Learn Pikachu’s origin story from Pokémon creators Ken Sugimori, Koji Nishino and Atsuko Nishida

Creator Profile: The Creators of Pikachu. Learn Pikachu’s origin story from Ken Sugimori, Koji Nishino, and Atsuko Nishida. Two years prior to the release of Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue in the United States, Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green launched in Japan in 1996 for Nintendo Game Boy. It was a hit and drew many fans, especially children. The games' popularity spread beyond … Continue reading Learn Pikachu’s origin story from Pokémon creators Ken Sugimori, Koji Nishino and Atsuko Nishida

Game Freak details the origins of Pokémon mascot Pikachu, its history, canceled Gorochu evolution and more

The Pokémon Company itself recently interviewed Game Freak co-founder Ken Sugimori, character designer Atsuko Nishida and game designer Koji Nishino — who talked about some of the inspiration behind the iconic Pokémon mascot Pikachu. Pikachu was specifically designed to be cute, Sugimori said, according to a translation of the interview. While Pokémon were originally envisioned … Continue reading Game Freak details the origins of Pokémon mascot Pikachu, its history, canceled Gorochu evolution and more

Koji Nishino served as the model for the Sleeping Pokémon Snorlax

In a recent interview with Japanese newspaper Yomiuri, Pokémon art director Ken Sugimori confirmed that planner Koji Nishino served as the model for the iconic Sleeping Pokémon, Snorlax. Nishino has worked on the series since the original Pokémon Red and Green for Game Boy. “(Nishino), with this (huge) appearance, was the model for the Snorlax … Continue reading Koji Nishino served as the model for the Sleeping Pokémon Snorlax

Pikachu originally had an evil-looking second evolution called Gorochu, plus more Pokémon and Pikachu history

The history behind the design of Pikachu just keeps getting deeper and deeper. In addition to resembling a squirrel, the Pokémon mascot originally had a second evolution called Gorochu, complete with large fangs and two frightening horns. This fact was made known by three key illustrators and designers behind the creation of Pokémon - Ken … Continue reading Pikachu originally had an evil-looking second evolution called Gorochu, plus more Pokémon and Pikachu history