Netizens across the world duped by Pokémon jet hoax
Only a few days ago the internet was abuzz when a tweet popped up claiming that the Japanese national soccer team arrived in Brazil in a Pokémon jet. Naturally, Pokémon and soccer fans around the world were envious of the sweet ride, and even big-name news agencies, including USA Today, The Toronto Sun, and CBS Sports, all reported the fun fact. However, much to everyone’s disappointment, it has just been revealed that the tweet was nothing more than a prank.
The entire prank was started by the following tweet, which was uploaded by “ FIFA World Cup 2014 ” and quickly spread across the globe. A closer look at the channel description, however, reveals that it is an unofficial source of tweets regarding the World Cup (surprise, surprise).
▼ The original tweet that tricked everyone
It turns out that the Japanese team had been training for a while in the U.S., and from there they rode on an ordinary plane down south to Brazil (you can see the real photos at Kotaku US’s page ). But don’t get too depressed by the hoax, because Pokémon jets really DO exist! Upon further inspection of the tweeted hoax photo, the jet appears to be the exact same plane that Japanese airline ANA recently unveiled as part of its summer 2014 Pokémon-themed travel campaign . If you book a seat on any of the appropriate flights, you too can experience the fun of flying Pokémon-style.
▼ANA’s summer 2014 Pokémon jet
Furthermore, 11 Pokémon (led by Pikachu) are serving as Japan’s official mascots for the Cup, so you can also buy a plethora of merchandise with your favorite characters. Unfortunately, the Pikachu jerseys are currently for the fans only…but wouldn’t it be fabulous if the Blue Samurai donned a Pikachu logo while playing someday?
▼ Japan’s 2014 FIFA World Cup official mascots
▼ An officially licensed Pikachu fan jersey
Sources: Hamusoku , Kotaku US
Images: Twitter , Inside Games , Soccerly
