“Pika. Pika pi, Pikachu. Pi ka chu,” is the iconic phrase spoken by every Pokémon fan, and it represents one of the most recognizable symbols in the gaming world. For over 20 years, Pikachu has captured the hearts of millions around the globe.
Pikachu is one of the original 151 Pokémon introduced in the first game version released in 1996. It quickly became a symbol of the franchise, shining brightly in every anime episode, game, and countless merchandise produced by Nintendo. Moreover, Pikachu has also played a significant role in boosting the overall sales of the Pokémon series to over 200 million copies, generating an impressive annual revenue of $1.5 billion.
With the immense popularity of Pokémon, a group of dedicated gamers from Pokemon GO decided to create a giant Pikachu statue. The artwork was crafted using a considerable amount of materials and was designed with the hashtag “#PokeMonument” engraved at its base. The statue made its public appearance on August 1 at Coliseum Square.
Not everyone shares a love for Pikachu, leading to the statue being vandalized multiple times. Many individuals attempted to climb it or deface it using various objects like paintballs. Ultimately, Pikachu’s tail suffered considerable damage. As of now, the statue has vanished, and the hashtag “#PokeGone” has appeared across social media platforms.
Recently, the creators decided to reconstruct the Pikachu statue for the Coliseum Square management to auction it. This way, the artwork can be preserved more securely than merely being displayed in a public park where many passersby frequent. Ultimately, the statue attracted significant interest from buyers and was sold for $2,000. The proceeds will be used for the park’s maintenance, particularly in the area where the Pikachu statue once stood.
Join the Vietnam Pokemon GO group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/547408728795821/
