Become an expert on the Pokemon Pikachu in less than 5 minutes and amaze your child!

More than $75 billion: this is the amount raised by the Pokémon franchise since the broadcast of its first games in 1996. The phenomenon unleashes passions around the world. It even arrived in your home! Your child in collects cards, he spends hours tackling challenges on his console and loves to watch Animated by the license. However, one question nags you: what is a Pokémon ? Literally, it is a " pocket monster " that captures and tames itself. The goal? Building the best team to challenge the greatest Trainers !

The Pokémon Pikachu is undoubtedly the best known. Kind of cross between a mouse and a squirrelthe yellow creature has been electrifying its audience for more than 25 years. Moreover, it quickly became the Official mascot of the license. But who really is Pikachu ? Why does he like so much and especially how did he invite himself into the lives of children? Answers in the article!

Who is Pikachu?

Pikachu is the most popular of the Pokémon. It looks like a small mouse covered with a yellow coat. It has long ears with black tips, round cheeks of a bright red and a large tail in the shape of lightning. Another distinctive feature: it has two horizontal brown stripes on its back.             

The creature is endowed with extraordinary powers. A species of "elektrik" type, it is able to charge its body with electricity. If she gets upset, she releases the energy stored in her cheeks. It is this "power" that Pikachu will use to defeat his opponents in battle.

In the anime, this hairball is the faithful companion of Sacha, a 10-year-old boy who aspires to become a Pokémon Master. Their very strong bond will guide them throughout their adventures.

What does "pikachu" mean?

The name "Pikachu" given to the most famous Pokémon is the combination of two Japanese words: "pika" and "chu". Contrary to what rumors suggest (rumors denied by the designer of Pokémon, Satoshi Tajiri), the term "pika" does not refer to the small rodent found in the mountains of North America or Asia. It represents the onomatopoeia used to name a spark, a spark. As for the term "chu", it is the squeak emitted by the mouse for the Japanese. A quibble perceived differently in France!

« Pika " is the sound that the Japanese say of an electric spark. and " teaching hospital " is the sound a mouse makes. So Pikachu is like an electric mouse.
Satoshi Tajiri's comments in a 1999 Time interview

> Did you know? In the original manga, Pikachu is nicknamed Jean-Luc by Sacha! Even though Pokémon is a Japanese game, oriental inspirations are diverse.

What is the history of Pikachu?

Alone and without family, Pikachu is taken in by a Kangarex mother (another species of Pokémon) who will raise him as her own child. A few years later, he is captured by Professor Chen, a great Pokémon scientist. The latter will offer it to a young boy named Sacha who wants to become a trainer.

Even if the meeting between the two protagonists was not without a hitch, Sacha will gradually gain the trust of the yellow hairball by protecting it from attacks against him. Together, they will travel many parts of the world in search of other Pokémon all more fascinating than each other.

What are Pikachu's strengths and weaknesses?

A Pokémon encyclopedia lists the different species: it is called "Pokedex". All creatures and their characteristics are listed there. Pikachu occupies the 25^e position. But what more do we learn?

We learn that it belongs to the species "electric mouse". The elektrik-type Pokémon has electricity-generating organs and some of its cells harbor iron flakes. But the overflow of electricity can be harmful: placed in an insulating medium, it suffers from overload.

However, this power is a real asset in many combat situations. At the slightest attack, the Pokémon generates a magnetic field capable of repelling Elektrik or Steel attacks and disorienting Flight-type Pokémon that rely on Earth's magnetic field lines for guidance.

Why does the Pokemon Pickachu appeal so much to children?

When they made the anime, they wanted to focus on a specific character. Pikachu was relatively popular compared to others and potentially both boys and girls would like it. They have heard a lot of opinions about it. That was not my idea.
Satoshi Tajiri, designer

Its yellow coat and friendly boil make this chubby little Pokémon a pretty mascot. It appeals to everyone, girls and boys, children and adults. But the craze for this little pocket monster is not only due to his image...

A transitional object for children

Pikachu stands out as a real transitional object for children. As a virtual hero, he has many qualities that reason in the hearts of little fans. Cunning, but eternally worried, the animal is afraid of growing up and undergoing the upheavals inherent in such an evolution. Young people from 7 to 12 years old, in the same state of mind, identify completely with the little character.

> Another advantage: collectible Pokémon cards satisfy the need for ranking of the youngest. Indeed, the latter take possession of the elements of the outside world by ordering each of these small cards like a researcher busy with the scientific classification of different species.

An identification with his master Sacha

The children recognize themselves in the character of Sacha. This young boy, of appearance like the others, is full of energy and courage. His ambition to become the world's greatest Pokémon trainer pushes him to excel in every battle. He is also a loyal little man always ready to help his friends.

All the qualities attributed to the character of Sacha resonate in the minds of many children. Indeed, the protagonist indirectly shows that everyone has a place in society and that everyone can succeed in the field they have chosen and want to invest.

According to Alain Curabet, psychotherapist and coach interviewed by the magazine Psychologies, the child identifies with the behavior and values of his parents to grow. But this "education" alone can be limiting. To understand himself, to learn himself through his sensitivity, his imagination, his creativity and his intuition, the little being needs to identify with his favorite virtual heroes like Super Mario, Sonic or Pikachu...

>Don't know Sonic? Discover our Article about the blue hedgehog !

How does Pikachu fit into children's daily lives?

It's been more than a quarter of a century since Pokemon (and more specifically Pikachu) invited themselves into homes. The little yellow creature immediately knew how to seduce young and old alike. It was then that many derivative products in his image were born. Pikachu is found on clothing and School bags, he rests like a blessed on the bed of children and of course he participates in all their fighting games with friends!

Pikachu school bags lead the fight at school

The playgrounds were first overrun with Pokémon trading cards. Then came the school bags who have seized the phenomenon. Binders backpacks or Wheeled bags : all the favorite accessories of kindergarten and primary school children have been adorned with the cute Pikachu!

By adopting a bag bearing the image of the yellow pocket monster, students expose their passion to classmates and teachers. Every morning, they go to school with the little yellow creature: together, they are ready to accomplish great things!

The Pokémons' electric mouse takes over children's rooms

The Pokémon mascot can also be found at home! And especially in the rooms of the youngest. On the market of licensing, pyjamas, Cushions, soft toys, duvet covers representing Pikachu abound. Girls and boys alike are delighted to enjoy a personalized decoration. A beautiful proof of love from their parents...

Ready to wow your Pokémon fan? Here is a small summary of what you need to know about this yellow creature!

• small yellow Pokémon with electrical powers;
• friend of Sasha;
• "Pikachu" means "electric mouse";
• One of children's favorite virtual heroes.

Remember that this mascot is likely to help your child grow well. Object of transition or identity figure, it participates in the evolution of your little being.

So to please him, take a look at the toon shop! You will find pretty school bags and other school bags with Pikachu's image, not to mention beautiful duvet covers and cushions! So many nice gifts to catch and offer to your young Pokémaniac!

Discover our Pokemon Store

Sources:

- time.com: interview with Satoshi Tajiri, Pokémon designer

- psychologies.com: Children's virtual heroes explained to parents