A New Team for the J. League
The Pokémon brand is expanding its presence in the sports world through a new collaboration. The company has officially partnered with the J. League, the organization that manages Japan’s top three professional soccer divisions, to integrate the franchise into the league’s identity.
Under this new initiative, each of the 60 clubs participating in the J. League will be assigned a specific Pokémon to serve as a mascot. This move aims to bridge the gap between the popular gaming franchise and professional sports, offering fans of both a unique way to engage with their favorite teams.
Expanding the Pokémon Brand
This partnership represents a significant crossover between Japanese pop culture and professional athletics. By assigning a mascot to every club, the league hopes to increase visibility and engagement across its diverse roster of teams. Fans can follow the latest updates on the official Pokémon Japan X account.
While the initiative is currently focused on the Japanese soccer landscape, it highlights the continued efforts of the brand to find creative ways to remain relevant in various sectors. It remains to be seen how these mascots will be utilized during matches and promotional events, but the announcement has already generated interest among fans of the franchise.
Here’s the full list:
| Club | Division | Partner Pokémon |
| 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 |
Source: Polygon
















