by The Pokémon anime is teaming up with the popular mobile game Pokémon Sleep for a special collaboration episode that promises adorable Pokémon, unique sleep research, and exciting in-game events for fans.
The special episode, titled “Weenival and Dekanuchan’s Great Sleep Operation!”, is scheduled to air on August 21, 2026, as Episode 146 of the Pokémon TV anime. The collaboration will take viewers to Wakakusa Island, the main setting of Pokémon Sleep, and will introduce Professor Neroli, the sleep researcher from the game, making his anime debut. The character will be voiced by Natsuki Hanae, one of Japan’s most popular voice actors.
In addition to the anime episode, Pokémon Sleep will host a limited-time collaboration event featuring new Pokémon, exclusive content, and special rewards.
A Special Adventure to Wakakusa Island
In the upcoming episode, Riko and the Rising Volt Tacklers travel to Wakakusa Island, where they encounter Professor Neroli, a researcher dedicated to studying the sleeping habits of Pokémon.
Their visit begins when Weenival and Dekanuchan struggle with severe sleep deprivation.
Hoping to help the exhausted Pokémon rest peacefully, the group seeks Professor Neroli’s expertise. Together, they attempt to use the calming presence of Snorlax, famous for its deep sleep, to help everyone get some much-needed rest.
However, things don’t go according to plan.
Instead of peacefully falling asleep, Snorlax wakes up because it is hungry, creating a brand-new challenge for Riko and her friends.
Making the “Absolute Sleep Butter Curry”
To help Snorlax return to sleep, the group decides to prepare a special meal known as “Absolute Sleep Butter Curry.”
The episode combines comedy, teamwork, cooking, and Pokémon care as everyone works together to satisfy Snorlax’s enormous appetite.
Once Snorlax has eaten its fill, the team hopes the giant Pokémon will fall asleep once again, allowing Weenival and Dekanuchan to finally enjoy a peaceful night’s rest.
The episode is expected to highlight the importance of healthy sleep while showcasing many adorable Pokémon sleeping poses inspired by the Pokémon Sleep game.
Professor Neroli Makes His Anime Debut
One of the biggest highlights of the collaboration is the first anime appearance of Professor Neroli, the well-known sleep researcher from Pokémon Sleep.
The professor is voiced by Natsuki Hanae, who expressed his excitement about bringing the character into the Pokémon anime.
According to Hanae, Professor Neroli is a kind, passionate, and charming researcher whose greatest interest is studying how Pokémon sleep.
He shared that viewers can look forward to discovering many unique sleeping expressions, peaceful poses, and heartwarming moments that have not been seen before in the anime.
Hanae also encouraged fans to join Professor Neroli on this new adventure and enjoy meeting Pokémon in an entirely different way through their sleeping behaviors.
Pokémon Sleep Collaboration Week Announced
To celebrate the anime crossover, Pokémon Sleep will host a special “Anime Pokémon Collaboration Week” from August 17 to August 23, 2026.
During the event, several Pokémon from the anime will appear in the game, allowing players to research their various sleeping styles.
The collaboration introduces several exciting additions, including:
- Pikachu wearing a captain’s hat (making its first appearance in Pokémon Sleep)
- Kanuchan
- Nakanuchan
- Dekanuchan
- Additional Pokémon featured in the current Pokémon anime
Players will be able to encounter these Pokémon, observe their unique sleep poses, and add new sleep styles to their in-game Sleep Style Dex.
Broadcast Giveaway and Social Media Campaign
Fans watching the collaboration episode will also have the chance to participate in special promotional campaigns.
To commemorate the broadcast, the Pokémon anime will hold:
- A special on-air giveaway campaign
- A prize campaign on the official Pokémon anime X (formerly Twitter) account
Further details about prizes and participation methods are expected to be announced through the anime’s official channels.
Why This Collaboration Matters
The collaboration brings together two major parts of the Pokémon franchise in a way that naturally connects gameplay with storytelling.
While the Pokémon anime focuses on adventures and friendships, Pokémon Sleep introduces a relaxing gameplay experience centered on researching Pokémon sleep habits.
By introducing Professor Neroli into the anime and setting the story on Wakakusa Island, the collaboration allows fans of both the television series and the mobile game to experience a shared world for the first time.
It also serves as an excellent introduction for viewers who may not yet be familiar with Pokémon Sleep.
Episode 146 Broadcast Details
Title:
“Weenival and Dekanuchan’s Great Sleep Operation!”
Episode: 146
Broadcast Date: August 21, 2026
Broadcast Network: TV Tokyo
Broadcast Time: Every Friday at 6:55 PM JST
Broadcast schedules may vary depending on region and are subject to change.
A Fun Collaboration for Pokémon Fans
The upcoming collaboration between the Pokémon anime and Pokémon Sleep combines humor, heartwarming storytelling, and the adorable charm of sleeping Pokémon.
With Professor Neroli making his long-awaited anime debut, Riko and the Rising Volt Tacklers visiting Wakakusa Island, and an in-game collaboration event introducing exclusive Pokémon and special rewards, August promises to be an exciting month for Pokémon fans.
Whether you enjoy watching the anime, playing Pokémon Sleep, or both, “Weenival and Dekanuchan’s Great Sleep Operation!” looks set to deliver a memorable adventure filled with friendship, relaxation, and plenty of adorable Pokémon sleep styles.
