Tim Cook meets Pikachu: Here’s why the Apple CEO is in Japan after iPhone 17 launch

Weeks after revealing the iPhone 17 series to the world, Apple CEO Tim Cook arrived in Japan, embarking on a high-profile tour that blends technology with local popular culture. Cook’s visit to Japan was primarily down to preparing for the grand reopening of a historic Apple Store in Ginza. However, instead of just preparing, Cook had a memorable encounter with the iconic Pokémon character, Pikachu, thus highlighting the deep integration of Apple’s platforms with the country’s dominant gaming industry.