Since its inception in 1996, the Pokémon franchise has captivated the imaginations of enthusiasts worldwide. With its imaginative creature designs, immersive RPG elements, and playful aesthetic, Pokémon games have remained a source of enjoyment for many. Among the various game mechanics, two modes of transportation—namely “Fly” and “Surf”—have particularly stirred the desires of fans, allowing players to traverse different towns and watery areas by riding Pokémon companions.
Now, thanks to a collaboration between Toyota and Tokyo Midtown Hibiya, this dream of riding a Pokémon has become a reality with the introduction of a near life-size rideable Miraidon from Generation 9’s Pokémon Violet.
The unveiling of the near life-sized Miraidon was announced on the official Twitter accounts of both Pokémon and Toyota on March 14. Accompanying tweets featured a two-minute video showcasing the production process, construction, and eventual unveiling of the Miraidon. The video is also accessible on the official YouTube channels of Pokémon and Toyota.
Although precise measurements are not available on the Toyota Engineering Society homepage, information from the Tokyo Midtown Hibiya homepage indicates that the Miraidon weighs approximately 65kg (143lbs) and is sufficiently spacious for individuals to ride comfortably.
From March 15th to 17th, the Miraidon was on display at the Tokyo Midtown Hibiya from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. During this period, attendees had the opportunity to ride the Pokémon by obtaining a ticket. Admission was free of charge, with tickets distributed to fans on-site.
While the exhibited Miraidon was mounted on a frame, a video by U-Note showcased a motorcycle version of the Pokémon that could be operated. Although currently a display model, there exists the potential for the motorcycle Miraidon to enter production—an idea that, while ambitious, may not be entirely far-fetched.
Although the Miraidon is no longer available for viewing at the Tokyo Midtown Hibiya, there remains the possibility of its appearance at other venues in the future. Additionally, there is speculation that a fully realized production model may be showcased at events such as the Tokyo Motor Show or Tokyo Motorcycle Show in the years to come.
Even if the legendary Pokémon fails to make appearances at other venues or undergo production, Pokémon enthusiasts can still experience the thrill of riding Miraidon in the virtual world of Pokémon Violet.