding hopes to attract visitors back to the area and provide a much-needed boost to the local economy.