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A Pokémon themed science exhibit kicked off this week in Japan.

Dubbed the Pokémon Research Institute, the exhibit is centered around observing and classifying Pocket Monsters. Visitors get a Pokéball and then go around to each of the different twelve “machines” in the exhibit to get hints about which Pokémon is inside.


Some of the machines, for example, show the Pocket Monster’s outline, while others give a magnified view or show footprints. It’s all done in a fun, interactive mini-game type way, and these hints help you figure out the Pokémon.

The exhibit also includes a section on classifying and observing different animals and insects.


[Photo: Famitsu]

[Photo: Famitsu]

Seems like using Pokémon is an interesting way to make that connection with the natural world.


[Photo: Kai-You]


[Photo: Kai-You]

Below, you can see photos of the exhibit from Famitsu, Game Impress Watch, Kai-You, and Twitter.


[Photo: Famitsu]


[Photo: Famitsu]


[Photo: Famitsu]


[Photo: Game Impress Watch]


[Photo: Game Impress Watch]


[Photo: hinopika]


[Photo: Game Impress Watch]


[Photo: Game Impress Watch]


[Photo: Game Impress Watch]


[Photo: Kai-You]


[Photo: Kai-You]


[Photo: rengege]

The Pokémon Research Institute runs until October 12 at the Miraikan in Tokyo.

Top photo: Game Impress Watch

To contact the author of this post, write to bashcraftATkotaku.com or find him on Twitter @Brian_Ashcraft .



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