Pikachu and Rayquaza appear via AR in JAXA’s Space Sunrise Live 2021 event

During the 2-hour Space Sunrise Live 2021 event, The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency showed off Pikachu and Rayquaza in space using augmented reality.

While some fans were hoping for an announcement related to a remake of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, both characters appeared as part of the show to introduce a special Pikachu giveaway starting today (in Japan).

Before the reveal of Pikachu with Japanese astronaut Soichi Noguchi, an 8-year-old boy from Venezuela, Mariano Yanez, spoke with members of JAXA via a translator. Mariano said he had a strange feeling appearing on a laptop monitor of the International Space Station in space.

After Mariano’s rendition of “Niño Lindo” (“Cute Boy,” a Venezuelan Christmas folk song), fans got to see Pikachu virtually appear next to astronaut Soichi Noguchi inside ISS (International Space Station). After that, a wild Rayquaza appeared flew over our planet. “Cool, my favorite Pokémon is in space!,” said Mariano.

After saying good-bye to Mariano, people in charge of the event shared more specific into about Pokémon.

According to ComicBook.com, a special Pikachu giveaway will take place from January 1st to the 15th for fans who own Pokémon Sword and Shield. This limited-time Pikachu will already know Thunderbolt, Swift, Wish and Celebrate. To get it, fans should use the Mystery Gift function.

Check out the entire event here, though if you want to catch the Pokémon-related part of the event, start the video at 45 minutes.

[Sources]: KIBO宇宙放送局 (YouTube) : 【KIBO宇宙放送局】THE SPACE SUNRISE LIVE 2021 o. ComicBook.com: Pokemon’s International Space Station Event Ends With a Special Pikachu Giveaway.