I Want To Be The Very Best

Pokémon has been a part of many children’s lives throughout the past 24 years, but it has been a part of series creator Satoshi Tajiri for much longer. As a child born in rural Tokyo on August 28, 1965, Tajiri found a hobby of collecting insects and playing video games. In fact, his love of video games was so much that he frequently cut classes to play. Tajiri did end up graduating high school but chose to get a two-year Technical Degree at Tokyo National College of Technology rather than going to a four-year university. Over time, Tajiri helped turn a fanzine (fan-made magazine) into a company called Game Freak and started working on several projects, one of which would earn him worldwide fame: Pokémon. 

Tajiri worked on several early games that helped inspire his later work, however Pokémon was closest to his heart. He wanted to create a game that would help kids feel the joy he felt when catching bugs. This dream helped to push Tajiri’s creativity and form the unique theme that is Pokémon throughout the Pokémon games. 

The story of each Pokémon game is unique yet connected. Several common themes connect every Pokémon game, including the quest for earning all available badges and beating the champion, capturing and training your own Pokémon, and defeating an evil team that is trying to advance their dastardly plots. However, each game is also unique, with new Pokémon, locations, moves, items, characters, and stories to experience. 

Each game creates a bond with the player through their choices and interactions with their digital Pokémon, much like a pet. The world in each game is unique and interesting, with many locations and optional side stories to explore. This richness and depth helps create lasting memories with players of all ages, and the use of more advanced mechanics pull in players who want to take their games to the next level. 

Pokémon is a significant part of life for children and adults everywhere. Since the Pokémon games first came out, there have been several spinoffs that have helped continue Pokémon’s growth over all these years. These include a trading card game, phone app, and even entire amusement parks. Pokémon has also collected a fanbase numbering in the millions, or possibly even billions, with almost double that amount having heard something about it. 

This connected thread that weaves Pokéfans together allows players to feel connected not only in a community, but also in a shared experience. We enjoy being part of something, and as children, many of us have found that connection through Pokémon. Even as we grow, that connection and nostalgia never leaves, but instead is strengthened. We may become interested in other things, but there will always be a special place in our hearts for Pokémon.