As Kotaku previously reported, Mimikyu is terrifying in the new Pokémon Sun Moon anime. But, we thought Mimikyu was so cute! The hell is going on? Japanese fans think they’ve figured it out.
Note: This article has Sun and Moon game spoilers.
When Mimikyu shows up in the new Pokémon Sun Moon anime, the character is surrounded by blue and purple light that kind of looks like electricity.
https://twitter.com/embed/status/801907489793081344
Mimikyu totally freaks out Meowth and appears to be holding one helluva grudge.
But, Rotom Pokédex explains that Mimikyu is a Ghost/Fairy Pokémon and under that Pikachu costume is mysterious, unidentified Pokémon. But who?
https://twitter.com/embed/status/801730613183033344
Rotom Pokédex then says, “It’s said that a researcher who tried to look underneath died from shock.”
Shock. Died. Shock. Pikachu. Shock… Pokémon shock?
In December 1997, an episode of the original Pokémon anime caused children to have seizures, sending nearly 700 kids to the hospital. In Japan, the incident was called “Pokémon Shock.” (You can read more about the events surrounding it here.)
Porygon appeared in that episode. As Japanese site Pokemon Matome points out, there are theories that the mysterious Pokémon is Porygon.
https://twitter.com/embed/status/801732061820092416
(Better yet, not just Porygon, but perhaps, Porygon2).
https://twitter.com/embed/status/802473587344953344
Porygon has not starred in an episode of the TV anime since the “Pokémon Shock.” Pikachu, however, has.
Maybe Porygon is still bitter at Pikachu? That would explain the Pikachu hate.
「ポケモンショックが起こったのは？」
『約20年前1997年だね』
「ミミッキュがピカチュウを真似始めたのは？」
『…20年前だね』
「もひとつ質問いいかな」
「あの事件でピカチュウの代わりにアニメから消されたポケモンは？」
『…君のような勘のいいガキは嫌いだよ』 pic.twitter.com/SbuoKWPvMo— グリミア (@Grimmia_0810) November 24, 2016
This theory doesn’t stop at the new anime. Online in Japan, people have found a photo of Ash and Pikachu in the Sun and Moon game.
This could be a hint.
そういえばミミッキュの部屋にサトシとピカチュウの写真あるっぽいし、ミミッキュがピカチュウを真似たの20年前(ポケモンショック)だしガチで正体ポリゴンなんじゃないかと思えてきた#ポケモンサンムーン pic.twitter.com/qJNgPn11bX
— ぽでうむ (@podeumu) November 26, 2016
And Mimikyu is hanging around place where you get Porygon in Sun and Moon.
https://twitter.com/embed/status/802784809638502400
Another hint?
Then, there is Mimikyu’s official description:
The rising popularity of Pikachu-styled merchandise around 20 years ago is the reason that Mimikyu makes itself look like Pikachu.
Around twenty years ago? Around twenty years ago, that infamous Pokémon episode was broadcasted on Japanese television.
Though, before you start jumping to conclusions, one Japanese net user pointed something out important:
Hrm…
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