Pokémon trainers from across Taiwan gather as the new Pokémon Center TAIPEI opens, with some fans even queuing up the night before opening.
Video script:
A yellow Pikachu wearing pineapple glasses with bags of fruit greets everyone joining the opening ceremony of Pokemon Center TAIPEI, a long-awaited day for every Pokemon trainer in Taiwan.
The entire event was packed with people waiting to see the new center. One person says that when they started queuing at around 9 a.m., quite a few people were already waiting. Not knowing exactly where the line began, they just queued up in order, hoping that was the right way.
Some dedicated fans even arrived the night before the opening, passing the time by playing Pokémon board games, and sleeping on the ground outside the venue. However, some unlucky visitors weren’t able to make it inside on opening day and will have to try again.
One mother comforted her disappointed daughter by saying they can come back at 6 am the next day, but the daughter says 6 am is too late, and that they should line up at dawn.
The long-awaited Pokémon representative for Taiwan was unveiled to be Dragonite, due to the comparisons to the sea goddess Mazu, embodying Taiwan's helpful and compassionate spirit. The moderator of a Pokemon fan page says that Taiwan has a community of Pokémon devotees, who share a common love for helping those in need overseas.
Pokémon plush toys adorned with fruits, representing Taiwan's rich fruit resources, and an EasyCard inspired by the vibrant night markets are among the exclusive merchandise only available at the new center. So, if you gotta catch ‘em all, be sure to come down to this new Pokémon hotspot.