Pokémon Generation 10 is on the horizon, but with Pokémon Legends: Z-A confirmed as the next mainline title, speculation about the franchise’s future is already thriving. A significant aspect of this discourse revolves around the potential setting for the upcoming game. Enthusiasts are eagerly guessing which real-world country or region will inspire the game’s map. Presently, Italy and Australia are leading contenders, yet there’s a compelling argument for returning to Japan for this new adventure.
Recent Pokémon games have drawn inspiration from various European locales—Kalos from France, Galar from the UK, and Paldea from Spain and Portugal. However, it is noteworthy that many regions in Japan have been represented in the franchise’s expansive universe. To date, while the majority of Japan’s diverse geography has been used for inspiration, several compelling regions remain untouched. As Generation 10 marks a momentous milestone for the series, utilizing Japan once again may be a worthy homage to the series’ origins.
Untapped Geography in Japan’s Pokémon Inspirations
Potential Inspiration from Japan’s Chugoku and Shikoku Regions
The Pokémon series has explored a significant portion of Japan, yet the Chugoku and Shikoku regions remain notably underrepresented. Specifically, the western parts of these regions include prefectures like Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, Shimane, Kochi, and Ehime, which hold potential for new Pokémon narratives. While Pokémon Scarlet and Violet introduced the Kitakami region, likely inspired by northern Tohoku, the essential landscapes of Chugoku and Shikoku have yet to be fully realized in-game.
Overview of Established Pokémon Regions Based on Japan
| Generation | Pokémon Region | Japanese Inspiration |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 1 | Song Region | Beautiful |
| Gen 2 | Management Region | Kansai |
| Gen 3 | Hoenn Region | Kyushu |
| Gen 4 | Sinnoh Region | Hokkaido |
Although Cianwood City in the Johto Region is often linked to Tokushima City in Shikoku, most of its elements are derived from the Kansai region. Additionally, the Pokémon Ranger spin-offs have included maps that reflect various regions of Japan, such as the Fiore Region tied to western Kansai and eastern Chugoku, as well as the Almia and Oblivia Regions based loosely on Hokkaido. Nevertheless, much of Chugoku and Shikoku remains an unexplored treasure trove.
Imagining a New Pokémon Region in These Areas
Surprisingly, the pivotal city of Hiroshima has not yet been featured in the Pokémon universe, despite its significance as the Chugoku region’s largest city. Imagine a Pokémon region that incorporates the diversity of Hiroshima, along with Matsuyama—home to one of Japan’s remaining feudal castles—and Yamaguchi, often referred to as the “Kyoto of the West.”Together, these locations could offer a rich historical backdrop for gameplay.
Furthermore, the Seto Inland Sea, which separates Shikoku from Hiroshima, features numerous islands included in Setonaikai National Park. The interplay of land and water presents an ideal setting for a diverse Pokémon ecosystem and would create countless opportunities for trainers to explore unique environments.
Read more about the potential for a Japan-inspired Pokémon region.
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