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Ken Sugimori (Japanese:杉森建Sugimori Ken; born January 27, 1966) is a friend ofSatoshi Tajiri and illustrator of the original artwork forPokémon games. He also has developed conceptual artwork for themovies, and illustratesTCG cards and merchandising.

The original artwork for all 151Generation I Pokémon was done by Ken Sugimori.^[1] InPokémon Red and Green, the in-game sprites were initially drawn by various artists. Sugimori later redrew each Pokémon in watercolor for promotional use. While doing so, he revised and refined many elements, which ultimately shaped how the designs were perceived by the public,^[2] with potential examples beingPikachu,Vaporeon,Dragonite, andMew.

Sugimori's change of style over the years has been noticeable. Initially, he used a stiff, lightly shaded style using watercolors that was very reminiscent ofAkira Toriyama's visual style, particularly that from 1989 onward. However, his now digitally-produced drawings of people and creatures have gradually gained more muscle definition, significantly rounder corners, heavier shading, and more natural and fluid poses.

Designs

Pokémon

The following is a list of Pokémon designed by Sugimori.

Generation I
Blastoise[3]	Nidoran♀[3]	Nidoqueen[3]	Nidoran♂[3]	Nidoking[4]	Clefairy[5][6][7]	Arcanine[3]	Tentacool[3]	Slowbro[3]	Magnemite[8]
Grimer[3]	Cloyster[3]	Gastly[3]	Gengar[3]	Voltorb[3]	Exeggcute[3]	Exeggutor[3]	Cubone[3]	Lickitung[4][7]	Rhyhorn[3]
Rhydon[3]	Tangela[3]	Kangaskhan[3]	Staryu[3]	Pinsir[3]	Gyarados[9]	Lapras[7][9]	Snorlax[9]	Mewtwo[9]
Generation II
Hoothoot[10]	Pichu[11]	Sudowoodo[12]	Umbreon (colors, alongside Atsuko Nishida)[13]	Unown[4]
Generation III
Blaziken[14]
Generation IV
Dialga[15]	Palkia[15]	Manaphy[16]
Generation V
Throh[17]	Sawk[17]	Klink[18] (idea, finalized by Keiko Moritsugu)[19]	Klang[18] (idea, finalized by Keiko Moritsugu)[19]	Klinklang[18] (idea, finalized by Keiko Moritsugu)[19]	Heatmor[20]	Durant[20]	Reshiram[21] (Draft by Keiko Moritsugu)[19]	Zekrom[21] (Draft by Keiko Moritsugu)[19]
Generation VI
Xerneas (withYusuke Ohmura)[22]	Yveltal (withYusuke Ohmura)[22]
Generation VII
AlolanExeggutor[8]

Capsule Monsters

The following are a list of Pokémon designed by Sugimori that were eventually redesigned, either by him, or another designer.

• 
  Gyaōn from the 1990 Capsule Monsters sprite sheet^[3]
• 
  Clefairy from the 1990 Capsule Monsters sprite sheet^[3]
• 
  Spearow from the 1990 Capsule Monsters sprite sheet^[3]
• 
  Venusaur from the 1990 Capsule Monsters sprite sheet^[3]
• 
  Lapras from the 1990 Capsule Monsters sprite sheet^[3]
• 
  Omega from the 1990 Capsule Monsters sprite sheet^[3]
• 
  Gyarados from the 1990 Capsule Monsters sprite sheet^[3]
• 
  Scyther from the 1990 Capsule Monsters sprite sheet^[3]

Characters

The following is a list of characters designed by Sugimori.

• 
  Yujirou^[23] fromRed and Green^[24]
• 
  Brock fromRed and Green^[25]
• 
  Misty fromRed and Green^[25]
• 
  Lt. Surge fromRed and Green^[25]
• 
  Erika fromRed and Green^[25]
• 
  Sabrina fromRed and Green^[24]
• 
  Koga fromRed and Green^[26]
• 
  Blaine fromRed and Green^[26]
• 
  Jessie andJames fromYellow^[27]
• 
  Nurse Joy from theoriginal series of theanimation^[28]
• 
  Liko fromPokémon Horizons: The Series^[29]
• 
  Roy fromPokémon Horizons: The Series^[29]

Artwork

There are 969 cards in the Pokémon Trading Card Game illustrated by Ken Sugimori, though most of them include re-used artwork from various games. For a list of cards he has illustrated, seehere.

Sugimori has also illustrated 4 cards appearing inPokémon Trading Card Game Pocket. For a full list of TCG Pocket cards he has illustrated, seehere.

Official artwork

This section is missing one or more images. Please feel free to add any missing images to this section. Needed images can beuploaded to the Bulbagarden Archives. Reason: Character art Animation concept art Game concept art Capsule Monsters A Man Who Created Pokémon cover GAME FREAK New Years cards GAME FREAK web art Core series key art Dash Box art Badge 151 I Choose You movie art Mystery Dungeon Box arts Nintendo Dream, Pia, and MicroGroup Game covers XY Paris Exhibition art TCG Booster art

This is a collection of official Pokémon artwork drawn by Sugimori.

• 
  Key art of every Pokémon fromRed and Green^[30]
• 
  Key art of every Pokémon fromBlue^[30]
• 
  Key art of every Pokémon fromGold and Silver^[30]
• 
  Key art of every Pokémon fromRuby and Sapphire^[30]
• 
  Key art of every Pokémon fromFireRed and LeafGreen^[30]
• 
  Key art of every Pokémon fromDiamond and Pearl^[30]
• 
  Key art of every Pokémon fromHeartGold and SoulSilver^[30]
• 
  Art for everyBandai Pokémon Carddass Cards
• 
  Yujirou^[23] fromRed and Green^[24]
• 
  Brock fromRed and Green^[25]
• 
  Misty fromRed and Green^[25]
• 
  Lt. Surge fromRed and Green^[25]
• 
  Erika fromRed and Green^[25]
• 
  Sabrina fromRed and Green^[24]
• 
  Koga fromRed and Green^[26]
• 
  Blaine fromRed and Green^[26]
• 
  Brock fromYellow^[31]
• 
  Misty fromYellow^[32]
• 
  Giovanni fromFireRed and LeafGreen^[33]
• 
  Cheryl fromDiamond and Pearl^[34]
• 
  N fromBlack and White^[35]
• 
  Korrina fromX and Y^[36]
• 
  Lysandre fromX and Y^[37]
• 
  AZ fromX and Y^[38]
• 
  Ace Trainer fromOmega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire^[39]
• 
  Ace Trainer fromOmega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire^[39]
• 
  Key art fromPokémon Masters^[40]
• 
  Avery fromSword and Shield^[41]

Merchandise

This is a collection of official Pokémon merchandise that Sugimori has contributed artwork to.

Pokémon Center
Pokémon Gallery Collection
(Chance Encounter with a Shiny Pokémon)^[42]

Pokémon Center
Pokémon Gallery Collection
(A Sky where Latias and Latios Roam)^[42]

Pokémon Center
Pokémon Gallery Collection
(Jirachi's Shooting Star)^[42]

Pokémon Center
Pokémon Gallery Collection
(Rayquaza's Imperial Wrath)^[42]

Pokémon Center
Pokémon Gallery Collection
(Mew's Presence)^[42]

Pokémon Center
Pokémon Gallery Collection
(Confrontation at Spear Pillar)^[42]

Pokémon Center
Pokémon Gallery Collection
(Extra-Dimensional Battle)^[42]

Pokémon Center
Pokémon Gallery Collection
(N's Reshiram)^[42]

Pokémon Center
Pokémon Gallery Collection
(N's Zekrom)^[42]

Pokémon Center
Pokémon Gallery Collection
(Battle at the Secret HQ — Xerneas)^[42]

Pokémon Center
Pokémon Gallery Collection
(Battle at the Secret HQ — Yveltal)^[42]

TCG
VS Complete Book Vol. 13^{[citation needed]}

Credits

Games

• Mendel Palace (1989) - Character Designer, Character Digitalizer
• Smart Ball (1991) - Game Designer, Story, Character Designer
• Yoshi (1991) - Character Designer
• Magical Tarurūto-kun (1992) - Direction, Game Design, Graphic Design
• Mario & Wario (1993) - Character Designer
• Pulseman (1994) - Direction & Game Design, Graphics
• Pokémon Red and Green (1996) - Character Design, Monster Design
• Bazaru de Gozaru no Game de Gozaru (1996) - Graphics
• Pokémon Blue (1996) - Character Design, Monster Design
• Bushi Seiryūden: Futari no Yūsha (1997) - Graphics
• Game Boy Camera (1998) - Special Thanks
• Click Medic (1999) - Graphic Support
• Pokémon Stadium (Japanese) (1998) - Original Characters
• Pokémon Yellow (1998) - Character Design, Monster Design
• Pokémon Trading Card Game (1998) - Card Illustrator
• Pokémon Stadium (1999) - Original Characters
• Pokémon Gold and Silver (1999) - Graphics Director, Monster Design
• Pokémon Puzzle Challenge (2000) - Pokémon Supervision
• Pokémon Crystal (2000) - Graphics Director, Monster Design
• Pokémon Stadium 2 (2000) - Original Character Design & Character Art
• Pokémon Trading Card Game 2: The Invasion of Team GR! (2001) - Card Illustrator
• Pokémon Party mini (2001) - Supervisor
• Pokémon Pinball mini (2001) - Supervisor
• Pokémon Zany Cards (2001) - Supervisor
• Pokémon Puzzle Collection (2001) - Illustrator, Supervisor
• Super Smash Bros. Melee (2001) - Original Game Staff (Graphic Director: Pokémon)
• Pokémon Tetris (2002) - Supervisor
• Pokémon Race mini (2002) - Supervisor
• Pichu Bros. mini (2002) - Supervisor
• Machop at Work (2002) - Very Special Thanks
• Kingler's Day (2002) - Very Special Thanks
• Togepi's Great Adventure (2002) - Supervisor
• Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire (2002) - Art Director, Pokémon & Graphic Designer
• Pokémon Box: Ruby & Sapphire (2003) - Designer
• Pokémon Channel (2003) - Supervisor
• Pokémon Colosseum (2003) - Pokémon Games Designer
• Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen (2004) - Art Director, Graphic Designer, Pokémon Designer
• Pokémon Emerald (2004) - Art Director, Graphic Designer, Pokémon Designer, Package & Manual Illustration
• Pokémon Dash (2004) - Package Illustration, Special Thanks
• Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness (2005) - Pokémon Characters Designer
• Drill Dozer (2005) - Director, Game Design
• Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team (2005) - Package Illustration
• Pokémon Diamond and Pearl (2006) - Art Director, Pokémon Designer & Graphic Designer
• Pokémon Battle Revolution (2006) - Pokémon Characters Designer
• Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time and Darkness (2007) - Package Illustration
• Super Smash Bros. Brawl (2008) - Supervisor (Original Games)
• My Pokémon Ranch (2008) - Character Design (Hayley)
• Pokémon Platinum (2008) - Art Director, Pokémon Design & Graphic Design
• Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky (2009) - Package Illustration
• Pokémon Rumble (2009) - Game-Design Advisor
• Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver (2009) - Pokémon Design, Graphic Supervisor
• Pokémon Black and White (2010) - 2D Art Director, Director of Pokémon Characters, Pokémon Character Design
• Pokémon Conquest (2012) - Game-Design Advisor
• Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 (2012) - Director of Pokémon Characters, Pokémon Character Design
• HarmoKnight (2012) - Adviser
• Pokémon X and Y (2013) - Character Art Director, Pokémon Characters Design (Director), Pokémon Design Coordination
• The Thieves and the 1000 Pokémon (2014) - Very Special Thanks
• Pokémon Art Academy (2014) - Very Special Thanks
• Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U (2014) - Supervisor (Original Games)
• Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire (2014) - Character Art Director, Pokémon Characters Design (Director)
• Sega 3D Fukkoku Archives (2014) - Package Illustration
• Pokkén Tournament (2015) - Very Special Thanks
• Tembo the Badass Elephant (2015) - Advisor
• Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon (2015) - Package Illustration
• Sega 3D Classics Collection (2015) - Package Illustration
• Pokémon Sun and Moon (2016) - Pokémon Characters Design, Trainer Graphics Design (Lead)
• Giga Wrecker (2017) - Adviser
• Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon (2017) - Pokémon Characters Design & Concept, Design Art
• Pokémon Quest (2018) - Supervisor
• Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! (2018) - Creative Supervisor
• Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (2018) - Original Game Supervisor
• Giga Wrecker Alt. (2019) - Adviser
• Little Town Hero (2019) - Supervisor
• Pokémon Sword and Shield (2019) - Supervisor
• Sakura Wars (2019) - Guest Character Designer
• New Pokémon Snap (2020) - Very Special Thanks
• Pokémon Legends: Arceus (2022) - Supervisor
• Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (2022) - Concept & Visual Studio Supervisor
• Pokémon Sleep (2023) - Pokémon Settings Supervision (GAME FREAK inc.)
• Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero (2023) - Design & World Concept Supervisor
• Pokémon Legends: Z-A (2025) - Design & World Concept Section Supervisor

TCG illustration

For a list of cards illustrated by Ken Sugimori, gohere.

Animation

• 1998-07-18Pikachu's Vacation (Character Concept Art)
• 1998-07-18Mewtwo Strikes Back (Character Concept Art)
• 1999-07-17Pikachu's Rescue Adventure (Character Concept Art)
• 1999-07-17The Power of One (Character Concept Art)
• 2000-07-08Pikachu & Pichu (Character Concept Art)
• 2000-07-08Spell of the Unown: Entei (Character Concept Art)
• 2001-07-07Pikachu's PikaBoo (Character Concept Art)
• 2001-07-07Celebi: The Voice of the Forest (Character Concept Art)
• 2002-07-13Camp Pikachu (Character Concept Art)
• 2002-07-13Pokémon Heroes: Latios & Latias (Character Concept Art)
• 2003-07-19Gotta Dance! (Character Concept Art)
• 2003-07-19Jirachi: Wish Maker (Character Concept Art)
• 2004-07-17Destiny Deoxys (Character Concept Art)

Manga

• Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorer's Guide (Original Manga by Sugimori included with Guide)
• Jerry Girl (Original Manga by Sugimori)
• Mendel Palace - Artwork

Trivia

• The character Kenji fromPokémon the Series (known asTracey Sketchit in the Englishdub) may be a homage to Ken Sugimori, especially as both enjoy creating art. This is similar to the way Satoshi, known asAsh Ketchum in the English dub, is named after Satoshi Tajiri.
  • Similarly, one of the defaultrival names inPokémon LeafGreen Version isKen (Japanese: ケンKen), an allusion to Sugimori.
• Sugimori's favorite Pokémon isGengar due to its simple design.^[43]
  • Another of Sugimori's favorite Pokémon isVenusaur, but he has also said its complexity makes it his least favorite to draw.^[43]
  • In a Nintendo Power interview in July 2000, he gaveHoothoot as his answer, citing a childhood pet bird of his that had a habit of standing on one leg.^[10]
  • His favorite Pokémon fromPokémon Black and White isZekrom.^[44]
• Sugimori is credited for the illustrations of morePokémon cards than any other artist.

References

External links

• Personal blog at Game Freak's official site, archived as of September 4, 2013 (Japanese)
• Ken Sugimori's Twitter page (Japanese)

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