Pokémon Concierge is my Chicken Soup for the Soul
From the moment Haru takes her first steps through the big wooden resort double doors, Pokémon Concierge exudes a bubbly warmth. The stunning coastal locale she finds herself in serves as an oasis for Pokémon and humans alike. A Hoppip gently floats through the lobby; a Rattata leans over to examine a map with people; a Lampent floats along with luggage as a Charmander wearing leis hops with excitement; a small child plays with a towering Metagross on lush green grass.
These early moments establish that Pokémon Concierge won’t be your typical Pokémon show. It doesn’t just look different — Concierge was made in stop motion by the same animation studio behind Rilakkuma and Kaoru— the entire vibe just emanates a softness less common in Pokémon games, shows, and movies. For 25 years, the series has largely focused on catching as many Pokémon as possible and battling (with the notable exception of 1998’s Pikachu’s Vacation and other Pikachu shorts). Now, we get to see them on vacation again, and the result is restorative.
Pokémon Concierge follows Haru, who takes a position working at a Pokémon resort following a string of personal and professional mishaps. In her new role, her job is to keep the Pokémon happy and make sure they’re having fun. Throughout the show’s short four-episode run, we get to know Haru as she learns how to attune herself to the needs of the creatures around her.
The resort has an easygoing atmosphere. We don’t see any trainers using Poké Balls on the island, so these Pokémon aren’t portrayed as being captive or captured in any way. While some come with their trainers, others live as wild Pokémon on the island and come and go from the resort as they please. Battles don’t seem to be allowed at the
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