Illustrating how echoes of the past influence the world around us, including the games we play, an eye-opening new video explores how mythology from various cultures influenced the creation of thePokemonfranchise and the many colorful creatures that inhabit it. Some gamers may already be familiar with the manyPokemon inspired by Japanese mythology, but this new video shows how stories from around the world helped shape the franchise into the global phenomenon it is today.
Debuting in 1996 withPocket Monsters: RedandGreen, thePokemonseries has gone on to become one of the highest-selling gaming franchises of all time. In addition to dozens of video games, there have also been multiplePokemonanimated showsand films focused on the franchise’s hundreds of collectible creatures and their human trainers. While some of the unique creatures that have appeared throughout the franchise’s long history are wholly original creations, a new video explores how many ofPokemon’s most iconic creatures, and even the franchise itself, were heavily inspired by mythology from Japan and around the world.
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An entertaining and informative new video from PBS’ Storied channel on YouTube explores the history of thePokemonfranchise and how everything from the designs of its creatures to the existence of thePokemoncollectible card game owes a debt to the past. After explaining howPokemoncreator Satoshi Tajiri worked with gaming icon Shigeru Miyamoto to develop the franchise, Storied explores how many of its most iconic elements were inspired by mythology and history. Discussing thePokemoncard game, the video reveals that collectible cards depicting monsters were a trend in Japan as far back as the 1600s and became extremely popular with children in the late 19th century.
Similar to the journeys ofPokemonanime protagonist Ash Ketchum, the video explains how manga artist Shigeru Mizuki’s 1960s seriesHakaba Kitarofollowed the adventures of a young boy as they encountered various Yokai, Japanese spirits. The stories featured a strong emphasis on peaceful coexistence with the Yokai, echoing the views shared by trainers and their Pokemon throughout the franchise. The mythologically-inspired Japanese Kaiju, giant monsters like Godzilla, also influenced thePokemonfranchise. Shrunk down to handheld size and given a kid-friendly makeover to sell toys, then fleshed out with detailed backstories in Kaiju guidebooks, these monsters stand as clear forerunners to thePokemonfranchise’s mountains of merchandise and even the series’trademark Pokedex.
Given its status as a global phenomenon in the present day, it can be surprising to discover the many historical and mythological influences that helped inspire the world ofPokemon. And even though most gamers are likely more concerned with catching an elusive Pokemon than knowing the history behind its design, learning ’s origins is likely to bring some additional enjoyment to some long-time franchise fans. With thousands of years of myths and legends to draw from,Pokemon’s creators shouldn’t have to worry about running out of new inspiration any time soon.
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