pikachu Logos and Brands

The most recognizable character in the Pokémon franchise is the subject of the “Pikachu” section, dedicated to the visual history of the yellow electric Pokémon. Pikachu appeared in 1996 as one of 151 original characters in the Game Boy game, and was later chosen as the mascot of the entire franchise and its main advertising face. Pikachu’s image has evolved from the chubby creature of early illustrations to the more elongated and stylized figure familiar from the anime series and merchandising. This section examines how a single game character became a cultural phenomenon, generating billions in licensing revenue and serving as a symbol of Japanese pop culture worldwide.