If you ever dreamed of traveling inside a Pokemon, the Tokyo subway just made your wish come true, although in a rather sticky way. As of today, March 2, 2026, the Hanzomon line has been completely dyed purple to receive ditto (known as Metamon in Japan). This visual invasion is no coincidence. It is a massive campaign to celebrate the launch of Pokémon Pokopia, one of the most anticipated titles for the brand new Nintendo Switch 2. Passengers no longer only travel to work, now they do so surrounded by the charismatic transformist spy.
The debut of Pokopia and the Hanzomon Line
The authority of this news comes from the official statement from Tokyo Metro, which confirms this event as the first complete advertising takeover of the Hanzomon line. Two fully customized trains will be circulating until March 15, 2026, offering an immersive experience that goes beyond a simple poster. Choosing this specific line is a brilliant marketing move. The characteristic color of the Hanzomon line is purple, the exact tone of Ditto, which allows the train to look like an extension of the body of the Pokemon.
The word game “Metamon-Hazon”
The experience of travelers in Japan includes a play on words that only the Japanese wit could devise. In Japanese, Ditto is called “Metamon”, which rhymes perfectly with “Hanzomon”, creating an irresistible phonetic connection for the local public. Inside the cars, the transformation is total: the handrails are in the shape of a ditto, the seats and the floor are vibrant purple, and there are hanging signs everywhere. Oshiage (Skytree), Hanzomon and Shibuya stations have also added to the fever with screens and special decorations that will be available until mid-month.
the unstoppable marketing of the Pokemon company
The reliability of this collaboration is part of a global expansion strategy for the brand by 2026. This Tokyo Metro takes adds to other recent announcements, such as the Alliance with Airline All Nippon Airways (ANA) to launch themed planes such as part of the anniversary celebrations. the Pokemon Company continues to show that its ability to integrate into everyday life—whether in heaven or underground—is unmatched. For fans, seeing Ditto on public transport is a guarantee that the franchise continues to bet on tangible and fun experiences outside consoles.
The marketing we all want to “copy”
collaboration between Tokyo Metro and Pokemon It is a successful case where the design, location and pun are perfectly aligned to generate massive impact.
Ditto is possibly the best character for a campaign of this style. Its simplistic face and its ability to be anything make it extremely friendly to the general public. I think it’s great that they took advantage of the purple color of the Hanzomon line to save on paint and win in concept. While other studies are fighting for graphic power, Nintendo and Pokemon They prefer that you sit on a giant ditto on the way to the office. It is bizarre, it is tender and, above all, it is pure high-level Japanese marketing. I wish all the meters in the world were that colorful!
If you could choose any other creature from Pokemon To decorate a public transport in your city, which one would you choose and why? We want to read your opinion in the comments!
