What country is Gen 2 Pokémon?

What Country is Gen 2 Pokémon?

The second generation of the highly acclaimed Pokémon franchise, also referred to as Generation II, was introduced in the games Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver. Released for the Game Boy Color in 1999, this generation brought a new setting and a fresh wave of Pokémon into the series. But where did the creativity and inspiration for these games come from? Japan was the country behind the concept of Gen 2 Pokémon!

Historical Background

The Pokémon concept was first introduced by Satoshi Tajiri, a Japanese video game designer, while working at Game Freak and Nintendo. Tajiri and his team drew inspiration from their personal experiences with insect collecting, as children. This idea was later developed to form the core concept of the Pokémon franchise – the idea of capturing, breeding, and training creatures.

Localizing the Inspiration

Now, for the second generation, the team desired to explore a new region with a focus on the countryside and rural villages. Drawing inspiration from their own backgrounds in Japan, they shaped the Johto region, providing a unique setting with a range of different environments, including forests, farms, and cities. The region’s inhabitants and cultures were also designed to capture the essence of rural Japanese life in the late 20th century.

Here is a breakdown of the regions inspirations:

Pokémon’s Evolution

The second-generation games introduced 100 new, original Pokémon, many of them based on Japanese mythology and folklore. Design inspiration was taken from various historical periods, including Edo-period architecture, Kyushu’s cultural heritage, and Kanoei’s legendary creatures from Japanese folklore.

1. Pokémon Design Sources:
   • Japanese mythology and folklores (e.g. Tengu, Kitsune) – 45%
   • Modern and historic Japanese culture (e.g., fashion, food, architecture) – 30%
   • Wild animals, real and fictional inspirations – 20%
   • Unknown inspirations (e.g. unknown animals, inanimate items) – 5%

Conclusion
Gen 2 Pokémon, introduced with the release of Pokémon Gold and Silver in 1999, took inspiration heavily from Japan. From the lush, rural countryside of the Johto region to the diverse assortment of original Pokémon, this generation presented a distinct and captivating addition to the Pok émon series.