イーブイ - Eevee The Cutest Pokémon's Rise to Fame and Cultural Phenomenon

Eevee Stuffed Animals for Eevee day 2021

Eevee, the beloved Pokémon known for its adaptability and charming evolutions, has skyrocketed to international fame. Boasting a dedicated fan base and cultural impact that extends beyond the gaming realm, Eevee has become a global phenomenon celebrated through annual events, collaborations, and even delectable treats. Let’s delve into the enchanting world of Eevee and explore its enduring popularity.

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The Eevee Phenomenon

Eevee is known for its eeveelutions in the Pokémon series in the gaming world. In the real world though Eevee has evolved into a cultural phenomenon.

Eevee Day

Eevee was a popular Pokémon from the beginning and in the original Anime series as Gary Oak’s (オーキド・シゲル) first Pokémon. However, with the release of Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go Eevee! in 2018 Eevee has just gotten more popular. This remake of the original 1998 Pokémon came out in November of 2018 and then November 21 that year became the first Eevee day.

The tradition started through a campaign for people to tweet #イーブイの日 on Twitter (now X) and for a prize give away. The more tweets the more prizes were given away. The prizes ranged from binders, Eevee stuffed animals, Let’s Go Eevee the game itself, and a signature from the voice actor of Eevee. In Japanese the day is known as イーブイの日 or is shorten to ぶいの日.

Since then every year all of the different Pokemon apps and games from Pokemon Go, Pokemon Sleep, Scarlet & Violet and so on have some sort of events involving Eevee. For example usually chances to get more Eevee or something else related to Eevee.

Why is Eevee day on 11/21?

So why is 11 / 21 Eevee day? Well that will require explaining what eevee means and eevees name in Japanese.

Using Japanese Word play known as 語呂合わせ (goroawase) 11 reads いい (ii) and 21 ぶい (bui) in Japanese. that would be the name of eevee in Japanese, ii bui (イーブイ). You can learn more about Eevee’s name and history below:

https://japaneseuniverse.com/2024/01/28/%e3%82%a4%e3%83%bc%e3%83%96%e3%82%a4-what-is-eevee-and-what-does-eevee-mean/

Mister Donut

The Eevee phenomenon also has spread beyond the Pokémon company and Nintendo. In Japan, Mister Donut, had a promotion called, いっしょって、とくべつ (together, special) starting on November 12, 2021. This was the 4th year they had the event, and that year’s addition included Pikachu and Eevee donuts!

This was to represent the two of them together. They had different designs featuring adorable designs or Pikachu and Eevee. The Eevee donut captures was made with a combination of soft yeast dough, whipped cream filling, and a coating of caramel-flavored chocolate, topped with whipped cream for the front bangs and chocolate for the eyes and ears.

Eevee Airplanes!

In collaboration with the Flying Pikachu Project which features a Pikachu design Airplane, from August 31, 2023 Eevee also debuted as part of a partnership between Pokémon Company and the ANA Group. So the Boeing 777-300ER (Aircraft No. JA784A), Features exclusive Pokémon-themed designs, including CA aprons and headrest covers, the Eevee Jet NH aims to enhance the flying experience with in-flight entertainment and original merchandise. The aircraft’s concept blends Eevee’s evolution potential with ANA’s vision for diverse connections, symbolizing a forward-looking spirit. The distinctive aircraft embarks on international routes, offering passengers the opportunity to enjoy Pokémon-themed travel, starting with potential routes like Haneda to London, New York, and San Francisco. The Eevee Jet NH project reflects a commitment to connect people and regions, bringing joy and excitement to air travel.

Cute Eevee

So how cute is Eevee anyway? Well he is clearly the cutest of all Pokemon. At least according to a few different poles taking on the internet.

This is obviously subjective but starting with three online rankings in where people voted our little cute Eevee came in 1st place 3 out of 4 times and 3rd once!

Now on reddit users were asked who they thought was the cutest. The winner here was Joltik with 265 up votes. Eevee was mentioned 29 times in this post out of a total of 581 comments with 76 upvotes. Putting that in perspective, Pikachu was mentioned 12 times, Mew 11, and Sylveon which is an Eevee evo 10 times.

Speaking of Eevee evos, some of them also came in the top ten for a few different rankings. So all eeveelutions are pretty well loved by many!

イーブイ – Eevee The Cutest Pokémon’s Rise to Fame and Cultural Phenomenon