Iwate Prefecture has adopted its very own Pokémon: Ishitsubute, better known to us as Geodude!

The "Cheer Pokémon" was a natural choice for Iwate, being a Rock (iwa) type. Plans are already underway for merchandise, stamp rallies, and other events in cooperation with The Pokémon Company and Niantic.

For starters, there's a Geodude mascot costume ready to roll. Check out the buff rock with his comfy-looking leggies:

He's also got his own image song and music video, featuring illustrations of Geodude enjoying life Iwate-style: scarfing down Wanko Soba, exploring Sanriku Geopark, and suiting up for a game of rugby. The song is performed by Kazuo Sato of the "world's first four brothers rock band" SaToMansion. You'll also see cameos from Sudowoodo and a few Rock-types:

The campaign's Geodude art is being handled by Yuudai Ogasawara, the artist behind Iwate Prefecture's "Wanko Brothers" mascots.

Let's Go! Geodude in Iwate kicks off on June 1.

Source: Anime! Anime!

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Kara Dennison is a writer, editor, and interviewer with bylines at VRV, We Are Cult, Fanbyte, and many more. She is also the co-founder of Altrix Books and co-creator of the OEL light novel series Owl's Flower. Kara blogs at karadennison.com and tweets @RubyCosmos.