Apple CEO Tim Cook is currently in Tokyo and has shared a photo taken outside the Apple Ginza store, which reopens tomorrow with an all-new design.
Cook also shared a photo of himself meeting Pikachu, the Pokémon mascot, and described Japan as a gamer’s paradise …
Cook has so far tweeted two photos and a video of his visit to Tokyo. Given his presence in the city, it seems near-certain he will be attending tomorrow’s reopening of the Ginza store.
In the first, taken outside the store, he says that nowhere else in the world has the energy of Tokyo.
There's nothing like the energy in Tokyo! So thrilled to be back and be joined by @number_i_offic for a sneak peek of the all-new Apple Ginza, opening this Friday, September 26. pic.twitter.com/SSEcXbLP3m — Tim Cook (@tim_cook) September 23, 2025
A short video shows him meeting Japanese games developer Bandai Namco, complete with dancing Pikachu.
Met Pikachu, connected with developers using our software features in amazing ways, and played Dragon Ball Gekishin Squadra at Bandai Namco… Japan is a gamer's paradise! pic.twitter.com/WIilg7NWrM — Tim Cook (@tim_cook) September 24, 2025
Pikachu is a yellow mouse which acts as the official mascot for the Pokémon franchise. The character appears in multiple games, including Pokémon Go and Pokémon Trading Card Game, and is also sold as merchandise.
Cook also visited the Hie Shrine.
Thanks to @akiyaspin for showing me the Hie Shrine in Tokyo. It was an honor to visit and learn about its enduring legacy. pic.twitter.com/4koNFtdbD7 — Tim Cook (@tim_cook) September 25, 2025
It’s uncertain when the first version was built, with conflicting stories citing 1362 and 1478. Since then it has been relocated and destroyed several times, most recently during World War II. The current version was constructed in 1958.
The Shrine contains one of Japan’s official National Treasures, a single-edged sword known as a tachi.
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Photos: Apple