Region In-Universe Language Name Real-World Equivalent Notes
Kanto Nihonan / Kantese Japanese OG region. Nihonan sounds ancient and formal. Kantese fits for dialect.
Johto Zhounese / Joutong Chinese (Mandarin) Johto has many traditional and folklore-based elements like Chinese mythology.
Hoenn Hangun / Hohang Korean Especially with Hoenn's music and emotional tone, Korean fits well in my opinion.
Sinnoh Goryen / Shinhang Korean Sinnoh's myth-heavy culture fits well with Korean ancient myths.
Unova Unovan / Anlish American English Inspired by NYC. Very modern and industrial.
Kalos Kalosian French Already canon. Lean into this.
Alola Alolese / Al-English Pacific Islander English Still English, but with Hawaiian influence.
Galar Galarish / Albion British English Lean into formal, aristocratic slang or regional British dialects.
Paldea Paldeano / Reichling / Gerda German or Spanish-German Mix The academy, uniforms, and names hint at Iberian + German roots. You could say they speak Paldeano, a hybrid tongue of Germanic structure and Spanish rhythm.
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🧠 Worldbuilding
Translation devices exist, but high-level trainers often still speak their native region's language.
Children learn Kalosian and Unovan as second languages due to global politics.
Ethan's past-life memories let him translate automatically, which freaks people out when he responds in perfect regional dialects.
Gym Leaders or Elite Four could switch language mid-battle to intimidate or show respect.
Some TMs or spells have linguistic requirements. (e.g., Kalosian TM must be chanted with perfect French pronunciation.)
Regional dialects exist. For example:
Galarish slang confuses Unovan speakers.
Johto's ancient script is used in prophecy or shrine magic.
Hoenn-Sinnoh language split leads to Korean dialect jokes between Trainers.
🟥 Kanto Region (Traditional Core / Pioneer Legacy)
> Culturally: Mix of Western first names with old-Japanese or English-hybrid family names.
Theme: Discovery, pioneering trainers, the first League.
Character Full Name Notes
Ash Ketchum (Canon) Already fits perfectly.
Misty Kasumi "Kasumi" from JP version. "Waterflower" remains a family nickname for the sisters' Gym brand.
Brock Takeshi Family of Pewter caretakers, lineage of mountain-keepers.
Lt. Surge (Daniel Maeda) "Lt. Surge" = codename; "Maeda" = real surname, American-Japanese descent.
Erika Midori "Midori" (green) fits Celadon's theme and Japanese tone.
Sabrina Natsume Psychic dynasty, ancient family from Saffron.
Janine Ayame "Ayame" (iris flower); ties to her ninja heritage.
Koga Hayato Clan leader of Fuchsia's Ninja House.
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🟦 Johto Region (Spiritual Core / Traditional Heart)
> Culturally: Deeply Japanese with regional heritage names.
Theme: Legacy, culture, and myth.
Character Full Name Notes
Whitney Akane Canon JP name Akane, Goldenrod heritage family.
Falkner Hayato JP surname restored; family of Flying trainers.
Bugsy Tsukushi Genius child from Azalea, "Tsukushi" = JP name.
Morty Matsuba Family of Ecruteak spiritualists.
Chuck Nobuhiko Adapted JP name; warrior monk line.
Jasmine Mikan JP = Mikan; family runs Olivine steel industry.
Pryce Yanagi Ancient Ice master family in Mahogany.
Clair Ibuki "Ibuki" = Dragon family (ties to Lance).
Lance Wataru Canon Japanese name, Dragon Clan heir.
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🟩 Hoenn Region (Exploration / Frontier Spirit)
Culturally: Mix of maritime and scientific names, some Western.
Theme: Discovery, sea routes, and research.
Character Full Name Notes
May Haruka Canon JP name.
Brendan Yūki Twin line with May; father Norman Yūki.
Norman Yūki Petalburg Gym Leader, connects Hoenn & Unova.
Roxanne Iwao "Iwao" (rock) fits her type.
Brawly Tetsuya Surfer/martial name combo.
Wattson Hibiki Electric inventor line.
Flannery Homura Fire family from Lavaridge.
Winona Shirokaze "Shirokaze" = white wind.
Tate & Liza Hoshizora "Star sky" twins of Mossdeep.
Wallace Mikazuki Elegant name, moon-related, fits Contest scene.
Steven Daigo Canon surname.
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🟨 Sinnoh Region (Scholarly / Mythic Roots)
Culturally: Northern Japanese influence, old family names.
Theme: Ancient myths, academia, mountain heritage.
Character Full Name Notes
Cynthia Shirona Canon JP name.
Roark Hyouta Canon JP.
Byron Tōgan Canon JP.
Gardenia Natane JP surname "Natane."
Maylene Sumomo JP name.
Crasher Wake (Masaki Namiki) Westernized pro wrestler name.
Fantina Melissa Retains Galar-inspired name (foreign Gym Leader).
Candice Suzuna JP surname.
Volkner Denji Canon JP name.
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🟪 Unova Region (Westernized / Modern Metropolis)
Culturally: Western-leaning with occasional Japanese legacy from immigrants.
Theme: Technology, globalization, and ideals vs truth.
Character Full Name Notes
Hilbert Touya Canon JP.
Hilda Touko Canon JP.
Cheren Kurogane Fan-adapted; "black steel."
Bianca Bel Canon JP.
Iris Shirayuki "White snow," noble Dragon line.
Elesa Kamitsure Canon JP.
Clay Horii Mix of English/JP.
Skyla Fuuro Canon JP.
Brycen Hachirō Actor/ice lineage.
Drayden Shizui Canon JP.
Roxie Homika Canon JP.
Marlon Shizuku Canon JP.
N Harmonia Canon confirmed.
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🟥 Kalos Region (European Noble / French Tone)
Culturally: Western European names, sometimes combined with subtle Japanese or Latin.
Theme: Nobility, fashion, beauty.
Character Full Name Notes
Serena Yūna Mix of Western/French with light JP influence.
Calem Renard "Renard" = fox in French.
Viola Midoriya Nature photographer, green motif.
Grant Seki "Seki" = stone, JP surname.
Korrina Korina Canon name.
Ramos Ranma Blend of French/JP.
Clemont Citron Canon JP.
Valerie Mache Fashion designer line.
Olympia Goshiki "Five colors," psychic fortune family.
Wulfric Urufu "Urufu" = wolf.
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🟧 Galar Region (British / Royal Ties)
Culturally: Fully Western, mix of British, Scottish, and a few old noble Japanese families.
Theme: Industrialism, league culture.
Character Full Name Notes
Victor Sōta JP given name for regional blend.
Gloria Aoi Blue motif, JP surname.
Leon Kurosaki Dragon line link, Champion family.
Hop Kurosaki Leon's brother.
Raihan Tatsuo Japanese-Arabic mix.
Milo Midōri Farmer heritage.
Nessa Nagisa "Nagisa" = shore.
Kabu Katsuro Fire type veteran.
Bea Tora "Tora" = tiger.
Allister Hikari JP surname link to Ghost.
Opal Sakura Fairy matriarch.
Piers Kurosaki Linked to Leon's line, dark variant.
Marnie Kurosaki Same family line.
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🟫 Paldea Region (Iberian Influence / Old Empire)
Culturally: Spanish-Portuguese base, minor Eastern adaptation for uniformity.
Theme: Academics, culture fusion.
Character Full Name Notes
Juliana Amane JP surname for consistency.
Florian Kuroda JP mix.
Nemona Verde "Green," JP-Latin mix.
Arven Kuro Simple noble tie.
Penny Akemi "Bright beauty."
Brassius Midoriya Art family link to Grass.
Iono Denkō "Electric light."
Grusha Fuyutsuki Ice name meaning "winter moon."