Unova was the first Pokémon region based primarily outside Japan. It debuted in Pokémon Black and White and draws inspiration mainly from the New York metropolitan area.
The region’s geography includes large urban areas, bridges, highways, ports, and industrial districts. Castelia City is especially associated with New York City, while other locations reflect the broader northeastern United States rather than a single exact map.
Earlier regions were strongly inspired by Japanese areas: Kanto corresponds broadly to the Kantō region, Johto to Kansai, Hoenn to Kyushu, and Sinnoh to Hokkaido. Unova marked a deliberate geographic shift for the main series.
The setting also supported Generation V’s emphasis on cultural contrast and competing ideas. Pokémon Black and White initially featured a regional Pokédex made almost entirely of newly introduced Pokémon, limiting access to older species until after the main story. Later regions used other real-world inspirations, including France for Kalos, Hawaii for Alola, and the United Kingdom for Galar.