Top Ten Pokemon Based On Japanese Mythology
Since pokemon is based on Japan, a vast majority of it is inspired by Japanese mythology and folklore. Here, I will present the ten pokemon that have similar relations to Japan's folklore.
Espeon, known in Japan as Eifie, is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon franchise. Espeon shares traits with the bakeneko and nekomata, but it may be more closely based on the nekomata since it has two tails. Both creatures have the ability to foresee and wield psychic powers. Espeon is often seen as mysterious, which aligns with the traits of both these spirits.
Banette, known in Japan as Juppeta, is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon franchise. Since Banette is an inanimate doll that becomes possessed when abandoned by its owner, it may be based on the tsukumogami (also known as tool kami), a type of yōkai that possesses tools and other inanimate objects.
I'm pretty sure Banette is also a nesting doll from Japan.
Because of its cute yet deceptive appearance, Mawile may be based on the Futakuchi-onna, a woman who possesses two mouths: one on her face and another larger one on the back of her head, hidden within her hair.
Mawile looks like it could be based on Japanese mythology due to its resemblance to the cloaks worn by dancers in Japan. The thing Mawile wears is very similar to that.
Bronzong is based on the dōtaku, which are ancient bronze bells similar to Bronzong in design. While Bronzong is said to bring rain according to the Pokédex, dōtaku may have been used to bring good harvests and aid agriculture, as they were believed to bring rain to crops. Bronzong is apparently nicknamed the "Bringer of Harvests," which could explain the connection between them.
Ninetales, known in Japan as Kyukon, is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon franchise. Based on the kitsune, which simply means fox in Japanese, Ninetales aligns with the Japanese legend of a fox that possesses many tails, lives a long time, and can possess spirits as it ages. This explains Ninetales' ability to learn ghost and psychic-type moves. With the ability to live for 1,000 years, Ninetales fits this legend perfectly.
Phantump is based on the Kodama, a spirit that dwells in and possesses trees. The Kodama is said to curse those who try to chop down the trees it inhabits, and the victims are then granted some kind of supernatural power. Phantump's eerie-sounding cry may be related to the yamabiko, a spirit that yelps delayed echoes through the mountains and valleys. Phantump's Pokédex entries may also relate to these spirits.
Froslass, known in Japan as Yukimenoko, is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon franchise. Since Froslass is created when a woman gets lost on snowy mountains, this Pokémon may be based on the Yuki-onna, which means "snow woman" in Japanese. The Yuki-onna is a floating spirit and is generally considered as beautiful as Froslass. According to the Pokédex, Froslass takes the souls of men and others to its den. Its behavior matches that of the Yuki-onna, who also strikes terror into those lost in blizzards.
Zoroark is a dark type Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game freak's Pokémon franchise. It evolves from zorua at level 30. Like Ninetales, Zoroark is most likely based on the kitsune. Both Zoroark and the kitsune share similar abilities, such as shapeshifting into humans. In Zoroark's case, it can resemble both humans and Pokémon. More specifically, Zoroark may also relate to the yako, spirits that possess foxes and tend to act mischievous or destructive.
Whiscash, known in Japan as Namazun, is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon franchise. Whiscash is based on the Japanese mythological creature Namazu, a large catfish that can trigger earthquakes. Since the Pokédex mentions its ability to create earthquakes, Whiscash brings this concept to life in the Pokémon world.
Whiscash looks like a mix between a cat and a fish. It is also small for an evolved Pokémon.
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Zigzagoon, known in Japan as Jiguzaguma, is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon franchise. Zigzagoon is based on the tanuki, the shapeshifting raccoon dog.
Due to its "devious" and cunning personality, Weavile may be based on the kamaitachi, yokai demons known as sickle weasels that attack people with their sharp claws.
Shiftry is a dual-type Grass/Dark Pokémon introduced in Generation III. It evolves from Nuzleaf and is notable for its fan-like hands, which it uses to create winds strong enough to level houses. Shiftry is often depicted as a mysterious and somewhat menacing creature, lurking in the depths of forests... read more
Gaslty, known in Japan as Ghos, is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon franchise. Gastly is Shiranui, the fire from Japanese myths.
Zapdos, known in Japan as Thunder, is a Legendary Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon franchise.
Lombre is literally just a kappa.