All Nippon Airways (ANA) has delighted travellers and aviation enthusiasts for years with its Pokémon-themed jets. Now it’s playing Pokémon-themed inflight safety and disembarkation videos aboard two themed aircraft: “Pikachu Jet NH” and “Eevee Jet NH”, a Boeing 787 and a Boeing 777, respectively.
Both videos are jointly created by ANA and The Pokémon Company. But the airline safety video, especially, deserves top marks for delivering important safety instructions in a clear and accessible manner whilst using darling Pokémon characters to aid in the demonstrations — when appropriate.
ANA says the video is designed to help passengers “deepen their understanding of safety and provides easy-to-understand explanations of safety-related information and precautions in various inflight situations, guided by Pokémon characters”. And it succeeds on that front.
Indeed, at a time when a troubling number of airline safety videos are infotainment-focused, and strongly deviate from the aircraft cabin setting, it’s refreshing and impressive to see ANA convey the gravitas of what can happen if safety instructions are not followed, whilst remaining engaging for children and adults.
ANA uses Pokémon characters to draw attention to key safety features. Image: ANA
Importantly, the content is accessible. Subtitles are available in 18 languages — Japanese, English, French, German, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Cantonese (Hong Kong), Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, Malaysian, Indonesian, Tagalog, Hindi, Spanish, Turkish, Italian and Swedish — and shown in the language of the country in which ANA operates.
Subtitles for domestic flights are in Japanese and English, while subtitles for international flights are in Japanese and the language of the country of service.
Leave all baggage behind or it may hinder evacuation, ANA warns in its effective new safety video. Image: ANA
Impressively, two types of sign languages are used: Japanese Sign Language (JSL) and International Sign (IS). And ANA uses two different interpreters, in the bottom right, to make that distinction.
There’s no room for ambiguity when imparting essential safety instructions. Image: ANA
See how ANA is providing important safety information in a simple, accessible and pleasant format for passengers worldwide in the video:
In a separate disembarkation video, Pokémon character Pikachu gets lost on its journey and is reunited with its trainer through the cooperation of ANA airport staff.
What’s striking about this video is the gentle way ANA imparts a safety message to small children, whilst reminding them that ANA team members work together for positive outcomes.
The interior of ANA’s themed aircraft also feature special Pokémon touches, including on the antimacassars and soft product. Themed uniforms complete the experience.
“The partnership with The Pokémon Company brings together two iconic brands to create a unique in-flight safety experience that seamlessly bridges generations, offering both fun and educational information,” says ANA executive vice president, customer experience management and planning Motoaki Ueno in a statement.
“At ANA, we are committed to ensuring the safety of our passengers, and this innovative approach allows us to elevate the flight experience by combining essential safety information with engaging entertainment.
“This unique collaboration ensures travellers of all ages enjoy a memorable and delightful journey with us.”
All images credited to All Nippon Airways.
©Pokémon. ©Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc. TM, ®, and character names are trademarks
of Nintendo.
