The Japan Nationals heated up on June 10 – 11, as players took on the challenge in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Kaito Arii beat all to become the 2023 Japan National Champion. His winning team featured a unique Talonflame without any item and some clever moves.
A Strategy That Paid Off
The tournament’s first day hid team details, and the second day revealed them, but kept Tera types a secret. This approach surprised many but led players to try unexpected strategies. Arii’s decision not to give Talonflame an item was bold. The move Acrobatics gets stronger if the Pokémon has no item, and Arii used this to his advantage.
His team also included lesser-seen picks like Maushold and Annihilape. Despite seeming passive, this setup worked brilliantly, taking Arii to the top in Japan’s biggest competition.
Talonflame’s Key Role
Talonflame, often the go-to bird on any team, usually has moves like Brave Bird and Tailwind. These give it speed control and a way to damage and slow down others. But using Brave Bird can break its special ability, Gale Wings, stopping its speed boost. Arii solved this by opting for Acrobatics without an item, keeping Talonflame fast and effective.
Aside from Acrobatics, Arii’s Talonflame could use moves like Quick Guard and Protect. This isn’t common but proved effective at the Nationals.
Other Team Highlights
Arii’s Ting-Lu was another interesting choice, focusing on defense. This choice reflects a unique strategy perhaps only understood well in Japan’s competitive scene. The rest of Arii’s team had setups and roles aiming for long-term success rather than immediate attacks. This approach, which might seem too slow or cautious, led Arii to win a huge title.
A Rewarding Victory
Arii’s win didn’t just get him fame; it earned him a direct invite to Day Two of the 2023 Pokémon World Championships in Yokohama, Japan. He also got a travel award, covering all costs to attend the World Championships.
This victory at the Japan Nationals shows how deep and varied competitive Pokémon can be. Different strategies and team builds, even those not widely used, can lead to surprising success. Arii’s choices and gameplay have surely inspired many players to think outside the box in their battles.