What was the original Japanese name of the Pokémon video game series’ first pair of games?

The original Japanese first pair was titled Pocket Monsters Red and Green.

These games were released for the Game Boy in Japan on February 27, 1996. Their Japanese title used the franchise name Pocket Monsters, which was later shortened internationally to Pokémon. The two versions contained version-exclusive Pokémon, encouraging players to connect their Game Boys and trade creatures.

Many international players know the first pair as Pokémon Red and Blue, but that naming reflects the overseas releases. Japan received Red and Green first, then an enhanced Blue version. Red and Blue were later used for the North American and European editions, while Green itself did not receive an original overseas release.

The first games established the fictional Kanto region, although the name Kanto was not used in the first generation in the same way it was in later titles. Together, the games introduced the original 151 Pokémon and the series’ enduring role-playing structure.