User:Chao/CN
| Pokémon in mainland China | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||
| Language | Mandarin | |||
| Continent | Asia | |||
| Original anime airdates | ||||
| EP001 | December 24, 1998 (OTV) | |||
| AG001 | November 2014 (iQIYI) | |||
| DP001 | July 3, 2011 (CCTV6) | |||
| BW001 | December 26, 2012 (iQIYI) | |||
| XY001 | November 2015 (iQIYI) | |||
| SM001 | February 2018 (iQIYI) | |||
| JN001 | December 22, 2023 (iQIYI) | |||
| HZ001 | ||||
The Pokémon (Chinese: 宝可梦 Bǎokěmèng) franchise first reached mainland China in 1998.
Names
Since 2019, the official Chinese translations of both "Pocket Monsters" and "Pokémon" have been unified under the name 宝可梦 (Bǎokěmèng), an approximate transcription of Pokémon.[1] Previously, after the release of Pokémon Sun and Moon in 2016, the term "Pocket Monsters" was distinguished by translating it as 精灵宝可梦 (Jīnglíng Bǎokěmèng), including the word 精灵 (jīnglíng; "creature"). According to Tsunekazu Ishihara, the intention of the rename was to keep the pronunciation of "Pokémon" consistent throughout the world, while still taking its former translations into account by incorporating the former Cantonese name (宠物小精灵) and former Taiwanese name (神奇宝贝) .[2]
The current name was first introduced in mainland China in December 2010. Following the announcement of the rename, Pokémon Adventures received a reprint with updated translations, while iQiyi gradually uploaded the animated series for streaming under the new title. In addition, Takara Tomy had also released a new line of Pokémon toys from Pokémon the Series: Black & White. On July 10, 2015, a special event was also held during the premiere of Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction in Shanghai to promote the new name[3].
The Cantonese name 宠物小精灵 (Chǒngwù Xiǎojīnglíng) was used as the official translation of Pokémon from 1998 to 2002, while the Taiwanese name 神奇宝贝 (Shénqí Bǎobèi) was used from 2001 to 2010.
Previously, the animated series, multiple manga series, and various guidebooks have given names to the Pokémon, characters, locations and other important terminologies. With the release of Sun and Moon, Nintendo has provided an updated set of names for the first 151 Pokémon, with some receiving completely new names[4]. For more information on these localized names for Pokémon, see List of Chinese Pokémon names.
Due to the lack of official Chinese translations of games prior to Generation VII and the proliferation of bootlegs in the market, the unofficial name 口袋妖怪 (Kǒudài Yāoguài; "pocket monster") is commonly used by fans in mainland China. The name was also trademarked by Nintendo in mainland China, but has never been used by official media.
Pokémon games
Core series
Pokémon Sun and Moon are the first set of games to be officially translated into Chinese, available in both Traditional and Simplified characters. In the years prior to the release of the Chinese localizations, only the Japanese and English versions of the video games were made available in Taiwan and Hong Kong, while video games were banned in mainland China around that period[5]. The release came two years after the lifting of the 14-year ban of video games in mainland China[6]. Despite the existence of Chinese localizations, games from the core series have yet to be officially distributed in the region.
As a result of lack of Chinese localizations in the previous games, many Chinese-translated language hacks and bootleg versions of the series are distributed into the mainland.
On April 7, 2024, the National Press and Publication Administration approved the import of Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee!.
On July 13, 2024, Pokémon announced the start of "Pokémon Game Season" with Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! being part of the lineup[7].
| Game | Translated Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! | 宝可梦 走吧！皮卡丘／走吧！伊布 | TBA |
Spin-off series
Console and mobile games
The Super Smash Bros. (任天堂明星大乱斗) was released in mainland China on November 15, 2005, making it one of the few Pokémon-related games to receive Chinese localization prior to Pokémon Sun and Moon. It contains unique cries for most of the Pokémon characters. Those in question are the same ones with unique cries in the game's English version.
NetEase Games (网易游戏) released Pokémon Quest on May 13, 2021, making it the first Pokémon game to be officially released in the region. The game have continued to receive updates exclusive to the region featuring Pokémon from later generations that have not appeared in the original version of the game.
New Pokémon Snap was released on July 16, 2024 as part of the "Pokémon Game Season", making it the first game to receive a physical release in the region. It featured various minor changes from the original version, such as translation of all English text into Chinese, minor alterations of icons, and some revisions of Photodex entries[8].
Pokémon UNITE is scheduled to be released on November 30, 2024.
| Game | Translated Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Pokémon Quest | 宝可梦大探险 | May 13, 2021 |
| New Pokémon Snap | 新宝可梦随乐拍 | July 16, 2024 |
| Pokémon UNITE | 宝可梦大集结 | November 30, 2024 |
Arcade games
Pokémon Tretta was launched in mainland China in 2019, while Pokémon Ga-Olé (宝可梦加傲乐) was launched on December 12, 2020. Both were distributed by Wahlap Technology and available in Simplified Chinese.
Others
Pokémon Pikachu (神奇宝贝皮卡丘) was a step counter and virtual pet toy released in the region in 2001.
Pokémon animation and live action
The first 52 episodes of the original series had initially been dubbed and distributed by Medialink Animation under the title 宠物小精灵, premiering first on OTV (上海东方电视台) on December 24, 1998.
During the 2000s, Top-Insight International had distributed the Taiwanese dub in various channels under the title 神奇宝贝.
In 2011, Beijing DynamicMedia Co., Ltd. (北京迪美文化发展有限公司) had redubbed the first 27 episode of Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl under the title 精灵宝可梦 and aired it on CCTV-6 before going on an indefinite hiatus.
Digital distribution
The dub is currently distributed by IMMG and JY Animation (杰外动漫). It is available in digital platforms such as iQIYI (爱奇艺), Youku (优酷), Bilibili (哔哩哔哩), Migu Video (咪咕视频), Mango TV (芒果TV), and Xigua Video (西瓜视频).
On December 2012, iQIYI uploaded the first 84 episodes of the Taiwanese dub of Pokémon the Series: Black & White up for online legal viewing with episodes from Black & White season 2 and the original series added in the subsequent months. Episodes of Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire, Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl, Pokémon the Series: XY, and Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon were eventually added as well. These episodes are of the Taiwanese dubs with subtitles in simplified Chinese. The Taiwanese dub of Sun & Moon were later replaced by one produced by Shunxin Cultural Development Co. Ltd. (瞬心文化发展股份有限公司).
On December 2023, Migu Video uploaded episodes of the original series, Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl, Pokémon the Series: Black & White, Pokémon the Series: XY dubbed by Shunxin Cultural. Various platforms have also uploaded episodes of Pokémon Journeys: The Series dubbed by VOICE BEAR studio (音熊联萌).
Pokémon movies
All Pokémon movies are currently available on various digital platforms in mainland China, featuring a mix of Taiwanese and mainland dubs.
Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction premiered on July 10, 2015 in designated theaters in Shanghai as part of CCG Expo 2015, making it the first movie to be screened on Chinese cinemas.
Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel was screened on Chinese cinemas on November 11, 2017.
Mewtwo Strikes Back, The Power of One, Spell of the Unown, Pokémon Heroes: Latios & Latias were screened on Shanghai CGV Cinema as part of CCG EXPO 2023, while Spell of the Unown, Pokémon Heroes: Latios & Latias, Lucario and the Mystery of Mew, Zoroark: Master of Illusions, I Choose You!, and The Power of Us were screened in designated theaters in Shanghai as part of the 2024 Shanghai International Film Festival.
POKÉMON Detective Pikachu premiered in mainland China on May 10, 2019 where it was distributed by Legendary East.
Music
Unlike the other dubs, the Mandarin dub subtitles the original Japanese opening and ending themes.
A Mandarin version of Pocket Monster was used in the Medialink dub.
The lyric video of Dreamful (可梦) was released on Weibo on February 19, 2022 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Pokémon. The music video was released on Weibo on August 25, 2022.
The music video of Pokémon Party (宝可梦派对) was released on Bilibili on August 4, 2023.
Cast and crew
Many voice actors and actresses have contributed to the production of the Chinese dubs of the Pokémon animated series.
| Character | Voice Actor |
|---|---|
| Ash Ketchum | 徐琳 Xú Lín (Medialink dub: EP001-EP053) 王小燕 Wáng Xiǎoyàn (DynamicMedia dub: DP001-DP027) 山新 Shān Xīn (M19) 唐雅菁 Táng Yǎjīng (Shunxin dub: original series, Pokémon the Series: Black & White - Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon, M01, M02, M20, M21) 蒋静菊 Jiǎng Jìngjú (Shunxin dub: Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl) 张琦 Zhāng Qí (M22 Netflix dub) 冯骏晔 Féng Jùnyè (VOICE BEAR dub: Pokémon Journeys: The Series) |
| Gary Oak | 周帅 Zhōu Shuài (Shunxin dub) |
| Misty | 曹玉敏 Cáo Yùmǐn (Medialink dub: EP001-EP053) 阎萌萌 Yán Méngméng (DynamicMedia dub: EP104-EP159) 叶知秋 Yè Zhīqiū (M22) 花玲 Huā Líng (Shunxin dub) 王晓彤 Wáng Xiǎotóng (M22 Netflix dub) |
| Jessie | 刘莉 Líu Lì (Medialink dub: EP001-EP053) 金燕 Jīn Yàn (DynamicMedia dub: DP001-DP027) 黎筱濛 Lí Xiǎoméng (M19) 黄莺 Huáng Yīng (Shunxin dub) 徐慧 Xú Huì (M22 Netflix dub) |
| James | 张文渔 Zhāng Wényú (Medialink dub: EP001-EP053) 郭盛 Guō Shèng (DynamicMedia dub: EP104-EP159, DP001-DP027, M19, M22) 孙晔 Sūn Yè (M22 Netflix dub) 梁达伟 Liáng Dáwěi (Shunxin dub, M20) |
| Meowth | 张明亮 Zhāng Míngliàng (Medialink dub: EP001-EP053) 王晨光 Wáng Chénguāng (DynamicMedia dub: DP001-DP027) 刑凯新 Xíng Kǎixīn (M19) 刘垚 Líu Yáo (M22) 吴迪 Wú Dí (Shunxin dub) |
| Brock | 姚居德 Yáo Jūdé (Medialink dub: EP001-EP053) 赵震 Zhào Zhèn (DynamicMedia dub: DP001-DP027) 马洋 Mǎ Yáng (M22 Netflix dub) 胡霖 Hú Lín (M22) 秦且歌 Qín Qiěgē (Shunxin dub) |
| Tracey Sketchit | 汤水雨 Tāng Shuǐyǔ (DynamicMedia dub: EP104-EP159) |
| May | |
| Max | |
| Dawn | 纪元 Jì Yuán (DynamicMedia dub: DP001-DP027) 蒋丽 Jiǎng Lì (Shunxin dub: Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl) |
| Iris | 蔡书瑾 Cài Shūjǐn |
| Cilan | 陈诗 Chén Shī |
| Serena | 伍凯立 Wǔ Kǎilì (Pokémon the Series: XY) 沈念如 Chén Niànrú (M19) |
| Clemont | 张圣 Zhāng Shèng (M19) |
| Bonnie | 蔡书瑾 Cài Shūjǐn (Pokémon the Series: XY) 阎么么 Yán Meme (M19) |
| Rotom Pokédex | |
| Lillie | 伍凯立 Wǔ Kǎilì |
| Kiawe | 徐翔 Xú Xiáng |
| Mallow | 包小柒 Bāo Xiǎoqī |
| Lana | 钟可 Zhōng Kě |
| Sophocles | 姚苏娟 Yáo Sūjuān |
| Goh | 风柚 Fēng Yòu |
| Chloe |
Other animated shorts and series
POKÉTOON was uploaded to Bilibili with subtitles starting from December 2021.
The Journey of One Dream (同梦之旅), a 12-minute animated short, was released on Weibo and Bilibili on February 28, 2023.
Cube-Shaped Pokémon on Cubie Island?! (方可梦：不圆之岛的方形宝可梦？！) was released on Weibo and Bilibili from February 28 to September 29, 2023.
Detective Pikachu & the Mystery of the Missing Flan (名偵探皮卡丘～華麗的早晨儀式～) had been dubbed into Mandarin and released on Weibo and Bilibili on October 25, 2023.
Homecoming (良辰有梦), a two-minute animated short based on Chinese New Year, was released on Weibo, Douyin, and Bilibili on February 2, 2024.
Pokémon Animated Encyclopedia (宝可梦动画图鉴) is a series of animated shorts produced by several local animation studios and released on various online platforms such as Weibo, Douyin, and Bilibili. The first episode was released on April 29, 2024, while the first season "Island Break" was released on August 5, 2024.
Various animated miniseries have also been released on Bilibili with Pokémon: Path to the Peak screened during the 2023 Shanghai Masters. Pokémon: Twilight Wings have been subtitled with Simplified Chinese, while the rest had been dubbed into Mandarin.
| Series | Translated Title |
|---|---|
| Pokémon: Twilight Wings | 破晓之翼 |
| Pokémon: Hisuian Snow | 释雪二蓝 |
| Pokémon: Path to the Peak | 宝可梦 巅峰之路 |
Pokémon printed media
Pokémon Adventures
Pokémon Adventures has been translated by Jilin Fine Arts Press (吉林美術出版社). The manga has also been launched on Bilibili Comics with current translations being handled by Shanghai Viz Communication Co., Ltd. (上海碧日咨询事业有限公司), a subsidiary of Shogakukan.
Pokémon Adventures was also first translated by China Light Industry Press (轻工业出版社) under the Cantonese title (宠物小精灵特别篇), publishing the first seven volumes in 2000. While the Cantonese term of Pokémon is used in that translation, all other names and terminologies were based on the Taiwanese translation. Jilin Publishing Group took over the series in 2005, renaming the series to match the Taiwanese title (神奇宝贝特别篇). In 2011, Pokémon Adventures had been renamed to its current name (精灵宝可梦特别篇) starting from Volume 29 while the first 28 volumes were re-released under the new name.
The series had been previously serialized on CoroCoro (龍漫CORO-CORO) until August 2014. It was later uploaded to Bilibili Comics on November 2018, updating with X & Y arc on February 14, 2020, Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire arc on March 3, 2020, and Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon arc on May 5, 2020.
Other manga and printed media
Jilin Fine Arts Press had also translated Pokémon Pocket Monsters and its sequel Pokémon Ruby-Sapphire, Ash & Pikachu, Pokémon: Yeah! I Got Pokémon!, Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys. It had also translated several movie manga adaptations from Jirachi: Wish Maker to Lucario and the Mystery of Mew and the first nine volumes of Pocket Monsters Film Comic The Movie, as well as the Pocket Monsters Series (神奇宝贝电视绘本) and Let's Find Pokémon! series.
21st Century Publishing Group (二十一世纪出版社集团) had translated all 20 volumes of Pocket Monsters Film Comic (神奇宝贝彩色电视版), all 9 volumes of Pocket Monsters Film Comic Episode: Orange Islands (神奇宝贝柑橘群岛编), and the first 20 volumes of Pocket Monsters Film Comic Episode: Gold & Silver (神奇宝贝金・银编).
Both publishing house have also translated various Pokédex handbooks.
Translations
| Manga | Translated Title |
|---|---|
| Pokémon Adventures | 精灵宝可梦特别篇 [Jilin Publishing: Volume 1-40 (2011 onwards)] 神奇宝贝特别篇 [Jilin Publishing: Volume 1-29 (2005 - 2010)] 宠物小精灵特别篇 [China Light Industry Press: Volume 1-7 (2000)] |
| Pokémon Pocket Monsters | 神奇宝贝 |
| Ash & Pikachu | 小智与皮卡丘 |
| Pokémon: Yeah! I Got Pokémon! | 神奇宝贝大搜捕 |
| Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys | 神奇宝贝-金·银：金色少年 |
| Pokémon Ruby-Sapphire | 神奇宝贝 红宝石·蓝宝石篇 |
Gallery
Pokémon Adventures (China Light Industry Press)
Pokémon Adventures (Jilin Publishing Group first edition)
Pokémon Adventures (Jilin Publishing Group second edition)
Ash and Pikachu
Pokémon: Yeah! I Got Pokémon!
Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys
Pokémon Trading Card Game
Prior to Sun & Moon Era
While TCG products were introduced in Taiwan and Hong Kong during this period, they were never officially released in mainland China nor were the cards printed in Simplified Chinese.
Sun & Moon and later Eras
In September 2022, Pokémon Shanghai Toy Limited (宝可梦（上海）玩具有限公司), The Pokémon Company's subsidiary in mainland China, announced the upcoming release of the Pokémon Trading Card Game (宝可梦集换式卡牌游戏) in Simplified Chinese.[9]
The first set Storming Emergence was released on October 28, 2022, with cards sourced from Japanese sets Collection Sun/Collection Moon to GX Ultra Shiny. The second set Shining Synergy was released on January 18, 2023, with cards sourced from all remaining Japanese Sun & Moon Era sets.
The third set Dynamax Clash was the first set released for the Sword and Shield Era.
Region-Exclusive Sets
| Set name | English translation | Series | Mark | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 横空出世 | Storming Emergence | Sun & Moon | CSM1a / CSM1b / CSM1c | October 28, 2022 |
| 交相辉映 | Shining Synergy | Sun & Moon | CSM2a / CSM2b / CSM2c | January 18, 2023 |
| 极巨争锋 | Dynamax Clash | Sword & Shield | CS1a / CS1b | May 19, 2023 |
| 浓墨重彩 | Vivid Portrayals | Sword & Shield | CS2a / CS2b | August 18, 2023 |
| 洪荒演武 | Primordial Arts | Sword & Shield | CS3a / CS3b | November 17, 2023 |
| 九彩汇聚 | Polychromatic Gathering | Sword & Shield | CS4a / CS4b | March 1, 2024 |
| 勇魅群星 | Gallant Galaxy | Sword & Shield | CS5a / CS5b | June 18, 2024 |
| 碧海暗影 | Marine Shadow | Sword & Shield | CS6a / CS6b | September 20, 2024 |
Starter Decks
| Set name | English translation | Series | Mark | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GX起始卡组 横空出世 | Storming Emergence GX Starter Deck | Sun & Moon | CSM1D | October 28, 2022 |
| GX起始卡组 交相辉映 | Shining Synergy GX Starter Deck | Sun & Moon | CSM2D | January 18, 2023 |
| V起始卡组 极巨争锋 | Dynamax Clash V Starter Deck | Sword & Shield | CS1D | May 19, 2023 |
| V起始卡组 浓墨重彩 | Vivid Portrayals V Starter Deck | Sword & Shield | CS2D | August 18, 2023 |
| V起始卡组 洪荒演武 | Primordial Arts V Starter Deck | Sword & Shield | CS3D | November 17, 2023 |
| V起始卡组 九彩汇聚 | Polychromatic Gathering V Starter Deck | Sword & Shield | CS4D | March 1, 2024 |
| V起始卡组 勇魅群星 | Gallant Galaxy V Starter Deck | Sword & Shield | CS5D | June 18, 2024 |
Booster Decks
| Set name | English translation | Series | Mark | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 对战精英 | Battle Elite | Sun & Moon | CSM1.5 | December 16, 2022 |
| 炫奇争胜 | Striking Competition | Sun & Moon | CSM2.5 | March 17, 2023 |
| 极巨攻防 | Dynamax Tactics | Sword & Shield | CS1.5 | June 28, 2023 |
| 璀璨反击 | Brilliant Counterattack | Sword & Shield | CS2.5 | September 29, 2023 |
| 怒炎灼天 | Scorching Skies | Sword & Shield | CS3.5 | January 5, 2024 |
| 终末炎舞 | Flame Dance of the End | Sword & Shield | CS4.5 | April 26, 2024 |
| 暗影夺辉 | Overshadowed Radiance | Sword & Shield | CS5.5 | August 2, 2024 |
Promotional cards
- Main article: S-P Promotional cards (SCTCG)
- Main article: SV-P Promotional cards (SCTCG)
Events
TCG Masters
The Pokémon Trading Card Game Masters (大师赛) is a series of tournaments held in various major cities in China.
In 2023, it was held in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. It was originally scheduled to be first held in Guangzhou in late 2022, but it was delayed to March 2023 due to the pandemic. Various promotional events and activities have also been held alongside the tournament, such as introductory classes to Pokémon Trading Card Game, a tournament for Pokémon UNITE, a gallery for the Pokémon animated series, an experience zone for Pokémon Ga-Olé, an exhibition area for Pokémon Quest, and a concert featuring Hatsune Miku singing Volt Tackle.
In 2024, the hosting city of Shanghai Masters had been moved to Suzhou and renamed to Suzhou Masters.
Gallery
Beijing Masters logo
Shanghai Masters logo
Guangzhou Masters logo
Shenzhen Masters logo
Suzhou Masters logo
Others
Pokémon collaborated with the Shanghai Library in 2023 to promote reading through the creation of a multidimensional experience with the theme of Pokémon Trading Card Game[10]. It featured an exhibition of Pokémon card illustrations and the screening of The Journey of One Dream.
The exhibition of "Artifacts of Indigo Plateau" (石英高原的遗迹) featuring a collaboration of Pokémon and Daniel Arsham was held in Shanghai from December 31, 2022 to May 7, 2023, Guangzhou from December 1, 2023 to May 20, 2024, and Wuhan from May 31, 2024 to December 1, 2024.
Related articles
External links
- The Pokémon Company
- Video games
- Pokémon Sun and Moon website (Simplified Chinese)
- Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon website (Simplified Chinese)
- Animated series
- iQiyi
- Pokémon
- Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire
- Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl
- Pokémon the Series: Black & White
- Pokémon the Series: XY season 1
- Pokémon the Series: XY season 2
- Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon season 1
- Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon season 2
- Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon season 3
- Pokémon Journeys: The Series
- Others
References
- ↑ The Pokémon Company变更“精灵宝可梦”的简体字名称为“宝可梦” (archived)
- ↑ February 2016 Pokémon Direct (archived)
- ↑ 精灵宝可梦大陆地区正式名称发表会
- ↑ 公開『ポケットモンスター 赤・緑』系列151隻寶可夢(Pokémon)之中文名稱 (Unveiling the Chinese name of the 151 Pokémon in Pocket Monsters Red and Green) (archived)
- ↑ 电子游戏经营场所专项治理意见的通知
- ↑ China has finally lifted its 14-year ban on video games
- ↑ Post on Weibo announcing the start of "Pokémon Game Season"
- ↑ New Pokémon Snap on Github
- ↑ https://www.pokemon.cn/tcg/product/post.html
- ↑ 宝可梦（上海）联合上海图书馆创新打造公益主题阅览室2023.11.27 (Pokémon (Shanghai) collaborated with Shanghai Library to create an innovative themed reading room for the general public - 2023.11.27)
