Pikachu was designed by Atsuko Nishida and became the Pokémon franchise mascot.
Nishida created Pikachu during development of the first Pokémon games at Game Freak. Lead designer Ken Sugimori requested a cute Electric-type Pokémon, and Nishida worked on the species and its evolutionary line. Sugimori later finalized the design and produced the promotional artwork.
Pikachu’s bright yellow body, red cheek sacs, and lightning-bolt-shaped tail made it highly recognizable. Its role became even more prominent when it was chosen as Ash Ketchum’s companion in the Pokémon anime, first broadcast in 1997.
Pikachu is not the first Pokémon in the National Pokédex; that distinction belongs to Bulbasaur. It is also not the strongest Pokémon by game statistics. Its mascot status comes from its design, media exposure, merchandise, and central role in the anime and wider franchise.