Uncovering the Shocking Mythological Roots of Pokemon in a Never-Before-Seen Footage

The influence of mythology on the world around us is undeniable, and the Pokemon franchise is no exception. A fascinating new video delves into how various cultural myths have played a significant role in the creation of the Pokemon universe and its diverse cast of characters. While some may already be aware of the Japanese mythology that inspired many of the Pokemon creatures, this video highlights how stories from different parts of the world have contributed to the franchise's global popularity. Since its debut in 1996 with Pocket Monsters: Red and Green, the Pokemon series has become an iconic gaming franchise with numerous video games, animated shows, and films featuring the beloved creatures and their human companions. While some Pokemon characters are entirely original, this video reveals the fascinating ways in which many of the franchise's most famous characters were influenced by global folklore.

The Pokemon franchise owes much of its success to its rich history and mythology, as explored in a new video from PBS’ Storied channel on YouTube. The video delves into the origins of the franchise, including how creator Satoshi Tajiri worked with gaming icon Shigeru Miyamoto to bring Pokemon to life. It then reveals how many of the franchise’s most iconic elements, from the designs of its creatures to the existence of the collectible card game, were inspired by Japanese mythology and history. In fact, collectible cards featuring monsters have been popular in Japan since the 1600s, while manga artist Shigeru Mizuki’s 1960s series Hakaba Kitaro emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence with Yokai, Japanese spirits, much like the trainers and their Pokemon in the Pokemon franchise. The franchise was also influenced by Kaiju, giant monsters like Godzilla, which were shrunk down to handheld size and given a kid-friendly makeover to sell toys, and then fleshed out with detailed backstories in Kaiju guidebooks. All of these elements have contributed to the success of the Pokemon franchise, which has become a beloved cultural phenomenon with mountains of merchandise and its trademark Pokedex.

The world of Pokemon, now a global phenomenon, draws inspiration from a vast array of historical and mythological influences. Though many gamers may not be interested in the origins of their favorite Pokemon, learning about its rich history can enhance the experience for long-time fans. With centuries of myths and legends to explore, the creative minds behind Pokemon have an endless source of inspiration at their fingertips.