If you didn't already know, Pokemon stands for 'Pocket Monster' due to the fact that large monsters can be contained in small capsules known as 'Pokeballs' that can fit into one's pocket (in case you 'really' didn't know, Pokemon is a computer game with popular spinoff merchandise such as Pokemon plush toys, Pokemon figures, and a variety of trading game cards, such as promo cards, holofoil cards, shiny entei, and others). Generally speaking, most of the Pokemon are cute to look at, which usually belies some ferocious power they have. Pikachu, for example, is hands down considered the Pokemon mascot. Pikachu looks cute and adorable (kind of a cross between a seal and a ferret) but can shock an opponent with a tremendous electrical charge.
Pokemon is complicated on the surface, and is complicated behind the scenes as well. As a game, it has steadily evolved, has had its up's and down's, and is undisputedly very popular, though I fail to see how it stands in originality when pitted against other games of its caliber. I can only think that the fantasy concepts behind drive game play and keep 'trainers' engrossed on their way to becoming Pokemon Masters.
There are several noteworthy cultural observations that I have behind Pokemon. The first is that the inventor of the game, Satoshi Tajiri, was an avid insect collector and that this pastime is actually the original concept behind the game- that you would catch monsters like you would insects and keep them in capsules ready for battle with your friend's monster, like two boys will sometimes battle insects. Having lived in Japan for many years, I have seen how fanatic boys here can be about collecting insects and keeping them in little green plastic baskets. They can spend the whole day doing this. They can even spend up to several hundred dollars U.S. for a single armored beetle! The other concept that comes to mind culturally is that of bonsai. I don't know what Mr. Tajiri's initial thoughts were about the size and capsules of his game monsters, but very quickly the game evolved into a scenario in which a catcher (trainer) could use a Pokeball to shrink a very large 'monster' to fit into a small container. Anyone who has been to Japan can immediately appreciate the Japanese knack of fitting large things into small spaces in a practical sense, and 'miniaturizing' nature in the artistic sense.
One puzzle though is the cuteness of the Pokemon. Other storylines such as Ultraman have chosen to show monsters as grotesque and crustacean like. Pokemon are attractive however and right out of nature, taking the forms of deer, beaver, birds, and other comely animals. Although there is the occasional turtle, rarely do we find scaly or lizard-like creatures in Pokemon.
Dinah Jackson writes articles about Pokemon. For the newest Pokemon Black and White information on the web, check out the new Pokemon free online magazine called Pokezine. There are hundreds of magazine articles on all different Pokemon subjects for free. Get all the latest news, plus tons of information about upcoming great items like Pokemon shiny Suicune, Raikou, Entei, Serperior, Oshawott, Snivy, Tepig, Minccino and many more. Check it out. Its 100% free.
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