Pikachu
Pikachu is an Electric-type Pokémon. It’s known for its yellow fur, pointy ears, and ability to generate electricity.
| National Pokedex No: 0025 |
| Type: |
| Category: Mouse Pokémon |
| Height: 0.4 m (1′04″) |
| Weight : 6.0 kg (13.2 lbs) |
| Gender: 50% ♂, 50 % ♀ |
| Abilities/Hidden abilities:Static/Lightning Rod |
Biology
Physical Characteristics
Pikachu has distinctive physical characteristics.
Pikachu has a compact, rodent-like body with short limbs and a stubby tail. Its fur is predominantly yellow, with brown stripes on its back and large, round, red cheeks.
Pikachu has large, expressive eyes, a small black nose, and a wide, smiling mouth. Pikachu’s ears are pointy and have black tips, resembling a lightning bolt.
Pikachu’s tail is short, shaped like a lightning bolt, and has a patch of brown at the base. It has three toes on each foot, each with small, visible claws.
Pikachu’s rosy red cheeks can generate and store electricity. Pikachu is relatively small, standing at around 1 foot 4 inches (0.4 meters) tall and weighing approximately 13.2 pounds (6 kilograms).
These features contribute to Pikachu’s iconic and endearing appearance, making it one of the most recognizable Pokémon worldwide.
Behaviour
Pikachu exhibits various behaviors that contribute to its character.
Pikachu is often portrayed as playful and energetic, engaging in activities like running, jumping, and playing with its Trainer. Pikachu is naturally curious, exploring its surroundings and showing interest in new things it encounters.
Pikachu is known for forming strong bonds with its Trainer and other Pokémon companions. It often displays loyalty and affection.
Pikachu’s Electric-type abilities are integral to its behavior. It can generate and discharge electricity, which it uses in battles and various situations. In battles, Pikachu showcases intelligence and adaptability. It learns a variety of Electric-type moves and develops effective combat strategies.
Pikachu is expressive and can convey a range of emotions, including happiness, surprise, and determination. Its facial expressions often reflect its mood.
Pikachu has demonstrated a protective instinct, especially towards its Trainer and friends. It can become fierce and determined when defending them. Pikachu interacts with other Pokémon and creatures, showcasing social behavior. It can form friendships with Pokémon of different species.
Pikachu learns and grows over time, gaining new experiences and skills. It evolves from Pichu when leveled up with high friendship and evolves into Raichu when exposed to a Thunder Stone.
These behaviors contribute to Pikachu’s charm and popularity among Pokémon fans, making it a beloved and iconic character in the Pokémon franchise.
Evolution
Pikachu undergoes evolution as part of its life cycle. Here is a detailed overview of Pikachu’s evolution.
Pikachu’s pre-evolutionary form is Pichu. Pichu is a Baby Pokémon and is the earliest stage in Pikachu’s evolutionary line. To evolve Pichu into Pikachu, a high level of friendship must be established between the Pichu and its Trainer. Friendship can be built through various means, such as spending time with Pichu, using it in battles, and providing items like the Soothe Bell.
Once Pichu has reached a sufficiently high level of friendship, it evolves into Pikachu. Pikachu retains its Electric-type attributes and gains additional abilities as it evolves. Pikachu is the form most commonly associated with the character in the Pokémon franchise.
Pikachu can further evolve into Raichu when exposed to a Thunder Stone. The Thunder Stone triggers the evolution, causing Pikachu to undergo a transformation into the larger and more powerful Raichu.
There are regional variations related to Raichu. In the Alola region, Pikachu evolves into Alolan Raichu when exposed to a Thunder Stone, resulting in an Electric/Psychic-type Pokémon with surfing abilities.
Gigantamax Pikachu
In specific instances, Pikachu has the ability to undergo Gigantamaxing, a phenomenon that enhances its size and changes its appearance during Gigantamax Dynamax battles. Gigantamax Pikachu has a unique appearance, featuring a larger size, altered fur pattern, and increased power in its Electric-type moves.
The evolution of Pikachu reflects the fundamental concept of growth and development in the Pokémon world. Pikachu’s evolution is tied to the bonds it forms with its Trainer and the experiences it gains throughout its journey. Each stage of evolution brings about changes in appearance, abilities, and overall strength, contributing to Pikachu’s significance in the Pokémon franchise.
Appearances
Anime Main Appearances
Ash’s Pikachu
Ash received Pikachu, as his starter Pokémon from Professor Oak in the inaugural episode of the Pokémon anime, ”Pokémon – I Choose You!”, marking its debut. Pikachu served as Ash’s iconic Pokémon throughout the original series to Pokémon Journeys: The Series, featuring in nearly every regular episode and Pokémon movie during that span, becoming one of the most recognizable and beloved Pokémon.
The episode “The Climb to Be the Very Best!” unveiled Pikachu’s Gigantamaxing ability (a special transformation that alters its appearance.). Unlike many Pokémon, Pikachu typically remains outside of its Poké Ball and travels on Ash’s shoulder or walks beside him.
Ash’s Pikachu is an iconic and central character in the Pokémon series, symbolizing the spirit of Pokémon training and adventure.
Pikachutwo
In the Pokémon movie “Pokémon: The First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes Back,” Ash’s Pikachu is cloned by Mewtwo, the powerful Psychic-type Pokémon.
Mewtwo, seeking to prove the superiority of cloned Pokémon, captures Ash, his friends, and their Pokémon. During their captivity, Mewtwo creates clones of several Pokémon, including Pikachu.
Unlike the real Pikachu, the cloned version can have black dots on the tips of its ears. Also their behavior is quite different. The cloned Pikachu has a much more aggressive behavior than Ash’s Pikachu.
Puka
Puka is a special Pikachu, which makes its debut in the episode titled “The Pi-Kahuna!” on Seafoam Island (a tropical holiday resort located near the ocean, close to Pallet Town).
Puka is owned by Victor, and Puka stands out because of its distinctive blue color, which is different from the typical yellow coloring of Pikachu. Thanks to his ability to sense the approaching tidal waves, Puka saved Ash from drowning.
Sparky
Sparky is a Pikachu that belongs to one of Ash Ketchum’s friends named Richie in the Pokémon anime. Sparky makes its debut in the episode titled “A Friend in Deed”. Unlike Ash’s Pikachu he doesn’t mind living in a Poké ball. Sparky looks like a typical Pikachu with the characteristic yellow fur and large, pointy ears. It shares the same basic design as other Pikachu in the series.
Ashachu
Lily is a Pokémon magician uses her magical abilities, and she casts a spell that transforms Ash into a Pikachu in the episode “Hocus Pokémon”. The transformation was temporary, lasting only for the duration of the episode “Hocus Pokémon.” The next episode Ash was seen reverting to his human form.
Cosplay Pikachu
Frank, a movie director and the self-proclaimed “biggest Pikachu fan in the world”, owned all Cosplay Pikachu. They appeared in the episode ”Lights! Camera! Pika!”.
Later, in the movie “Hoopa and the Clash of Ages,” Hoopa, a Mythical Pokémon with the ability to summon other Pokémon, including those from different regions and with unique characteristics, summoned all of Frank’s Cosplay Pikachu. This summoning was part of a prank orchestrated by Hoopa, involving a playful interaction with Ash and his Pikachu.
Goh’s Pikachu
Goh, one of Ash’s former traveling companions, captured a Pikachu in the episode “Gotta Catch a What?!”, which later evolved into Raichu along with a few others of its kind during the episode.
Captain Pikachu
Friede, a Pokémon Professor and the commander of the Rising Volt Tacklers, appeares to have a Pikachu named Captain Pikachu in the episode ”The Pendant That Starts It All: Part Two”.
Other appearences
The Pikachu had various other adventures: wild Pikachu appear in ”Pikachu’s Goodbye”, where Ash’s Pikachu chooses to stay with Ash despite the opportunity to join others. James uses a Pikachu in ”The Ultimate Test”, which fails and later zaps him as instructed. In ”Pokémon Mystery Dungeon”, Pikachu is rescued by Team Go-Getters. Ayumi’s Pikachu learns Thunderbolt in ”BWS01′‘, and Mirror World Pikachu is mischievous in ”The Cave of Mirrors”. Frank uses Pikachu in ”Lights! Camera! Pika!”, and Hoopa summons Pikachu in ”Hoopa and the Clash of Ages”. Jimmy’s Pikachu, Spike, faces off against Serena’s in ”Battling at Full Volume”, while Pikala owns Curly and Boss in ”A Plethora of Pikachu”.
Anime Minor Appearances
Nurse Joy oversees multiple Pikachu in ”Pokémon Emergency!”, aiding Ash’s Pikachu in defeating Team Rocket for the first time. They appear again in ”Pikachu’s Goodbye”.
Several Pikachu were present in ”Battle Aboard the St. Anne”. In a flashback in ”Pokémon Double Trouble”, Luana mistook Ash for Travis due to Pikachu on his shoulder, resembling Travis’s Pikachu. A Pikachu featured in Brock’s demonstration in ”A Bite to Remember” where it evolved into Raichu. In ”Lights, Camerupt, Action!”, Pikachu appeared in two of Elijah’s movies. One Pikachu starred in a film watched by Ash and Gary in their youth. Another Pikachu assisted Plusle and Minun in rescuing Princess Kirlia in a different movie during the episode.
In ”Lucario and the Mystery of Mew”, a Pikachu transformed into Mew as part of Mew’s abilities. Abigail’s Pikachu, nicknamed Sugar, went missing before the events of ”Cooking up a Sweet Story!”. To help Abigail regain confidence in a cooking competition, Ash’s Pikachu temporarily took Sugar’s place. By the episode’s end, Sugar returned and had evolved into Raichu.
In ”The Keystone Pops!”, a Pikachu was owned by an Aura Guardian in flashbacks. Volkner’s Raichu was depicted as a Pikachu in his childhood memories during ”Flint Sparks the Fire!”. Clemont showcased Pikachu in ”To Catch a Pokémon Smuggler!”, demonstrating its evolution into Raichu (using Thunder Stone).
In ”Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction”, Uschi owned a Pikachu. In ”Now You See Them, Now You Don’t!”, there was a Pikachu featured in a fantasy sequence. Similarly, ”Showering the World with Love!” also depicted a Pikachu in a fantasy scenario.
During ”Securing the Future!” a Trainer’s Pikachu joined in illuminating Necrozma with light to restore its original state. In ”Battle Royal 151!” another Trainer’s Pikachu participated in the preliminary Battle Royal at the Manalo Conference but did not advance. Additionally, multiple Pikachu made appearances in ”Distant Blue Sky!”.
Manga Appearances
”Ash and Pikachu”
Pikachu, accompanying Ash, takes the lead role in ‘Ash & Pikachu,’ a manga series adapting Ash’s journey across Johto, Hoenn, and the Battle Frontier regions in the Pokémon anime.
“The Electric Tale of Pikachu,”
Ash’s Pikachu plays a central role in The Electric Tale of Pikachu, a manga retelling of the Pokémon anime. Found under Ash’s home trying to eat the electricity, it became his starter after he caught it. Ritchie’s Pikachu, Sparky, is introduced in Welcome to the Big Leagues, and its nickname is translated as “Chuchino” in this adaptation.
Magical Pokémon Journey
In Magical Pokémon Journey, Pikachu takes on a prominent role as one of Hazel’s earliest Pokémon friends, first appearing in ”How Do You Do, Pikachu?”. Despite being unable to speak human language, Pikachu communicates with others, showcasing occasional scatterbrained behavior.
The sequel, Pokémon Chamo-Chamo ☆ Pretty ♪, continues Pikachu’s role as a central character. Additionally, Ash’s Pikachu makes cameo appearances in bonus chapters featured at the end of each volume of the Magical Pokémon Journey manga.
Pokémon Adventures
In the Red, Green & Blue arc, Pikachu, known as “Pika,” debuted as a mischievous and initially disobedient Pokémon in Pewter City. Despite their rocky start, Pika became one of Red’s most loyal fighters, featured prominently in major battles.
During the Yellow arc, Pika temporarily joined Yellow’s team, showcasing its ability to Surf. In the Gold, Silver & Crystal arc, Professor Elm’s fantasy featured a Pikachu, while Yellow acquired her own named “Chuchu,” leading to the hatching of Gold’s Pichu, Pibu.
The Diamond & Pearl arc included a Pikachu in “Suffering Psyduck.” In the X & Y arc, multiple Pikachu participated in charging the Prism Tower during a blackout. The Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire arc introduced Cosplay Pikachu, with five donning various costumes.
In the Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon arc, a Trainer’s Pikachu appeared, while Hau’s Pichu evolved into Pikachu. The Sword & Shield arc featured a Pikachu swallowed by a Cramorant, later Gigantamaxing.
In the Scarlet & Violet arc, a female Pikachu under Scarlet’s ownership demonstrated the ability to Terastallize into a Flying type.
Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys
In this manga Gold possesses a Pikachu, initially owned by Eusine, who sent it back in time using Bill’s Time Capsule.
Pokémon Gotta Catch ‘Em All
Shu’s initial Pokémon was a Pikachu he discovered abandoned in the forest. Additionally, a female Pikachu, owned by a male Trainer, featured in GDZ40, and another Pikachu appeared in GDZ61.
Pokémon Pocket Monsters
Pikachu is a prominent character in this manga and its sequels. It was the second Pokémon that Red captured independently, but the first one he decided to keep.
Unlike many Pokémon in the manga, Pikachu cannot speak human language. He is Clefairy’s cousin and is regarded as the more intelligent of the two. In ”Clefairy Evolves… At Last?!”, Pikachu evolved into Raichu but later reverted to its Pikachu form. Additionally, Yellow owns a Pikachu, which first appeared in ”The Fake Pikachu!!”.
Pokémon Zensho
Satoshi caught one Pikachu in the first chapter of the Pokémon Zensho manga (PZ02), which later evolves into Raichu in the ninth and final chapter of the Pokémon Zensho manga (PZ10).
Pikachu also appeared in these manga:
- Pocket Monsters Diamond & Pearl
- Pocket Monsters HeartGold & SoulSilver Go! Go! Pokéathlon
- Pocket Monsters HGSS Jō’s Big
- Pokémon Horizon
- Pokémon Journeys: The Series
- Pokémon Newspaper Strip
- Pokémon + Nobunaga’s Ambition ~ Ranse’s Color Picture Scroll ~
- Pokémon Ranger the Comic: Double Mission.
Game data
Stats
Location
| Game version | Location |
|---|---|
| Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue | Viridian Forest, Power Plant |
| Pokémon Yellow | Pallet Town |
| Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver | Route 2 |
| Pokémon Crystal | Route 2, Celadon City |
| Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire | Safari Zone |
| Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen | Viridian Forest, Power Plant |
| Pokémon Emerald | Safari Zone |
| Pokémon Colosseum | Trade |
| Pokémon XD | Trade |
| Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl | Trophy Garden |
| Pokémon Platinum | Trophy Garden |
| Pokémon HeartGold and Pokémon SoulSilver | Saffron City, Viridian Forest |
| Pokémon Black and Pokémon White | Poké Transfer |
| Pokémon Black 2 and Pokémon White 2 | Poké Transfer |
| Pokémon X and Pokémon Y | Santalune Forest, Route 3, Friend Safari |
| Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire | Safari Zone |
| Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon | Route 1, Hau'oli City |
| Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon | Route 1, Hau'oli City |
| Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! | Pallet Town, Viridian Forest |
| Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! | Viridian Forest |
| Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield | Route 4, Stony Wilderness, Forest of Focus |
| Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl | Trophy Garden |
| Legends Arceus | Nature's Pantry, Golden Lowlands, Obsidian Fieldlands, Heart's Crag |
| Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet | East Province (Area One), South Province (Area Two), South Province (Area Four), West Province (Area Three) |
Pikachu's origin name
Pikachu’s name has a specific origin in both English and other languages. Here’s an overview of Pikachu’s name in different languages.
English: Pikachu’s English name is a romanized version of its Japanese name, which is ピカチュウ (Pikachū).
The name “Pikachu” is a combination of two Japanese onomatopoeic sounds: “pika,” representing the sound an electric spark makes, and “chu,” mimicking the sound a mouse or small animal makes.
Japanese: In Japanese writing, Pikachu’s name is written as ピカチュウ, using katakana. There is no kanji representation for Pikachu’s name. In hiragana, Pikachu’s name is written as ぴかちゅう.
Spanish: Pikachu is known as “Pikachu” in Spanish, maintaining the same name as its English counterpart.
French: In French, Pikachu is also called “Pikachu,” with the name remaining consistent across different languages.
German: The German name for Pikachu is “Pikachu,” reflecting the international popularity of the Pokémon’s name.
Italian: In Italian, Pikachu is referred to as “Pikachu,” maintaining the name across multiple language translations.
Korean: Pikachu’s name in Korean is 피카츄 (Pikachu), following a similar transliteration from the Japanese name.
Chinese (Mandarin): In Mandarin Chinese, Pikachu is 皮卡丘 (Píkǎqiū), a transliteration of the Japanese name.
Chinese (Cantonese): In Cantonese, Pikachu’s name is 皮卡丘 (Pèihkāchāu), also following a similar transliteration.
Pikachu’s name has become iconic globally, and its consistent adaptation across various languages reflects the character’s universal recognition and appeal. The combination of onomatopoeic elements in the Japanese name contributes to Pikachu’s distinctive and memorable identity in different cultures.