Truth & Character Thursdays

“I see now that the circumstances of one's birth is irrelevent,it is what you do with the gift of life that determines who you are.” ― Mewtwo

Pokémon, a cultural phenomenon that began in 1996, has captivated the hearts of children across the globe. As Pokémon Masters continue their journey, it’s essential to dive into the depths of this interesting world. 

In this article, we unveil 15 truly fascinating facts about Pokemon.

15 Pokemon Facts for Kids

1. Clefairy’s Almost Iconic Role

In the early stages, Clefairy was considered for the role of Pokémon’s main figure, which Pikachu later assumed. In the original Pokémon manga, Red, the counterpart to Ash, had Clefairy as his partner. The decision to opt for Pikachu in the anime was influenced by a desire for broader appeal.

2. Pikachu’s Linguistic Roots

Even the name has a background for your favourite cartoon character!!

Pikachu’s name is a delightful combo of Japanese onomatopoeias. “Pika Pika” represents sparkling, and “Chu Chu” mimics the sound a mouse makes in Japanese. These linguistic nuances highlight the cultural depth embedded in Pokémon naming.

3. Diglett’s Mysterious Feet

In Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX, Diglett intriguingly mentions having feet, though their appearance remains a mystery. The mystery adds an extra layer of charm to these subterranean Pokémon.

4. Farfetch’d and the Lucky Proverb

Farfetch’d, whose Japanese name is Kamonegi, is based on a lucky proverb about a duck bearing green onions. The proverb signifies a rare and fortunate event, subtly tying into Farfetch’s scarcity and uniqueness.

Read our article on the Herbivore Dinosaurs Facts for Kids.

5. Mew’s Last-Minute Entrance

A mere two weeks before the completion of Pokémon Red and Green, Mew was added to the roster. Surprisingly, only a handful at Nintendo knew about Mew’s inclusion, adding an air of mystery to this elusive Pokémon.

6. Pokerap Mishap

The Kanto Pokerap makes a mistake by showing Poliwag when it talks about Poliwrath. This error shows how Pokémon content has changed over time in different media and gets people talking in the community.

7. Togedemaru’s Thorny Origins

Another name origin! 

Togedemaru’s name is a clever fusion of “thorn” (toge) and “round” (maru) in Japanese, perfectly encapsulating its prickly appearance. This linguistic play in naming Pokémon adds an extra layer of creativity to their design.

8. Open-World Adventure in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet mark a significant shift as the series ventures into the realm of open-world RPGs. Players can explore the Pokémon world at their leisure, breaking away from the traditional linear storytelling approach.

Step-by-Step Exploration

• Unprecedented Freedom: Experience a new style of adventure with the freedom to explore at your own pace.
• Non-linear Storytelling: The game allows you to follow your own path rather than adhering to a predetermined storyline.

9. Morpeko’s Guinea Pig Persona

Name origins, as we saw kids, are interesting! 

Morpeko’s name cleverly combines “Guinea Pig” (Morumotto) and “Hungry” (Peko Peko) in Japanese, reflecting both its appearance and its insatiable appetite. Pokémon names, as seen with Morpeko, often tell a story about the creature’s characteristics.

10. Pikachu’s Unique Move

Pikachu, along with Pichu and Raichu, is the only Pokémon known to learn Volt Tackle. This unique move adds versatility to Pikachu’s battle strategies, making it a formidable opponent.

Pikachu’s Move Arsenal

• Thunderbolt: A classic Electric-type move.
• Iron Tail: Showcasing Pikachu’s adaptability in battles.
• Volt Tackle: A powerful and exclusive move.

11. Pikachu’s Evolutionary Journey

Cartoons evolve just like us humans!

Pikachu’s original design resembled a long daifuku, a concept that still influences its black ear tips today. This evolution of character design showcases the thought and creativity invested in crafting each Pokémon.

12. Entei’s Fiery Moniker

Entei’s name, derived from “Burning Heat” (Enten) and “Emperor” (Kotei), perfectly captures its majestic and fiery nature. Pokémon names often carry elemental and cultural significance, enriching the lore of these legendary creatures.

13. Pikachu’s Adorable Cheek Pouches

Atsuko Nishida, the character designer of Pikachu, added cheek pouches to enhance Pikachu’s cuteness. Inspired by squirrel cheeks, these pouches not only add charm but also serve as storage for electricity, aligning with Pikachu’s Electric type.

14. Pachirisu’s Electric Squirrel Fusion

Pachirisu’s name is a delightful mix of the Japanese word for “squirrel” (Risu) and the onomatopoeia for electric crackling (“Pachi Pachi”). This blend of language and sound symbolism highlights the intricate thought behind Pokémon names.

15. Pikachu’s Striped Back

The iconic back stripes on Pikachu were added to prevent its back from looking “lonely” during battles. Atsuko Nishida’s attention to these design nuances contributes to Pikachu’s overall visual appeal.

FAQ Section

Why was Clefairy considered the mascot of Pokémon originally? 

Clefairy’s candidacy as the mascot stemmed from its role in the original Pokémon manga. However, Pikachu eventually claimed the spotlight for broader appeal.

What are some other examples of Pokémon names with cultural or linguistic significance? 

Numerous Pokémon names carry cultural or linguistic meanings, contributing to the rich storytelling of the Pokémon universe.

Are there any more instances of last-minute additions to the Pokémon games like Mew?

Mew’s last-minute addition is a unique case, but Pokémon game development has seen various surprises and additions over the years.

How do mistakes in Pokémon content, like the Pokerap mishap, impact fan communities?

Mistakes contribute to lively discussions within the Pokémon community, showcasing the passion and attention to detail among fans.

Can you share more insights into the development of Pikachu’s character design over the years? 

Pikachu’s character design has evolved from its original concept resembling a long daifuku to the beloved design we see today, with every detail carefully considered for maximum visual impact.

Conclusion

In the vast universe of Pokémon, each creature holds a story, and every fact adds depth to this enchanting world. As we uncover these 10 fascinating facts, we invite fellow trainers to share their discoveries and continue exploring the rich tapestry of the Pokémon universe.

Ethical dilemmas

Do you believe that it is wrong for people to be “scalping” Pokemon products? Why or why not?