A new commercial for the Nintendo Switch 2 title Pokémon Pokopia from the Pokémon series, titled the “PokoPoke” Song Version, will begin airing in Japan on February 16. The CM features SixTONES’ Hokuto Matsumura, Rino Sashihara, HANA’s MAHINA and comedian Eiko Kano.
The commercial expresses the world of Pokémon Pokopia through rhythmic wordplay. Hokuto, Rino, MAHINA and Eiko appear together onscreen, moving in sync to the catchy phrase “poko poko, poko poke,” sung by MAHINA.
The choreography is inspired by gestures that represent the emotions of the game’s protagonist, Ditto, transformed into human form. During the commercial, Ditto also joins in, dancing cheerfully along to the rhythm.
In the additional version, titled “Matsumura’s ‘PokoPoke’ Debut – To Kano’s Town” and “MAHINA’s ‘PokoPoke’ Debut – To Sashihara’s Town,” they can be heard expressing genuine admiration at what they see.
The commercials portray not only individual gameplay, but also the fun of enjoying Pokémon Pokopia together, highlighting its appeal as a shared experience.
As for behind-the-scenes moments, Hokuto quickly mastered the choreography featured in the commercial despite the limited rehearsal time. Once filming began, he smoothly delivered the performance while carefully checking his movements, leaving a strong impression with both his quick adaptability and steady presence.
INTERVIEW
How did you feel when you were chosen to appear in the commercial?
Hokuto Matsumura: I’ve been playing Pokémon ever since I was a kid. I never imagined I’d get the chance to appear in a Pokémon commercial myself, so I was incredibly excited.
Rino Sashihara: I once went to see the Pokémon orchestra concert held in Yokohama, and I was amazed to see how many people had come from all over the world. Witnessing how globally loved Pokémon is made me truly happy to be part of a commercial for its new game.
MAHINA: Pokémon existed even before I was born, so to me it’s a “very, very senior presence.” I’m really happy that I could appear alongside such iconic Pokémon.
Eiko Kano: On the release day of Pokémon Red and Green, I bought both versions. At school, my friends and I would ask each other, “How far have you gotten?” “Did you catch it?” It was truly part of my youth. Being able to work together with Pokémon now fills me with joy and emotion.
What did you think after actually playing the game?
Hokuto: The fantasies I used to have, like, “I wish this Pokémon were here in my house,” or “I wish I could open the front door and see that Pokémon waiting there”, are completely recreated in this game. It’s unbelievably exciting.
Rino: It really felt like a “dream world.” It expands on the idea of what it would be like if Pokémon actually existed. It made me wish this world could just become reality.
MAHINA: It was my first time playing a game where you build everything yourself from scratch. At first I thought the controls might be difficult, but they were actually very easy. I especially loved the cute little movements when you transform into Ditto and copy abilities. Each action was adorable.
Eiko: I felt like the possibilities were endless. You can progress through the story, focus on building, collect Pokémon, and each player can choose how they want to enjoy it. There’s really no “wrong” way to play, so I’d love for even young children to explore it freely.
If you could create your ideal room in the game, what would it be like?
Hokuto: I really love Victreebel. So I’d like to fill my room with Pokémon figures and make it kind of a cluttered collector’s room. In the world of Pokémon Pokopia, I’d want to display my collection all over the house.
Rino: I just want a house with a huge living room!
Eiko: I’d like to turn my room into something like an amusement park. Maybe a slide going down from the second floor. Basically a house that feels like a theme park. I think PokoPoke would let me bring that imagination to life.
MAHINA: I’d love a room where even the walls feel like sofas. Everything would be soft and cushioned, so no matter where you bump into, it’s safe, and you could fall asleep anywhere. A completely relaxing space.