Game Freak is venturing into a rather unusual mobile concept with Ame nochi Hare Onna, a new title scheduled to launch in Japan this winter on iOS and Android. Developed in collaboration with CHRONOGATE, the project intends to blur the line between the real world and its fictional universe by using live weather forecasts from across Japan as an integral part of the gameplay. Under the tagline "Tomorrow's weather will become magic," changing meteorological conditions will influence different elements of the experience, meaning players may encounter something different from one day to another.

At the center of the story is Himawari Harewatari, voiced by Hiyori Kōno. Himawari is a magical "Hare-onna," or Sunny Girl, capable of transforming the power of weather into magic in order to lift people's spirits. Her character was designed by Aki Minamino. She is accompanied by Pon Arai, a Tanuki-type divine messenger known as a "Kumorin," voiced by Yuki Nagano and designed by Kyōko Abe. These supernatural partners provide Hare-onna with the abilities required to harness their powers.

Game Freak also unveiled several additional members of the cast. Mirika Kawa voices Yūri Amanohara alongside her Kitsune-type Kumorin partner Kon Oribe, played by Ayaka Fujimoto. Chinatsu Hirose takes the role of Izu Shinotsuki, while Momoka Tsuji voices her Nezumi-type companion Chuchu Yumekawa. Another particularly eccentric addition is "Machine Sentakki," a mysterious truck that lends its strength to the magical girls. The vehicle was designed by longtime Game Freak artist Ken Sugimori.

The project is being directed and produced by Shigeru Oomori, whose previous work at Game Freak includes Pokémon Pokopia, with Katsunori Suginaka serving as scenario director. While the studio remains globally associated with the Pokémon franchise, Ame nochi Hare Onna represents a notably different creative direction, combining magical-girl aesthetics, location-based weather information and mobile gameplay. More details are expected ahead of its Japanese release this winter.