J.League Assigns a Pokémon as Official Mascot to Each of its Clubs
In anticipation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, The Pokémon Company has announced a collaboration with the J.League, the organization overseeing Japan's top three football leagues. This partnership will see each of the 60 affiliated clubs receive a Pokémon as its official mascot.
The core theme of this collaboration is evolution, with each club being associated with a specific Pokémon evolution line. Starting from the season's commencement on August 7th and continuing until the end of September, eco-friendly bags with the slogan "Evolution!" will be distributed to attendees at each home game. These bags will feature Pikachu, the national team's mascot, alongside the Pokémon partner of each respective club.
Below is a comprehensive list of the Pokémon assigned to the various teams and clubs. This initiative offers a fun way to choose a Japanese team to support, even if you're not from Japan, all in the spirit of celebrating Pokémon.
| Club | Division | Pokémon Partners |
|---|---|---|
| Avispa Fukuoka | J1 | Weedle, Kakuna, Beedrill |
| Cerezo Osaka | J1 | Cherubi, Cherrim (Sunshine Form) |
| Fagiano Okayama | J1 | Pidove, Tranquill, Unfezant (M) |
| FC Tokyo | J1 | Charcadet, Ceruledge |
| Gamba Osaka | J1 | Shinx, Luxio, Luxray |
| JEF United Chiba | J1 | Yamper, Boltund |
| Kashima Antlers | J1 | Charmander, Charmeleon, Charizard |
| Kashiwa Reysol | J1 | Helioptile, Heliolisk |
| Kawasaki Frontale | J1 | Finizen, Palafin (Hero Form) |
| Kyoto Sanga | J1 | Gastly, Haunter, Gengar |
| Machida Zelvia | J1 | Froakie, Frogadier, Greninja |
| Mito HollyHock | J1 | Bagon, Shelgon, Salamence |
| Nagoya Grampus | J1 | Cyndaquil, Quilava, Typhlosion |
| Sanfrecce Hiroshima | J1 | Teddiursa, Ursaring, Ursaluna |
| Shimizu S-Pulse | J1 | Pawmi, Pawmo, Pawmot |
| Tokyo Verdy | J1 | Rowlet, Dartrix, Decidueye |
| Urawa Red Diamonds | J1 | Litten, Torracat, Incineroar |
| V-Varen Nagasaki | J1 | Mudkip, Marshtomp, Swampert |
| Vissel Kobe | J1 | Houndour, Houndoom |
| Yokohama F. Marinos | J1 | Azurill, Marill, Azumarill |
| Albirex Niigata | J2 | Ducklett, Swanna |
| Blaublitz Akita | J2 | Horsea, Seadra, Kingdra |
| Fujieda MYFC | J2 | Nidoran (M), Nidorino, Nidoking |
| Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo | J2 | Hoothoot, Noctowl |
| FC Imabari | J2 | Wailmer, Wailord |
| Iwaki FC | J2 | Amaura, Aurorus |
| Jubilo Iwata | J2 | Swablu, Altaria |
| Kataller Toyama | J2 | Skiddo, Gogoat |
| Montedio Yamagata | J2 | Cubchoo, Beartic |
| Oita Trinita | J2 | Squirtle, Wartortle, Blastoise |
| RB Omiya Ardija | J2 | Tepig, Pignite, Emboar |
| Sagan Tosu | J2 | Porygon, Porygon-2, Porygon-Z |
| Shonan Bellmare | J2 | Piplup, Prinplup, Empoleon |
| Tegevajaro Miyazaki | J2 | Snubbull, Granbull |
| Tochigi City FC | J2 | Galarian Farfetch’d, Sirfetch’d |
| Tokushima Vortis | J2 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl, Poliwrath |
| Vanraure Hachinohe | J2 | Inkay, Malamar |
| Vegalta Sendai | J2 | Rufflet, Braviary |
| Ventforet Kofu | J2 | Poochyena, Mightyena |
| Yokohama FC | J2 | Cleffa, Clefairy, Clefable |
| Ehime FC | J3 | Fletchling, Fletchinder, Talonflame |
| Fukushima United | J3 | Torchic, Combusken, Blaziken |
| Gainare Tottori | J3 | Ralts, Kirlia, Gallade |
| FC Gifu | J3 | Chikorita, Bayleef, Meganium |
| Giravanz Kitakyushu | J3 | Sunkern, Sunflora |
| Kagoshima United | J3 | Numel, Camerupt |
| Kamatamare Sanuki | J3 | Tangela, Tangrowth |
| Kochi United | J3 | Maschiff, Mabostiff |
| Matsumoto Yamaga | J3 | Larvitar, Pupitar, Tyranitar |
| Nagano Parceiro | J3 | Applin, Dipplin, Hydrapple |
| Nara Club | J3 | Deerling (Autumn Form), Sawsbuck (Autumn Form) |
| FC Osaka | J3 | Popplio, Brionne, Primarina |
| Reilac Shiga | J3 | Barboach, Whiscash |
| Renofa Yamaguchi | J3 | Litleo, Pyroar (M) |
| Roasso Kumamoto | J3 | Ponyta, Rapidash |
| Ryukyu Okinawa | J3 | Mantyke, Mantine |
| SC Sagamihara | J3 | Ferroseed, Ferrothorn |
| Thespa Gunma | J3 | Pancham, Pangoro |
| Tochigi SC | J3 | Chimchar, Monferno, Infernape |
| Zweigen Kanazawa | J3 | Starly, Staravia, Staraptor |
Regrettably, there isn't a team that has chosen Magikarp to evolve into Gyarados on the field. Nothing is perfect.
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