What Pokemon are based off of yokai?
Pokémon based on yokai, supernatural creatures from Japanese folklore, include Ghastly, Gengar, Froslass, Mawile, Dusknoir, Zoroark, Ninetales, Vulpix, Shiftry, and Dunsparce, among others, with each drawing inspiration from various yokai such as Sogen Bi, Raijū, Yuki-onna, Futakuchi-onna, and Tengu. These Pokémon showcase the significant influence of Japanese mythology and folklore on the Pokémon franchise, with many yokai-inspired designs and characteristics incorporated into the games and anime series.
Introduction to Yokai in Pokémon
Pokémon has a long history of incorporating elements from Japanese folklore and mythology into its games and anime series, with yokai being a significant part of this. Yokai are supernatural creatures from Japanese folklore that can range from spirits and ghosts to shapeshifters and demons, and have been a staple of Japanese culture for centuries.
Pokémon Inspired by Yokai
Various Pokémon have been inspired by yokai from Japanese folklore, including:
- Ghastly, based on the Sogen Bi yokai, a fire spirit with flames surrounding its head
- Pikachu and Raichu, inspired by the Raijū, a creature that can transform into a ball of lightning
- Slowbro, based on the Sazae-Oni, a yokai with a spiraling chamber covered with spikes
- Froslass, inspired by the Yuki-onna, a spirit of a beautiful woman who haunts the snowy mountains
- Mawile, based on the Futakuchi-onna, a woman with a mouth on the back of her head
- Dusknoir, inspired by the Chōchinobake, haunted paper lanterns from Japanese folklore
- Zoroark, based on the kitsune, a shape-shifting fox from Japanese mythology
- Ninetales, also inspired by the kitsune, with its nine tails and shape-shifting abilities
- Shiftry, based on the Tengu, a yokai with long noses who use their supernatural powers to protect forests
- Dunsparce, inspired by the Tsuchinoko, a Japanese cryptid similar to a unicorn or jackalope
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of yokai in Japanese folklore?
Yokai are supernatural creatures that play a significant role in Japanese folklore, representing the mysterious and unknown aspects of nature and human experience.
What is the difference between yokai and other supernatural creatures?
Yokai are unique to Japanese folklore and can range from spirits and ghosts to shapeshifters and demons, distinguishing them from other supernatural creatures from different cultures.
Are all yokai evil?
No, not all yokai are evil; they can be benevolent, malevolent, or neutral, depending on the specific yokai and the context of the story.
What is the inspiration behind Pikachu’s design?
Pikachu‘s design is inspired by the Raijū, a creature from Japanese folklore that can transform into a ball of lightning.
Is Slowking based on a yokai?
Yes, Slowking is based on the Sazae-Oni, a yokai with a spiraling chamber covered with spikes.
What yokai is Froslass based on?
Froslass is based on the Yuki-onna, a spirit of a beautiful woman who haunts the snowy mountains.
Is there a Pokémon based on the Grim Reaper?
Yes, Duskull and Sicklet are Pokémon inspired by the Grim Reaper, with design elements lifted from medieval plague doctors.
What is the difference between obake and bakemono?
Obake and bakemono are classes of yokai that refer to shapeshifters and supernatural creatures in Japanese folklore.
Is Mawile based on a yokai?
Yes, Mawile is based on the Futakuchi-onna, a woman with a mouth on the back of her head.
What yokai is Shiftry based on?
Shiftry is based on the Tengu, a yokai with long noses who use their supernatural powers to protect forests.
Can yokai be friendly?
Yes, yokai can be friendly, neutral, or malevolent, depending on the specific yokai and the context of the story.
What Pokémon is based on the kitsune?
Zoroark and Ninetales are Pokémon inspired by the kitsune, a shape-shifting fox from Japanese mythology.
Is Tyranitar inspired by Godzilla?
Yes, Tyranitar is one of the Pokémon inspired by Godzilla, the King of Monsters.
What yokai is Dunsparce based on?
Dunsparce is based on the Tsuchinoko, a Japanese cryptid similar to a unicorn or jackalope.
Are there any Pokémon based on the Yuki-onna?
Yes, Froslass is a Pokémon based on the Yuki-onna, a spirit of a beautiful woman who haunts the snowy mountains.
Is there a yokai that is similar to a Grim Reaper?
Yes, Dusknoir and Duskull are Pokémon inspired by the Grim Reaper and other yokai related to death and the afterlife.