That's just a little too reminscent of Sinnoh.
I saw the ep. pictures on Serebii, it just seems like Piplup drama. Which isn't new, so I guess I could've expected that. It seems like Pokemon just wanted to throw Ash into Isshu and give him those new eyes. Talk about Optometry.
Remember, we still have an episode dedicated to Pikachu failing at something, just like every new region. Whether it be fatigue from attacking Spearows in Kanto, getting ill in Hoenn, or losing it's electricity in Isshu, there will always be a time for Pikachu to fail.
I wonder what the transition from Ash's thin eyes to big eyes will be... Optometrist! I so hope that Ash goes to see an Optometrist. That would be awesome.