Japan's second-largest city, Yokohama, is currently hosting a week-long festival dedicated to all things Pikachu, the hugely popular mascot from the Pokémon cartoon and video game franchise.

Pikachu outbreak festival in Yokohama, Japan 1
Anyone for Pikachu conga? AFP

Entitled Pikachu Tairyou Hassei Chu, which means "An outbreak of Pikachus", the festival is in celebration of the latest Pokémon movie, Pikachū, kore nan no kagi? (which means "Pikachu, What's This Key For?"), which was released in Japanese cinemas in July.

Pikachu outbreak festival in Yokohama, Japan 2
Playing pop up Pikachu looks like a game that could catch on AFP

More than 50 Pikachus have already arrived in Yokohama, with the promise of up to 1,000 more turning up in 14 different locations around the city for tourists and Pokémon fans to photograph.

Pikachu outbreak festival in Yokohama, Japan 3
Fans flocked to the Pikachu outbreak festival AFP

This weekend, additional events will also open to the public, including a projection mapping show scheduled at certain times every night until 31 August.

Pikachu outbreak festival in Yokohama, Japan 4
How many Pikachus can you fit in a lift? AFP

The Pikachu Beach House Café is open in Yokohama's Akarenga Red Brick Warehouses to offer various Pokémon-themed food and drink and special decorations are adorning the local sea bus and Ferris wheel.

Pikachu outbreak festival in Yokohama, Japan 6
Pikachus get ready to march AFP

If all that wasn't enough, there is a parade of around 20 Pikachus taking place four times a day through the city, with the staff escorting these large, fluffy creatures kitted out in matching bright yellow T-shirts with padded tails attached to the back.

Pikachu outbreak festival in Yokohama, Japan 5
Forget the stairs, Pikachus only travel by escalator AFP

Pikachu Tairyou Hassei Chu is running from 9 to 17 August in Yokohama, Japan, and if you can't attend, this Japanese TV advert showcasing the giant Pikachus taking over Yokohama is a must watch for fans, featuring pocket monsters riding escalators, packing out lifts and generally being adorable.