Japan's JR East and Meitetsu launch 2026 Pokémon stamp rally promotions

East Japan Railway Company (JR East) and Nagoya Railroad (Meitetsu) have announced separate Pokémon‑themed stamp rally campaigns for the summer of 2026. JR East’s “Pokémon Stamp Rally 2026” runs from 16 July to 31 August on 36 stations in the Tokyo metropolitan area, with additional stops on selected Shinkansen stations. Participants collect stamped cards to earn limited‑edition rewards such as special stickers, key‑chains and a “special medal” featuring the Pokémon Coroiden and Miraidon. The campaign includes a Pokémon‑wrapped train service on the Yamanote, Keihin‑Tohoku and Chuo‑Rapid lines in August, photo‑spot wall decorations at major stations, and a Honda‑sponsored Coroiden exhibit.

Meitetsu’s “Pokémon Stamp Rally 2026” runs from 18 July to 23 September across 25 stations on its network, including Nagoya, Gifu and airports. The rally uses a 5 × 5 bingo‑style stamp sheet; completing a line, three lines or the full board unlocks tiered prizes such as special stickers, neck straps, and acrylic key‑holders. Meitetsu also operates a wrapped 2200‑series train from 20 July to 12 September and installs photo‑spots and promotional booths at stations. Both railways require participants to obtain a stamp booklet (free or sold at select locations) and redeem prizes at designated counters before the end‑of‑campaign dates.