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Transcript

Japanese Culture

in Pokemon

Why are signs of Japanese culture

removed from Pokemon games

in America?

Many Pokemon designs are rooted in

Japanese culture.

Since most Americans don't understand this,

they are given "new" meanings.

In the earlier years, many aspects of Japanese culture were controversial.

Therefore, in later generations, Game Freak has

tried to stay away from cultural references.

Simply put, video games in America are much less cultural than video games in Japan. References to culture are much less common. Therefore, the fact that Pokemon introduces many different elements of Japanese culture to gamers is often ignored in favor of gameplay and entertainment value.

Each region of Pokemon (except Unova) is based on a

different region of Japan.

Kanto: Kanto and east Chubu regions

Johto: Kansai and west Chubu region

Hoenn: Kyushu and Okinawa region

Sinnoh: Hokkaido region

Unova: Manhattan, NY.

However, these facts are irrelevant to most

American gamers and references are removed

from American translations.

Relevance

Gym Leader Lenora is the first black character in the Pokemon series. In the American artwork, she looks noticeably thinner and less matronly to avoid racist claims.

Although based on the Yuki-onna (Japanese snow woman),

Jynx was attacked in the United States as a portrayal of "blackface" humor. Therefore, starting in Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire, Jynx's skin was changed to purple.

Controversy

The Pokemon Kadabra has the Japanese

name of Yungerer, which is a misspelling of "Uri Geller", a popular spoon-bending magician. Uri Geller sued Game Freak.

Likewise, in the Trading Card Game, Kadabra was pictured with a swastika symbol. Although the swastika is normally associated with Nazi Germany,

it is actually a Hindu symbol of happiness.

Kadabra has not appeared on a trading card or in the Anime since.

Understanding

Castform Teru Teru Bozu

Darmanitan Daruma Dolls

Chingling

Shinto Bells

Shiftry Tengu, the Japanese Goblin

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