by The Netflix anime series “Pokémon Concierge” is set on a remote island dedicated to Pokémon, “Pokémon Resort,” and follows the story of the protagonist, Haru (Non), a city dweller who spends her days as a new “Pokémon concierge.” Four new episodes have been added to the series. Here, we’ll explore the changes in Haru’s position and what her transformation signifies as we follow the content of episodes 5 through 8 of the series.
The series is unique in its use of the “stop-motion animation” technique, in which puppets are moved slightly while each frame is filmed. Stop-motion animation, such as the British “Shaun the Sheep” series and the Japanese anime series “Pui Pui Molcar,” is popular with many Japanese viewers. Compared to the 3DCG and digital animation that dominate the anime industry, stop-motion animation is characterized by a warmer style.
The production studio is Dwarf Studio, known for the NHK mascot “Domo-kun” animation, the “Zespri Kiwi” commercial, and the Netflix series “Rilakkuma and Kaoru-san.” Through careful coordination with The Pokémon Company, the series’ unique attention to detail was reflected in this release, with the dolls made from different materials to suit different types of Pokémon. At Pokémon Resort, there are no fierce battles or dramatic adventures.
Pokémon relax and enjoy their holidays. Haru helps the Pokémon and people who visit the island with their problems, sometimes failing but always resolving them, leading a quiet and warm daily life. Similar to “Rilakkuma and Kaoru-san,” which focused on the daily healing of modern working women, this series offers healing to the same demographic.
The previous episodes (episodes 1-4) depicted Haru as a novice concierge. Exhausted by her work in the city, she moves to the island. Despite her clumsy nature, her earnest approach to Pokémon earns her the respect of her seniors, Alisa (Fairouz Ai) and Tyra (Okuno Eita), and her boss, Watanabe (Takemura Osako). She also develops a close, almost partner-like relationship with Kodak. In this respect, the story is a tale of growth, as she finds her place in the world through her work.
The newly released episodes, episodes 5 through 8, have a slightly different tone. They depict Haru, no longer a rookie struggler but an indispensable member of the team. In episode 5, “I Need Your Pokémon Help!”, the other staff members are absent, leaving Haru to handle her duties alone. Electric-type Pokémon like Swinub cause mayhem, leaving Haru scrambling like a babysitter.
However, she ultimately resolves the situation with the help of her Pokémon. This episode demonstrates Haru’s growth as a person who can utilize her unique abilities to fulfill her role. In episode 6, “What is the Greatest Happiness?”, Dan (Yamaji Kazuhiro), a veteran sailor and relative of one of the group’s characters, makes an appearance. He visits the island with his evolved and grown-up Toadgrass. Concerned that he cannot care for it in his cramped home, he considers leaving it behind on the island out of concern for the Pokémon’s happiness. Haru questions his decision and reexamines whether they are pleased.
This is a thought only she could come up with, able to put herself in the Pokémon’s shoes and consider things sensitively. Thus, the new episode shifts from focusing on how Haru adapts to life and work on the island to a phase in which, once she has achieved a certain level of adaptation, she considers what she can do for Pokémon and the people. It’s been just under two years since the previous episode aired. Haru’s reliability and the increased challenges suggest that, after a certain amount of time has passed, a rookie is beginning to demonstrate her actual abilities.
“Pokémon Concierge ” is set at a remote island facility for Pokémon called “Pokémon Resort,” and follows the story of Haru (Non), a city-dweller who spends her days as a new “Pokémon concierge.” Four new episodes have been added to the series.
She gains recognition from her boss, Watanabe ( Osako Takemura ), and develops a close relationship with Kodak. In that sense, it’s a story of growth, finding one’s place through work. The newly released episodes, episodes 5 through 8, have a slightly different tone.
They depict Haru graduating from the rookie struggle to becoming an indispensable member of the team. In episode 5, “I Need Some Pokémon Help!”, the other staff members are absent, leaving Haru to handle the work alone. Electric-type Pokémon like Swinub cause trouble, leaving Haru scrambling like a babysitter.
However, she ultimately resolves the situation with the help of her Pokémon. Here, we see Haru’s growth into someone who can fulfill her role while utilizing her unique abilities. In episode 6, “What is the Greatest Happiness?”, Dan (Yamaji Kazuhiro), a veteran sailor and relative of one of the group’s companions, Tyra, appears. He visits the island with his evolved and grown-up Toadgrass. Concerned that he cannot care for it in his cramped home, he considers leaving it on the island out of concern for the Pokémon’s happiness. Haru questions his decision and reexamines whether she is pleased.
This is a thought only she could come up with, able to consider things from the Pokémon’s perspective with such sensitivity. Thus, the new episode focuses not on how Haru adapts to life and work on the island, but instead on what she can do for Pokémon and the people once she has achieved a certain level of adaptation. It has been just under two years since the previous episode was released. Haru’s reliability and the increased challenges he faces suggest that this is the stage where a rookie begins to demonstrate their actual abilities after a certain amount of time has passed.
