Since its debut, Pokemon has garnered audiences worldwide with its fantastical creatures and vibrant regions to explore. From the bustling urban landscapes of Kanto to the mystical world of Galar, each region has plenty to offer. So, let’s delve into all the Pokemon seasons and their regions.
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Kanto
Kanto is the first region unveiled within the Pokemon universe. This region draws inspiration from Japan’s Kanto region, notably featuring its capital, Tokyo, which is home to Game Freak’s headquarters.
Among the Pokemon regions, Kanto is the only region that is directly named after a real-world location.
Pokemon Season 1: Indigo League and Pokemon Season 2: Adventures in the Orange Islands are set in the Kanto region.
Johto
This region is on the western side of Kanto and draws its inspiration from Western Japan, particularly the Kansai region. It also incorporates elements from Shikoku and Chubu.
It is reminiscent of Kyoto and Nara alongside a modern metropolis similar to Osaka.
In the anime series, Johto serves as a home for Jimmy and his comrades.
Pokemon Season 3: The Johto Journeys, Pokemon Season 4: Johto League Champions, and Pokemon Season 5: Master Quest are set in the Johto region.
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Hoenn
The third region, Hoenn, emerged differently from the Kanto and Johto landscapes.
It looks similar to the real-world island of Kyushu and boasts abundant water features to complement its landmass, echoing the legendary status of Kyogre and Groudon as rulers of sea and land.
Many of the towns in this region are nestled within natural surroundings, with some accessible solely by traveling both over and underwater.
Pokemon Season 6: Advanced, Pokemon Season 7: Advanced Challenge, Pokemon Season 8: Advanced Battle, and Pokemon Season 9: Battle Frontier explore the Hoenn region in the series.
Sinnoh
The fourth region to be featured in the Pokemon series is Sinnoh. Similar to its predecessors, Sinnoh presents players with a diverse array of environments to explore.
This mountainous and temperate region is characterized by four lakes, each serving as a sanctuary for a legendary Pokemon: Uxie resides in Lake Acuity, Mesprit in Lake Verity, Azelf in Lake Valor, and Giratina lurks within Turnback Cave in the hidden Sendoff Spring.
Geographically, Sinnoh draws inspiration from the landscapes of Hokkaido, the southern end of Sakhalin Island, and the contested territory of Kunashir.
Pokemon Season 10: Diamond and Pearl, Pokemon Season 11: Diamond and Pearl – Battle Dimension, Pokemon Season 12: Diamond and Pearl – Galactic Battles, and Pokemon Season 13: Diamond and Pearl – Sinnoh League Victors showcase the Sinnoh region.
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Unova
The aforementioned four regions have Japanese themes and are connected. But the Pokemon universe also has five isolated regions outside Japan, and Unova is one of them.
Unova appears like four US states and islands – New York, New Jersey, Liberty Island, and Staten Island.
Situated far from all the other established regions, it boasts a unique collection of Pokemon species.
Within this region, the climate undergoes a cyclical transformation in-game approximately every 30 days, triggering shifts in Pokemon behavior and hosting special events.
The entire region experiences the full spectrum of seasons, including spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
Pokemon Season 14: Black & White, Pokemon Season 15: Black & White – Rival Destinies, and Pokemon Season 16: Black & White – Adventures in Unova and Beyond are based in Unova.
Kalos
The sixth region in the Pokemon universe is Kalos, where Pokemon X and Y is set.
Similar to the Unova region, Kalos is based in a location outside of Japan. Kalos looks like a star-shaped island and is inspired by France.
Pokemon Season 17: X and Y, Pokemon Season 18: X and Y – Kalos Quest, and Pokemon Season 19: XYZ are set in Kalos.
Alola
Alola is the seventh region in the series. The region comprises islands and is entirely isolated from any mainland.
It encompasses four primary islands alongside one artificial island. The islands are Akala, Melemele, Ula’ula, Aether, and Poni islands.
Geographically, Alola looks a lot like Hawaii, with its name originating from the Hawaiian greeting, "Aloha".
Notably, it is the first region to introduce Legendary Pokemon with evolved forms.
Pokemon Season 20: Sun & Moon, Pokemon Season 21: Sun & Moon – Ultra Adventures, and Pokemon Season 22: Sun & Moon – Ultimate Journeys are all set in the Alola region.
Galar
The eighth region, Galar, is inspired by Great Britain. Several Pokemon species in this area undergo changes known as Galarian forms, introducing regional variants.
Pokemon Season 23: Journeys, Pokemon Season 24: Master Journeys, and Pokemon Season 25: Ultimate Journeys are set in Galar.
Paldea
Paldea debuted as a region in Generation IX, and the topography and cities in Paldea are similar to that of real-world Spain. Mesagoza, the primary hub in the area, resembles Zaragoza, a city in Spain.
Similarly, the academy where the player studies exhibits subtle echoes of the Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, a renowned church in Zaragoza.
Paldea happens to be the first region that is an open world in the series. Pokemon Season 26: Horizons is set in Paldea.
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