Summary
Creature designs in thePokemonfranchise represent a wide variety of concepts and take inspiration from numerous different sources. Fans of thePokemonseries likely have design elements that draw them to their favorite mons, but not every design choice is universally praised by fans. While some mons are clearly inspired by various animals or mythical creatures, one design trend has been controversial within thePokemoncommunity, with a section of the fan base lamenting the existence of these critters.
It’s almost become a meme at this point that Pokemon based on objects are just that object “but with eyes.“Gen 9’s Varoom and Revavroomwere the most recent targets of this criticism, but past mons like Klefki, Chandelure, and Chimecho have also endured similar sentiments from some members of the community. However, there is a good reason why Game Freak continues to create object-inspired mons, as this design trend has its roots in the folklore that shapes the franchise as a whole.
Many Object-Inspired Pokemon Designs Draw Inspiration from Japanese Tsukumogami Yokai
By and large, thePokemonfranchise is heavily inspired by Japanese yokai mythology, as its vast array of mythological creatures have counterparts in Game Freak’s universe. Obvious examples of this design inspiration can be seen in mons like Ninetales, which is based on a kyubi no kitsune, orShiftry, which is based on a tengu. However, there are numerous mons that incorporate aspects of different yokai into their designs, many of which are the object mons that have been so divisive amongPokemonfans.
In Japanese, “kyubi no kitsune” translates to “nine-tailed fox,” showing the most literal interpretation of Ninetales' design origin.
Withinyokai mythology, there is a subset of creatures known as tsukumogami, or objects that have gained a spirit and become sentient. It is said that inanimate objects like tools or furniture that have existed for 100 years earn a soul and become sentient as a reward for existing for such a long time. These objects become tsukumogami and form the basis for many Pokemon that appear to be just living versions of various objects, demonstrating that there is more to the concept behind object mons than simply being an object.
Object Mons Represent Some of the Most Creative Pokemon Designs
While it’s easy to dismiss certain mons likeBronzor or Chinglingas nothing more than a sentient metal disk or a living bell, the folklore inspiration behind many of these mons elevate them to be some of the most creative and uniquely designed creatures in thePokemonfranchise. Chingling, for example, is based on the suzuhiko hime, or bell princess, which is a tsukumogami possessing a Shinto ritual bell that dances wildly, jingling for passersby to hear. Along those same lines, Bronzor is based on the ungaikyo, a haunted mirror with the power to manipulate the viewer into seeing whatever they feel like.
ManyGhost-type Pokemonare based on tsukumogami as well, given that their real-world folklore says these yokai are spirits possessing objects. Polteageist is an interesting object-inspired mon that not only draws inspiration from the Western concept of a poltergeist but also features elements of the morinji-no-okama, a tsukumogami that is essentially a living teapot. To further cement the relationship between Ghost-types and tsukumogami, Rotom takes on a direct representation of the concept of a spirit possessing an inanimate object, since it has the gimmick of being able to change forms depending on which appliance it possesses.
Even with the knowledge of their folklore-inspired designs, not every player is necessarily going to be a fan of these object mons. However, it’s important to appreciate the thoughtful design choices that go into creating these mons and realize that they are far from lazy designs or simply objects with eyes.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
WHERE TO PLAY
The school that you’ve enrolled in as you playPokémon ScarletandPokémon Violethosts a special independent study project. The theme of this assignment is “A Treasure Hunt.” Explore the world and seek out your very own treasure!Three stories will be woven into your adventure while traversing the sprawling Paldea region. Along Victory Road, you will go to Gyms in different locations in order to to achieve Champion Rank. On the Path of Legends, you may join Arven in search of rare ingredients. And in ★ Starfall Street ★, you’ll challenge Team Star, a group of delinquents causing trouble for the school.These stories are set in an open world, so where you go is all up to you. A world teeming with Pokémon and people to meet is waiting for you—traverse the Paldea region wherever you heart desires.
