Greninja Named Japan’s Favorite Pokémon

An election was recently held in Japan to determine the country’s favorite Pokémon from the franchise’s 720 creature roster. In other words, it was a somewhat crowded ballot. Now, the 562,386 votes have been counted and a winner has been named: Greninja!

Greninja is the final form of Pokémon Xand Y’s Water starter Froakie, which means it rose to the top exceptionally fast when you consider it was going up against Pokémon with fan bases that are literally decades old at this point. Then again, its appearance as a playable character in Super Smash Bros. probably didn’t hurt. Also, Greninja, as its name suggests, is a ninja and Japan loves its ninjas.

What’s more impressive than Greninja’s win is the group of beloved Pokémon it beat out. The runner-up spot was taken by Arceus, a legendary Pokémon that not only has the ability to change type, but is also revered as a being that existed before the beginning of time and created the universe. What’s most surprising is probably Pikachu’s performance. While many Pokémon would probably jump for joy to make it into the top five, Pikachu’s fourth place finish is shocking (pun intended) considering the fact the electric rodent has effectively been the face for the franchise since the very beginning. Rounding out the top five, Mew came in at number three and Sylveon took the fifth spot.

Personally, I’ve been always been a fan of Squirtle and its evolutions, so I’m somewhat disappointed with these results. What Pokémon do you think deserve the top spots?

Source: Kotaku