Pokémon GO Japan marathon challenge

In early August 2026 Niantic launched the “Summer Excursion: Frozen Remains” event in Japan, re‑introducing a Marathon Visor‑equipped Pikachu that could be earned only by walking a total of 42 km over a six‑and‑a‑half‑day period. The challenge, roughly 7 km per day, drew criticism for its difficulty amid a heatwave, with Niantic urging players to stay hydrated and monitor device temperatures.

A few days later the event’s conclusion was confirmed for 20:00 UTC on 10 August, after which the special Pikachu variant would no longer be obtainable. Player complaints about the demanding distance persisted. The announcement also noted a separate “Pokemon Astronomical” exhibition featuring a “Starry Sky Pikachu” at an Orix Buffaloes baseball game on 11 August in Miyagi Prefecture, offering limited‑capacity photo sessions.