Pokémon Horizons Episode 156 English Subbed, titled Tatsugiri, Order Up!, turns an unusual rumor at Lake Zugogo into an unexpected story of courage. When Liko, Roy, Dot and their friends investigate the lake’s mysterious rumbling, they discover a giant Dondozo that is afraid of the much smaller, fast-moving Veluza. The answer to Dondozo’s problem may lie with three tiny Tatsugiri that have been causing chaos in Murdock’s kitchen.
Broadcast in Japan on November 6, 2026, the episode follows Murdock’s mischievous Pokémon from the Brave Olivine to the lakeshore. It also reveals how he met the trio at a sushi restaurant and why their former chef wanted them to travel the world. What starts as a lighthearted outing becomes a surprisingly moving look at fear, friendship and finding the right partner.
Below is our detailed Pokémon Horizons Episode 156 recap and ending explained, including the source of Lake Zugogo’s rumbling, the Dondozo and Tatsugiri vs. Veluza confrontation, Murdock’s flashback, Friede’s Mega Study answer and the Episode 157 preview. This article is based on the episode’s English subtitle adaptation by Blissey Husband.
Episode: 156 (HZ156)
Japanese broadcast: November 6, 2026
English subtitle adaptation: Blissey Husband
Japanese title: シャリタツ、いっちょうあがり！
English episode title: Tatsugiri, Order Up!
Spoiler warning: This article discusses the full story and ending of Pokémon Horizons Episode 156.
Previously, in Pokémon Horizons Episode 155: Paldea in Calamity: Reunion, Liko and her friends reached the conclusion of their struggle involving Paldea’s Treasures of Ruin. Episode 156 shifts the focus to the smaller, everyday problems of Pokémon that still need someone to understand them.
Pokémon Horizons Episode 156 Recap: A Strange Rumbling at Lake Zugogo
Dot tells her friends about an unusual place she discovered in town: Lake Zugogo. Its name is connected to a strange rumbling that appears to come out of nowhere. Roy is immediately curious, while Liko suggests that the mystery might provide interesting footage for Dot’s channel.
Before they can leave, the group finds Murdock struggling to prepare a new dessert. His three Tatsugiri have been racing around the kitchen, getting covered in cream, and climbing onto plates. Even Meowscarada has to step in and stop the chaos. Liko thinks the restless Pokémon may simply need a chance to use up their energy, so everyone agrees to bring them along to Lake Zugogo.
On arrival, the lake looks peaceful. For a while, the group hears nothing unusual. Dot’s research points to a large rock near the water as the source of the sound. Just as they begin to suspect the rumor was exaggerated, a deep rumbling confirms that something really is there.
The Giant Dondozo Revealed: Why Is It So Frightened?
Roy notices that the enormous object beside the lake is not a rock at all. It is Dondozo, the Big Catfish Pokémon. The Rotom Phone identifies it as a Water-type Pokémon with great physical strength, although it is not known for its intelligence.
Despite its huge body, this particular Dondozo makes a surprisingly small, nervous sound. It seems uncomfortable around the curious Tatsugiri and quickly tries to escape. Ult points out the contrast between its impressive appearance and its timid personality. The group is left with a new question: if Dondozo is frightened so easily, why did it leave the safety of the water in the first place?
At first, no one has an answer. The situation becomes clearer when another Pokémon approaches the group.
Veluza Is the Real Reason Behind Lake Zugogo’s Mystery
Meowscarada senses danger, and the group discovers Veluza, a Water- and Psychic-type Pokémon. According to the Rotom Phone, Veluza can shed excess flesh to reduce its weight and launch itself at prey at high speed.
Veluza repeatedly intimidates the enormous Dondozo, which whimpers and retreats instead of standing its ground. Dot and Ult realize that Dondozo had fled onto land to avoid being chased in the lake. The famous rumbling finally makes sense: it was the sound of Dondozo trembling in fear.
Liko notices another consequence of the bullying. If Veluza keeps chasing Dondozo away, the much larger Pokémon may not be getting enough food. The revelation transforms what seemed like a funny local rumor into a problem that the Trainers want to help solve.
Tatsugiri Enter Dondozo’s Mouth: A Surprising Discovery
The three Tatsugiri refuse to stand by while Veluza frightens Dondozo. They rush toward the aggressive Pokémon, trying to challenge it despite their small size. The group initially cheers them on, but the situation quickly becomes confusing when the Tatsugiri suddenly disappear inside Dondozo’s mouth.
Everyone worries about what has happened. But when they check, the Tatsugiri appear happy and comfortable, with sparkling eyes. They have no interest in leaving. Their delight is completely different from Dondozo’s worried reactions, and Dot cannot explain why they seem to enjoy being there so much.
The odd behavior also reminds the group of something Murdock has mentioned before: the Tatsugiri have always liked climbing onto plates. To understand that habit, Murdock finally shares the story of how he met them.
Murdock’s Backstory: How Did He Meet the Three Tatsugiri?
During the period when Liko and her friends were undergoing Terastal training, Murdock worked part-time at a sushi restaurant after leaving Katy’s. The restaurant had three lively Tatsugiri serving as its mascot Pokémon. They were popular but mischievous, constantly jumping onto surfaces and making the chef’s work difficult.
The kitchen was specially arranged with the Tatsugiri in mind, yet their behavior could still create chaos. Murdock remembers helping the chef manage the busy restaurant and the Pokémon that were so eager to explore it.
When the time came for Murdock to return to the Brave Olivine, the chef made an unexpected request. He wanted Murdock to take all three Tatsugiri with him, because he believed their potential was far greater than what they could show in a small restaurant.
Why the Sushi Chef Entrusted Tatsugiri to Murdock
The chef was not trying to get rid of troublesome Pokémon. He cared about them and believed they deserved the freedom to discover a bigger world. He hoped Murdock could help them find a place where their abilities and personalities could truly shine.
Murdock agreed and brought the three Tatsugiri aboard the Brave Olivine. Since then, he has wanted to honor the chef’s wish and find somewhere that feels right for them. Yet even with this explanation, the group still cannot work out exactly why the Tatsugiri are so fond of sitting on plates—or why they are now so drawn to Dondozo.
The answer begins to emerge when everyone returns to Lake Zugogo.
Dondozo and Tatsugiri vs. Veluza: The Battle at Lake Zugogo
Back at the lake, Murdock sees just how much the Tatsugiri like Dondozo. They eagerly enter its mouth again, while Veluza continues taunting and threatening the frightened Pokémon. At first Dondozo barely reacts, even when the Tatsugiri try to encourage it.
Gradually, however, their persistence begins to make a difference. The combination surprises the group when Dondozo sends an attack back toward Veluza. For a moment it looks as though the enormous Water-type may finally be ready to resist the Pokémon that has been bullying it.
Veluza is still extremely quick. It accelerates around the lake, and Dondozo struggles to keep up. Roy, Dot, Ult, and the others watch anxiously as Dondozo appears close to being overwhelmed again. Rather than abandoning their partner, the Tatsugiri continue calling out and encouraging it.
Tatsugiri and Dondozo Discover Their Perfect Partnership
As the battle reaches its turning point, Murdock finally understands the meaning of the Tatsugiri’s unusual behavior. The Pokémon have been looking for a place where they belong—somewhere from which they can explore the world and use their abilities. Dot recognizes that their connection with Dondozo may be what they have been searching for.
Encouraged by the Tatsugiri and the whole group, Dondozo begins fighting with new determination. Instead of letting fear control every movement, it responds with the strength everyone expected from such a massive Pokémon. Murdock remembers the chef’s belief in the Tatsugiri’s hidden potential and urges them to show it.
At the climax, Dondozo unleashes a powerful counterattack. Murdock calls out “Order up!”, bringing the episode’s sushi-themed title full circle. Veluza is finally the one that looks frightened, and the group celebrates a hard-earned victory for Dondozo and its tiny companions.
Pokémon Horizons Episode 156 Ending Explained: Where Do Tatsugiri Belong?
With Veluza driven away, Dondozo finally has the opportunity to eat in peace. Murdock brings out a new dessert he was able to prepare without his three troublemakers interrupting him. Liko is happy that the Pokémon have made such an important new friend, and the others congratulate them on the battle.
But the farewell does not go entirely as expected. The Tatsugiri initially follow Murdock and the others instead of simply staying beside Dondozo. Later, Murdock is surprised when he cannot find them aboard the ship. The kitchen has also been mysteriously tidied, and Dot suggests the Tatsugiri may be responsible. Their final antics keep the ending humorous rather than spelling out a permanent change in where they will live.
The emotional resolution is clear even though the Pokémon’s exact living arrangements remain playful and ambiguous: Tatsugiri and Dondozo have found a connection that helps them become more confident. Dondozo is no longer facing Veluza entirely alone, and Murdock has seen the promise the sushi chef recognized in his Pokémon.
Episode 156 Key Scenes and Subtitle Timestamps
These approximate scene markers follow the English subtitle timeline and make it easier to find the major moments when watching a properly synchronized edition of the episode. Timing may differ between video releases.
- 02:27 — Dot introduces Lake Zugogo and its mysterious rumbling.
- 03:47 — Liko suggests taking the restless Tatsugiri to the lake.
- 05:20–05:36 — The supposed rock is revealed to be Dondozo.
- 07:24–08:27 — Veluza appears, and the true cause of the rumbling becomes clear.
- 09:32 — The Tatsugiri unexpectedly enter Dondozo’s mouth.
- 11:14–13:58 — Murdock remembers the sushi restaurant and the chef’s request.
- 16:07–19:42 — Tatsugiri encourage Dondozo to confront Veluza.
- 20:19–21:28 — The farewell turns into one last mischievous surprise.
- 23:53 — Friede’s Mega Study reveals the quiz answer.
- 24:14 — The preview teases Dandy H in Episode 157.
Why Dondozo and Tatsugiri’s Partnership Changes the Story
Early in the episode, the characters see two very different kinds of Pokémon: an enormous Dondozo that cannot stand up to Veluza, and three energetic Tatsugiri that seem unable to stay still. What they eventually discover is not a question of size. Dondozo has the power to respond, but it needs encouragement; Tatsugiri have the confidence to challenge Veluza, but benefit from working alongside Dondozo.
That contrast is what gives the battle its emotional weight. The Tatsugiri do not suddenly become a different group of Pokémon, and Dondozo does not stop being gentle. They learn to work together in a way that allows their personalities to complement one another. In the post-episode quiz, Friede even notes that Dondozo looks up to Tatsugiri as its boss, an amusing reversal of what their sizes might suggest.
Murdock’s chef asked him to help the Tatsugiri discover where they truly belonged. After the battle, Dot and Murdock start to understand why the trio have been drawn to Dondozo. The episode leaves their long-term travel arrangements open, but makes their connection unmistakable.
Friede’s Mega Study: What Is Dondozo Famous For?
In the post-episode Friede’s Mega Study with Instructor Starmie, Friede explains that Dondozo treats Tatsugiri as its boss. He then asks what else Dondozo is known for besides its giant size and strength.
The answer given in the supplied English subtitles is B: It has a huge appetite. Friede adds that Dondozo cooperates with Tatsugiri to satisfy its appetite. The bonus segment reinforces why the unusual Pokémon pairing matters to the main episode.
Pokémon Horizons Episode 157 Preview: A Dazzling Debut! Dandy H!
The next-episode preview announces A Dazzling Debut! Dandy H!. It introduces the idea of two heroes facing one another, even though the group already knows Mighty G. The teaser raises the question of whether the newcomer is a friend or a rival.
Dandy H’s secret identity becomes the main mystery of the preview. Liko wonders whether it could be someone she already knows, but the Episode 156 subtitle track does not reveal the answer. Episode 157’s preview promises a new hero story without resolving that mystery in advance.
Why Pokémon Horizons Episode 156 Matters
After the high-stakes confrontation with Paldea’s Treasures of Ruin in Episode 155, Episode 156 tells a smaller but equally character-focused story. The problem at Lake Zugogo is not solved by treating Dondozo as a weak Pokémon. Instead, the group recognizes why it is frightened and helps it find support.
Murdock’s flashback also gives the three Tatsugiri more personality and history. Their troublemaking is not their only defining quality. Their excitement around Dondozo becomes a clue to the kind of friendship and partnership they have been seeking.
The episode’s central message is that size does not determine courage. Even a powerful Pokémon can feel afraid, and even the smallest companions can make a huge difference when they work together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pokémon Horizons Episode 156 about?
Episode 156, Tatsugiri, Order Up!, follows Liko and her friends as they investigate mysterious rumbling at Lake Zugogo. They discover that Dondozo is frightened of Veluza, while Murdock’s three Tatsugiri become an unexpected source of support.
What is the English title of Pokémon Horizons Episode 156?
Its English subtitle title is Tatsugiri, Order Up!. The Japanese title is シャリタツ、いっちょうあがり！
When did Pokémon Horizons Episode 156 air in Japan?
It originally aired on TV Tokyo on November 6, 2026.
Why was Dondozo trembling at Lake Zugogo?
Dondozo was frightened by a Veluza that repeatedly chased and intimidated it. The rumbling associated with the lake came from Dondozo shaking in fear.
Why did the Tatsugiri enter Dondozo’s mouth?
They seemed happy and comfortable there. Their behavior becomes important to the story as they begin encouraging Dondozo and helping it face Veluza.
How did Murdock get his three Tatsugiri?
He met them while working part-time at a sushi restaurant. Before he returned to the Brave Olivine, the chef asked him to take the Pokémon on his travels so they could see the wider world.
Does Dondozo defeat Veluza in Episode 156?
Dondozo fights back with Tatsugiri’s encouragement and delivers a powerful response that frightens Veluza. The group celebrates because Dondozo can finally eat without being bullied.
Do the Tatsugiri leave Murdock permanently?
The ending is intentionally playful. The Tatsugiri appear to follow the others, then go missing briefly, and the kitchen is unexpectedly cleaned. The supplied subtitles do not explicitly confirm a permanent departure from Murdock.
What is the answer to Friede’s Dondozo Mega Study quiz?
The correct answer is B: Dondozo has a huge appetite.
What is Pokémon Horizons Episode 157 called?
The Episode 156 preview calls the next installment A Dazzling Debut! Dandy H! and teases a mysterious new hero.
Broadcast source: TV Tokyo’s official episode listing.
English subtitle adaptation and original editorial recap by Blissey Husband — blisseyhusband.net. Independent fan-made coverage,
