It looks like Pokemon fans might have a hard time getting some of their favorite products for a while very soon. An announcement from the official Pokemon Center website announced that multiple stores would be closing down starting Saturday due to the current state of emergency in Japan surround COVID-19 which extends currently until September 12th.
Currently, over twenty stores will be closing. Stores that remain open are also changing their hours currently to compensate for potential outbreaks.
“In order to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus infection, we will continue to cooperate with health centers and other related parties to thoroughly implement preventive measures such as pre-work temperature measurement, wearing masks, and disinfecting hands with alcohol disinfectant.”
Pokemon Center Website Statement
Due to these closures, Pokemon Centers have come with many new policies taking place to allow fans to get products. These include a special lottery system for soon-to-release Pokemon Trading Card Game products and even creating a way to virtually give out their usual birthday gifts presented to those who visit stores on the day they were born.
Here is a current list of closed stores:
- Pokémon Center Sapporo
- Pokémon Center Tо̄hoku
- Pokémon Center Tokyo DX/Pokémon Cafe
- Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo/Pikachu Sweets
- Pokémon Center Shibuya
- Pokémon Center Sky Tree Town
- Pokémon Center Tokyo Bay
- Pokémon Center Yokohama
- Pokémon Center Nagoya
- Pokémon Center Kyoto
- Pokémon Center Osaka DX/Pokémon Cafe
- Pokémon Center Osaka
- Pokémon Center Hiroshima
- Pokémon Center Fukuoka
- Pokémon Store New Chitose Airport Store
- Pokémon Store Tokyo Station
- Pokémon Store Outlet Kisarazu Store
- Pokémon Store Narita Airport Store
- Pokémon Store Gotemba
- Pokémon Store Kansai Airport Store (closes on August 31)
- Pokémon Store Aeon Mall Okinawa Rycom Store
There is no word yet on if store closures will affect shipments to those purchasing Pokemon items outside of Japan.