The World’s First Pokémon Airport Is Opening in Japan's Ishikawa Prefecture

In this week’s news, we report on the world’s first Pokémon Airport. Japanese snack giant Calbee plans to simplify its iconic colorful packaging to black and white on 14 flagship products. “Super Monster Wolf” robots are in high demand as bear sightings surge. A 16-year-old is arrested after a suspicious substance is sprayed on the JR Tokaido Line. A Japanese passenger is flown to the UK after leaving the hantavirus-hit MV Hondius. And Kaoru Mitoma’s World Cup place is in doubt.

Pokémon Airport To Open in Ishikawa on July 7

On Thursday, the Ishikawa Prefectural Government announced that the world’s first Pokémon-themed airport will launch later this year. On July 7, Noto Satoyama Airport will reopen with the nickname “Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport.” The collaboration will run until September 2029. It’s part of the Pokémon With You Charity campaign, which works to provide community support throughout Japan.

The new nickname was proposed in April last year as part of efforts to revitalize the Noto Peninsula area following the devastating earthquake that struck on New Year’s Day in 2024. The airport will feature 111 Pokémon characters and exclusive merchandise. Other projects in the area include Pokémon-themed manhole covers and a Pokémon hot spring footbath.

Calbee To Use Black-and-White Packaging Due to Middle East Conflict

On Tuesday, Japan’s leading potato chipmaker Calbee announced that it will begin selling some products in black-and-white packaging due to printing ink shortages linked to the conflict in the Middle East. The shortages stem from disruptions in naphtha supplies, a petroleum-based raw material used in ink production. The Japanese government, however, claims there are no supply issues.

Products featuring simplified packaging will reach store shelves from May 25. Calbee said it would use only two ink colors on 14 products, including its Potato Chips, Kappa Ebisen snacks and Frugra breakfast cereal. Other food companies affected by the shortage include Mizkan, the world’s largest manufacturer of rice vinegar and sushi seasonings, and Mire Biscuits.

‘Super Monster Wolf’ Robot in High Demand as Bear Sightings Surge

Japan’s latest anti-bear defense isn’t a hunter or a fence, but a solar-powered robotic wolf measuring 65 centimeters long and 50 centimeters tall. Released by Hokkaido company Ohta Seiki Co. in 2016, the “Super Monster Wolf” was designed to scare away wildlife. The product is now in high demand amid a sharp rise in bear sightings and attacks.

Described as an “eco-friendly wildlife repellent device,” the Super Monster Wolf uses motion sensors, flashing LED lights and more than 50 “threatening sounds.” According to Ohta Seiki president Yuji Ohta, the company has already received around 50 orders in 2026 — more than it would typically receive in an entire year.

An out of service train on the jr tokkaido line

Passengers Fall Ill After Suspicious Substance Reported on JR Tokaido Line Train

Shortly before 4:40 p.m. on Sunday, a woman in her 30s made an emergency call reporting that a substance had been dispersed inside a JR Tokaido Line train traveling near Tokyo. The woman, her husband, and their 1-year-old daughter were taken to the hospital, but none suffered serious injuries. Another 10 passengers complained of feeling unwell.

More than 20 emergency vehicles were dispatched to Kawasaki Station, where the train was brought to a stop. Train operations were delayed for more than two hours. On Tuesday, police arrested a 16-year-old boy for allegedly spraying the liquid that caused the odor. After security camera footage led to his arrest, the suspect admitted to interfering with train operations.

The mv hondius cruise ship. Photo by Stefan Brending / Licenze: Creative Commons CC-BY-SA-3.0 de

Japanese Passenger Sent to the UK After Leaving Hantavirus-Hit Cruise Ship

A Japanese national arrived in the United Kingdom on Sunday after disembarking the hantavirus-hit cruise ship MV Hondius. According to Japan’s Foreign Ministry, the individual was provided a seat on a British government charter flight departing from Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands. The person is reported to be in good health, but will undergo 45 days of health monitoring.

The individual was offered a seat on the flight under the Memorandum of Cooperation on Mutual Assistance to Japanese and British Nationals Abroad, signed last month to strengthen cooperation in protecting citizens overseas during crises. Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary, Minoru Kihara, meanwhile, said the country does not expect the hantavirus outbreak to have an immediate impact domestically.

Kaoru Mitoma World Cup Place in Doubt Following Hamstring Injury

On Saturday, Kaoru Mitoma suffered a hamstring injury in Brighton’s 3-0 win over Wolves in the Premier League. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler confirmed that the winger will be unavailable for the team’s remaining two fixtures against Leeds and Manchester United. His availability for the World Cup remains uncertain.

“He will miss the next two games,” said Hürzeler. “Regarding the World Cup, I’m not sure yet. We will be in touch with the Japan federation.” He added, “We really have to be patient with this injury. We cannot give a clear schedule.” National coach Hajime Moriyasu is set to announce his 26-man squad for the tournament on Friday afternoon.

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Updated On May 15, 2026