Random: A Lovely Easter Egg From Pokémon Diamond & Pearl Returns In The New Remakes

Today is the 54th birthday of beloved director and composer of the Pokémon games, Junichi Masuda — and, to celebrate his birthday, you can see a limited-time surprise in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.

Back when the original games came out in 2006 and 2007, there was a secret embedded within the code, but no one would find out until his 40th birthday in 2008. On his personal blog, he asked fans to play the game on his birthday, and when they did, they discovered the charming Easter Egg that is “diamond dust“.

“Oh, yes.
Here’s a little surprise for you.
Please play Pokemon Diamond / Pearl on January 12th.
You’ll find something different!!!!!
I hope this year, things go well for all of you.
See ya.”
— Junichi Masuda, 10th January 2008

Head to Snowpoint City on January 12th and the snow that falls from the sky will be sparkly, like glittery confetti celebrating Masuda’s existence. The diamond dust effect has been used sparingly since to celebrate other events, like Leap Day, New Year’s Eve, and even the player’s birthday.

The same lovely effect has been carried through to Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, of course, which some fans (in the earlier time zones) have already discovered:

Happy birthday, Junichi Masuda, and thank you for all your contributions to the Pokémon games!

Have you seen the diamond dust yet? Let us know in the comments!