{
  "id": 8797916,
  "title": "In Pictures: 30 years on, Pokémon fever brings Hong Kong hobbyists and world champs together",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/in-pictures-30-years-on-pokemon-fever-brings-hong-kong-hobbyists-and",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-20T23:50:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hong Kong Free Press",
    "slug": "hong-kong-free-press",
    "url": "https://hongkongfp.com/2026/09/21/in-pictures-30-years-on-pokemon-fever-brings-hong-kong-hobbyists-and-world-champs-together/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On a sweltering July weekend, Hong Kong's Tsim Sha Tsui shopping district transformed into a bustling hub as thousands of enthusiasts gathered to catch a rare Pokémon. The elusive Mewtwo, an iconic creature from the beloved Japanese video game and animation series launched in 1996, was the star of the event. The two-day festival saw participants spanning various ages and professions, including a doctor, civil servant, social worker, risk consultant, and former world champion in Pokémon GO, Cheng Yip-kai, who became the first Hongkonger to claim the title in 2024.\n\nThe Pokémon phenomenon, now in its third decade, has evolved into one of the world's most beloved and enduring franchises. The success of Pokémon transcends age, as evidenced by the universal recognition of the classic trio of Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle on mobile screens. Card collector Anthony Cheung highlighted the unparalleled reach of the franchise, noting that names like Pikachu are instantly recognized, regardless of age.\n\nThe event also served as a testament to the franchise's financial success, particularly in the lucrative trading card market. Rare cards in pristine condition have been fetching staggering prices, solidifying Pokémon's status as a lucrative brand.",
  "summary": "Words by Hans Tse On a scorching July weekend, thousands of people gathered in Hong Kong’s Tsim Sha Tsui shopping district to search for a rare Pokémon that could only be seen through the screen of a smartphone. This was Mewtwo, a legendary Pokémon in the beloved Japanese video game and animation series that was […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "RTHK English",
        "title": "Hong Kong bids farewell to Tung Chee-hwa",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/hong-kong-bids-farewell-to-tung-chee-hwa",
        "published": "2026-09-20T03:37:40.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Hong Kong Free Press",
        "title": "In Pictures: Hong Kong pays final respects to former city leader Tung Chee-hwa",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/in-pictures-hong-kong-pays-final-respects-to-former-city-leader-tung",
        "published": "2026-09-20T07:56:32.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Time Out Hong Kong",
        "title": "The Disgusting Food Museum comes to Hong Kong with over 80 gross foods from all over the world",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/the-disgusting-food-museum-comes-to-hong-kong-with-over-80-gross",
        "published": "2026-09-21T09:23:15.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}