Which Pokémon Pokopia director conceived the game as a spin-off?

Shigeru Ohmori conceived Pokémon Pokopia as a spin-off.

Ohmori developed the idea while thinking about new directions for the Pokémon franchise. His earlier work on Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, where he served as a map designer, helped inspire the concept of letting players create and cultivate their own Pokémon habitats.

Ohmori later served as the game’s concept and senior director. Takuto Edagawa, an Omega Force director, served as chief director, so the two names represent different leadership roles rather than interchangeable credits.

Ohmori is also known for directing Pokémon Sun and Moon and Pokémon Sword and Shield, as well as Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Pokopia therefore grew from a veteran Pokémon director’s interest in maps, environments and player-created spaces rather than from the battle-focused structure of the main series.