Index
1. A New Vision on Netflix
“Pokémon Concierge” is a stop-motion animated series jointly created by The Pokémon Company and Netflix, and was designed to entertain both longtime Pokémon fans and general audiences who enjoy Netflix shows and movies.
Stop-motion animation involves moving puppets in small increments and photographing them frame by frame to create the illusion of fluid movement.
To make this vision a reality, the team partnered with dwarf studios, a premier stop-motion production house famous for animated series such as “Domo.”
2. A Show that Resonates with Adults as Well
“Pokémon Concierge” takes place at the Pokémon Resort, a lush tropical island where Pokémon come to relax. Here, they are welcomed by Haru, a new concierge who learns and grows through heartwarming interactions with the Pokémon guests.
By focusing on a protagonist navigating her work life, we aimed to create a story that adult viewers could relate to and find comfort in.
Regarding the story’s development, one member of The Pokémon Company shared the following:
“To ensure adults could resonate with the show, we paid close attention to the everyday situations and emotions people experience in their own lives. At the same time, we worked closely with the creators to explore quirky and unexpected possibilities that arise when these mysterious Pokémon are involved.”
For example, Psyduck constantly suffers from headaches, and when the pain becomes too intense, it releases psychic energy involuntarily. Haru, as a concierge, tries everything she can to relieve Psyduck’s pain.
This is but one example of how we leaned into the specific characteristics of each Pokémon as a way to make unique storylines.
3. The Artistry of Handcrafted Puppets and Sets
The talented craftsmanship of dwarf studios was an essential part of “Pokémon Concierge,” particularly in the creation of the puppets and props for the series.
They selected specific materials, ranging from soft and fluffy to hard and smooth, best suited to the characteristics of each Pokémon.
We had numerous discussions with dwarf studios to ensure the puppets expressed each Pokémon’s characteristics, inspecting everything from fabric pile length and texture to different materials like foam rubber and resin.
The team especially prioritized the expression of the eyes to bring the Pokémon and their feelings to life. By removing traditional eye sockets and adding specific highlights, the artists created eyes that convey a range of emotions.
Artists also meticulously handcrafted the sets, large props, and small accessories used during filming.
For instance, the team designed original textiles for the concierge uniforms and the pillar in the reception area. Even the lamps were treated to look just like real glass.
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4. Mariya Takeuchi’s Theme Song Captures Attention
The theme song of “Pokémon Concierge” also plays an important role in establishing the world of the series. After discussing which artist could best represent the world, the team eventually reached out to Mariya Takeuchi.
Takeuchi graciously accepted our offer after reading the script and wrote a brand-new song for the show titled “Have a Good Time Here.”
The theme song undoubtedly became one of the highlights of the show. Because the artist has an international fans, Takeuchi’s involvement generated interest immediately. “Mariya Takeuchi” even became a trending topic on X in North America following the trailer’s release.
5. Dubbing for Global Accessibility
Pokémon Concierge is available with subtitles and dubbing in 33 languages. The project members were insistent that the anime should be ready for simultaneous distribution worldwide. As one member explained;
“They chose names for the characters, such as the protagonist, Haru, as well as Alisa and Tyler, that would be recognizable globally without needing translation. Use of native speakers in all dubbing also helped to make the cast of Pokémon Concierge characters come alive, giving a familiar touch appreciated by viewers around the globe”.
This meticulous attention to detail earned the series a nomination for Best Director in the Television/Media category at the 51st Annie Awards.
“We hope everyone, especially those with busy everyday lives, will enjoy the warm interactions between Haru and the Pokémon, a staff member said with a smile.