Pokémon regions
Encyclopedia
There are several regions that have appeared in the various media of the Pokémon
franchise. Each of the five generations of the main series releases focuses on a new region. Moreover, several regions have been introduced in spin-off
games, and one in the Pokémon anime
, though most of these are still within the same fictional universe
. Usually, the different regions are not accessible from one another via land (or at all within a single game), with the exception being Kanto, which can be accessed from Johto and vice versa in the Pokémon Gold, Silver, Crystal
, HeartGold and SoulSilver versions.
Every region consists of several cities and towns that the player must explore in order to fulfill many waiting challenges such as Gyms, Contests, and/or saving a region from antagonistic characters. At different locations within each region, the player can find different types of Pokémon, as well as other helpful items and characters. Most regions are on separate continents, though many are based on parts of the real-world country of Japan
.
, introduced in Red and Green
(Blue in international releases), later seen in Yellow
, Gold, Silver, Crystal
, FireRed, LeafGreen
, HeartGold, and SoulSilver
, was the first region in the Pokémon series. It is attached to the Johto region so the player can also visit it by train or jetboat in Gold, Silver, Crystal, HeartGold and SoulSilver. In these games, however, the region differs from the earlier games (which are set three years previously) in several plot and graphical points. In the non-Japanese releases of the games, its cities are named after colors. Two areas of the Kanto region, Saffron City and the Pokémon Stadium, are playable stages in Nintendo
's popular Super Smash Bros. fighting games. In the anime, Ash travels in Kanto in the Kanto and Battle Frontier seasons. Kanto represents the actual region in Japan called Kantō
and eastern Tōkai
.
Kanto is home to a handful of legendary Pokémon. The most powerful is the Genetic Pokémon Mewtwo
, who was created by tampering with the DNA of the Pokémon Mew
, a Pokémon that is said to have the DNA of every other Pokémon in its body and is believed to be the ancestor of all Pokémon, at the mansion on Cinnabar Island. Mewtwo's genetic structure was further manipulated to transform it into a powerful and ruthless psychic until it turned on its creators and escaped to the Cerulean Cave. The remaining legendary Pokémon are Articuno, who is said to appear to doomed travelers in icy regions, Zapdos, who is found during thunderstorms, and Moltres, who is said to bring about an early spring with its arrival.
take place there, as do their remakes, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
. The third, fourth, and fifth seasons of the anime
are also set there. Johto is geographically similar to the Kansai and western Tōkai
regions of Japan. In the games, all its cities have plant-themed names. It is connected to the western part of Kanto.
The mythology of the Johto Region features Ho-Oh, the Rainbow Pokémon guardian of the skies, and Lugia
, the Diving Pokémon guardian of the seas, who previously perched on the Bell and Brass Towers respectively in Ecruteak City. When the Brass Tower burned down in a thunderstorm, Lugia flew away, and three Pokémon died in the process. Ho-Oh revived these Pokémon, creating Raikou, Entei
, and Suicune
. Lugia's home, the Whirl Islands, were also created when the Pokémon dispelled a war over a singular island, splitting it into four islands and making them its home, producing powerful whirlpools to protect itself. Celebi
, the Time Travel Pokémon, also calls Johto its home, residing in the Ilex Forest where it brings Pokémon and Trainers forward and back in time.
The was introduced in Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald
and is located south-west of the Kanto/Johto landmass. The region contains a large proportion of marine routes and the games' first underwater locations. Hoenn was modeled after the Kyūshū
region of Japan due to Ruby and Sapphire director Junichi Masuda
's desire to recapture his memories of being there in the summer; Hoenn is rotated 90° counterclockwise from Kyūshū's real world orientation due to the development team's belief that it would improve playability. The Hoenn region contains its own Pokémon League, called the Hoenn League, and its own Elite Four, unlike Johto and Kanto which share their Elite Four in the video games. Seasons 6-8 of the Pokémon anime, called the Advanced Generation series, are set in this region, as protagonist Ash Ketchum
and company explore this new region.
According to Pokémon legend, the Hoenn region was formed by the legendary land Pokémon Groudon raising the land, the legendary ocean Pokémon, Kyogre, expanding the sea, and Rayquaza
, expanding the atmosphere. Other legendary Pokémon in Hoenn are the golem-like Regirock, Regice, and Registeel created by one of Sinnoh's legendary Pokémon; the Eon Pokémon Latias and Latios; and the Wish Pokémon Jirachi, who wakes up every thousand years to grant wishes to those who write wishes on the tags on its head.
and an episode of Pokémon Chronicles
. They are called the Sevii Islands/Nanashima because it is believed by elders of Seven Island that the seven islands were made in seven days. While seven islands (or in some cases island groups) are accessible to the player through normal gameplay
, there are two additional islands that are each accessible only after acquiring a special item from a Nintendo event. These two islands can also be accessed in Pokémon Emerald. Access to one island allows the player to encounter Lugia
and Ho-Oh. Access to the other island allows the player to encounter Deoxys
; depending on the game version (FireRed, LeafGreen, Emerald), the DNA Pokémon Deoxys will be in one of its 3 variations. The Sevii Islands are located off the south part of the Kanto/Johto landmass. They are based on the Izu
and Bonin Islands.
, and Platinum
, located far north of the Kanto/Johto landmass. The region contains a large amount of towns and cities, but only a few sea routes. It is a varied region containing a mountain range and four lakes, one of which is hidden, each housing a Legendary Pokémon. It is the first Pokémon RPG to feature snowy regions. The region blends urban cities with more traditional towns together. It also has a hidden underground area that is used for housing secret bases, playing Capture the Flag
games, and a fossil/item hunt. Seasons 10-13 of the Pokémon anime are the first seasons that are set in this region. Sinnoh is based on the geography of the Japan
ese island of Hokkaidō
, the southern half of the Russia
n island of Sakhalin
, and the disputed
island of Kunashir
. A mountain range splits the Eastern and Western sides of Sinnoh, and the types of Pokémon there can differ in color and size, affecting the Shellos and Gastrodon species. The latest game set in Sinnoh was Pokémon Platinum. In Platinum, Sinnoh has gone through several changes, including the presence of snow in areas such as Twinleaf Town, the link to the Distortion World, and the Battle Frontier in the Battle Area.
The Sinnoh Region is believed have been created by a Legendary Pokémon called Arceus
. According to legend, Arceus also made three powerful dragon-type Pokémon of the Sinnoh region: Dialga who controls time, Palkia who controls space, and Giratina
who controls and travels through dimensions. Dialga stars in Pokémon Diamond, Palkia in Pokémon Pearl, and Giratina in Pokémon Platinum. Arceus also made the three legendary, psychic-type Pixies (also called lake guardians) that live in the three lakes in the Sinnoh Region: Uxie (being of Knowledge), located at Lake Acuity; Mesprit (being of Emotion), located at Lake Verity; and Azelf (being of Willpower), located at Lake Valor. Other legends in Sinnoh feature the Lunar Pokémon Cresselia, whose presence induces pleasant dreams, and the Pitch-Black Pokémon Darkrai, whose presence only induces nightmares; the Seafaring Pokémon Manaphy (who can only be acquired through playing one of the Pokémon Ranger
games) and its child the Sea Drifter Pokémon Phione, who protect the seas; the Lava Dome Pokémon Heatran who is said to have appeared in its home in Stark Mountain the same time Arceus created Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina; the Colossal Pokémon Regigigas, who created Hoenn's Regirock, Regice, and Registeel after it used ropes to move the continents around; and the Gratitude Pokémon Shaymin, which has the ability to purify any polluted area and transform it into a field of flowers.
The Unova Region, known in Japan as , is the region featured in Pokémon Black and White
. According to the development team, Unova is "located far away from Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh." In the Pokémon Pia book, director Junichi Masuda
revealed that Unova (Isshu) was modeled after New York City
. Unova is host to large urban areas, a harbor, an airport, an amusement park, and several mountain ranges. In addition to a diversity of new landscapes, the Unova Region is also home to a diversity of people who vary in skin tone
and occupation. The region's Japanese name is derived from the Japanese words and ; the of people and Pokémon you see up close look like only of life from afar. Season 14 of the anime onward, collectively titled in Japan as Best Wishes!
, is set in Unova.
A new feature put in the Black and White games is that areas in the games are visually distinct between versions; while locations in Black appear to be very modern and urban
, the same locations in White will appear to be older and more rural. This feature is exemplified in two locations that are unique to each game and are located in the same location on the map: the ultra-metropolitan , home to only humans, and the verdant , where humans and Pokémon live in harmony. Unova also features the return of underwater Regions accessible through the Dive move. In addition, Unova has a season
al cycle. The winter
months change the rarity of Pokémon in some areas, certain areas can only be accessed with heavy snow on the ground, and the Deerling and Sawsbuck Pokémon have different physical appearances linked to the seasonal changes.
The mythology of the Unova Region states that in the past there were two brothers who ruled over the Region, assisted by a powerful Dragon Pokémon. However, the brothers began to fight over how the new nation should be run, and the Pokémon split itself into two: the Deep Black (Black Yin) Pokémon Zekrom, who sided with the younger of the brothers, and the Vast White (White Yang) Pokémon Reshiram, who sided with the older. The two Dragon Pokémon fought endlessly, and it was foretold that they would fight until the Unova Region was destroyed. To stop them, the people of Unova put Reshiram and Zekrom into deep sleeps. Other legends feature the Pokémon Victini
, whose presence could turn the tide of battle to its Trainer's favor; Cobalion, Terrakion, and Virizion, who are said to protect Pokémon habitats from humans and have attacked humans' castles for threatening Pokémon; the nature deities Tornadus, Thundurus, and Landorus; and the Boundary Pokémon Kyurem, who is said to have come to the Unova Region on an icy meteor in the past.
. It is a nature reserve where Professor Oak researches many wild species, all of which are native to Kanto.
The are a region that only appear in the Pokémon anime and The Electric Tale of Pikachu manga
. It is made up of a series of small islands, located south of Cinnabar Island and the Seafoam Islands. Season 2 of the Pokémon anime is set in this region. Four of the Orange Islands (Fire Island, Lightning Island, Ice Island, and Shamouti Island) are the setting of the film Pokémon: The Movie 2000
. In both the Japanese and English editions of the anime and manga, each island is named after a different variety of citrus
fruit.
The archipelago is different climatically from Kanto, which is temperate while the archipelago is tropical. One effect of the different climate is that Pokémon found in the Orange Islands have different patterns or colors than are found on the main land. In addition, several of the islands feature unique Pokémon found nowhere else: one island is home to a rare fruit that turns Pokémon pink if they eat it, and another island is home to an Onix
whose body is made of crystal
rather than rock.
and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness
. The structures (most of which appear to be made of pieces of older structures) found within Orre lend a post-apocalyptic feel to it as well. In this region, wild Pokémon are rare, and can only be caught in specific spots, and only during the events of Pokémon XD: The Gale of Darkness.
. It does not appear in the Pokémon anime, although Solana, the female protagonist of the game, has made two appearances. Pokémon Ranger implies that it is located quite some distance from the other regions of the Pokémon world. It resembles Niigata in the Chubu region of Japan. It is a relatively small island region that is quite mountainous. There are four areas in Fiore, each named after the season it constantly experiences — Ring
town, Fall City, Win
town, and Summer
land. Fiore contains 213 Pokémon that can be captured in Pokémon Ranger, but it does not have any Pokémon trainers. All of the people who live with Pokémon keep them outside of Poké Balls, much like pets.
located at the east of Fiore. It is also the location of the Headquarters of the Pokémon Rangers. It slightly resembles the northern most tip of the Tohoku region of Japan, and the south western tip of the Hokkaido Island. If this is true, it could possibly connect very closely with the Sinnoh region.
. It has three major islands, two which are connected by a bridge
. There are also several smaller islands, two of which seem to be volcanic.
. This island is in a separate fictional universe
where Pokémon only exist as cards. It consists of eight Clubs, which are similar to Pokémon Gyms, a version of the Elite Four called the Grand Masters, and a Card Lab. In Pokémon Card GB2, a second unnamed island is introduced, and features the various headquarters of Team Great Rocket known as Forts and Castles, where the Club Masters and Grand Masters are being held captive. They do not appear in the anime.
is unknown, but according to Super Smash Bros. Melee
, Pokémon Stadium is somewhere in Kanto. is the setting of Pokémon Stadium 2
, and is the setting of Pokémon Battle Revolution
. They do not appear in the anime.
games, like the TCG games, appear to take place in yet another universe, where Pokémon live like human beings. They seem to have heard of humans, but know of none in their world. In the game the main character was a human who has been turned into to a Pokémon, but does not know why because he/she has suffered memory loss.
. It is a basic area with forests and caves where Pokémon are treated as semi-disposable toys, and as a result, never master more than two moves at a time.
, Pokémon Channel
, and PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure all take place in unknown areas somewhere in the Pokémon world, although Professor Oak appears with some of his inventions in the first two.
Pokémon
is a media franchise published and owned by the video game company Nintendo and created by Satoshi Tajiri in 1996. Originally released as a pair of interlinkable Game Boy role-playing video games developed by Game Freak, Pokémon has since become the second most successful and lucrative video...
franchise. Each of the five generations of the main series releases focuses on a new region. Moreover, several regions have been introduced in spin-off
Spin-off (media)
In media, a spin-off is a radio program, television program, video game, or any narrative work, derived from one or more already existing works, that focuses, in particular, in more detail on one aspect of that original work...
games, and one in the Pokémon anime
Pokémon (anime)
, abbreviated from , is a children's TV anime series, which has since been adapted for the North and South American, Australian and European television markets...
, though most of these are still within the same fictional universe
Fictional universe
A fictional universe is a self-consistent fictional setting with elements that differ from the real world. It may also be called an imagined, constructed or fictional realm ....
. Usually, the different regions are not accessible from one another via land (or at all within a single game), with the exception being Kanto, which can be accessed from Johto and vice versa in the Pokémon Gold, Silver, Crystal
Pokémon Gold and Silver
are the second installments of the Pokémon series of role-playing video games developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy Color. The games have dual-mode capabilities allowing them to also be played on earlier Game Boy models. They were first released in Japan in 1999 and to...
, HeartGold and SoulSilver versions.
Every region consists of several cities and towns that the player must explore in order to fulfill many waiting challenges such as Gyms, Contests, and/or saving a region from antagonistic characters. At different locations within each region, the player can find different types of Pokémon, as well as other helpful items and characters. Most regions are on separate continents, though many are based on parts of the real-world country of Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
.
Kanto
Pokémon Red and Blue
Pokémon Red Version and Blue Version, originally released in Japan as , are role-playing games developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy. They are the first installments to the Pokémon series. They were first released in Japan in 1996 as Red and Green, with Blue being...
(Blue in international releases), later seen in Yellow
Pokémon Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition
, is a 1998 role-playing video game developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy handheld video game console. Along with the release of Pokémon Yellow, a special edition yellow Pokémon-themed Game Boy Color was also released.-Gameplay:...
, Gold, Silver, Crystal
Pokémon Gold and Silver
are the second installments of the Pokémon series of role-playing video games developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy Color. The games have dual-mode capabilities allowing them to also be played on earlier Game Boy models. They were first released in Japan in 1999 and to...
, FireRed, LeafGreen
Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen
are enhanced remakes of the original Pokémon Red and Blue video games, which were released in 1996. The new titles were developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy Advance and have compatibility with the Game Boy Advance Wireless Adapter, which originally came bundled with...
, HeartGold, and SoulSilver
Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
are enhanced remakes of the 1999 video games Pokémon Gold and Silver. The games are part of the Pokémon series of role-playing video games, and were developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS...
, was the first region in the Pokémon series. It is attached to the Johto region so the player can also visit it by train or jetboat in Gold, Silver, Crystal, HeartGold and SoulSilver. In these games, however, the region differs from the earlier games (which are set three years previously) in several plot and graphical points. In the non-Japanese releases of the games, its cities are named after colors. Two areas of the Kanto region, Saffron City and the Pokémon Stadium, are playable stages in Nintendo
Nintendo
is a multinational corporation located in Kyoto, Japan. Founded on September 23, 1889 by Fusajiro Yamauchi, it produced handmade hanafuda cards. By 1963, the company had tried several small niche businesses, such as a cab company and a love hotel....
's popular Super Smash Bros. fighting games. In the anime, Ash travels in Kanto in the Kanto and Battle Frontier seasons. Kanto represents the actual region in Japan called Kantō
Kanto region
The is a geographical area of Honshu, the largest island of Japan. The region includes the Greater Tokyo Area and encompasses seven prefectures: Gunma, Tochigi, Ibaraki, Saitama, Tokyo, Chiba, and Kanagawa. Within its boundaries, slightly more than 40 percent of the land area is the Kantō Plain....
and eastern Tōkai
Tokai region
The is a sub-region of the Chūbu region in Japan that runs along the Pacific Ocean. The name means "East sea" and comes from the Tōkaidō, one of the Edo Five Routes...
.
Kanto is home to a handful of legendary Pokémon. The most powerful is the Genetic Pokémon Mewtwo
Mewtwo
is a fictional creature in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon media franchise. Created by Ken Sugimori, it first appeared in the video games Pokémon Red and Blue and their sequels, and later appeared in various merchandise, spinoff titles, as well as animation adaptations of the franchise...
, who was created by tampering with the DNA of the Pokémon Mew
Mew (Pokémon)
is one of the fictional species of Pokémon creatures from Nintendo's and Game Freak's multi-billion-dollar Pokémon media franchise—a collection of video games, anime, manga, books, trading cards, and other media created by Satoshi Tajiri...
, a Pokémon that is said to have the DNA of every other Pokémon in its body and is believed to be the ancestor of all Pokémon, at the mansion on Cinnabar Island. Mewtwo's genetic structure was further manipulated to transform it into a powerful and ruthless psychic until it turned on its creators and escaped to the Cerulean Cave. The remaining legendary Pokémon are Articuno, who is said to appear to doomed travelers in icy regions, Zapdos, who is found during thunderstorms, and Moltres, who is said to bring about an early spring with its arrival.
Johto
The consists of several towns and villages named after trees and plants. Meaning "castle palace" and "lattice-shaped palace", the second generation of Pokémon video games, Pokémon Gold, Silver, and CrystalPokémon Gold and Silver
are the second installments of the Pokémon series of role-playing video games developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy Color. The games have dual-mode capabilities allowing them to also be played on earlier Game Boy models. They were first released in Japan in 1999 and to...
take place there, as do their remakes, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
are enhanced remakes of the 1999 video games Pokémon Gold and Silver. The games are part of the Pokémon series of role-playing video games, and were developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS...
. The third, fourth, and fifth seasons of the anime
Pokémon (anime)
, abbreviated from , is a children's TV anime series, which has since been adapted for the North and South American, Australian and European television markets...
are also set there. Johto is geographically similar to the Kansai and western Tōkai
Tokai region
The is a sub-region of the Chūbu region in Japan that runs along the Pacific Ocean. The name means "East sea" and comes from the Tōkaidō, one of the Edo Five Routes...
regions of Japan. In the games, all its cities have plant-themed names. It is connected to the western part of Kanto.
The mythology of the Johto Region features Ho-Oh, the Rainbow Pokémon guardian of the skies, and Lugia
Lugia
is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon franchise. Created by Ken Sugimori, Lugia first appeared as a central character in the film Pokémon: The Movie 2000, and later serves as the version mascot of the video game Pokémon Silver and its remake, Pokémon SoulSilver, appearing on the...
, the Diving Pokémon guardian of the seas, who previously perched on the Bell and Brass Towers respectively in Ecruteak City. When the Brass Tower burned down in a thunderstorm, Lugia flew away, and three Pokémon died in the process. Ho-Oh revived these Pokémon, creating Raikou, Entei
Entei
is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon franchise. Created by Ken Sugimori, Entei first appeared in the video games Pokémon Gold and Silver and subsequent sequels, later appearing in various merchandise, spinoff titles, animated adaptations, and printed adaptations of the...
, and Suicune
Suicune
is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon franchise. Created by Ken Sugimori, Suicune first appeared in the video games Pokémon Gold and Silver and subsequent sequels, later appearing in various merchandise, spinoff titles, animated adaptations, and printed adaptations of the...
. Lugia's home, the Whirl Islands, were also created when the Pokémon dispelled a war over a singular island, splitting it into four islands and making them its home, producing powerful whirlpools to protect itself. Celebi
Celebi (Pokémon)
is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon franchise. Created by Ken Sugimori, they first appeared in the video games Pokémon Gold and Silver and subsequent sequels. They have later appeared in various merchandise, spinoff titles and animated and printed adaptations of the franchise...
, the Time Travel Pokémon, also calls Johto its home, residing in the Ilex Forest where it brings Pokémon and Trainers forward and back in time.
Hoenn
Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire
are the third installments of the Pokémon series of role-playing games, developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy Advance. The games were first released in Japan in late 2002 and later released to the rest of the world in 2003 . Pokémon Emerald, a special edition version,...
and is located south-west of the Kanto/Johto landmass. The region contains a large proportion of marine routes and the games' first underwater locations. Hoenn was modeled after the Kyūshū
Kyushu
is the third largest island of Japan and most southwesterly of its four main islands. Its alternate ancient names include , , and . The historical regional name is referred to Kyushu and its surrounding islands....
region of Japan due to Ruby and Sapphire director Junichi Masuda
Junichi Masuda
is a video game composer, director, designer, producer, and programmer best known for his work on the Pokémon franchise. He is a member of the Game Freak board of directors, and has worked at the company since 1989. He helped compose the music for games like Mendel Palace and Smart Ball before...
's desire to recapture his memories of being there in the summer; Hoenn is rotated 90° counterclockwise from Kyūshū's real world orientation due to the development team's belief that it would improve playability. The Hoenn region contains its own Pokémon League, called the Hoenn League, and its own Elite Four, unlike Johto and Kanto which share their Elite Four in the video games. Seasons 6-8 of the Pokémon anime, called the Advanced Generation series, are set in this region, as protagonist Ash Ketchum
Ash Ketchum
Ash Ketchum, known as for all appearances in Japan, is a fictional character in the Pokémon franchise owned by Nintendo. He was created by, and named after, Satoshi Tajiri as the protagonist of the anime and manga series, as well as on various merchandise related to the franchise...
and company explore this new region.
According to Pokémon legend, the Hoenn region was formed by the legendary land Pokémon Groudon raising the land, the legendary ocean Pokémon, Kyogre, expanding the sea, and Rayquaza
Rayquaza
is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon franchise. Rayquaza first appeared in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire and subsequent sequels, later appearing in various merchandise, spinoff titles and animated, printed, and film adaptations of the franchise. Rayquaza also appears on the cover...
, expanding the atmosphere. Other legendary Pokémon in Hoenn are the golem-like Regirock, Regice, and Registeel created by one of Sinnoh's legendary Pokémon; the Eon Pokémon Latias and Latios; and the Wish Pokémon Jirachi, who wakes up every thousand years to grant wishes to those who write wishes on the tags on its head.
Sevii Islands
The Sevii Islands, or in Japan, only appear in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreenPokémon FireRed and LeafGreen
are enhanced remakes of the original Pokémon Red and Blue video games, which were released in 1996. The new titles were developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy Advance and have compatibility with the Game Boy Advance Wireless Adapter, which originally came bundled with...
and an episode of Pokémon Chronicles
Pokémon Chronicles
Pokémon Chronicles, known in Japan as , is a spin-off series of the Pokémon anime, revolving around characters other than Ash Ketchum.It first aired in Britain on Toonami, where the initial run has now finished. The only places where episodes are currently airing for the first time are the...
. They are called the Sevii Islands/Nanashima because it is believed by elders of Seven Island that the seven islands were made in seven days. While seven islands (or in some cases island groups) are accessible to the player through normal gameplay
Gameplay
Gameplay is the specific way in which players interact with a game, and in particular with video games. Gameplay is the pattern defined through the game rules, connection between player and the game, challenges and overcoming them, plot and player's connection with it...
, there are two additional islands that are each accessible only after acquiring a special item from a Nintendo event. These two islands can also be accessed in Pokémon Emerald. Access to one island allows the player to encounter Lugia
Lugia
is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon franchise. Created by Ken Sugimori, Lugia first appeared as a central character in the film Pokémon: The Movie 2000, and later serves as the version mascot of the video game Pokémon Silver and its remake, Pokémon SoulSilver, appearing on the...
and Ho-Oh. Access to the other island allows the player to encounter Deoxys
Deoxys
is a fictional species of Pokémon from Nintendo's and Game Freak's Pokémon media franchise. The result of an extraterrestrial virus's exposure to a laser beam, Deoxys frequently appears around auroras. It is recognized as a Legendary Pokémon of the third generation...
; depending on the game version (FireRed, LeafGreen, Emerald), the DNA Pokémon Deoxys will be in one of its 3 variations. The Sevii Islands are located off the south part of the Kanto/Johto landmass. They are based on the Izu
Izu Islands
The are a group of volcanic islands stretching south and east from the Izu Peninsula of Honshū, Japan. Administratively, they form two towns and six villages; all part of Tokyo. The largest is Izu Ōshima, usually called simply Ōshima....
and Bonin Islands.
Sinnoh
The is a large region that is the setting of the games Pokémon Diamond, PearlPokémon Diamond and Pearl
are role-playing games developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS. With the enhanced remake Pokémon Platinum, the games comprise the fifth installment and fourth generation of the Pokémon series of RPGs...
, and Platinum
Pokémon Platinum
is a title in the Pokémon series of video games. It was developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS handheld game console. It is an enhanced remake of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl in the same vein as Pokémon Yellow, Crystal, and Emerald were for their respective games...
, located far north of the Kanto/Johto landmass. The region contains a large amount of towns and cities, but only a few sea routes. It is a varied region containing a mountain range and four lakes, one of which is hidden, each housing a Legendary Pokémon. It is the first Pokémon RPG to feature snowy regions. The region blends urban cities with more traditional towns together. It also has a hidden underground area that is used for housing secret bases, playing Capture the Flag
Capture the flag
Capture the Flag is a traditional outdoor sport generally played by children, where two teams each have a flag and the objective is to capture the other team's flag, located at the team's "base," and bring it safely back to their own base...
games, and a fossil/item hunt. Seasons 10-13 of the Pokémon anime are the first seasons that are set in this region. Sinnoh is based on the geography of the Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
ese island of Hokkaidō
Hokkaido
, formerly known as Ezo, Yezo, Yeso, or Yesso, is Japan's second largest island; it is also the largest and northernmost of Japan's 47 prefectural-level subdivisions. The Tsugaru Strait separates Hokkaido from Honshu, although the two islands are connected by the underwater railway Seikan Tunnel...
, the southern half of the Russia
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
n island of Sakhalin
Sakhalin
Sakhalin or Saghalien, is a large island in the North Pacific, lying between 45°50' and 54°24' N.It is part of Russia, and is Russia's largest island, and is administered as part of Sakhalin Oblast...
, and the disputed
Kuril Islands dispute
The Kuril Islands dispute , also known as the , is a dispute between Japan and Russia over sovereignty over the South Kuril Islands. The disputed islands, which were occupied by Soviet forces during the Manchurian Strategic Offensive Operation at the end of World War II, are under Russian...
island of Kunashir
Kunashir Island
Kunashir Island , possibly meaning Black Island or Grass Island in Ainu, is the southernmost island of the Kuril Islands, which are controlled by Russia and claimed by Japan ....
. A mountain range splits the Eastern and Western sides of Sinnoh, and the types of Pokémon there can differ in color and size, affecting the Shellos and Gastrodon species. The latest game set in Sinnoh was Pokémon Platinum. In Platinum, Sinnoh has gone through several changes, including the presence of snow in areas such as Twinleaf Town, the link to the Distortion World, and the Battle Frontier in the Battle Area.
The Sinnoh Region is believed have been created by a Legendary Pokémon called Arceus
Arceus
is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon franchise. Created by Ken Sugimori, Arceus first appeared in the video games Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, later appearing in various merchandise, spinoff titles and animated and printed adaptations of the franchise.-Concept and...
. According to legend, Arceus also made three powerful dragon-type Pokémon of the Sinnoh region: Dialga who controls time, Palkia who controls space, and Giratina
Giratina
, is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon franchise. Created by Ken Sugimori, Giratina first appeared in the video games Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, but gained prominence in the remake, Pokémon Platinum, which it was made the mascot of. It later appeared in various merchandise,...
who controls and travels through dimensions. Dialga stars in Pokémon Diamond, Palkia in Pokémon Pearl, and Giratina in Pokémon Platinum. Arceus also made the three legendary, psychic-type Pixies (also called lake guardians) that live in the three lakes in the Sinnoh Region: Uxie (being of Knowledge), located at Lake Acuity; Mesprit (being of Emotion), located at Lake Verity; and Azelf (being of Willpower), located at Lake Valor. Other legends in Sinnoh feature the Lunar Pokémon Cresselia, whose presence induces pleasant dreams, and the Pitch-Black Pokémon Darkrai, whose presence only induces nightmares; the Seafaring Pokémon Manaphy (who can only be acquired through playing one of the Pokémon Ranger
Pokémon Ranger
is an action/role-playing video game developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS video game console. The game was released at various dates, varying between continents. The game was first released in Japan on March 22, 2006 and was later released in North America and...
games) and its child the Sea Drifter Pokémon Phione, who protect the seas; the Lava Dome Pokémon Heatran who is said to have appeared in its home in Stark Mountain the same time Arceus created Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina; the Colossal Pokémon Regigigas, who created Hoenn's Regirock, Regice, and Registeel after it used ropes to move the continents around; and the Gratitude Pokémon Shaymin, which has the ability to purify any polluted area and transform it into a field of flowers.
Unova
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| The Unova Region (left) is based on New York City New York City New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and... . All previous Pokémon main series game settings were based on regions of Japan. |
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The Unova Region, known in Japan as , is the region featured in Pokémon Black and White
Pokémon Black and White
are role-playing games developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS. They are the first installments in the fifth generation of the Pokémon series of role-playing games...
. According to the development team, Unova is "located far away from Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh." In the Pokémon Pia book, director Junichi Masuda
Junichi Masuda
is a video game composer, director, designer, producer, and programmer best known for his work on the Pokémon franchise. He is a member of the Game Freak board of directors, and has worked at the company since 1989. He helped compose the music for games like Mendel Palace and Smart Ball before...
revealed that Unova (Isshu) was modeled after New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
. Unova is host to large urban areas, a harbor, an airport, an amusement park, and several mountain ranges. In addition to a diversity of new landscapes, the Unova Region is also home to a diversity of people who vary in skin tone
Human skin color
Human skin color is primarily due to the presence of melanin in the skin. Skin color ranges from almost black to white with a pinkish tinge due to blood vessels underneath. Variation in natural skin color is mainly due to genetics, although the evolutionary causes are not completely certain...
and occupation. The region's Japanese name is derived from the Japanese words and ; the of people and Pokémon you see up close look like only of life from afar. Season 14 of the anime onward, collectively titled in Japan as Best Wishes!
Pokémon: Best Wishes!
This is a list of episodes of Pokémon: Black & White, the fourteenth season of the Pokémon anime television series, covering the continuing adventures of series protagonist Ash Ketchum as he travels to the new region of Unova. In Japan, this is the first portion of the branding of the anime series...
, is set in Unova.
A new feature put in the Black and White games is that areas in the games are visually distinct between versions; while locations in Black appear to be very modern and urban
Urban area
An urban area is characterized by higher population density and vast human features in comparison to areas surrounding it. Urban areas may be cities, towns or conurbations, but the term is not commonly extended to rural settlements such as villages and hamlets.Urban areas are created and further...
, the same locations in White will appear to be older and more rural. This feature is exemplified in two locations that are unique to each game and are located in the same location on the map: the ultra-metropolitan , home to only humans, and the verdant , where humans and Pokémon live in harmony. Unova also features the return of underwater Regions accessible through the Dive move. In addition, Unova has a season
Season
A season is a division of the year, marked by changes in weather, ecology, and hours of daylight.Seasons result from the yearly revolution of the Earth around the Sun and the tilt of the Earth's axis relative to the plane of revolution...
al cycle. The winter
Winter
Winter is the coldest season of the year in temperate climates, between autumn and spring. At the winter solstice, the days are shortest and the nights are longest, with days lengthening as the season progresses after the solstice.-Meteorology:...
months change the rarity of Pokémon in some areas, certain areas can only be accessed with heavy snow on the ground, and the Deerling and Sawsbuck Pokémon have different physical appearances linked to the seasonal changes.
The mythology of the Unova Region states that in the past there were two brothers who ruled over the Region, assisted by a powerful Dragon Pokémon. However, the brothers began to fight over how the new nation should be run, and the Pokémon split itself into two: the Deep Black (Black Yin) Pokémon Zekrom, who sided with the younger of the brothers, and the Vast White (White Yang) Pokémon Reshiram, who sided with the older. The two Dragon Pokémon fought endlessly, and it was foretold that they would fight until the Unova Region was destroyed. To stop them, the people of Unova put Reshiram and Zekrom into deep sleeps. Other legends feature the Pokémon Victini
Victini
is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon franchise. Created by Ken Sugimori, Victini first appeared in the video games Pokémon Black and White, later appearing in various merchandise, spinoff titles and animated and printed adaptations of the franchise.-Concept and...
, whose presence could turn the tide of battle to its Trainer's favor; Cobalion, Terrakion, and Virizion, who are said to protect Pokémon habitats from humans and have attacked humans' castles for threatening Pokémon; the nature deities Tornadus, Thundurus, and Landorus; and the Boundary Pokémon Kyurem, who is said to have come to the Unova Region on an icy meteor in the past.
Pokémon Island
is the setting of Pokémon SnapPokémon Snap
is a first-person rail shooter and simulation video game developed by HAL Laboratory with Pax Softnica and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 64 video game console. It is part of the Pokémon series, and one of the first console games based on the Pokémon series...
. It is a nature reserve where Professor Oak researches many wild species, all of which are native to Kanto.
Orange Islands
Manga
Manga is the Japanese word for "comics" and consists of comics and print cartoons . In the West, the term "manga" has been appropriated to refer specifically to comics created in Japan, or by Japanese authors, in the Japanese language and conforming to the style developed in Japan in the late 19th...
. It is made up of a series of small islands, located south of Cinnabar Island and the Seafoam Islands. Season 2 of the Pokémon anime is set in this region. Four of the Orange Islands (Fire Island, Lightning Island, Ice Island, and Shamouti Island) are the setting of the film Pokémon: The Movie 2000
Pokémon: The Movie 2000
Pokémon: The Movie 2000, originally released in Japan as , is a 1999 Japanese animated film directed by Kunihiko Yuyama as the second Pokémon feature-length film, complementing the Orange Islands saga of the series and featuring several new Pokémon, including Lugia and Slowking...
. In both the Japanese and English editions of the anime and manga, each island is named after a different variety of citrus
Citrus
Citrus is a common term and genus of flowering plants in the rue family, Rutaceae. Citrus is believed to have originated in the part of Southeast Asia bordered by Northeastern India, Myanmar and the Yunnan province of China...
fruit.
The archipelago is different climatically from Kanto, which is temperate while the archipelago is tropical. One effect of the different climate is that Pokémon found in the Orange Islands have different patterns or colors than are found on the main land. In addition, several of the islands feature unique Pokémon found nowhere else: one island is home to a rare fruit that turns Pokémon pink if they eat it, and another island is home to an Onix
Onix (Pokémon)
Onix, known in Japan as , is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon franchise. Created by Ken Sugimori, Onix first appeared in the video games Pokémon Red and Blue and in subsequent sequels, later appearing in various merchandise, spinoff titles and animated and printed adaptations...
whose body is made of crystal
Lead glass
Lead glass is a variety of glass in which lead replaces the calcium content of a typical potash glass. Lead glass contains typically 18–40 weight% lead oxide , while modern lead crystal, historically also known as flint glass due to the original silica source, contains a minimum of 24% PbO...
rather than rock.
Orre
The is a mostly arid region that is the setting of Pokémon ColosseumPokémon Colosseum
is a role-playing video game developed by Genius Sonority and published by Nintendo as part of the Pokémon series. It was released exclusively for the Nintendo GameCube on November 21, 2003 in Japan; March 22, 2004 in North America; and May 14, 2004 in Europe...
and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness
Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness
Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, released in Japan as , is the second console role-playing game from Nintendo's Pokémon franchise for the Nintendo GameCube. It is the successor of the GameCube game Pokémon Colosseum. The game takes place in Orre, the setting of Pokémon Colosseums adventure mode...
. The structures (most of which appear to be made of pieces of older structures) found within Orre lend a post-apocalyptic feel to it as well. In this region, wild Pokémon are rare, and can only be caught in specific spots, and only during the events of Pokémon XD: The Gale of Darkness.
Fiore
The is the setting of the game Pokémon RangerPokémon Ranger
is an action/role-playing video game developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS video game console. The game was released at various dates, varying between continents. The game was first released in Japan on March 22, 2006 and was later released in North America and...
. It does not appear in the Pokémon anime, although Solana, the female protagonist of the game, has made two appearances. Pokémon Ranger implies that it is located quite some distance from the other regions of the Pokémon world. It resembles Niigata in the Chubu region of Japan. It is a relatively small island region that is quite mountainous. There are four areas in Fiore, each named after the season it constantly experiences — Ring
Spring (season)
Spring is one of the four temperate seasons, the transition period between winter and summer. Spring and "springtime" refer to the season, and broadly to ideas of rebirth, renewal and regrowth. The specific definition of the exact timing of "spring" varies according to local climate, cultures and...
town, Fall City, Win
Winter
Winter is the coldest season of the year in temperate climates, between autumn and spring. At the winter solstice, the days are shortest and the nights are longest, with days lengthening as the season progresses after the solstice.-Meteorology:...
town, and Summer
Summer
Summer is the warmest of the four temperate seasons, between spring and autumn. At the summer solstice, the days are longest and the nights are shortest, with day-length decreasing as the season progresses after the solstice...
land. Fiore contains 213 Pokémon that can be captured in Pokémon Ranger, but it does not have any Pokémon trainers. All of the people who live with Pokémon keep them outside of Poké Balls, much like pets.
Almia
The is the setting of the game Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of AlmiaPokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia
is an action/role-playing video game developed by Creatures Inc. for the Nintendo DS video game console. It is the sequel to the Pokémon Ranger video game, also for the DS....
located at the east of Fiore. It is also the location of the Headquarters of the Pokémon Rangers. It slightly resembles the northern most tip of the Tohoku region of Japan, and the south western tip of the Hokkaido Island. If this is true, it could possibly connect very closely with the Sinnoh region.
Oblivia
The is the setting of the most recent Pokémon Ranger game, Pokémon Ranger: Guardian SignsPokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs
is an action role-playing game video game for the Nintendo DS. It is the sequel of Pokémon Ranger and Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia and third installment of its series. It was released in Japan on March 6, 2010, North America on October 4, 2010, and Europe on November 5, 2010. Gameplay revolves...
. It has three major islands, two which are connected by a bridge
Bridge
A bridge is a structure built to span physical obstacles such as a body of water, valley, or road, for the purpose of providing passage over the obstacle...
. There are also several smaller islands, two of which seem to be volcanic.
Holon
is a region introduced in the Pokémon Trading Card Game. It is a known habitat of the unusual δ Delta Species Pokémon, also introduced in the TCG. Holon is not featured in any video game.TCG islands
An unnamed island is the setting of the Pokémon Trading Card Game video gamePokémon Trading Card Game (video game)
Pokémon Trading Card Game, originally released in Japan as is a video game adaptation of the original tabletop trading card game of the same name, which in turn was based on the Pokémon role-playing video game series...
. This island is in a separate fictional universe
Fictional universe
A fictional universe is a self-consistent fictional setting with elements that differ from the real world. It may also be called an imagined, constructed or fictional realm ....
where Pokémon only exist as cards. It consists of eight Clubs, which are similar to Pokémon Gyms, a version of the Elite Four called the Grand Masters, and a Card Lab. In Pokémon Card GB2, a second unnamed island is introduced, and features the various headquarters of Team Great Rocket known as Forts and Castles, where the Club Masters and Grand Masters are being held captive. They do not appear in the anime.
Stadium regions
The setting of Pokémon StadiumPokémon Stadium
Pokémon Stadium, known as in Japan, is a strategy game developed by Nintendo EAD with the assistance of Creatures and HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 64 video game console. It was released on April 30, 1999 in Japan, February 29, 2000 in North America, and April 7, 2000...
is unknown, but according to Super Smash Bros. Melee
Super Smash Bros. Melee
Super Smash Bros. Melee, known in Japan as , often abbreviated as SSBM or simply as Melee, is a crossover fighting game released for the Nintendo GameCube shortly after its launch in . It is the successor to the Nintendo 64 game Super Smash Bros., and the predecessor to the Wii game Super Smash...
, Pokémon Stadium is somewhere in Kanto. is the setting of Pokémon Stadium 2
Pokémon Stadium 2
Pokémon Stadium 2, known as in Japan, is a video game for the Nintendo 64. It features all 251 Pokémon from the first and second generations. It was released in North America as simply Pokémon Stadium 2, as it was the second Stadium game to be released there. In Japan, Pokémon Stadium Kin Gin was...
, and is the setting of Pokémon Battle Revolution
Pokémon Battle Revolution
is the first Wii incarnation of the Pokémon video game franchise. It is also the first Wii game to use the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection in North America and Japan and the first Wii game to wirelessly interact with the Nintendo DS handheld....
. They do not appear in the anime.
Mystery Dungeon regions
The Pokémon Mystery DungeonPokémon Mystery Dungeon
- Manga :*Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Ginji's Rescue Team, manga adaption of Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team and Red Rescue Team*Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Blazing Exploration Team, manga adaption of Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time, Explorers of Darkness, and Explorers of Sky.-...
games, like the TCG games, appear to take place in yet another universe, where Pokémon live like human beings. They seem to have heard of humans, but know of none in their world. In the game the main character was a human who has been turned into to a Pokémon, but does not know why because he/she has suffered memory loss.
Rumble Stadium
The Rumble Stadium is the setting of Pokémon RumblePokémon Rumble
Pokémon Rumble is a Pokémon video game for WiiWare. It was developed by Ambrella. Pokémon Rumble was rated "E10+" by the ESRB, making it the first Pokémon video game to be given an ESRB rating higher than "E" for Everyone...
. It is a basic area with forests and caves where Pokémon are treated as semi-disposable toys, and as a result, never master more than two moves at a time.
Unknown locations
Hey You, Pikachu!Hey You, Pikachu!
Hey You, Pikachu!, known in Japan as , is a Nintendo 64 video game developed by Ambrella and published by Nintendo. It was first released in Japan on December 12, 1998, and in North America on November 6, 2000....
, Pokémon Channel
Pokémon Channel
Pokémon Channel, released in Japan as is a virtual pet video game for the GameCube, developed by Ambrella. Its focus is the adventures the player has with Pikachu, most of them involving a new television network...
, and PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure all take place in unknown areas somewhere in the Pokémon world, although Professor Oak appears with some of his inventions in the first two.