Shared on X, the moment capped a week of developer meetings and preparations for the Apple Ginza store reopening, blending business with Japan’s vibrant pop culture.
Cook arrived in Tokyo to mark the relaunch of Apple Ginza, Apple’s first store outside the U.S., set to reopen on September 26, 2025, at 10 a.m. local time. The revamped space, back at its original site after a temporary move, boasts a 27-foot Genius Bar, an 84-seat theater, and community-focused areas. Attendees will receive special-edition Apple Gift Cards and exclusive wallpapers for iPhone, iPad, and Mac, celebrating the store’s legacy since 2003.
Gaming Connections and Developer Spotlight
Cook’s itinerary leaned heavily into Japan’s gaming scene. At Bandai Namco, he tested Dragon Ball: Gekishin Squadra, a 4v4 MOBA built for iOS, praising Japan as a “gamer’s paradise” in a post on X. He also met App Store developers, commending their use of Apple’s software tools like Metal for immersive gaming experiences. Japan, holding a 46% iPhone market share, remains a critical hub for such innovation, despite recent competition from local brands. For more on the iPhone’s role in Apple’s global strategy, see our coverage of the iPhone 17 launch.
The Pikachu encounter stole the spotlight. At The Pokémon Company, Cook explored Pokémon TCG Pocket on the iPhone 17 Pro Max with CEO Tsunekazu Ishihara, engaging with virtual trading cards powered by ARKit. The video of Cook and Pikachu dancing sparked fan excitement, with some speculating about future Apple-Pokémon tie-ins. The post racked up over 500,000 views, fueling buzz for the Ginza event.
Cultural Engagements and Retail Milestone
Cook’s cultural stops included Hie Shrine, a historic Tokyo landmark with a national treasure sword, which he called an “honor” to visit. He also joined Japanese boy band Number_i for a preview of the new Apple Ginza, sharing a photo outside the store. These moments highlight Apple’s deep ties to Japan, where the App Store set revenue records last year.
For U.S. Apple users, Cook’s gaming focus underscores iOS strengths. Titles like Pokémon TCG Pocket leverage ARKit for engaging battles, playable across iPhone, iPad, or Mac via Universal Purchase. Dragon Ball: Gekishin Squadra taps Metal graphics for smooth performance, showcasing why Japan’s developers often beta-test on iOS. Fans can edit trailer clips in iMovie or share reactions via Messages, tying into the community vibe of Apple’s ecosystem.
The Ginza reopening will feature demos of iPhone 17 features and macOS Ventura setups, with the theater hosting workshops on apps like Final Cut Pro. Cook’s visit, his first to Japan since 2022, reinforces Apple’s commitment to local talent, from Pac-Man to modern MOBAs. The Pikachu hug, while lighthearted, reflects Japan’s influence on Apple’s global vision.
