With Pokémon Day drawing closer, the franchise has unveiled the trailer for its upcoming animated short Dragonite and the Mailman (Kairyu to Yubinya-san). This special 14-minute episode will premiere on February 27, 2025, on the official Pokémon YouTube channel, serving as a prelude to the announcements planned for the annual event.
A Story of Friendship and Adventure
The short follows Hana, a young girl fascinated by a mailman Dragonite. One day, she receives a letter without a recipient and, along with her partner Fuecoco, decides to find its owner. They discover that the letter was addressed to Rio's father, who works in the Kanto region and is about to have a birthday. With time running out, Hana and Fuecoco embark on a journey full of challenges to deliver the letter to its destination.
A Top-Tier Animation Team
The animation is handled by CoMix Wave Films, the studio renowned for works like Your Name, Suzume, and 5 Centimeters per Second. Direction and storyboard are by Taku Kimura, while character design is by Asuka Kodai. The soundtrack, composed by Evan Call—known for his work on Frieren: Beyond Journey's End and Violet Evergarden—includes the main theme titled "Kami Hikōki".
"The animation of Dragonite and the Mailman promises a stunning visual experience, with an emotional story that resonates with fans of all ages."
An Animated Short for All Audiences
Although this special won't be the main focus of Pokémon Day, its touching story and unique visual style make it appealing content even for those unfamiliar with the franchise. With a top-tier creative team behind the project, this short could become one of the year's surprises.
Reasons Not to Miss Dragonite and the Mailman
- High-quality animation by CoMix Wave Films.
- An emotional story highlighting friendship and perseverance.
- Soundtrack composed by the talented Evan Call.
- An adventure-filled journey starring Hana and Fuecoco.
- A perfect celebration of the Pokémon spirit.
The premiere of Dragonite and the Mailman during Pokémon Day not only celebrates the franchise but also offers fans a heartwarming story that captures the essence of Pokémon: friendship, adventures, and the value of helping others.