Out of all of the Pokémon that could potentially become tourism mascots, you probably weren't expecting the floating rock-ground type Geodude to be the chosen one. Hiker would be proud.
Japan's Iwate Prefecture recently teamed up with The Pokémon Company to make Geodude the official tourism ambassador for the area. Geodude was selected because Iwate's kanji translates to "rock" and "hand."
As the mascot version of this Pokémon is unable to actually float, the costume comes with a grey and white leg pattern.
When the Huffington Post in Japan asked about this design choice, a representative from The Pokemon Company said they wanted "Geodude to have an appropriate form" and needed to ensure everyone had a "pleasant encounter" with the mascot.
Like all other good ambassadors, Geodude now has an official theme song. Have a listen below:
What do you think of Iwate Prefecture's new mascot? Tell us down below.
[source siliconera.com]
Comments 29
Gotta hand it to this guy, folks: He rocked the world.
Why geodude?
Wynaut?
...Okay that's just disturbing.
Why not Geodude's evolutions. They don't float thus won't require those weird pants.
I take it this mascot choice is set in stone? Will Iwate Prefecture's Capcom mascot be Rockman in this case?
...Hiker Anthony would indeed be proud.
Dem Geodude legs...
Children will have nightmares with Geodude's legs..
almost 800 Pokemon, but Geodude’s the choice. Geodude’s moves include Self-Destruct, Rockslide, Eathquake and Explosion.
Why exactly does Japan want to remind tourists about these words?
I hope they dont take him for granite.
So weird. I love you Japan.
Sure...why not...you do you Japan
@Mycroft Yep. That was my first thoughts after seeing that pattern too, it's totally the go to transparent background indicator in Photoshop and Gimp, and probably other programs as well.
Well time to call my travel agent.
@Mycroft That was my first thought! I love it!
People call this strange, like Mickey Mouse isn't doing the same thing in the states.
What happens when it rains?
That reminds me of when Slowpoke was appointed new mayor of a city in Japan as an april fools joke. Now it is the tourism ambassador too
Geodude and Sonic are gym buddies on leg day
We all knew Geodude is the true mascot of Pokemon.
"needed to ensure everyone had a "pleasant encounter" with the mascot."
I don't know about that, I recall Gen 6 Graveler had a rather sinister look to it, far from what I'd imagine a "pleasant encounter" to be.
It's... Transparency pants...
His legs are a transperant background
This may be the best, worst, and oddest thing i've ever seen. It's shockingly cleaver!
I Gotta ask why this geodude has checkers pants..
It's legs remind me of the checker boss and it's legs from Deltarune
Hahah, go Geodude!
Just imagine if he was a Diplomat, the world would not be safe.
THIS IS AMAZING. YES SHARE EVERYWHERE
I wonder if the "transparency pants" are actually a design that would allow them to erase the legs on film, like a mo-cap suit kind of. Because I'm sure they will do adverts with him. Sadly my tech knowledge is far from current. So I have no idea if this is a thing.
But good for you, Geodude!
And yes, things like this happen in America too. Bugs Bunny was like the ambassador of EVERYTHING back in the day, and Wonder Woman has been a UN goodwill ambassador of some kind. Not Lynda Carter or Gal Gadot, but Wonder Woman. I like it. The world can use some whimsy.
MY EYES! MY EARS! MAKE IT STOP!
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