Sinnoh Region Index

The **Sinnoh Region** is the main setting of Pokemon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum. The Sinnoh Region is based on the Hokkaido region of Japan. For information regarding the Pokemon of Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum, see here.

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

Etymology: The kanji that inspired this region's name can be translated as 'mysterious and profound'.

## Characters

The running theme of the playable characters in Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum is that their names are related to light.

### Lucas

General Information: Lucas (known as "Kouki" in Japan) is the male player character in the Generation IV games. He also serves as Professor Rowan's assistant should the player choose his female counterpart as their avatar.

**Etymology**

* Lucas' name is inspired by "lux" (the Latin word for light) or "leukos" (the Ancient Greek word for bright).

Lucas is a Latin masculine given name derived from the verb "lucere", meaning 'to shine'.

* Lucas' Japanese name is based on "koki" (a Japanese word for radiance).

### Dawn

General Information: Dawn (known as "Hikari" in Japan) is the female player character in the Generation IV games. She also serves as Professor Rowan's assistant should the player choose her male counterpart as their avatar.

**Etymology**

* Dawn's name is inspired by the English word defined as 'first appearance of light in the morning'.
* Dawn's Japanese name is based on a reading of the Japanese kanji for light.

### Barry

General Information: Barry (known as "Jun" in Japan) is the primary rival in the Generation IV games.

**Etymology**

* Barry's name is merely his first default name in Diamond and Pearl.

Barry is a masculine given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic language, ultimately meaning 'fair-headed' or 'fair-haired'.

* Barry's Japanese name is a reference to Junichi Masuda, one of the founding members of Game Freak.

### Professor Rowan

General Information: Professor Rowan (known as "Dr. Nanakamado" in Japan) is the Pokemon Professor of the Sinnoh Region. His research focuses on Pokemon evolution.

**Etymology**

* This character is named after the **rowan**.

The rowans, also known as mountain-ashes, are shrubs or trees in the Sorbus genus of the Rosaceae family native to the Northern Hemisphere. The word "rowan" is thought to derive from the Germanic verb "raud-inan" (to redden) in reference to the berries that grow on plants of this genus.

* This character's Japanese name is based on "nanakamado" (the Japanese word for the **Japanese rowan**).

Sorbus commixta, commonly known as the Japanese rowan, is a species of flowering plant in the Rosaceae family commonly grown as an ornamental tree.

### Roark

General Information: Roark (known as "Hyouta" in Japan) is the first Gym Leader the player faces in the Sinnoh Region. He specializes in Rock-type Pokemon. Defeating him will grant the player the Coal Badge and TM76 (Stealth Rock).

**Etymology**

* Roark's name is inspired by the words "rock" and "ore".

Roark is an Irish masculine given name derived from the surname "O'Rourke" (believed to be one of the oldest surnames in the word) and ultimately meaning 'champion'.

* Roark's Japanese name is based on "hyoutan" (the Japanese word for the **calabash gourd**).

Calabash (Lagenaria siceraria), also known as the bottle gourd, is a vine of the Cucurbitales order known for its unique fruit commonly consumed as a vegetable. It is one of the world's first plants grown primarily for use as containers rather than food.

### Gardenia

General Information: Gardenia (known as "Natane" in Japan) is the second Gym Leader the player faces in the Sinnoh Region. She specializes in Grass-type Pokemon. Defeating her will grant the player the Forest Badge and TM86 (Grass Knot).

**Etymology**

* Gardenia's name is inspired by the word garden and the flower of the same name.

Gardenia is a genus of flowering plants in the Rubiaceae family native to Africa, Asia, Madagascar, the Pacific Islands, and Australia. The flowers of this plant are prized for their sweet scent. The name is a reference to Scottish-born American naturalist Alexander Garden.

* Gardenia's Japanese name is based on "natane" (the Japanese word for **rapeseed**).

Rapeseed (Brassica napus), also known simply as rape, is a bright-yellow flowering plant of the Brassicaceae family cultivated mainly for its oil-rich seeds. Rapeseed is the third-largest source of vegetable oil and the second-largest source of protein meal. The term "rape" derives from the Latin word for a turnip (rapa or rapum).

### Maylene

General Information: Maylene (known as "Sumomo" in Japan) is the third Gym Leader the player faces in the Sinnoh Region. She specializes in Fighting-type Pokemon. Defeating her will grant the player the Cobble Badge and TM60 (Drain Punch).

**Etymology**

* Maylene's name is inspired by the word "melee".

Maylene is an English feminine given name which means 'the fifth month' (usually taken to mean the month of May).

* Maylene's Japanese name is based on "sumomo" (the Japanese word for the **Japanese plum**) and sumo wrestling.

Prunus salicina, commonly known as the Japanese plum or Chinese plum, is a small deciduous tree native to China best known for its fruit.

### Crasher Wake

General Information: Crasher Wake (known as "Maimum Max" or "Maxi" for short in Japan) is the fourth Gym Leader the player faces in the Sinnoh Region. He specializes in Water-type Pokemon. Defeating him will grant the player the Fen Badge and TM55 (Brine).

**Etymology**

* Crasher Wake's name comes from "crashing wave" and "wake" (a set of triangular waves left by something traveling through water).
* Crasher Wake's Japanese name is based on the **Maxillaria** genus.

Maxillaria, commonly known as flame orchids, are a large genus of flowering plants of the Orchidaceae family native to the rainforests in Latin America. The genus name comes from the Latin word for a jawbone (maxilla), reflecting how some species in this genus resemble a protruding jaw.

### Fantina

General Information: Fantina (known as "Melissa" in Japan) is the fifth Gym Leader the player faces in the Sinnoh Region. She specializes in Ghost-type Pokemon. Defeating her will grant the player the Relic Badge and TM65 (Shadow Claw).

**Etymology**

* Fantina's name is inspired by the word "phantom" and possibly "fantasia".

Fantina is a French feminine given name which means 'childlike'.

* Fantina's Japanese name is based on the **Melissa** genus as well as the given name.

Melissa is a Greek feminine given name derived from the Greek word for a honey bee. The name appears in Greek mythology as the name of a nymph who discovered and taught the usage of honey to bees.

Melissa is a genus of perennial herbs of the Lamiaceae family native to Europe and Asia.

### Byron

General Information: Byron (known as "Tougan" in Japan) is the sixth Gym Leader the player faces in the Sinnoh Region. He specializes in Steel-type Pokemon. Defeating him will grant the player the Mine Badge and TM91 (Flash Cannon).

**Etymology**

* Byron's name is inspired by the word "iron".

Byron is an English masculine given name of British origin derived from the Old English phrase "aet byrum" meaning 'at the byres' or 'place by the cowherds'. Originally used as a surname, it was given to those who worked with cattle.

* Byron's Japanese name is based on "togan" (the Japanese word for the **wax gourd**).

Benincasa hispida, commonly known as the wax gourd or winter melon, is a vine in the Cucurbitales order native to South and Southeast Asia known for its very large fruit.

### Candice

General Information: Candice (known as "Suzuna" in Japan) is the seventh Gym Leader the player faces in the Sinnoh Region. She specializes in Ice-type Pokemon. Defeating her will grant the player the Icicle Badge and TM72 (Avalanche).

**Etymology**

* Candice's name is based on "candida" (the Latin word for shining white) and "ice".

Candice is a Latin feminine given name which is a variant of Candace, ultimately meaning 'clarity' or 'pure'. In the Christian and Jewish Bibles, Queen Candace of the Ethiopians was a powerful female ruler who converted and became a follower of Jesus Christ.

* Candice's Japanese name is based on "suzuna" (the old Japanese name for a **turnip**) and "suzushii" (the Japanese word for cool).

The turnip (Brassica rapa) is a root vegetable of the Brassicales order commonly grown in temperate climates. Small tender varieties of turnip are grown for human consumption while larger ones are used as feed for livestock. The word is a combination of "turn" (as in 'turned/rounded on a lathe) and "neep" (derived from the Latin word for the plant "napus").

### Volkner

General Information: Volkner (known as "Denzi" in Japan) is the eighth Gym Leader the player faces in the Sinnoh Region. He specializes in Electric-type Pokemon. Defeating him will grant the player the Beacon Badge and TM57 (Charge Beam).

**Etymology**

* Volkner's name is inspired by the word "volt".
* Volkner's Japanese name is based on "denjiso" (the Japanese word for **European waterclover**) and "denji" (the Japanese word for electromagnetism).

Marsilea quadrifolia, commonly known as a four leaf clover or European waterclover, is a herbaceous plant found in central and southern Europe as well as Eastern Asian countires like China and Japan. It is commonly though that due to being rarer than three-leaf clovers, four leaf clovers bring good luck. The plant is also thought to have been used by Saint Patrick to teach the Irish about the Christian concept of the Holy Trinity.

### Aaron

General Information: Aaron (known as "Ryou" in Japan) is the first member of the Elite Four in the Sinnoh Region. He specializes in Bug-type Pokemon.

**Etymology**

* Aaron's name is inspired by the words "arachnid" and "arthropod".

Aaron is a Hebrew masculine given name whose exact origin is uncertain. It might derive from an Ancient Egyptian word meaning 'warrior lion', "Aaru" (the name of heavenly paradise in Egyptian mythology), or Hebrew roots meaning 'mountain of strength' or 'exalted'. The name is famous forbeing the name of Moses' brother in the Bible and the Torah.

* Aaron's Japanese name is based on "ryobu" (the Japanese word for the **Japanese clethra**).

Clethra barbinervis, commonly known as the Japanese clethra, is a species of flowering plant in the Clethraceae family native to eastern Asia and being particularly common in Japan.

### Bertha

General Information: Bertha (known as "Kikuno" in Japan) is the second member of the Elite Four in the Sinnoh Region. She specializes in Ground-type Pokemon.

**Etymology**

* Bertha's name is inspired by the word "earth".

Bertha is a Germanic feminine given name derived from the Old High German "berhta", meaning 'bright one'. It can be connected to Berchta, a goddess from Alpine folklore and is often used in modern times to refer to usually large objects (an example being the Big Bertha howitzer in WWI).

* Bertha's Japanese name is based on "kiku" (the Japanese word for **chrysanthemum**).

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.

### Flint

General Information: Flint (known as "Oba" in Japan) is the third member of the Elite Four in the Sinnoh Region. He specializes in Fire-type Pokemon.

**Etymology**

* Flint's name is inspired by a kind of stone used to start fires.
* Flint's Japanese name is based on "oba" (the Japanese word for a variety of green-leaved **shiso**) and the English word "overheat".

Perilla frutescens var. crispa, known as shiso in Japan and as the beefsteak plant in English, is an herb in the Lamiaceae family native to the mountainous regions of China and India. The genus name also is used to refer to a particular shade of purple.

### Lucian

General Information: Lucian (known as "Goyou" in Japan) is the fourth member of the Elite Four in the Sinnoh Region. He specializes in Psychic-type Pokemon.

**Etymology**

* Lucian's name is inspired by the words "illusion" and "hallucination".

Lucian is a masculine name derived from the Latin word for light.

* Lucian's Japanese name is based on "goyomatsu" (the Japanese word for the **five-needle pine**).

Pinus parviflora, also known as five-needle pine or Japanese white pine, is a type of coniferous evergreen tree in the Pinaceae family native to Korea and Japan. It is a popular tree used in the Japanese art of bonsai.

### Cynthia

General Information: Cynthia (known as "Shirona" in Japan) is the Champion of the Sinnoh Region.

**Etymology**

* Cynthia's name is derived from an epithet of the Greek goddess of the moon, as a possible parallel to Cyrus' name being associated with the sun.
* Cynthia's Japanese name is based on "shironanten" (the Japanese word for the **white-fruited nandina**).

Nandina domestica var. leucocarpa 'Alba', commonly known as the white-fruited nandina, is a cultivar of the heavenly bamboo species.

### Cyrus

General Information: Cyrus (known as "Akagi" in Japan) is the head of Team Galactic.

**Etymology**

* Cyrus' name is associated with the sun, a possible parallel to Cynthia's name being associated with the moon.

Cyrus is a Persian masculine given name associated as the name of several kings. Its etymology is uncertain, although two possibilities include 'the Sun' and 'one who bestows care'.

* Cyrus' Japanese name is based on "akagi" (the Japanese word for **bishop wood**) and "aka" (the Japanese word for the color red).

Bischofia javanica, commonly known as bishop wood, is a species of tree in the Phyllanthaceae family native to southern and southeast Asia.

Note: In terms of Team Galactic's solar system motif, Cyrus potentially represents the Sun.

### Mars

General Information: Mars is one of the four commanders of Team Galactic.

### Jupiter

General Information: Jupiter is one of the four commanders of Team Galactic.

### Saturn

General Information: Saturn is one of the four commanders of Team Galactic.

### Charon

General Information: Charon (known as "Pluto" in Japan) is one of the four commanders of Team Galactic, who first appeared in Pokemon Platinum.

**Etymology**

* Charon's name is likely a reference to Pluto's largest moon.

## Locations

All of the major cities and towns in Sinnoh are named after words related to eternity. *The Real World Equivalents are heavily speculative.*

### Twinleaf Town

General Information: Twinleaf Town (known as "Futaba" in Japan) is a town in southwestern Sinnoh which is the starting location for players.

*Real World Counterpart: Muroran City, Noboribetsu City, Shiraoi Town*

**Etymology**

* This town's name is a combination of the words "twin" and "leaf".
* This town's Japanese name is based on the Japanese word for a sprout or a set of two leaves.

### Sandgem Town

General Information: Sandgem Town (known as "Masago" in Japan) is a town in Sinnoh.

*Real World Counterpart: Tomakomai City*

**Etymology**

* This town's name is a combination of the words "sand" and "gem".
* This town's Japanese name is based on the Japanese word for 'fine sand'.

### Jubilife City

General Information: Jubilife City (known as "Kotobuki" in Japan) is a city in Sinnoh.

*Real World Counterpart: Sapporo City*

**Etymology**

* This city's name is a combination of the words "jubilant" and "life".
* This city's Japanese name is based on the Japanese word for 'felicitation'.

### Oreburgh City

General Information: Oreburgh City (known as "Kurogane" in Japan) is a city in central Sinnoh where the player faces the Gym Leader Roark.

*Real World Counterpart: Yubari City*

**Etymology**

* This city's name is a combination of the words "ore" and the city suffix "-burgh".
* This city's Japanese name is based on a Japanese word for iron.

### Floraroma Town

General Information: Floraroma Town (known as "Sonoo" in Japan) is a town in Sinnoh.

*Real World Counterpart: Furano City, Tobetsu Town, Hokuryu Town*

**Etymology**

* This town's name is a combination of the words "flora" and "aroma".
* This town's Japanese name is based on "sonou" (a Japanese word for a garden).

### Eterna City

General Information: Eterna City (known as "Hakutai" in Japan) is a city in Sinnoh where the player faces the Gym Leader Gardenia.

*Real World Counterpart: Asahikawa City*

**Etymology**

* This city's name is inspired by the word "eternal".
* This city's Japanese name is based on a Japanese word for eternity.

### Hearthome City

General Information: Hearthome City (known as "Yosuga" in Japan) is a city in Sinnoh where the player faces the Gym Leader Fantina.

*Real World Counterpart: Obihiro City*

**Etymology**

* This city's name is inspired by the expression "home is where the heart is".
* This city's Japanese name is based on a reading of the Japanese kanji for one's homeland.

### Solaceon Town

General Information: Solaceon Town (known as "Zui" in Japan) is a town in central Sinnoh.

*Real World Counterpart: Ashoro Town*

**Etymology**

* This town's name is a combination of the words "solace" and "eon".
* This town's Japanese name is based on a reading of a Japanese kanji meaning 'carefree'.

### Veilstone City

General Information: Veilstone City (known as "Tobari" in Japan) is a city in eastern Sinnoh where the player faces the Gym Leader Maylene.

*Real World Counterpart: Abashiri City, Shari Town*

**Etymology**

* This city's name is a combination of the words "veil" and "stone".
* This city's Japanese name is based on a reading of a Japanese kanji meaning 'curtain'.

### Pastoria City

General Information: Pastoria City (known as "Nomose" in Japan) is a city in Sinnoh where the player faces the Gym Leader Crasher Wake.

*Real World Counterpart: Kushiro City*

**Etymology**

* This city's name is inspired by the word "pasture".
* This city's Japanese name is based on a Japanese word for a field.

### Celestic Town

General Information: Celestic Town (known as "Kannagi" in Japan) is a town in Sinnoh.

*Real World Counterpart: Engaru Town, Yubetsu Town*

**Etymology**

* This town's name is inspired by the word "celestial".
* This town's Japanese name is based on a reading of the Japanese kanji for an oracle.

### Canalave City

General Information: Canalave City (known as "Mio" in Japan) is a port city in Sinnoh where the player faces the Gym Leader Byron.

*Real World Counterpart: Otaru City*

**Etymology**

* This city's name is a combination of the words "canal" and "lave".
* This city's Japanese name is based on the Japanese word for a waterway.

### Snowpoint City

General Information: Snowpoint City (known as "Kissaki" in Japan) is a snow-covered city in far north Sinnoh where the player faces the Gym Leader Candice.

*Real World Counterpart: Wakkanai City, Hamatonbetsu Town*

**Etymology**

* This city's name is a combination of the words "snow" and "point".
* This city's Japanese name is based on the Japanese word for the tip of a blade.

### Sunyshore City

General Information: Sunyshore City (known as "Nagisa" in Japan) is a city in Sinnoh where the player faces the Gym Leader Volkner.

*Real World Counterpart: Nemuro City*

**Etymology**

* This city's name is a combination of the words "sunny" and "shore".
* This city's Japanese name is based on a reading of the Japanese kanji for a shore.

## Ideas

### Region Theming Ideas

* Ancient Cities
* Animation Companies
* Body Parts
* Cartoonists
* Deities
* Dungeons & Dragons Monsters
* Football Teams
* Galaxies
* Islands
* Mystery Writers
* Novelits
* Puzzles
* Stars
* US Presidents
* Yokai