Pikachu and Snorlax Wearing Nightcaps Enter Second Year as "Sleep Support Ambassadors"

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has positioned sleep as a key area for improving lifestyle habits in "Health Japan 21 (Third Basic Plan)" which began in April 2024. Starting in April 2025, with "Quality Sleep" as a new theme, they are working on awareness campaigns to ensure sufficient sleep in both quality and quantity appropriate for each generation.

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has added "Quality Sleep" to the theme of the "Smart Life Project" starting in fiscal year 2025. As part of the campaign to promote "Quality Sleep," Pikachu and Snorlax wearing nightcaps have been appointed as "Sleep Support Ambassadors" to raise awareness of the importance of sleep, especially among young people.

We are pleased to announce that the awareness campaign activities for sleep, with Pikachu and Snorlax wearing nightcaps as "Sleep Support Ambassadors," will enter their second year this year.

[2026 Fiscal Year "Smart Life Project" Sleep Support Ambassador Activity Schedule]

1. Second Distribution of Sleep Awareness Posters Decided

2. Sleep Lecture to be Held at "Children's Kasumigaseki Visit Day"

[Second Distribution of Sleep Awareness Posters Decided]

The second distribution of sleep awareness posters, a collaboration between "Pokémon Sleep" and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, which was highly popular last year, has been decided. The posters, themed "Secrets of Sleep," will playfully explain questions related to sleep with the Pokémon appearing in "Pokémon Sleep."

The posters will be sequentially sent to facilities that apply, targeting facilities where children from preschoolers to elementary school students spend their time, such as kindergartens, nurseries, elementary schools, and children's clubs nationwide.

[About Sleep Awareness Poster Distribution]

Distribution Target: Kindergartens, nurseries, elementary schools, children's clubs, etc., nationwide

Application Period: July 2, 2026 (Thu) - July 31, 2026 (Fri)

Guidance will be provided to eligible facilities by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, municipalities, the relevant public health centers, and boards of education.

*Please note that distribution to the general public is not available.

Sleep Lecture to be Held at "Children's Kasumigaseki Visit Day"

As part of "Children's Kasumigaseki Visit Day," the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare will hold a sleep lecture titled "Pikachu and Snorlax Participate! 'Sleep' Lecture" on July 30, 2026 (Thu), targeting preschoolers to upper elementary school children and their guardians. "Children's Kasumigaseki Visit Day" is held in cooperation with various government ministries and agencies, aiming to provide children with an opportunity to learn about society during their summer vacation through facility tours and hands-on activities.

During the summer vacation, when daily rhythms tend to be disrupted, experts will provide an easy-to-understand explanation of the importance of sleep, offering an opportunity for children to think about sleep and lead regular lives.

Furthermore, on the day, Pikachu and Snorlax wearing nightcaps, the "Sleep Support Ambassadors," will also be present to support children in developing proper sleep habits.

*Advance application is required to participate in the lecture. Please check the special page for detailed application conditions.

[Overview of "Pikachu and Snorlax Participate! 'Sleep' Lecture"]

Date and Time: July 30, 2026 (Thu)

1st Session 10:30-11:00 / 2nd Session 12:00-12:30 / 3rd Session 13:30-14:00 /

4th Session 15:00-15:30

Theme: Sleep (Promoting regular lifestyle habits)

Venue: Central Government Building No. 5 (1-2-2 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)

Target Audience: Preschoolers to upper elementary school children *Accompanying guardians required as a general rule

Capacity per Session: 25 children (Advance reservation lottery system)

Participation Fee: Free

Application Period: July 2, 2026 (Thu) - July 15, 2026 (Wed)

*Notification of Winners: July 17, 2026 (Fri)

Content: - Sleep lecture by experts

- Greeting by Sleep Support Ambassadors (Pikachu and Snorlax wearing nightcaps) (planned)

Application: Apply via the special page application form

Special Page URL: https://kennet.mhlw.go.jp/slp/event/kengaku2026/index

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What is the "Smart Life Project"?

This is a national movement with the slogan "Let's Extend Healthy Life Expectancy!" aiming for all citizens to live each day energetically, healthily, and enjoyably until the end of their lives. In cooperation and collaboration with participating companies, organizations, and local governments, the project promotes concrete actions related to exercise, diet, smoking cessation, health checkups, sleep, and women's health, promoting further extension of healthy life expectancy.

https://kennet.mhlw.go.jp/slp/