The TV anime Pocket Monsters will broadcast a special collaboration episode with the mobile game Pokémon Sleep on August 21, 2026. Titled “Waniwaru to Dekanuchan, Sleep Daisakusen!” (Waniwaru and Dekanuchan: The Great Sleep Operation!), the episode follows Liko and the Rising Volt Tacklers as they head to Wakakusa Main Island, the setting of Pokémon Sleep. Dr. Nerori, voiced by Hanae Natsuki, will also make an appearance.
In the episode, when Waniwaru and Dekanuchan suffer from sleep deprivation, Liko and her friends encounter Dr. Nerori, a researcher studying Pokémon sleep. They attempt to use the power of a Snorlax on Wakakusa Main Island to put the Pokémon to sleep, but the hungry Snorlax wakes up. To help Snorlax fall asleep on a full stomach, everyone works together to cook the “Zettai Nemuri Butter Curry” (Absolute Sleep Butter Curry).
Liko and the others consult Dr. Nerori, who studies Pokémon sleep in Pokémon Sleep, about how to help the Pokémon get a good night’s rest. Hanae Natsuki, who voices the doctor, commented: “I am truly happy to be able to play Dr. Nerori, who is familiar from Pokémon Sleep, in the anime! He is a calm yet passionate and charming doctor who burns with extraordinary enthusiasm for researching Pokémon sleep. I think we will be able to discover many unique sleeping faces and adorable relaxed expressions together with him on the anime stage. Please look forward to new encounters while getting excited with Dr. Nerori!”
Additionally, the Pokémon Sleep app will host an “Anipoke Collaboration Week” from August 17 to August 23. During this period, a Pikachu wearing a captain’s hat, as well as Kanuchan, Nakanuchan, and Dekanuchan, will make their first appearances. Other Pokémon featured in the anime will also gather. Players are encouraged to research various sleeping faces and meet Pokémon in Pokémon Sleep.
The collaboration episode “Waniwaru to Dekanuchan, Sleep Daisakusen!” will air on August 21. To commemorate the broadcast, a giveaway campaign will be held during the episode and on the official Anipoke X (formerly Twitter) account, so be sure to check that out as well.
Full Comment from Hanae Natsuki (Dr. Nerori)
I am truly happy to be able to play Dr. Nerori, who is familiar from Pokémon Sleep, in the anime!
He is a calm yet passionate and charming doctor who burns with extraordinary enthusiasm for researching Pokémon sleep.
I think we will be able to discover many unique sleeping faces and adorable relaxed expressions together with him on the anime stage.
Please look forward to new encounters while getting excited with Dr. Nerori!
I hope you enjoy his appearance!
The TV anime Pocket Monsters airs every Friday at 6:55 PM on TV Tokyo and affiliates. (Broadcast times may vary in some regions. Content is subject to change.)
Episode 146: “Waniwaru to Dekanuchan, Sleep Daisakusen!” – August 21 (Friday)
(C) Pokémon/Nintendo/Creatures/GAME FREAK
(C) Nintendo・Creatures・GAME FREAK・TV Tokyo・ShoPro・JR Kikaku (C) Pokémon
Pokémon Sleep is developed by SELECT BUTTON inc.
Pocket Monsters, Pokémon, and Pokémon are trademarks of Nintendo, Creatures, and Game Freak.
