The Unova region in Pokémon Black and White is modeled primarily on which city?

The Unova region in Pokémon Black and White is modeled primarily on New York City.

Unova was the first main Pokémon region based outside Japan. Game director Junichi Masuda developed the idea after visiting New York City for the launch of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. The region includes dense urban areas, bridges, harbors, highways and varied communities that reflect the city and its surrounding atmosphere.

Castelia City is the clearest example of the inspiration. Its skyscrapers, busy streets and waterfront setting evoke Manhattan, while Skyarrow Bridge resembles a large New York suspension bridge. Other parts of Unova draw on broader American landscapes rather than reproducing one city exactly.

Players sometimes confuse Unova with Kalos because both regions contain prominent international influences. Kalos, introduced in Pokémon X and Y, is based primarily on France, with Lumiose City inspired by Paris. Unova instead belongs to Pokémon Black and White, released for the Nintendo DS in 2010.