A Player’s Perspective: Toshiya Miyata’s Excitement
Upon hearing of his appointment, Miyata expressed immense joy. “I was incredibly happy! I play this game every single day, so it was simply a ‘Yay!’ feeling,” he shared. “But because I love it so much, I also feel a strong desire to make it exciting.” His long-standing dream of working with Pokémon, especially through a game he deeply enjoys, has now come true.
Miyata is no stranger to the competitive scene, being well aware that PUACL is a stepping stone to the Pokémon World Championships (WCS). He noted, “When you log in daily, the ‘Announcements’ always inform you about the tournaments.” He also revealed his journey into team play, explaining that he sought out fellow players through his YouTube channel, “Hōkago GAMING LIFE,” to experience the thrill of a “full party” (a complete team of five players).
His favorite Pokémon in UNITE is Espeon, chosen initially for its appearance, but also for its strategic depth. “Espeon’s moves can reach from a distance, making it great for maintaining spacing in battles,” he explained. “Its Unite Move, which briefly immobilizes nearby Pokémon, makes cooperative play and timing incredibly challenging yet rewarding.”
Regarding Japanese teams, Miyata holds high expectations. “Their technical skill is truly remarkable,” he observed, citing past matches where players showcased astonishing maneuvers. “Japan is the birthplace of Pokémon, so while I’m not competing, I feel a sense of pride, and I hope the players share that feeling.” Despite wishing for Japan to win, he also expressed joy in seeing players globally enjoy the game he loves.
The Evolving Landscape of PUACL 2026
PUACL 2026 is not just a tournament; it’s a critical reference event for selecting Japan’s representatives for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. The Japanese League has expanded its invitation slots from 8 to 12 teams, hosting high-level league matches featuring Japan’s top professional teams. Only the top four teams from this fierce competition will earn a spot in the offline finals, “PUACL2026 FINALS,” where the Asian champion will be crowned.
All matches of the Japanese League Group Stage are currently being streamed. Don’t miss the action!
Upcoming Japanese League Dates
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DAY4: January 11, 2026 (Sunday)
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DAY5: January 18, 2026 (Sunday)
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DAY6: February 7, 2026 (Saturday)
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DAY7: February 8, 2026 (Sunday)
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Playoffs: February 15, 2026 (Sunday)
Official Live Stream Information
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A Stream (with commentary): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzUzP0tZlbE
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B Stream: https://youtube.com/live/QCH-bztaHfk
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C Stream: https://youtube.com/live/35Ais_Jy7uE
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Japanese League Day1-Day3 Archives: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsDQtAHUA2nTyhXfQkuHQwMGKTO4_pLh5
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Pokémon UNITE Official YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvo8JUqHh2d1QGnK3LKyI4Q
PUACL 2026 FINALS: Event Overview
The “Pokémon UNITE Asia Champions League 2026 FINALS” will take place on March 28 (Saturday) and March 29 (Sunday), 2026, at Yokohama BUNTAI in Kanagawa Prefecture, Yokohama City.
Ticket Sales Information
Tickets are available with various seating options, including Arena, Stand (S/A), and Wheelchair seats. Children’s tickets are available for those 12 years old (elementary school) and under. All ticket purchasers will receive exclusive tournament original goods.
Arena seat purchasers will receive additional special original goods on each day:
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Day 1: Tournament key visual poster (with special glitter processing)
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Day 2: Tournament key visual mini desk mat
Tickets can be purchased through Eplus and NTV Zero Ticket, with an international option available via Eplus. Sales run from January 11, 2026, 11:00 AM to February 23, 2026, 11:59 PM (JST), and will end once sold out.
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Eplus: https://eplus.jp/puacl2026/
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NTV Zero Ticket: https://l-tike.com/ntvzero/event/puacl2026.html
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International Tickets: https://eplus.tickets/ib-puacl2026/
Official Merchandise & Broadcasts
For the first time in Pokémon UNITE tournament history, official merchandise will be available for purchase. Details regarding the lineup will be announced later on the official Pokémon UNITE X (formerly Twitter) account and during tournament broadcasts.
Furthermore, a special “PUACL 2026 Mini Program” featuring Toshiya Miyata will be broadcast on Nippon TV networks, with the first episode airing on January 19 (Monday) at 28:10 (JST). Miyata will also appear in and narrate commercials promoting the tournament.
What is Pokémon UNITE?
“Pokémon UNITE” is the first team-based strategic battle game in the Pokémon series, jointly developed by The Pokémon Company and Tencent Games’ TiMi Studios. It is available on Nintendo Switch and smartphones.
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Pokémon UNITE Official Website: https://www.pokemonunite.jp
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App Store: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1512321575
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Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.pokemon.pokemonunite
The Future of Kawaii Culture and Esports
The expansion of PUACL 2026 and the involvement of a beloved idol like Toshiya Miyata highlight the growing global appeal of esports and the enduring charm of Pokémon. This synergy between traditional entertainment and competitive gaming creates a unique platform for Japanese kawaii culture to shine on the international stage. As more diverse audiences engage with these events, the blend of strategic gameplay and captivating characters, championed by figures like Miyata, promises to further globalize the vibrant spirit of Japanese pop culture and its beloved characters, fostering new connections and communities across borders. The competitive spirit, combined with the inherently cute and charismatic nature of Pokémon, ensures that events like PUACL will continue to capture hearts and minds worldwide.
