Pikachu (ピカチュウ) is a yellow Mouse Pokémon introduced by Nintendo, Game Freak, and Creatures in 1996. Its name combines pika, a Japanese expression associated with sparkling or flashing light, and chū, the sound of a mouse. Designed by Atsuko Nishida and finalized by Ken Sugimori, Pikachu has red cheek pouches, pointed black-tipped ears, and a lightning-bolt-shaped tail. In the Pokémon anime, Ash Ketchum's Pikachu is portrayed as loyal, brave, cheerful, and highly affectionate toward its friends. It can store electricity in its cheek pouches and unleash powerful Electric-type attacks such as Thunderbolt.
