Atsuko Nishida facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Atsuko Nishida
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|---|---|
| 西田 敦子 | |
| Born |
Nishida Atsuko
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| Nationality | Japanese |
| Known for | Video game design |
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Notable work
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Pokémon, Pulseman, Hometown Story |
Atsuko Nishida (西田 敦子, Nishida Atsuko) is a talented Japanese graphic artist. She is famous for her work on the Pokémon series. She helped create many of the creatures you know and love. This includes Pikachu, the super popular mascot of the Pokémon world!
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Designing Pokémon Creatures
Atsuko Nishida used to work at a company called Game Freak. There, she helped design characters for video games. She worked with Ken Sugimori, who was the art director for the Pokémon games.
How Pikachu Was Created
When Pokémon was first being made, many of the creatures looked a bit scary. But the creators also wanted some cute characters. This is where Pikachu came in!
- Pikachu's first idea was based on a Japanese sweet called a daifuku.
- Later, Atsuko Nishida changed the design. She was really interested in squirrels at the time.
- She even got the idea for Pikachu's electric cheeks from squirrels. They often store food in their cheeks!
- Finally, Satoshi Tajiri, one of the Pokémon creators, decided Pikachu should be a mouse.
- The original plan for Pikachu included an evolution into Raichu. There was even a third evolution planned, but it was never used.
Other Famous Pokémon Designs
Atsuko Nishida designed many other well-known Pokémon. You might recognize these:
She also designed some of the "Eeveelutions," which are the different evolutions of Eevee. These include Glaceon and Sylveon.
Pokémon Trading Card Game Art
Besides video games, Atsuko Nishida also drew art for many Pokémon Trading Card Game cards. One of her cards, the Pikachu Illustrator card, became very famous.
- In 2019, a Pikachu Illustrator card was sold for $195,000!
- This set a Guinness World Record for the most expensive Pokémon trading card ever sold at an auction.
- It broke the old record from 2016, which was also held by one of her cards. That card sold for $54,970.
Other Game Projects
Atsuko Nishida also worked for another Japanese game company called TOYBOX Inc. She helped create the game Hometown Story for the Nintendo 3DS.
About Her Life
Atsuko Nishida is a very private person. She likes to keep her personal life to herself. In one interview in 2018, she even stayed hidden behind a giant Pikachu plush doll!
