Which Game Freak artist created the original Pikachu design?

Atsuko Nishida created the original Pikachu design for Game Freak.

During development of Pokémon Red and Green, lead designer Ken Sugimori felt the game needed more cute Pokémon designs. Female Game Freak staff, including Nishida, were brought into the design process. Nishida was tasked with creating Pikachu and its evolutionary line under specific gameplay and visual requirements.

Pikachu was designed as an Electric-type Pokémon that would evolve into Raichu. Nishida's early work included the original game sprites, while Sugimori later produced promotional artwork that unified the appearance of the first-generation Pokémon. This division of work is why both artists are sometimes credited in discussions of Pikachu's creation.

Pikachu's final design was deliberately simple and readable on Game Boy hardware. Its yellow body, red cheek patches, black-tipped ears, and lightning-bolt tail made it easy to recognize at small sizes. The anime later elevated Pikachu from one species among 151 to the franchise's principal mascot.