The "Pokémon Baseball Festa 2026 ~30 Years of Memories in a Ball~," held at Zozo Marine Stadium for a three-game series from May 15th to 17th, concluded successfully and garnered attention for its meticulously crafted production.

The production team put a lot of thought into the details, and the director even ad-libbed during the exchange of member lists.

The person in charge of the game's production was Nozomi Narabayashi of the Entertainment Group, Brand Management Department Chiba Lotte Marines. She said, "My main focus was on how to 'make the unique characteristics of each Pokémon fit convincingly into the world of The Marines' games.'"

"For example, we featured Mr. Mime on the video screen that warns people about foul balls, and placed a Gull-o'-lantern where the seagull is on The Marines' team flag. We also placed Snorlax panels along the narrow path leading to the stadium, scattering little touches to make visitors chuckle as soon as they arrive."

On the day of the event, one of the highlights was finding the Pokémon that appeared in various locations throughout Zozo Marine Stadium. It was as if the stadium had been transformed into the world of Pokémon, and many fans were surely thrilled. The Pikachu characters, dressed in The Marines uniforms, were a huge hit with both children and adults.

Among the various performances, Narabayashi's favorite scene was the "exchange of team rosters" before the match.

"We envisioned both managers as Pokémon trainers and challenged ourselves to create a battle-style performance with Pikachu as their companion. Pikachu, wearing a The Buffaloes uniform, joined Manager Kishida as his companion. We are incredibly grateful to both managers for readily accepting this performance plan. Incidentally, the fact that they held hands with Pikachu was an ad-lib by both managers!"

The performance recreated a battle-like image through the video, but both managers also showed concern for their accompanying Pikachu as they headed towards home base, a scene that became a hot topic on social media for being "cute." Many fans were captivated by the contrast between the managers' strict guidance of their teams and the kindness they showed to Pikachu.

Let the battle begin! #chibalotte #PokemonBaseballFesta pic.twitter.com/4AmUpb7YXw

—Chiba Chiba Lotte Marines (@chibalotte) May 15, 2026

During the game, various Pokémon appeared on the screen, including Camome, the team's partner Pokémon, and Pikachu. struck out（The game was enlivened throughout by the appearance of "strike" when a player took a hit (STRIKE OUT), and by the appearance of Pikachu and other Pokémon named after their characteristics.
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In the hit production, one Digda appeared at single hit and two appeared at doble. Unfortunately, they were not unveiled on the day, but Dugtrio, Digda's evolved counterpart, was scheduled to appear at triple.
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The players were also captivated by Pikachu, saying, "We really felt how popular Pokémon is."

The "Pokémon Baseball Festa" was a huge success, not only among fans but also within the team.

"Everyone was smitten with Pikachu, and I think the players and coaches were touching and doting on Pikachu whenever they had a chance (laughs). When we conducted a survey during this year's spring training about people's 'favorite Pokémon,' many people couldn't narrow it down to just one and wrote down several, which really showed us how popular Pokémon are."

​Misho Nishikawa, in particular, was looking forward to this event, and in the first game of the three-game series, he hit a game-winning three-run homer. "The way he brilliantly became a hero is truly impressive," Narabayashi said, praising his performance.

"The support energy was amplified even further," leading the team to a record-breaking 3-game winning streak.

The team finished their series of games in the best possible way with three consecutive wins. Narabayashi expressed his joy at the result, saying, "I feel like shouting, 'Thank you, Pikachu and Wingull!'"

"I believe that the Pokémon really brightened up the atmosphere in the stadium, which amplified the fans' cheering energy even further, and that was conveyed to the players, resulting in the fantastic outcome of 'three consecutive wins'."

Chiba Lotte Marines' "Pokemon Baseball Festa" was a huge success. It's easy to imagine that the meticulously planned production further heightened the spirits of the fans and players. In response to the positive feedback, Narabayashi offered a final comment expressing his gratitude.

"This event involved the combined efforts of many sections, including stadium production, event planning, broadcasting, social media, public relations, and merchandise, as well as the entire Pokémon team. Receiving so many warm words from both Pokémon fans and baseball fans was a great encouragement to the entire team."