What is Pokémon’s mascot and most recognizable species?

Pikachu is Pokémon’s mascot and most recognizable species.

Pikachu is an Electric-type Pokémon first introduced in the original Pokémon games. Its yellow body, red cheek sacs and lightning-shaped tail helped make it visually distinctive, while its friendly design made it suitable for games, animation, merchandise and advertising.

Pikachu became especially prominent through the anime, where it accompanied Ash Ketchum. The production team chose Pikachu partly because it appealed broadly to children and avoided favoring players who had selected one particular starter Pokémon in the games.

Pikachu’s name combines Japanese sound-symbolic words: “pika,” associated with a sparkling sound, and “chū,” associated with a mouse’s squeak. Pikachu is classified as a mouse Pokémon, although its original design development also drew inspiration from squirrels.