Netflix has announced a collaboration with The Pokémon Company, bringing to life a stop-motion animated series titled Pokémon Concierge. The platform recently revealed the first trailer for the series, introducing Haru, a young woman appointed as the new concierge of the Pokémon Resort. Her task will be to ensure the comfort and happiness of all guests during their stay, while exploring her own journey of self-discovery.
Japanese artist Rena Nōnen, also known as Non, takes on the role of Haru and shared her thoughts on her participation in the series: "I'm sure we've all felt bombarded, under pressure, or that we don't want to get up and keep doing what we've been doing, but just give up. But when you watch Pokémon Concierge, it's really therapeutic and makes you want to try to be the best you can be. Minyoung Kim, Netflix's vice president of content in Asia, also expressed the platform's expectations by stating, "Netflix looks forward to delighting fans in Japan and around the world with Pokémon Concierge, a completely new visual and storytelling experience featuring innovative stop-motion animation set in the Pokémon world in close collaboration with The Pokémon Company."
The series, produced by the team at Dwarf Studios, stop-motion experts and responsible for the hit Netflix original series titled Rilakkuma and Kaoru, will consist of four episodes, each lasting between 12 and 20 minutes.
The project is directed by Ogawa Iku (Hidari) and written by Harumi Doki, while it will feature concept art and character design by Uesugi Tadahiro (Coraline and the Secret Door). It will also feature a theme song titled Have a Good Time Here, performed by artist Mariya Takeuchi.
Pokémon Concierge will arrive on Netflix on December 28, 2023.