Since its debut in 1996, Pokémon has become one of the most beloved and recognized franchises in the world. With video games, series, movies, cards, and millions of fans, it's not just an entertainment product: it's an experience that connects generations. But how did this world full of extraordinary creatures come to be? What inspired its creation? Today we'll travel to the origins of Pokémon, meet its creator, and explore the conceptualization method that brought this incredible saga to life.
A dream that was born between insects and video games
The origin of Pokémon begins with Satoshi Tajiri, a Japanese visionary born in Machida, a town outside Tokyo, in 1965. As a child, he displayed an insatiable curiosity for nature, and his greatest passion was capturing insects in the fields and forests near his home, an activity that earned him the nickname "Doctor Bug" among his classmates. However, things weren't easy for Tajiri: diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, he found it difficult to socialize because of his condition, and instead of seeking solace in other people, he found it in video games.
Satoshi's passion for video games grew so much that he began disassembling consoles to understand how they worked. At 16, he won a video game design competition, and years later, together with his friend Ken Sugimori, he founded Game Freak magazine, which later evolved into a video game development company.
It was this unique combination of love for nature and obsession with video games that planted the seed of Pokémon.
From insects to pocket creatures
Inspired by his insect-collecting days, Tajiri dreamed of a video game that would allow players to capture fantastical creatures, train them, and battle them. Thus, Pokémon was born, short for "Pocket Monsters," a name that reflected the idea of carrying a world full of amazing creatures with you at all times.
The project became a reality thanks to the support of Shigeru Miyamoto, creator of Mario Bros. and Tajiri's mentor. The result was the release of Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green in Japan in 1996 for the Game Boy console.
These games implemented the revolutionary idea of exchanging creatures between players via the link cable, fostering an active and connected community that quickly spread across the world.
A global phenomenon: beyond video games
Pokémon's success wasn't limited to video games. In 1997, the first animated series premiered, starring Ash Ketchum (Satoshi, in Japan) and his partner, Pikachu. The series captured the hearts of children and adults alike, and was accompanied by films, comics, and countless merchandise.
Likewise, the collectible card game was released in 1996, which became a phenomenon in its own right. These cards not only offered strategic gameplay but were also collectible items that fans traded with the same enthusiasm Tajiri had for collecting insects.
The Character Conceptualization Method
Pokémon design is one of the key reasons for their success. Tajiri and Sugimori worked with a creative team that sought to ensure that each creature had a connection to nature, culture, or myths and legends.
For example:
Bulbasaur combines elements of a reptile and a plant, symbolizing the symbiosis between plant and animal life.
Magikarp is inspired by a legend about carp that swim against the current and transform into dragons, giving meaning to its evolution into Gyarados.
Then there's the case of Pikachu , the iconic electric mouse, which was designed to be adorable, approachable and recognizable, quickly becoming the face of the franchise.
This approach has allowed Pokémon to be not only memorable, but also meaningful, connecting with people of different ages and backgrounds.
Pokémon Today: A Constantly Evolving Universe
Today, it boasts over 1,000 different creatures, dozens of video games, more than 20 films, and a series that continues to air. The phenomenon has transcended generations, uniting parents and children, friends, and entire communities.
With innovations like Pokémon GO, which brought the experience into the real world through augmented reality, the franchise continues to reinvent itself, while always maintaining that original spirit: the desire to explore, collect, and connect.
Are you ready to join the adventure?
This evolution over time is a reminder of how a simple idea, born out of love and passion for something, can become a phenomenon that unites people around the world.
Each Pokémon has its own story, character, and place in this vast, ever-growing universe.
So, whether you like exploring video games, enjoying the series, or starting your card collection, the world of Pokémon is waiting for you.
Did you know the origins of this great franchise?
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