Raichu

Raichu
Pokémon character
A large orange mouse looking creature with a lighting bolt shaped tail stands upright with its left foot raised
Raichu artwork by Ken Sugimori
First gamePokémon Red and Blue (1996)
Created byAtsuko Nishida[1]
Designed byAtsuko Nishida[1]
Ken Sugimori (finalized)[2]
Voiced by
Various
In-universe information
SpeciesPokémon
TypeElectric
Electric/Psychic (Alolan)

Raichu (/ˈraɪtʃuː/ ⓘ; Japanese: ライチュウ, Hepburn: Raichū) is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon media franchise, and the evolved form of series mascot Pikachu. First introduced in the video games Pokémon Red and Blue, it was created by Atsuko Nishida at the request of lead designer Ken Sugimori, with the design finalized by Sugimori. Since Raichu's debut, it has appeared in multiple games including Pokémon Go and the Pokémon Trading Card Game, as well as various merchandise. In media related to the franchise, Raichu has been voiced by various voice actors, including Kei Shindō, Fumiko Takekuma, and Casey Mongillo.

Classified as an Electric-type Pokémon, Raichu is a large orange mouse with a lightning bolt-shaped tail, and yellow sacs on its cheek which can generate large amounts of electricity. Designed to be a stronger counterpart to Pikachu, who evolves into Raichu through use the of a "Thunder Stone" item, Raichu was initially intended to be able to evolve into 'Gorochu' before the latter was removed. A regional variant was added in Pokémon Sun and Moon called Alolan Raichu. Featuring a fluffier design with round ears and tail, it is able to levitate by riding its tail like a surfboard and is classified as both Electric- and Psychic-type.

While early reactions from media outlets regarded it negatively in light of Pikachu's status as the franchise's main mascot, later reception has been more favorable, praising its design. Due to it often being portrayed as Pikachu's rival in the anime adaptation of the series and in some games a form Pikachu refuses to evolve into, critics have claimed Game Freak portrayed the species in a negative light and overall damaged its appeal. This has led to further discussion on Game Freak's overemphasis on Pikachu, as well as varying interpretations of the themes in the rivalry, including concepts of self-identity and portrayals of youth in anime media.

  1. ^ a b ピカチュウは大福？ 初めて明かされる誕生秘話 [Is Pikachu Daifuku? The Secret Story Behind its Creation Revealed for the First Time]. Yomiuri (in Japanese). May 2, 2018. Archived from the original on October 6, 2023. Retrieved January 22, 2024. English transcript of interview available at "Creator Profile: The Creators of Pikachu". Pokemon.com. July 26, 2018. Archived from the original on August 30, 2020. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  2. ^ Ken Sugimori Works (in Japanese). Tankobon Softcover. January 2014. pp. 342–343. ISBN 9784198638061.
  3. ^ ポケットモンスター「伝説ゲット！？水の守護神スイクンを探せ！！」 [Pokémon "Get the Legendary Pokémon?! Search for Suicune, the Guardian of Water!!"]. TV Tokyo (in Japanese). January 29, 2021. Archived from the original on December 27, 2023. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  4. ^ "Fumiko Takekuma". Visual Entertainment Plandas (in Japanese). September 22, 2020. Archived from the original on May 23, 2022. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  5. ^ "Casey Mongillo". Gung Ho Bookings. Archived from the original on January 23, 2024. Retrieved January 22, 2024.