Who created Pikachu’s original character design?

Atsuko Nishida created Pikachu’s original character design.

Nishida designed Pikachu at the request of lead designer Ken Sugimori. Sugimori later finalized the design, which is why both names are closely connected with Pikachu’s appearance. The character became the franchise mascot after appearing in the games and anime.

Pikachu is an Electric-type Pokémon resembling a yellow mouse, with red cheek pouches and a lightning-bolt-shaped tail. Its visual simplicity made it especially effective in games, animation, toys, cards, and merchandise.

Another common mix-up concerns Pikachu’s popularity. Pikachu was introduced in the original Red and Blue games, but the anime made the character globally famous by giving Ash Ketchum a Pikachu as his partner. Pichu, Pikachu’s pre-evolution, was added later in Pokémon Gold and Silver.