Pokémon’s electric mascot is Pikachu, recognizable by its yellow fur and lightning-bolt tail.
Pikachu is an Electric-type Pokémon created by Atsuko Nishida and Ken Sugimori. It debuted in the 1996 Game Boy games Pokémon Red and Green and became especially famous as Ash Ketchum’s partner in the animated series.
Its name combines Japanese words associated with sparkling sounds and squeaking. Pikachu evolves from Pichu when friendship is high and can evolve into Raichu with a Thunder Stone, although Ash’s Pikachu famously chooses not to evolve.
Pikachu’s popularity made it the central character of the franchise’s branding, appearing on merchandise, trading cards, game covers, promotional artwork, and anniversary campaigns. Although many Pokémon are mascots for individual games or regions, Pikachu is the franchise’s global symbol.