The iconic Pokémon Center Mewtwo statue has disappeared from Tokyo’s Shibuya store—could a New York arrival be on the horizon?
A Legendary Pokémon’s Sudden Disappearance
Something peculiar has stirred the usually bright and bustling entrance of Shibuya’s Pokémon Center in Tokyo: the imposing life-size Mewtwo statue is gone. Fans and tourists alike have been met with an empty tube where the legendary psychic Pokémon once stood, sparking rumors and speculation across the globe.

For years, each Pokémon Center in Japan has featured a unique, mascot Pokémon greeting visitors at the door. Since opening in 2019, the Shibuya location’s claim to fame has been its chillingly lifelike Мьюту, perfectly scaled at over six and a half feet tall and encased in a glowing, high-tech “containment” tube. The effect was more than just visual; the subtle, breathing-like movements gave the statue a touch of ominous energy, as if Mewtwo might break free at any moment. It was intimidating, sure, but also a little thrilling—after all, it was “safely” contained. Or so everyone thought.
One Day Here, the Next Day Gone
Visitors arrived this July to a shocking sight: the Mewtwo statue and its containment chamber were simply gone. The initial sense of unease was quickly amplified by a tweet from the official Pokémon promotional account in Japan (translated):
え、ポケセンシブヤ行ったらミュウツーいなくなってたんだけど なんで? pic.twitter.com/Id7l87SU0h
— 【公式】ポケモン情報局 (@poke_times) July 9, 2026
My first reaction was a bit of suspicion—could it have been moved for maintenance or, worse, stolen? But the official tone was calm, almost playful, as if the disappearance were part of a much bigger plan.
Mewtwo’s Vanishing Act: Not Just an Illusion
Let’s clear up any doubt: Mewtwo doesn’t have the power of invisibility, so it certainly wasn’t just hiding in that empty tube. But teleportation? That’s practically Mewtwo’s trademark move. No shattered glass, no alarms—just a clean, unexplained absence. The eeriness was compounded when even the Pokémon GO app updated its PokéStop image for the Shibuya Center, removing Mewtwo entirely.

The official Pokémon GO Japan account remarked:
あれ、ミュウツーがポケストップからもいなくなっている…👀 #ポケモンGO https://t.co/W7wPB1Bx2s pic.twitter.com/qUgsOhJBWL
— Pokémon GO Japan (@PokemonGOAppJP) July 9, 2026
At first, the timing seemed suspicious. But as the official social channels continued their playful updates, my anxiety gave way to curiosity. This wasn’t vandalism or an accident—something was afoot.
A Trail of Hints: Is Mewtwo on the Move to America?
Then, the plot thickened. The Pokémon GO account posted an update: multiple sightings of Mewtwo… in New York City! The implication was clear, even if the details were shrouded in mystery.
「ミュウツー」の目撃情報がニューヨークで相次いでいます!👀
一体これは!?📍ニューヨーク、アメリカ#ポケモンGO #PokemonGO10 pic.twitter.com/UolEyXjSRN
— Pokémon GO Japan (@PokemonGOAppJP) July 10, 2026
I’ll admit, my initial skepticism—maybe this was just a marketing stunt—began to fade. The fact that only the Shibuya Center’s Mewtwo vanished, and that the “sightings” were specific to New York, made the whole affair feel less like a generic event and more like a deliberate tease.
Pokémon Center New York: Foreshadowing or Fantasy?
For all the love Pokémon gets in the United States, there’s currently no brick-and-mortar Pokémon Center store anywhere in the country. That’s always been a puzzle, especially given the steady stream of international fans at the Tokyo store—sometimes, international visitors even outnumber the locals!

With the franchise celebrating its 30th anniversary, the timing feels perfect for a big reveal. And with other Japanese icons like Studio Ghibli opening flagship stores in America, you can practically feel the anticipation building. I used to think the idea of Mewtwo’s statue being shipped off to New York was a stretch, but now? It seems less far-fetched by the day.
It’s worth noting that there’s no official “Where’s Mewtwo?” promotion running in Japan at large—this is a unique, focused disappearance. The connection between the missing statue and New York feels intentional, stoking rumors that the US could soon welcome its first Pokémon Center megastore, perhaps with Mewtwo as its ambassador.
Reading Between the Lines: Marketing, Mystery, and Community
What I love about this whole saga is how it blends urban legend with official teases. There’s something genuinely playful about the official channels weaving a story around Mewtwo’s “escape,” inviting both seasoned fans and curious newcomers to speculate and theorize. I’ll admit, the lack of concrete answers is mildly frustrating—it’s tough to know whether to be excited or cautious. But that’s also part of the fun.
There’s a tiny part of me that wonders if all this buildup could end in disappointment, maybe even a letdown if the statue just returns to Shibuya for a minor refurbishment. But the hints are just strong enough to keep my hope alive.
The Wait for Answers Continues
For now, all eyes are on New York, and the Pokémon community is buzzing with theories. Whether the Mewtwo statue is truly crossing the Pacific or just taking a brief vacation, one thing is certain: Pokémon knows how to keep its fans guessing—and coming back for more.
ЧАСТО ЗАДАВАЕМЫЕ ВОПРОСЫ
- Why did the Mewtwo statue disappear from the Shibuya Pokémon Center?
The famous Mewtwo statue vanished suddenly, with official Pokémon accounts hinting it’s part of a special event or promotion—possibly linked to New York. - Is there going to be a Pokémon Center in New York?
While nothing is confirmed, clues from official updates suggest a connection between the missing statue and New York, fueling speculation about a US Pokémon Center. - Was the statue stolen or damaged?
Official statements and social media posts indicate the disappearance is intentional—not the result of theft or vandalism. - Has Mewtwo been “spotted” anywhere else?
According to social media, there have been “sightings” of Mewtwo in New York, although these are likely part of the promotional mystery. - Could the statue return to Shibuya?
It’s possible the statue’s absence is temporary for an event or relocation. Fans will have to wait for an official announcement.
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