Kanto Region Index

The **Kanto Region** is the main setting of Pokemon Red and Blue. The Kanto Region is based on the Kanto region of Japan. For information regarding the Pokemon of Red and Blue, see here.

*Please provide your own knowledge to this page if possible. Descriptions written in italics are speculation and not solid facts.*

## Characters

The running theme of the playable characters is that they are named after colors.

### Red

General Information: Red (known as "Satoshi" prior to Generation II) is the sole player character in the original Generation I games.

**Etymology**: Red's name is a reference to Pokemon Red Version.

Red is a primary color which is historically is associated with danger and courage. Modern understanding associates the color with passion, anger, and love. It is associated in Asian countries with happiness and good fortune. The name is derived from "raud", the Germanic word for the color.

### Leaf

General Information: Leaf is the female player character in the remakes of Generation I, FireRed and LeafGreen.

Etymology: Leaf's name is a reference to Pokemon LeafGreen Version.

### Blue

General Information: Blue (known as "Green" in Japan) is the rival of Generation I. He later became the Champion of the Kanto region, therefore also serving as the game's final boss. In Generation II, he replaces Giovanni as the Viridian City Gym Leader.

**Etymology**: Blue's English name is a reference to Pokemon Blue Version, while his Japanese name references Pokemon Green Version.

Blue is a primary color which has been an important color in art and decoration since ancient times. The color is most associated with intelligence, knowledge, and concentration. The name of the color is based on the German word "blao", which means shimmering.

Green is a primary color which is heavily associated with nature. The color is also believed to represent life, health, spring, and hope. In Asian countries, the color is associated with fertility and happiness. The name of the color is based on Germanic roots meaning "growing grass".

### Professor Oak

General Information: Professor Samuel Oak (known as "Dr. Yukinari Ohkido" in Japan) is the Pokemon Professor of the Kanto region. His research focuses on the relationship between humans and Pokemon.

**Etymology**: This character is named after the **oak tree**. His Japanese name comes from the orchid and the family name "Okido" (meaning 'castle door').

An oak is any of the 500 extant species of tree or shrub belonging to the Quercus genus, which belongs to the beech family (Fagaceae). Native to the Northern Hemisphere, oaks include both deciduous and evergreen species. In common culture, the oak is symbolic of strength and endurance.

### Brock

General Information: Brock (known as "Takeshi" in Japan) is the first Gym Leader the player faces in the Kanto region. He specializes in Rock-type Pokemon, with his most powerful being an Onix. Defeating him will grant the player the Boulder Badge and TM34 (Bide).

*Type Connection: Brock is serious and puts forth a tough demeanor.*

**Etymology**

* This character's English name is inspired by the word "rock", referencing his signature type.

Brock is a masculine given name derived from an English and Scottish surname which ultimately means "badger".

* This character's Japanese name is based on the Japanese word for **bamboo** (take), which is also a homophone of the Japanese word for a rocky slope (take).

Bamboo is a diverse group of evergreen perennial flowering plants of the Bambusoideae subfamily of the Poaceae grass family. Bamboo is very culturally significant in Asia, where it is commonly used as building material. In Japan, it is a symbol of prosperity. The origin of the word "bamboo" is uncertain, although it might come from the Dutch or Portuguese language.

### Misty

General Information: Misty (known as "Kasumi" in Japan) is the second Gym Leader the player faces in the Kanto region. She specializes in Water-type Pokemon, with her most powerful being a Starmie. Defeating her will grant the player the Cascade Badge and TM 11 (Bubble Beam).

*Type Connection: Misty is a swimmer, a profession that obviously is connected with the element of water.*

**Etymology**

* This character's name comes from the word "mist" (defined as 'a cloud of tiny water droplets suspended in the atmosphere or near the Earth's surface which often limits visibility').
* This character's Japanese name is based on "kasumi-so" (the Japanese word for **baby's breath**) and "kasumi" (a reading of the Japanese kanji for mist).

Gypsophila, commonly known as baby's breath, is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family. They are native to Eurasia, Africa, Australia, and the Pacific Islands.

### Lt. Surge

General Information: Lt. Surge (known as "Matis" in Japan) is the third Gym Leader the player faces in the Kanto region. He specializes in Electric-type Pokemon, with his most powerful being a Raichu. Defeating him will grant the player the Thunder Badge and TM 24 (Thunderbolt).

**Etymology**

* This character's name comes from the concept of an "electrical surge".
* This character's Japanese name is based on the **Clematis** genus, which is known as "Tessen" in Japanese (a homophone of the Japanese word for electrical wires).

Clematis is a genus containing around 300 species of flowering plants within the Ranunculaceae family. Primarily originating from China and Japan, Clematis are popular among gardeners.

**Note**: Lt. Surge's character design and personality are based on an American military soldier.

### Erika

General Information: Erika is the fourth Gym Leader the player faces in the Kanto region. She specializes in Grass-type Pokemon, with her most powerful being a Vileplume. Defeating her will grant the player the Rainbow Badge and TM 21 (Mega Drain).

*Type Connection: Erika is a practitioner of flower-arranging.*

**Etymology**: This character's name is based on the **Erica** genus.

Erica, also known by the common names of heath and heather, is a genus of around 857 species of flowers found in the Ericaceae family. Most species of heather flowers are found in South Africa. The name of the genus is Latin, although the word simply refers only to the flower itself with no deeper meaning.

**Note**: Erika's character design is likely based on Yamato-nadeshiko, the Japanese conception of the perfect woman.

### Koga

General Information: Koga (known as "Kyo" in Japan) is the fifth Gym Leader the player faces in the Kanto region. He specializes in Poison-type Pokemon, with his most powerful being a Weezing. Defeating him will grant the player the Soul Badge and TM 06 (Toxic).

*Type Connection: Ninjas are known in common culture as assassins, similar to the deadliness of the Poison type. Ninjas are also known in common culture to secretly poison people through contamination of food or drink and through the usage of weapons like poisoned blow darts, providing a more literal connection to the Poison type.*

**Etymology**

* This character's name comes from "Koga-ryu", a specific school of ninjutsu.
* This character's Japanese name is based on a reading of the Japanese kanji for an **apricot**.

An apricot is any fruit that grows on a tree of the Prunus genus. The word is believed to ultimately derive from the Latin word "praecocia", which means 'early ripening'.

**Note**: Koga's character is based on a ninja.

### Sabrina

General Information: Sabrina (known as "Natsume" in Japan) is the sixth Gym Leader the player faces in the Kanto region. She specializes in Psychic-type Pokemon. Defeating her will grant the player the Marsh Badge and TM 46 (Psywave).

**Etymology**

* This character's name is a possible reference to Sabrina the Teenage Witch.

Sabrina is a female given name derived from the the Proto-Celtic language. It is thought to refer to people from Cyprus or those who live near the Severn River in Great Britain. The name also has connections to a legend involving a Celtic goddess named Sabrina.

* This character's Japanese name is based on the Japanese word for the **jujube** fruit. The name also contains "me", a reading of the Japanese kanji for an eye as a reference to how the eye is a common symbol of supernatural powers.

The jujube fruit (Ziziphus jujuba), also known as the red date or Chinese date, is the fruit that grows on a tree belonging to the Rhamnaceae family. In Arabic-speaking regions, they are closely related to the legendary lote-trees mentioned in the Quran. In the town of Al-Qurnah in Iraq, a specific jujube tree is believed to actually be the infamous Tree of Knowledge mentioned in the Bible whose fruit broke the covenant between God and man. The name "jujube" is believed to hail from French or the Latin word "jujuba".

### Blaine

General Information: Blaine (known as "Katsura" in Japan) is the seventh Gym Leader the player faces in the Kanto region. He specializes in Fire-type Pokemon. Defeating him will grant the player the Volcano Badge and TM 38 (Fire Blast).

**Etymology**

* This character's name is a combination of the words "blaze" and "flame", two words related to the classical element of fire.

Blaine is a gender-neutral name of Gaelic and Scottish origin which is derived from the old Irish word for the color yellow.

* This character's Japanese name is based on the **katsura tree** and "ka" (a reading of the Japanese kanji for fire).

Cercidiphyllum, known more commonly as katsura, is a genus of hardwood tree native to Japan and China.

**Note**: Blaine's design is based on the stereotypical portrayal of a scientist.

### Giovanni

General Information: Giovanni (known as "Sakaki" in Japan) is the eighth and final Gym Leader the player faces in the Kanto region. He specializes in Ground-type Pokemon. Defeating him will grant the player the Earth Badge and TM 27 (Fissure). He is also the leader of Team Rocket.

**Etymology**

* This character's name contains the sound "geo" (a prefix of Greek origin related to earth).

Giovanni is a male Italian given name which is derived from the name John (which itself comes from the Latin word "Ioannes").

* This character's Japanese name is based on the **Sakaki tree** and "saka" (a reading of the Japanese kanji for a slope).

Cleyera japonica, more commonly known as the Sakaki, is a flowering evergreen tree native to Japan, Taiwan, China, Mynmar, Nepal, and Northern India. It is considered sacred in the Shinto faith, where it is classically offered to the gods at shrines. The Japanese word is traditionally written using kanji carrying the meaning 'sacred tree' or 'divine tree'.

**Note**: Giovanni's design and personality are most likely inspired by the classic depiction of an Italian mob boss or gang leader.

### Lorelei

General Information: Lorelei (known as "Kanna" in Japan) is the first member of the Indigo Plateau Elite Four in the Kanto region. She specializes in Ice-type Pokemon.

**Etymology**

* This character's name is a reference to the mythological maiden who lived on rocks in the sea who lured fishermen to their death with her song.
* This character's Japanese name is based on the **Canna** genus and "kan" (a reading of the Japanese kanji for cold).

Canna is the sole genus of flowering plants in the Cannaceae family which is part of the Zingiberales order (which also contains gingers, bananas, and birds of paradise flowers). The name of the genus comes from the Latin word for a cane or reed.

### Bruno

General Information: Bruno (known as "Siba" in Japan) is the second member of the Indigo Plateau Elite Four in the Kanto region. He specializes in Fighting-type Pokemon.

**Etymology**

* This character's name might be inspired by words such as "brawn" and "brutal".

Bruno is a male given name derived from the Old High German name "Brun" (meaning 'brown').

* This character's Japanese name is based on "shiba" (the Japanese word for **zoysia grass**) and "shibaku" (a Japanese verb meaning 'to strike').

Zoysia, also known as lawngrass, is a genus of creeping grass of the Poales order. It is widespread across Asia and Australia, while also being native to various islands in the Pacific. It is commonly used for golf courses. The genus is named after the Slovenian botanist Karl von Zois.

**Note**: Bruno's design is modeled after a traditional martial artist.

### Agatha

General Information: Agatha (known as "Kikuko" in Japan) is the third member of the Indigo Plateau Elite Four in the Kanto region. She specializes in Ghost-type Pokemon.

**Etymology**

* This character's name might be inspired by words like "agony" and "aghast".

Agatha is a female given name hailing from Greek which is based on the word "agathos", which means 'good' or 'honorable'.

* This character's Japanese name is based on "kiku" (the Japanese word for **chrysanthemum**) and possibly "ki" (a reading of the Japanese kanji for a spirit or ghost).

Chrysanthemums are flowering plants of the Asteraceae family which are native to East Asia and Northeastern Europe, being specifically first cultivated in China. In Japan, the chrysanthemum is a symbol of the Emperor and the Imperial family.

### Lance

General Information: Lance (known as "Wataru" in Japan) is the fourth member of the Indigo Plateau Elite Four in the Kanto region. In Generation II, he is the Champion and final boss. He specializes in Dragon-type Pokemon.

**Etymology**

* This character's name is a reference to a weapon commonly used by medieval knights.
* This character's Japanese name is based on "wata" (the Japanese word for **cotton**).

Gossypium, commonly known as cotton, is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the Malvaceae family. It is most commonly cultivated for its fibers, which are used to create the material yarn or thread for usage as a soft textile. The word cotton is believed to derive from the Arabic word "qutun".

**Note**: Lance's design appears to be based on the classical depiction of a medieval knight, referencing their common cultural connection to dragons.

## Locations

All the major cities and towns in Kanto are named after colors. *The Real World Equivalents are heavily speculative.*

### Pallet Town

General Information: Pallet Town (known as "Masara" in Japan) is a small town in southwestern Kanto which is the starting location for players.

*Real World Equivalent: Shimoda City*

**Etymology**

* Pallet Town is named after a "palette" (a range of colors used for various means).
* Pallet Town's Japanese name is based on "masshiro" (the Japanese word for pure white).

### Viridian City

General Information: Viridian City (known as "Tokiwa" in Japan) is a small city located in western Kanto where the player faces the Gym Leader Giovanni.

*Real World Equivalent: Mishima City or Hakone Town*

**Etymology**

* Viridian City is named after "viridian" (a blue-green color).
* Viridian City's Japanese name is based on "tokiwa-iro" (the green color of evergreen foliage).

### Pewter City

General Information: Pewter City (known as "Nibi" in Japan) is a city located in northwestern Kanto where the player faces the Gym Leader Brock.

*Real World Equivalent: Maebashi City*

**Etymology**

* Pewter City is named after "pewter" (a shade of bluish gray named after an alloy of tin).
* Pewter City's Japanese name is based on "nibi-iro" (the Japanese word for a shade of dull gray).

### Cerulean City

General Information: Cerulean City (known as "Hanada" in Japan) is a seaside city in northern Kanto where the player faces the Gym Leader Misty.

*Real World Equivalent: Utsunomiya City*

**Etymology**

* Cerulean City is named after "cerulean" (a shade of deep blue).
* Cerulean City's Japanese name is based on "hanada-iro" (the Japanese word for a shade of light blue).

### Vermilion City

General Information: Vermilion City (known as "Kuchiba" in Japan) is a city in Kanto where the player faces the Gym Leader Lt. Surge.

*Real World Equivalent: Yokohama City, Yokosuka City, and Chiba City*

**Etymology**

* Vermilion City is named after "vermilion" (a shade of reddish-orange pigment produced by the mineral cinnabar).
* Vermilion City's Japanese name is based on "kuchiba-iro" (the Japanese word for the burnt orange color of decayed leaves).

### Lavender Town

General Information: Lavender Town (known as "Cion" in Japan) is a small town located in northeastern Kanto.

*Real World Equivalent: Ushiku City*

**Etymology**

* Lavender Town is named after "lavender" (a shade of pale purple).
* Lavender Town's Japanese name is based on "shion-iro" (the Japanese word for the light purple color of the Tatarian aster).

### Celadon City

General Information: Celadon City (known as "Tamamushi" in Japan) is a city in central Kanto where the player faces the Gym Leader Erika.

*Real World Equivalent: Tama New Town or Setagaya*

**Etymology**

* Celadon City is named after "celadon" (a light grayish green color named after a type of pottery).
* Celadon City's Japanese name is based on "tamamushi-iro" (the Japanese word for the iridescent green color of the jewel beetle).

### Saffron City

General Information: Saffron City (known as "Yamabuki" in Japan) is a sprawling metropolis where the player faces the Gym Leader Sabrina.

*Real World Equivalent: Tokyo*

**Etymology**

* Saffron City is named after "saffron" (a golden yellow color).
* Saffron City's Japanese name is based on "yamabuki-iro" (the Japanese word for the golden color of the kerria flower).

### Fuchsia City

General Information: Fuchsia City (known as "Sekichiku" in Japan) is a city located in southwestern Kanto where the player faces the Gym Leader Koga. It is also the location of the Safari Zone of Generation I.

*Real World Equivalent: Futtsu City or Tateyama City*

**Etymology**

* Fuchsia City is named after "fuchsia" (a vivid purplish pink color).
* Fuchsia City's Japanese name is based on "sekichiku-iro" (a pale pink shade of China pink).

### Cinnabar Island

General Information: Cinnabar Island (known as "Guren" in Japan) is a large island off the southern coast of Kanto where the player faces the Gym Leader Blaine.

*Real World Equivalent: Izu-Oshima*

**Etymology**

* Cinnabar Island is named after "cinnabar" (an orange-red mineral used to produce the pigment of the color vermilion).
* Cinnabar Island's Japanese name is based on "guren-iro" (the Japanese word for the crimson color of the red lotus flower).

### Indigo Plateau

General Information: The Indigo Plateau (known as "Sekiei" in Japan) is the final destination of Trainers in Kanto, due to being the home of the Elite Four.

*Real World Equivalent: Northwestern Saitama, Annaka City, or Chichibu Tama Kai National Park*

**Etymology**

* The Indigo Plateau is named after "indigo" (a shade of blue-purple which is one of the seven traditional colors of the rainbow).
* The Indigo Plateau's Japanese name is based on "sekiei" (the Japanese word for quartz).

## Ideas

### Region Theming

* Aircraft
* Body Parts
* Bug Genus
* Constellations
* Deities
* Extinct Animals
* Football Teams (American or Soccer)
* Geometric Shapes
* Islands
* Musical Composers
* Novelists
* Stars
* Tarot Cards
* US Presidents
* Weaponry
* Yokai