Hey there, Pokémon fans! Have you heard about the latest buzz surrounding The Pokémon Company? It’s not just any announcement; it’s something that’s causing quite the stir in the community. Get ready to mark your calendars because on November 1, 2025, a brand-new touring museum exhibit is set to launch in Kanagawa, Japan! This exhibit, called The Pokémon Astronomical Observatory, promises to take visitors on a cosmic journey through the wonders of the universe, all with a Pokémon twist!
So, what’s the deal with this exhibit? Well, it’s going to travel to four different museums across Japan over the next year, kicking off at the Sagamihara City Museum. Sounds pretty exciting, right? But hold on a second. While the idea of exploring the cosmos with Pokémon sounds fantastic, there’s something else that’s caught the eye of fans and sparked a debate online. A piece of promotional art released alongside the announcement has many speculating that it might be partially generated by AI!
Serebii Update: A new touring museum exhibition has been announced. The Pokémon Astronomical Observatory will begin from November 1st 2025 in Kanagawa, Japan. Details @SerebiiNet
When you first glance at the art, it looks pretty cool. There’s Pikachu, decked out in a stylish astronomer outfit, peering through a telescope at mesmerizing constellations, with the adorable Cosmog floating above. It’s hard not to appreciate the character design. But as fans like YouTuber Lewtwo have pointed out, the background raises some eyebrows.
“Why is official Pokémon art using AI backgrounds now? Wtf is this?” – Lewtwo
As Lewtwo highlights, the observatory in the background has some peculiar features. From strange, furnace-like lighting that adds an ominous vibe to the scene, to an architectural design that seems a bit nonsensical, there’s a lot to unpack here. It’s almost as if the background was created in a way that doesn’t align with the artistic style we typically expect from Pokémon. If this is indeed AI-generated, it’s a bummer because the foreground character art is genuinely stunning!
To add to the intrigue, there’s also an alternate piece of artwork that features Pikachu alongside several cosmic Pokémon linked to the sun and moon. Thankfully, this piece avoids the distraction of that oddly-designed observatory!
Serebii Picture: Alternate special artwork for the Pokémon Astronomical Observatory has been released. Details @SerebiiNet
Now, this isn’t the first time Pokémon has faced scrutiny over potential AI art. Back in 2023, fans suspected that Niantic used AI-generated art for promotional materials related to Pokémon Go. In response to the speculation, the studio acknowledged that they use various tools and software to create visual assets but didn’t get into specifics about their processes. It seems that questions about the authenticity of Pokémon art are becoming a recurring theme!
As we await a response from The Pokémon Company regarding the latest artwork, fans are left wondering: is this the future of Pokémon art? Could we see more AI-generated content in the future? Or will the company stick to traditional art styles that fans have cherished for decades?
One thing’s for sure: the Pokémon community is buzzing with opinions, and it’s hard to ignore the excitement and skepticism surrounding this new exhibit. With the Pokémon Astronomical Observatory set to open its doors soon, it’ll be interesting to see how the event unfolds and how fans react to both the experience and the art.
As we move closer to the exhibit launch, don’t forget to keep an eye out for updates. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just someone who loves Pokémon, this event promises to be an unforgettable journey through the cosmos with your favorite characters! So, what do you think? Are you excited to explore the universe with Pikachu? Let us know!
