Pokémon in Greater China: Difference between revisions

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{{CountryInfobox|s|area=China and Taiwan
{{split|Pokémon in Taiwan and Pokémon in Hong Kong}}
|countries={{wp|People's Republic of China|China}}, {{wp|Republic of China|Taiwan}}, {{wp|Hong Kong}}, and {{wp|Macao}}
{{CountryInfobox|s|area=Greater China
|logo=Pokémon logo Southeast Asia.png
|countries=the {{wp|China|People's Republic of China}}, the {{wp|Taiwan|Republic of China (Taiwan)}}, {{wp|Hong Kong}}, and {{wp|Macau|Macao}}
|language={{wp|Mandarin Chinese|Mandarin}} and {{wp|Yue Chinese|Cantonese}}
|flag=China and Taiwan Flags
|logo=Pokémon logo Chinese.png
|language={{wp|Mandarin Chinese|Mandarin}} and {{wp|Cantonese}}
|continent={{wp|Asia}}
|continent={{wp|Asia}}
|EP001=November 16, 1998 {{tt|*|Hong Kong}}<br>November 28, 1998 {{tt|*|Taiwan (CTV)}}<br>December 1998 {{tt|*|mainland China}}
|EP001={{tt|November 16, 1998|Hong Kong (TVB)}}<br>{{tt|November 28, 1998|Taiwan (CTV)}}<br>{{tt|December 24, 1998|Mainland China}}<br>{{tt|September 1, 2018|Hong Kong (Fantastic TV Re-dub)}}
|AG001=December 13, 2003 {{tt|*|Taiwan (CTV)}}<br>March 4, 2007 {{tt|*|Hong Kong}}
|AG001={{tt|December 13, 2003|Taiwan (CTV)}}<br>{{tt|March 4, 2007|Hong Kong (TVB)}}
|DP001=October 28, 2007 {{tt|*|Taiwan (CTV)}}<br>June 20, 2010 {{tt|*|Hong Kong (Jade)}}<br>July 3, 2011 {{tt|*|Mainland China (CCTV6)}}
|DP001={{tt|October 28, 2007|Taiwan (CTV)}}<br>{{tt|June 20, 2010|Hong Kong (TVB)}}<br>{{tt|July 3, 2011|Mainland China (CCTV6)}}
|BW001=January 28, 2011 {{tt|*|Taiwan (MOD)}}<!--br>July 7, 2011 {{tt|*|Taiwan (YoYo)}}--><br>November 19, 2011 {{tt|*|Hong Kong (Jade)}}<br>December <!--26(?), -->2012 {{tt|*|Mainland China (iQiyi)}}
|BW001={{tt|January 28, 2011|Taiwan (MOD)}}<!--<br>{{tt|July 7, 2011|Taiwan (YoYo)}}--><br>{{tt|November 19, 2011|Hong Kong (TVB)}}<br>{{tt|July 13, 2019|Hong Kong (i-CABLE Re-dub)}}
|XY001=July 13, 2014{{tt|*|Hong Kong (Jade)}}<br>August 3, 2014 {{tt|*|Taiwan (YoYo)}}
|XY001={{tt|July 13, 2014|Hong Kong (TVB)}}<br>{{tt|August 3, 2014|Taiwan (YoYo)}}<br>{{tt|February 15, 2020|Hong Kong (i-CABLE Re-dub)}}
|SM001={{tt|January 28, 2017|Taiwan (MOMO Kids)}}<br>{{tt|December 15, 2017|Hong Kong (Fantastic TV)}}
|JN001={{tt|June 27, 2020|Taiwan (MOMO Kids)}}<br>{{tt|May 1, 2022|Hong Kong (Hong Kong Open TV → HOY TV)}}
|HZ001={{tt|February 9, 2024|Taiwan (YouTube)}}<br>{{tt|March 8, 2024|Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau (English dub, YouTube)}}
}}
}}
The [[Pokémon]] ('''{{tt|精靈寶可夢 / 精灵宝可梦|Jīnglíng Pokémon / Jēnglìhng Pokémon}}''') franchise first reached '''{{wp|Greater China}}''' in 1998.
The [[Pokémon]] ('''{{tt|寶可夢 / 宝可梦|Bǎokěmèng / Bóuhómuhng}}''') franchise first reached '''{{wp|Greater China}}''' in 1998.


==Names==
==Names==
{{bulbanews|Protest in HK in response to Pokémon name change}}
Since 2019, the official Chinese translations of both "Pocket Monsters" and "Pokémon" have been unified under the name {{tt|寶可夢 / 宝可梦|Bǎokěmèng / Bóuhómuhng}}, an approximate transcription of Pokémon.<ref>[https://cn.portal-pokemon.com/topics/event/190801190000_post_15.html The Pokémon Company变更“精灵宝可梦”的简体字名称为“宝可梦”]</ref> Previously, after the release of {{g|Sun and Moon}} in 2016, the term "Pocket Monsters" was distinguished by translating it as {{tt|精靈寶可夢 / 精灵宝可梦|Jīnglíng Pokémon / Jēnglìhng Pokémon}}, including the word {{tt|精靈 / 精灵|Jīnglíng / Jēnglìhng}} (creature). According to [[Tsunekazu Ishihara]], the intention of the rename was to keep the pronunciation of "Pokémon" consistent throughout the world. However, the newer name still takes its former translations into account by incorporating parts from the two into it.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWSCYwGkCkY February 2016 Pokémon Direct]</ref>
Starting with the release of {{g|Sun and Moon}} in 2016, the official name of Pokémon in Greater China has been {{tt|精靈寶可夢 / 精灵宝可梦|Jīnglíng Pokémon / Jēnglìhng Pokémon}}, a combination of the words {{tt|精靈 / 精灵|Jīnglíng / Jēnglìhng}} (creature) and {{tt|寶可夢 / 宝可梦|Bǎokěmèng / Bóuhómuhng}} (a rough transliteration of Pokémon). According to [[Tsunekazu Ishihara]]'s statement in the February 2016 Pokémon Direct, the new name is meant to keep the pronunciation of "Pokémon" consistent throughout the world. In addition, the current name references the characters in its former Cantonese name and former Taiwanese name. The name has been used in Mainland China since 2010.
 
The current name was first introduced in mainland China in December 2010. Following the announcement of the rename, Pokémon Adventures received a reprint with updated translations, while iQiyi gradually uploaded the anime for streaming under the new title. In addition, Takara Tomy had also released a new line of Pokémon toys from ''Pokémon the Series: Black & White''. On July 10, 2015, a special event was also held during the premiere of [[M17]] in Shanghai to promote the new name<ref>[https://52poke.com/post/3461/ 精灵宝可梦大陆地区正式名称发表会]</ref>. In mainland China, from 1998 to 2000, the Cantonese name {{tt|宠物小精灵|Chǒngwù Xiǎojīnglíng}} was used; from 2000 to 2010, starting when Jilin acquired the rights to publish [[Pokémon Adventures]], the Taiwanese name {{tt|神奇宝贝|Shénqí Bǎobèi}} was used; in 2010, the name was changed to the current name, {{tt|精灵宝可梦|Jīnglíng Pokémon}}.
 
Prior to Sun and Moon, Pokémon was officially translated as {{tt|神奇寶貝|Shénqí Bǎobèi (''magical creatures'')}} in Taiwan and {{tt|寵物小精靈|Chúngmaht Síujīnglīng (''pet creatures'')}} (commonly abbreviated as {{tt|小精靈|Síujīnglīng}}) in Hong Kong. According to the opening text and narrations in the Taiwanese dub, the term 神奇寶貝 is a contraction of the phrase 「{{tt|神奇的口袋中的寶貝|Shénqí-de kǒudài zhōng de bǎobèi}}」 ("the magical creatures in the pocket"). Nintendo had previously used both translations on its official website prior to X and Y. The [[Pokémon.com]] page for Hong Kong used the former Hong Kong name in early 2016, while the Japanese {{OBP|Pokémon Center|store}} website used the former Taiwanese name in its FAQ page before 2014 and the Chinese-language [[Pokémon Store]] page continues to use it.
 
However, since the announcement of the new Chinese translation of Pokémon (精靈寶可夢 / 精灵宝可梦), the ''[[Pokémon the Series: XY|Pocket Monsters XY&Z]]'' season, [[M19]] and Adventures manga distributed in Taiwan and Hong Kong remains translated under their respective former translation. However in late 2017, the Adventures manga distributed in Taiwan and Hong Kong gradually adapts the official translations provided by Nintendo HK despite the translation of Pokémon (神奇寶貝 / 寵物小精靈) remaining unchanged. The ''[[Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon|Pocket Monsters Sun & Moon]]'' anime released in Taiwan and Hong Kong was the first media to fully use the new Chinese translation of Pokémon (精靈寶可夢), along with the other official translations that are used in {{g|Sun and Moon}} provided by Nintendo HK. In September 2018, the ''[[Original series|Pocket Monsters]]'' anime was re-dubbed in Hong Kong using official translations that are used in {{g|Sun and Moon}}, however, many Gen I translations remain unchanged from the previous dub version, despite them being changed in [[Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!]].


Prior to Sun and Moon, Pokémon was translated in Taiwan as {{tt|神奇寶貝|Shénqí Bǎobèi}} in official media. The name roughly means "magical creatures" and is the abbreviation of the phrase 「{{tt|神奇的口袋中的寶貝|Shénqí de kǒudài zhōng de bǎobèi}}」 ("the magical creatures in the pocket"). In Hong Kong, Pokémon was translated as {{tt|寵物小精靈|Chúngmaht Síujīnglīng}} (literally meaning "pet creature") and generally abbreviated as {{tt|小精靈|Síujīnglīng}} (little creature). In Mainland China, from 1998 to 2000, the Cantonese name {{tt|宠物小精灵|Chǒngwù Xiǎojīnglíng}} was used; from 2000 to 2010, starting when Jilin acquired the rights to publish [[Pokémon Adventures]], the Taiwanese name {{tt|神奇宝贝|Shénqí Bǎobèi}} was used; in 2010, the name was changed to the current name, {{tt|精灵宝可梦|Jīnglíng Pokémon}}.
Previously, the anime, manga, and various guidebooks have also given names to the Pokémon, characters, locations and other important terminologies. With the release of Sun and Moon, Nintendo has provided a new set of names for the first 151 Pokémon, with some receiving completely new names<ref>[http://www.nintendo.com.hk/pressrelease/3ds_20160510_sun_moon_release_3.htm 公開『ポケットモンスター 赤・緑』系列151隻寶可夢(Pokémon)之中文名稱 (Unveiling the Chinese name of the 151 Pokémon in Pocket Monsters Red and Green)]</ref>. For more information on these localized names for Pokémon, see [[List of Chinese Pokémon names]].


The unofficial name {{tt|口袋妖怪|Kǒudài Yāoguài}} (literally meaning "pocket monster") is commonly used by fans in Mainland China. The name is also trademarked by Nintendo in Mainland China and Taiwan, but remains unused.
Due to the lack of official Chinese translations of games prior to Generation VII and the proliferation of bootlegs in the market, the unofficial name {{tt|口袋妖怪|Kǒudài Yāoguài}} (literally meaning "pocket monster") is commonly used by fans in mainland China. The name is also trademarked by Nintendo in mainland China and Taiwan, but remains unused by official media.


On May 31, 2016, members of a radical political group named {{wp|Civic Passion}} protested {{p|Pikachu}}'s name change in Central, Hong Kong, as its original Cantonese name {{tt|比卡超|Béikāchīu}} was changed to its Mandarin name {{tt|皮卡丘|Pèihkāyāu, pronounced Píkǎqiū in Mandarin}}.
{{bulbanews|Protest in HK in response to Pokémon name change}}
The rename of the series has met some criticism among the fanbase, particularly in Hong Kong where it became a topic of socio-cultural and political controversy<ref>[http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-36414978 BBC: Why the plan to rename Pikachu has made Hong Kong angry]</ref>. Fans have taken complaints about the name change to Nintendo HK's Facebook page, pointing out that its Cantonese translation did not match local pronunciation and citing examples of other franchise where various regions received its own localization. On May 31, 2016, members of a radical political group named {{wp|Civic Passion}} protested {{p|Pikachu}}'s name change outside the Japanese consulate in Central, Hong Kong, as its original Cantonese name {{tt|比卡超|Béikāchīu}} was changed to its Mandarin name {{tt|皮卡丘|Pèihkāyāu, pronounced Píkǎqiū in Mandarin}}. To avoid public backlash, all anime episodes and movies released in Hong Kong afterwards, as well as all public events, use the English pronunciation of 'Pikachu' instead of its Mandarin name 'Pèihkāyāu'.


==Pokémon video games==
==Pokémon video games==
{{bulbanews|Pokémon Sun and Moon announced in Pokémon Direct}}
{{bulbanews/3|Pokémon Sun and Moon announced in Pokémon Direct|Video Game National Championships announced for HK and Taiwan|Hong Kong Video Game National Championships to be held on July 3}}
Currently, only the upcoming [[Pokémon Sun and Moon]] have been planned to be officially translated into Chinese, with all previous games not being translated because China banned all gaming consoles.<ref>[http://www.gov.cn/gongbao/content/2000/content_60240.htm]</ref> Many Chinese-translated [[ROM hacks#Language hacks|language hacks]] and [[ROM hacks#Bootleg games|bootleg versions]] of the series are distributed into the mainland. Interactions between these bootlegs and any official game cartridges are possible, but not recommended since the Chinese characters were never programmed into any official cartridges, and could result in file corruption on both cartridges, forcing the gamers to start over from the beginning.<!-- Currently, two subsidiaries of Nintendo, Nintendo Phuten and Nintendo (Hong Kong), distributes the Japanese and English versions of the video games in their respective region. The video games were originally distributed by MANI Limited in Hong Kong until 2012.-->
[[Pokémon Sun and Moon]] are the first set of games to be officially translated into Chinese, available in both {{wp|Traditional Chinese characters|Traditional}} and {{wp|Simplified Chinese characters|Simplified}} characters. In the years prior to the release of the Chinese localizations, only the Japanese and English versions of the video games were made available in Taiwan and Hong Kong, while video games were banned in mainland China around that period<ref>[http://www.gov.cn/gongbao/content/2000/content_60240.htm 电子游戏经营场所专项治理意见的通知]</ref>.<!-- Two subsidiaries of Nintendo, Nintendo Phuten and Nintendo (Hong Kong), distributes the Japanese and English versions of the video games in their respective region. The video games were originally distributed by MANI Limited (and previously Simon & Toys) in Hong Kong until 2006. Nintendo Phuten was later merged with Nintendo HK--> The release came two years after the lifting of the 14-year ban of video games in mainland China<ref>[http://www.businessinsider.com/china-lifts-14-year-ban-on-gaming-consoles-2015-7 China has finally lifted its 14-year ban on video games]</ref>.


There are also several {{pkmn2|event}}s held in Taiwan. One of the first events were featured in PokéPark during [[List of Japanese event Pokémon distributions in Generation III|2006]], but only for the Japanese language games. {{p|Mew}}, {{p|Jirachi}} and {{p|Celebi}} were distributed. [[Old Sea Map]] was also distributed for the pre-release ticket of [[M08|the eighth movie]]. {{p|Keldeo}} and {{p|Meloetta}} were distributed in commemoration of the [[M15|15th movie]] during 2012, while {{p|Genesect}} and {{p|Mewtwo}} were distributed in 2013. Both {{p|Pikachu}} and {{p|Sylveon}} were also distributed in Taiwan and Hong Kong. Nintendo HK currently handles the distributions in both regions.
As a result of lack of Chinese localizations in the previous games, many Chinese-translated [[ROM hacks#Language hacks|language hacks]] and [[ROM hacks#Bootleg games|bootleg versions]] of the series are distributed into the mainland. Interactions between these bootlegs and any official game cartridges are possible, but not recommended since the Chinese characters were never programmed into any official cartridges, and could result in file corruption on both cartridges, forcing the gamers to start over from the beginning.<!--


One game related to Pokémon, [[Super Smash Bros.]] ({{tt|任天堂明星大乱斗|Rèntiāntáng mínxīng dà luàndòu}}) was released in mainland China in 2005.
One game related to Pokémon, [[Super Smash Bros.]] ({{tt|任天堂明星大乱斗|Rèntiāntáng Mínxīng Dàluàndòu}}) was released in mainland China in 2005.


During the [[Nintendo Direct|Pokémon Direct]] on February 26, 2016, it was announced that the [[Generation VII]] games {{g|Sun and Moon}} will be the first Pokémon games released in Simplified and Traditional Chinese. [[Pokémon 20th Anniversary|The day after]], the Japanese [[Virtual Console]] versions of [[Pokémon Red and Green Versions|Pokémon Red, Green]], [[Pokémon Blue Version (Japanese)|Blue]], and {{v2|Yellow}} Versions were made available on the Chinese [[Nintendo 3DS]] eShop.
During the [[Nintendo Direct|Pokémon Direct]] on February 26, 2016, it was announced that the [[Generation VII]] games {{g|Sun and Moon}} will be the first Pokémon games released in Simplified and Traditional Chinese. [[Pokémon 20th Anniversary|The day after]], the Japanese [[Virtual Console]] versions of [[Pokémon Red and Green Versions|Pokémon Red, Green]], [[Pokémon Blue Version (Japanese)|Blue]], and {{v2|Yellow}} Versions were made available on the Chinese [[Nintendo 3DS]] eShop.-->
 
In 2016, the Pokémon Video Game National Championships was held in Taipei on June 11 and in Hong Kong on July 3.


==Pokémon anime==
==Pokémon anime==
The Taiwanese and Cantonese dub of the [[Pokémon anime]] are currently distributed by Mighty Media ({{tt|曼迪傳播|Màndí Chuánbò}}). Previously, the dubs were recorded and produced by Top Insight ({{tt|群英社|Qúnyīng Shè}}). The Cantonese dub was initially handled by Medialink Animation International Ltd. ({{tt|羚邦國際|Lìhngbōng Gwokjai}}), but had already lost the rights to dub and distribute the anime around the Johto saga. The mainland dubs are recorded and produced by Beijing DynamicMedia Co., Ltd. ({{tt|北京迪美文化发展有限公司|Běijīng Díměiwénhuà Fāzhǎn Yǒuxiàngōngsī}}). All dubs of the anime are mainly based on the original Japanese version. The anime has aired in several different channels, such as {{wp|China Television}}, YoYoTV, [[Cartoon Network]], and {{wp|Chunghwa Telecom|MOD}} in Taiwan, {{wp|TVB Jade}} in Hong Kong, and {{wp|CCTV-6}} in mainland China.
With the exception of summarizing episodes, [[side story episodes]], the infamous [[EP038]], ''[[The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon]]'', and the [[clip show]]s, all episodes and the first 21 {{pkmn|movie}}s have been dubbed into both Mandarin and Cantonese.


With the exception of [[side story episodes]], the infamous [[EP038]], ''[[The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon]]'', and the [[clip show]]s, all episodes prior to the {{series|XY}} and the first seventeen {{pkmn|movie}}s have been dubbed into Mandarin. Seventeen [[Pokémon movie]]s have also premiered in Taiwan, with [[M13|the thirteenth movie]] released just 20 days after the Japanese premiere. The [[M14|fourteenth movie]] premiered August 19, 2011, with ''Black Hero'' shown in MOD and ''White Hero'' released in theaters. The [[M15|fifteenth movie]] along with ''[[PK24|Meloetta's Moonlight Serenade]]'' was released in theaters on October 2012, while the [[M16|sixteenth movie]] was released on August 2013. The [[M17|seventeenth movie]] was released on August 2014.
In Taiwan, all episodes prior to ''[[Pokémon Journeys: The Series]]'' have been aired. The first 21 [[Pokémon movie]]s have also been released, with [[M13|the thirteenth movie]] being released just 20 days after the Japanese premiere. Subsequent movies were released within a few months after the Japanese premiere.


In Hong Kong, all episodes prior to the XY series have been aired. The [[BW001|first episode]] of the Best Wishes series premiered on November 19, 2011, while the first episode of the XY series has premiered on July 13, 2014.
In Hong Kong, all episodes prior to the ''[[Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon|Pocket Monsters Sun & Moon]]'' season have been aired, with the ''Pocket Monsters Sun & Moon'' season currently on air. The [[BW001|first episode]] of ''Pokémon the Series: Black & White'' premiered on November 19, 2011, while the first episode of ''Pokémon the Series: XY'' has premiered on July 13, 2014. 21 [[Pokémon movie]]s have also been released. On May 1, 2023, the inaugural episode of ''Pokémon Journeys: The Series'' was also made available to the public.


In mainland China, Pokémon anime returned after three years of hiatus when the {{series|Diamond & Pearl}} (精灵宝可梦 DP:钻石与珍珠) premiered on July 3, 2011. The show went on an indefinite hiatus after airing only 27 episodes. On December 2012, iQiyi put the first 84 episodes of the Taiwanese dub of Best Wishes up for online legal viewing, with episodes from the BW Season 2 and the original series added in the subsequent months. The series is released under the title 精灵宝可梦 超级愿望. Episodes of the original series, ''Advanced Generation'' series, and ''Diamond and Pearl'' series were later added.
In mainland China, the first 54 episodes (excluding the infamous [[EP038]]) and parts of the Orange League arc have been aired in the 2000s. Pokémon anime returned after three years of hiatus when ''[[Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl]]'' (精灵宝可梦 DP:钻石与珍珠) premiered on July 3, 2011. The show went on an indefinite hiatus after airing only 27 episodes. On December 2012, iQiyi put the first 84 episodes of the Taiwanese dub of Best Wishes up for online legal viewing, with episodes from the BW Season 2 and the original series added in the subsequent months. The series is released under the title 精灵宝可梦 超级愿望. Episodes of the original series, ''Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire'', ''Diamond and Pearl'' series, ''Pokémon the Series: XY'', and ''Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon'' were later added, these episodes are of the Taiwanese dubs but with simplified Chinese subtitles.


As a result of the games have not been brought into China, the anime and manga have given names to the Pokémon, characters, locations and other important terminologies. For more information on these localized names for Pokémon, see [[List of Chinese Pokémon names]].
[[The Journey of One Dream]], a 12-minute animated short was released on Weibo and Bilibili in mainland China on February 28, 2023.


===Music===
===Music===
Unlike the other dubs, the Mandarin dub subtitles the original Japanese opening and ending themes. However, for the Kanto saga of the original mainland dub, the localization team used an {{so|Pocket Monster|original Mandarin song}}, with minor edits made to the original video. For the Taiwanese dub and mainland redub, both dubs had instead subtitled the [[Aim to Be a Pokémon Master|original Japanese theme]]. However, due to the request of the Japanese officials, an [[List of Chinese Pokémon themes#Best Wishes!|original Mandarin theme song]] was used in the place of the Japanese theme when the {{series|Best Wishes}} is broadcast on YoYoTV. Nevertheless, the {{so|Best Wishes!|Japanese theme}} was used in the fourteenth movie. In addition, the anime tends to switch back to the original Japanese theme for unknown reasons. However, the new episodes in MOD continued to use the new Mandarin theme after the switch from the Japanese theme. As of the {{series|XY}}, the dub has fully returned to subtitling the Japanese theme.
Unlike the other dubs, the Mandarin dub subtitles the original Japanese opening and ending themes. However, for the Kanto saga of the original mainland dub, the localization team used an {{so|Pocket Monster|original Mandarin song}}, with minor edits made to the original video. For the Taiwanese dub and mainland redub, both dubs had instead subtitled the [[Aim to Be a Pokémon Master|original Japanese theme]]. However, due to the request of the Japanese officials{{fact}}, an [[Pokémon Best Wishes Theme Song|original Mandarin theme song]] was used in the place of the Japanese theme when ''[[Pokémon the Series: Black & White]]'' is broadcast on YoYoTV. Nevertheless, the {{so|Best Wishes!|Japanese theme}} was used in the fourteenth movie. In addition, the anime tends to switch back to the original Japanese theme for unknown reasons. However, the new episodes in MOD continued to use the new Mandarin theme after the switch from the Japanese theme. As of ''[[Pokémon the Series: XY]]'', the dub has fully returned to subtitling the Japanese theme.


For the Cantonese dub, it used Cantonese openings that are either original or based on the Japanese version. It continued up until midway through the {{series|Advanced Generation}} (寵物小精靈超世代), before using the subtitled Japanese themes like the Taiwanese dub. However, a Cantonese version of ''{{OBP|Best Wishes!|song}}'' was used during the premiere of the new series. The dub later switched back to subtitling the Japanese themes. For more information on these theme songs, see [[List of Chinese Pokémon themes]].
For the Cantonese dub, it used Cantonese openings that are either original or based on the Japanese version. It continued up until midway through ''[[Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire]]'' (寵物小精靈超世代), before using the subtitled Japanese themes like the Taiwanese dub. However, a Cantonese version of {{OBP|Best Wishes!|song}} was used during the premiere of the series. The dub later switched back to subtitling the Japanese themes. For more information on these theme songs, see [[List of Chinese Pokémon themes]].


===Cast and crew===
===Cast and crew===
Line 59: Line 72:
|[[Ash Ketchum]]
|[[Ash Ketchum]]
|汪世瑋 ''Wāng Shìwěi''{{tt|*|AG to DP series}}<br>賀世芳 ''Hè Shìfāng''{{tt|*|Indigo League and Johto League saga}}<br>李明幸 ''Li Míngxìng''{{tt|*|Orange Island arc}}
|汪世瑋 ''Wāng Shìwěi''{{tt|*|AG to DP series}}<br>賀世芳 ''Hè Shìfāng''{{tt|*|Indigo League and Johto League saga}}<br>李明幸 ''Li Míngxìng''{{tt|*|Orange Island arc}}
|黃玉娟 ''Wòhng Yuhk Gyūn'' "Xenia Wong"{{tt|*|2012 - present}}<br>陳凱婷 ''Chàhn Hóitìhng'' "Joyce Chan"{{tt|*|2006 - 2012}}<br>盧素娟 ''Lòuh Sougyūn'' "Doris Lu"{{tt|*|1998 - 2006}}
|鄭家蕙 ''Jehng Gāwaih''{{tt|*|SM series (Fantastic TV)}}<br>黃玉娟 ''Wòhng Yuhkgyūn'' (Xenia Wong){{tt|*|BW025 - XY140 (TVB)}}<br>陳凱婷 ''Chàhn Hóitìhng'' (Joyce Chan){{tt|*|EP260 - BW024 (TVB) & M10}}<br>盧素娟 ''Lòuh Sougyūn'' (Doris Lo){{tt|*|EP001 - EP259 (TVB) & M01 - M03}}<br>吳小藝 ''Ngh Síungaih''{{tt|*|EP053 - EP155 (aTV/Cable) & M04 - M09, M11- M16}}<br>陳安瑩 ''Chàhn Ōnyìhng''{{tt|*|Original series (DVD/VCD)}} (Louise Chan)
|王小燕 ''Wáng Xiǎoyàn''{{tt|*|DP series}}
|徐琳 ''Xú Lín''{{tt|*|EP001-EP052}}<br>王小燕 ''Wáng Xiǎoyàn''{{tt|*|DP001-DP026}}<br>山新 ''Shān Xīn''{{tt|*|M19}}<br>唐雅菁 ''Táng Yǎjīng''{{tt|*|SM044-SM090、M20}}<br>张琦 ''Zhāng Qí''{{tt|*|M22}}
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
|[[Gary Oak]]
|[[Gary Oak]]
|詹雅菁 ''Zhān Yǎjīng''{{tt|*|AG to DP series}}<br>王瑞芹 ''Wáng Ruìqín''{{tt|*|Original series}}
|詹雅菁 ''Zhān Yǎjīng''{{tt|*|AG to DP series}}<br>王瑞芹 ''Wáng Ruìqín''{{tt|*|Original series}}
|林丹鳳 ''Làhm Dāanfuhng'' "Peggy Lam"
|林丹鳳 ''Làhm Dāanfuhng'' (Peggy Lam)
|
|
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
|{{an|Misty}}
|{{an|Misty}}
|林美秀 ''Lín Měixiù''{{tt|*|AG series}}<br>謝佼娟 ''Xiè Jiǎojuān''<br>龍顯蕙 ''Lóng Xiǎnhuì''<br>林凱羚 ''Lín Kǎilíng''
|林美秀 ''Lín Měixiù''{{tt|*|AG series}}<br>謝佼娟 ''Xiè Jiǎojuān''<br>龍顯蕙 ''Lóng Xiǎnhuì''<br>林凱羚 ''Lín Kǎilíng''
|梁少霞 ''Lèuhng Síuhàh'' "Sharon Liang"
|梁少霞 ''Lèuhng Síuhàh'' (Sharon Leung){{tt|*|TVB}}<br>張雪儀 ''Jēung Syutyìh'' (Winnie Cheung){{tt|*|aTV/Cable}}<br>劉惠雲 ''Làuh Waihwàhn'' (Vivien Lau){{tt|*|Original series (DVD/VCD) & M01}}
|
|曹玉敏 ''Cáo Yùmǐn''{{tt|*|EP001-EP052}}<br>王晓彤 ''Wáng Xiǎotóng''{{tt|*|M22}}
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
|[[Jessie]]
|[[Jessie]]
|詹雅菁 ''Zhān Yǎjīng''<br>姚敏敏 ''Yáo Mǐnmǐn''<br>盧敘榮 ''Lú Xùróng''
|詹雅菁 ''Zhān Yǎjīng''<br>姚敏敏 ''Yáo Mǐnmǐn''<br>盧敘榮 ''Lú Xùróng''
|黃麗芳 ''Wòhng Laihfōng'' "Anita Wong"
|黃麗芳 ''Wòhng Laihfōng'' (Anita Wong){{tt|*|TVB & M01}}<br>譚淑英 ''Tàahm Suhkyīng'' (Rebecca Tam){{tt|*|EP053 - EP155 (aTV/Cable) & M04 - M09, M11}}<br>莊巧怡 ''Jōng Háauyìh'' (Nicole Chong){{tt|*|M12 - M14, M16}}
|金燕 ''Jīn Yàn''{{tt|*|DP series}}
|刘莉 ''Líu Lì''{{tt|*|EP001-EP052}}<br>金燕 ''Jīn Yàn''{{tt|*|DP001-DP026}}<br>黎筱濛 ''Lí Xiǎoméng''{{tt|*|M19}}<br>黄莺 ''Huáng Yīng''{{tt|*|SM044-SM090、M20}}<br>徐慧 ''Xú Huì''{{tt|*|M22}}
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
|[[James]]
|[[James]]
|吳東原 ''Wú Dōngyuán''<br>陳進益 ''Chén Jìnyì''<br>符爽 ''Shuǎng''<br>孫誠 ''Sūn Chéng''
|吳東原 ''Wú Dōngyuán''<br>陳進益 ''Chén Jìnyì''<br>符爽 ''Shuǎng''<br>孫誠 ''Sūn Chéng''
|陳卓智 ''Chàhn Jeukji'' "Dominic Chan"<br>黎偉明 Làih Wáihmìhng "Ming Lai" {{tt|*|1998 - 2002}}
|謝潔貞 ''Jeh Gitjīng'' (Dorothy Tsze) (Young James)<br>劉奕希 ''Làuh Yihkhēi'' (Ricky Lau){{tt|*|BW093, BW132 - BW133, XY034 - present (TVB)}}<br>陳卓智 ''Chàhn Jeukji'' (Dominic Chan){{tt|*|EP156 - BW092, BW094 - BW131, BW134 - XY033 (TVB) & M10}}<br>黎偉明 ''Làih Wáihmìhng''{{tt|*|EP002 - EP078 (TVB)}}<br>陳廷軒 ''Chàhn Tìhnghīn'' (Turrick Chan){{tt|*|EP053 - EP155 (aTV/Cable), AG series substitute (TVB) & M11}}<br>蔡忠衛 ''Choi Jūngwaih''{{tt|*|M14 - M16}} (Gary Choi)
|郭盛 ''Guō Shèng''{{tt|*|DP series}}
|张文渔 ''Zhāng Wényú''{{tt|*|EP001-EP052}}<br>郭盛 ''Guō Shèng''{{tt|*|EP104-EP159, DP001-DP026, M19}}<br>梁达伟 ''Liáng Dáwěi''{{tt|*|SM044-SM090、M20}}<br>孙晔 ''Sūn Yè''{{tt|*|M22}}
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
|{{MTR}}
|{{MTR}}
|汪世瑋 ''Wāng Shìwěi''<br>雷碧文 ''Léi Bìwén''<br>龍顯蕙 ''Lóng Xiǎnhuì''<br>林凱羚 ''Lín Kǎilíng''
|汪世瑋 ''Wāng Shìwěi''<br>雷碧文 ''Léi Bìwén''<br>龍顯蕙 ''Lóng Xiǎnhuì''<br>林凱羚 ''Lín Kǎilíng''
|梁偉德 ''Lèuhng Wáihdāk'' "Pasu Liang"
|梁偉德 ''Lèuhng Wáihdāk'' (Pasu Leung){{tt|*|Anime & M02 - M03, M10}}<br>王夢華 ''Wòhng Muhngwàh'' (Eva Wong){{tt|*|M04 - M09, M11 - M14, M16 - M17}}
|王晨光 ''Wáng Chénguāng''{{tt|*|DP series}}
|张明亮 ''Zhāng Míngliàng''{{tt|*|EP001-EP052}}<br>王晨光 ''Wáng Chénguāng''{{tt|*|DP001-DP026}}<br>刑凯新 ''Xíng Kǎixīn''{{tt|*|M19}}<br>吴迪 ''Wú Dí''{{tt|*|SM044-SM090、M20}}<br>刘垚 ''Líu Yáo''{{tt|*|M22}}
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
|{{an|Brock}}
|{{an|Brock}}
|于正昇 ''Yú Zhèngshēng''{{tt|*|AG to DP series}}<br>梁興昌 ''Liáng Xìngchāng''<br>符爽 ''Shuǎng''
|于正昇 ''Yú Zhèngshēng''{{tt|*|AG to DP series}} (Paul Yu)<br>梁興昌 ''Liáng Xìngchāng''<br>符爽 ''Shuǎng''
|何承駿 ''Hòh Sìhngjeun'' "Rattan Ho"{{tt|*|DP series}}<br>劉奕希 ''Làuh Yihkhēi'' "Ricky Liu"{{tt|*|AG series}}<br>李錦綸 ''Léih Gámlèuhn'' "Alan Lee"{{tt|*|Original series}}
|李錦綸 ''Léih Gámlèuhn'' (Alan Lee){{tt|*|Anime (TVB) & M01, M03, M10}}<br>何承駿 ''Hòh Sìhngjeun'' (Rattan Ho){{tt|*|DP066 - DP072, DP151 - DP154, DP189 - DP193 (TVB)}}<br>劉奕希 ''Làuh Yihkhēi'' (Ricky Lau){{tt|*|AG series substitute (TVB)}}<br>張振聲 ''Jēung Jansīng'' (Antonio Cheung) {{tt|*|EP053 - EP155 (aTV/Cable) & M04 - M09, M11 - M13}}
|赵震 ''Zhào Zhèn''{{tt|*|DP series}}
|姚居德 ''Yáo Jūdé''{{tt|*|EP001-EP052}}<br>赵震 ''Zhào Zhèn''{{tt|*|DP001-DP026}}<br>马洋 ''Mǎ Yáng''{{tt|*|M22}}
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
|[[Tracey Sketchit]]
|[[Tracey Sketchit]]
|符爽 ''Fú Shuǎng''
|符爽 ''Fú Shuǎng''
|陳卓智 ''Chàhn Jeukji'' "Dominic Chan"<br>黎景全 ''Làih Gíngchyùhn'' "Kinson Lai"<br>曹啟謙 ''Chòuh Káihīm'' "Monte Cho"
|曹啟謙 ''Chòuh Káihīm'' (Monte Cho){{tt|*|Later AG series (TVB)}}<br>黎景全 ''Làih Gíngchyùhn'' (Kinson Lai){{tt|*|Early AG series (TVB)}}<br>陳卓智 ''Chàhn Jeukji'' (Dominic Chan){{tt|*|Original series}}<br>張振聲 ''Jēung Jansīng'' (Antonio Cheung){{tt|*|EP053 - EP155 (aTV/Cable)}}
|
|
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
|{{an|May}}
|{{an|May}}
|傅曼君 ''Fù Mànjūn''
|傅曼君 ''Fù Mànjūn''
|朱妙蘭 ''Jyū Miuhlàahn'' "Peggy Chu"<br>張頌欣 ''Jēung Juhngyā'' "Judy Cheung"
|張頌欣 ''Jēung Juhngyā'' (Judy Cheung){{tt|*|AG038 - present}}<br>朱妙蘭 ''Jyū Miuhlàahn'' (Peggy Chu){{tt|*|AG001 - AG037}}
|
|
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
|[[Max]]
|[[Max]]
|詹雅菁 ''Zhān Yǎjīng''
|詹雅菁 ''Zhān Yǎjīng''
|陸惠玲 ''Luhk Waihlìhng'' "Joyce Luk"
|陸惠玲 ''Luhk Waihlìhng'' (Joyce Luk)
|
|
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
|{{an|Dawn}}
|{{an|Dawn}}
|林美秀 ''Lín Měixiù''
|林美秀 ''Lín Měixiù''
|楊善諭 ''Yèuhng Sihnyuh'' "Zanne Yeung"{{tt|*|Early DP series}}<br>劉惠雲 ''Làuh Waihwàhn'' "Vivien Liu"{{tt|*|Later DP series}}<br>鄭麗麗 ''Jehng Laihlaih'' "Kate Cheng"{{tt|*|M10}}
|劉惠雲 ''Làuh Waihwàhn'' (Vivien Lau){{tt|*|DP031 - present}}<br>楊善諭 ''Yèuhng Sihnyuh'' (Zanne Yeung){{tt|*|DP001 - DP030}}<br>鄭麗麗 ''Jehng Laihlaih'' (Kate Cheng){{tt|*|M10}}<br>王慧珠 ''Wòhng Waihjyū'' (Kimmy Wong){{tt|*|M12}}
|纪元 ''Jì Yuán''{{tt|*|DP series}}
|纪元 ''Jì Yuán''{{tt|*|DP001-DP026}}
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
|[[Paul]]
|[[Paul]]
|李世揚 ''Li Shìyáng''
|李世揚 ''Li Shìyáng''
|曹啟謙 ''Chòuh Káihīm'' "Monte Cho"
|曹啟謙 ''Chòuh Káihīm'' (Monte Cho)
|
|
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
|{{an|Iris}}
|{{an|Iris}}
|林美秀 ''Lín Měixiù''
|林美秀 ''Lín Měixiù''
|高可慧 ''Ko Howai'' "Miu Miu Ko"
|魏惠娥 ''Ngaih Waihngòh'' {{tt|*|BW110 - present}}<br>陳琴雲 ''Chàhn Kàhmwàhn''{{tt|*|BW053 - BW109}}<br>高可慧 ''Gōu Hówaih'' (Miu Miu Ko){{tt|*|BW001 - BW052}}
|
|
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
|{{an|Cilan}}
|{{an|Cilan}}
|于正昇 ''Yú Zhèngshēng'' (Paul Yu)
|胡家豪 ''Wùh Gāhòuh'' (Lupus Wu)
|
|- style="background:#FFF"
|{{an|Serena}}
|詹雅菁 ''Zhān Yǎjīng''
|凌晞 ''Lìhng Hēi'' (Heidy Ling)
|沈念如 ''Chén Niànrú''{{tt|*|M19}}
|- style="background:#FFF"
|{{an|Clemont}}
|劉如蘋 ''Liú Rúpíng''
|袁淑珍 ''Yùhn Suhkjān'' (Penny Yuen)
|张圣 ''Zhāng Shèng''{{tt|*|M19}}
|- style="background:#FFF"
|{{an|Bonnie}}
|林美秀 ''Lín Měixiù''
|何寶珊 ''Hòh Bóusāan'' (Rae Ho)
|阎么么 ''Yán Meme''{{tt|*|M19}}
|- style="background:#FFF"
|[[Rotom Pokédex]]
|于正昇 ''Yú Zhèngshēng''
|于正昇 ''Yú Zhèngshēng''
|胡家豪 ''Wu Karho'' "Lupus Wu"
|簡懷甄 ''Gáan Wàaihyān'' (Ryan Kan)
|
|
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
|{{an|Serena}}
|{{an|Lillie}}
|詹雅菁 ''Zhān Yǎjīng''
|詹雅菁 ''Zhān Yǎjīng''
|凌晞 ''Heidy Ling Hei''
|楊婉潼 ''Yèuhng Yúntùhng'' (Yuki Yeung)
|
|- style="background:#FFF"
|{{an|Kiawe}}
|吳東原 ''Wú Dōngyuán''
|張振熙 ''Jēung Janhēi''
|
|
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
|{{an|Clemont}}
|{{an|Mallow}}
|劉如蘋 ''Liú Rúpíng''
|劉如蘋 ''Liú Rúpíng''
|袁淑珍 ''Penny Yuen Suk-zan''
|
|
|- style="background:#FFF"
|{{an|Lana}}
|林美秀 ''Lín Měixiù''
|羅婉楓 ''Lòh Yúnfūng'' (Charie Lo)
|
|- style="background:#FFF"
|{{an|Sophocles}}
|林美秀 ''Lín Měixiù''
|何凱怡 ''Hòh Hóiyìh'' (Candice Ho)
|
|- style="background:#FFF"
|[[Goh]]
|詹雅菁 ''Zhān Yǎjīng''
|
|
|
|-
|-
| style="background:#FFF; {{roundybl|5px}}" | [[Bonnie]]
| style="background:#FFF; {{roundybl|5px}}" | [[Chloe]]
| style="background:#FFF" | 林美秀 ''Lín Měixiù''
| style="background:#FFF" | 徐瑀甄 ''Xú Yǔzhēn''
| style="background:#FFF" | 何寶珊 ''Rae Ho Bou-saan''
| style="background:#FFF" |  
| style="background:#FFF; {{roundybr|5px}}" |
| style="background:#FFF; {{roundybr|5px}}" |
|}
|}
{{-}}


===Distribution===
===Distribution===
Mighty Media Co., Ltd. currently holds the license to the Pokémon franchise in Taiwan and Hong Kong.
All dubs of the anime are mainly based on the original Japanese version with the exception of [[M22]].
 
Since Spring 2019, the [[Pokémon the Series: XY]] and the [[Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon]] have been made available on Netflix for Taiwan and Hong Kong with subtitles in both traditional and simplified Chinese. On February 28, 2020 (UTC+8), ''[[M22|Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back—Evolution]]'' had also seen its worldwide release (excluding Japan and Korea) on Netflix with a Mandarin dub featuring a completely different set of actors.
 
Pro-Insight International Co., Ltd. (博英社國際股份有限公司), a subsidiary of Top Insight International, was the former distributor of anime and movie-related merchandise such as toys and DVD sets in parts of Asia. As of January 2014, all Pokémon-related content have been removed from both its corporate and commercial website, while its Pokémon-related merchandise have now been pulled out from the Taiwanese market.


Pro-Insight International Co., Ltd. (博英社國際股份有限公司), a subsidiary of Top Insight International, was the former distributor of anime and movie-related merchandise such as toys and DVD sets in Taiwan. As of January 2014, all Pokémon-related content have been removed from both its corporate and commercial website, while its Pokémon-related merchandise have now been pulled out from the Taiwanese market.
====Taiwan====
The Mandarin dub of the [[Pokémon anime]] and [[Pokémon movie]] is currently distributed by Mighty Media ({{tt|曼迪傳播|Màndí Chuánbò}}). Prior to [[BW130]] and [[M17]], the Taiwanese dub of both the anime and movie were distributed by Top Insight ({{tt|群英社|Qúnyīng Shè}}). The anime has aired in several different channels, such as {{wp|China Television}}, {{wp|EBC Yoyo|YoYoTV}}, MOMO Kids, {{wp|Cartoon Network}}, and {{wp|Chunghwa Telecom|MOD}}.
 
====Hong Kong====
The anime is currently distributed by i-CABLE ({{tt|有線寬頻|Yáuhsin Fūnpàhn}}). Prior to the ''[[Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon|Pocket Monsters Sun & Moon]]'' season, the Cantonese {{tt|translation|dubbed by TV station}} of the anime was distributed by Mighty Media Hong Kong ({{tt|曼迪香港|Maahndihk Hēunggóng}}). Between [[BW123]] to [[BW142]] and [[BWS01]], the anime was distributed by {{wp|TVB}}. Prior to [[BW123]], the Cantonese {{tt|translation|dubbed by TV station}} of the anime was distributed by Top Insight ({{tt|群英社|Kwàhnyīng Séh}}).  Moreover, the Cantonese {{tt|translation|dubbed by TV station}} was initially distributed by Medialink Animation International Ltd. ({{tt|羚邦國際|Lìhngbōng Gwokjai}}), but had already lost the rights to distribute the anime after [[EP076]]. The anime has aired in several different channels, such as {{wp|TVB Jade}}, TVB Kids, HOY TV, {{wp|Asia Television|aTV}} and {{wp|Cable TV Hong Kong|Hong Kong Cable}}.
 
Prior to [[M20]], the Cantonese dub of the movie was distributed by Universe International Financial Holdings Limited ({{tt|寰宇國際金融控股有限公司|Wàahnyúh Gwokjai Gāmyùhng Hunggú Yáuhhaahngūngsī}}). Universe Films Distribution Co., Limited held the license to distribute the Pokémon movies in cinemas, while Universe Digital Entertainment Co., Limited holds the license to distribute DVDs for the Pokémon movies prior to [[M20]] and the [[Pikachu short]]s. Currently, the Cantonese dub of the movie is distributed by {{wp|Sundream Motion Pictures}} ({{tt|驕陽電影|Gīuyèuhng Dihnyíng}}), a subsidiary of i-CABLE.
 
====Mainland China====
The Taiwanese dub of the anime series and several movies are currently available as online streaming services on video platforms such as iQiyi. [[M19]] and {{DetPikMov}} had been dubbed and screened on Chinese cinemas respectively in 2017 and 2019, .
 
The first 52 episodes of the series had first been dubbed and distributed by Medialink Animation. Some years later, [[EP104]] to [[EP159]] and [[DP001]] to [[DP026]] have also been redubbed by Beijing DynamicMedia Co., Ltd. ({{tt|北京迪美文化发展有限公司|Běijīng Díměi Wénhuà Fāzhǎn Yǒuxiàngōngsī}}) and aired on {{wp|China Movie Channel|CCTV-6}} for a short period.


==Pokémon manga==
==Pokémon manga==
[[Pokémon Adventures]] has been translated into various versions in Chinese. The traditional Mandarin and Cantonese versions are translated by Ching Win Publishing Group (青文出版集團), while the simplified Mandarin version is translated by Jilin Publishing Group (吉林出版集团).
[[Pokémon Adventures]] has been translated into various versions in Chinese. The Traditional Chinese (Taiwan) version is translated by Ching Win Publishing Co., Ltd. (青文出版社有限公司), while the Traditional Chinese (Hong Kong) version is translated by its subsidiary, Hong Kong Ching Win Publishing Co., Ltd. (香港青文出版社有限公司). The Simplified Chinese (Mainland China) version had previously been translated by Jilin Publishing Group (吉林出版集团). The manga has also been launched on {{wp|bilibili}} with current translations being handled by [[Viz Media|Shanghai Viz Communication Co., Ltd.]] (上海碧日咨询事业有限公司), a subsidiary of Shogakukan.  


[[CoroCoro]] was also distributed within the three regions under the names {{tt|快樂快樂月刊|Kuàilè Kuàilè Yuèkān (Happy Happy Monthly Magazine)}} (Taiwan), {{tt|快樂龍|Kuàilè Lóng (Happy Dragon)}} (Hong Kong), and {{tt|龍漫CORO-CORO|Lóngmàn CORO-CORO (Dragon Comics: CoroCoro)}} (Mainland China). As of 2015, CoroCoro has ended serialization in all three region. Since February 2015, a digital version of the magazine (無限誌) has taken CoroCoro's place in the serialization of various manga, which includes the [[X & Y chapter (Adventures)|X & Y chapter]] of Pokémon Adventures.
[[CoroCoro]] was also distributed within the three regions under the names {{tt|快樂快樂月刊|Kuàilè Kuàilè Yuèkān (Happy Happy Monthly Magazine)}} (Taiwan), {{tt|快樂龍|Faailohk Lùhng (Happy Dragon)}} (Hong Kong), and {{tt|龍漫CORO-CORO|Lóngmàn CORO-CORO (Dragon Comics: CoroCoro)}} (Mainland China). As of 2015, CoroCoro has ended serialization in all three regions. Since February 2015, a digital version of the magazine (無限誌) has taken CoroCoro's place in the serialization of various manga, which includes the Traditional Chinese (Taiwan) version of [[X & Y chapter (Adventures)|X & Y chapter]] of Pokémon Adventures.


In Taiwan, the manga are currently translated by Ching Win Publishing Group. [[Pokémon Pocket Monsters]], [[Magical Pokémon Journey]], [[The Electric Tale of Pikachu]], and [[Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All]] were all translated by Da Ran Culture (大然文化). As the company had become defunct since 2003, the sequels of Pokémon Pocket Monsters such as Pocket Monsters Diamond and Pearl were taken over by Ching Win. Ching Win has also translated [[Pokémon Zensho]], [[Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys]], [[Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl Adventure!]], [[Pokémon Try Adventure]], and several movie manga adaptations and guidebooks.
In Taiwan, various manga series are currently translated by Ching Win Publishing Group with the exception of [[Pokémon Pocket Monsters]], [[Magical Pokémon Journey]], [[The Electric Tale of Pikachu]], and [[Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All]] that were translated by Da Ran Culture (大然文化). As the latter company had become defunct since 2003, the sequels of Pokémon Pocket Monsters such as Pocket Monsters Diamond and Pearl were taken over by Ching Win Publishing Group. Ching Win has also translated [[Pokémon Zensho]], [[Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys]], [[Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl Adventure!]], [[Pokémon Try Adventure]], and several movie manga adaptations as well as a number of guidebooks.


In mainland China, Pokémon Pocket Monsters and its sequel [[Pokémon Ruby-Sapphire]] have also been translated. [[Ash and Pikachu]], Pokémon Getto da Ze!, and [[Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys]] have also been translated as well. Pokémon Adventures was also previously translated by China Light Industry Press (轻工业出版社) under its Cantonese name before 2000. While the Cantonese term of Pokémon is used in that translation, all other names and terminologies were based on the Taiwanese translation. As Jilin took over in 2000, it was renamed to its Taiwanese translation for consistency. As of 2011, it was renamed to its current name.  
In Hong Kong, most of the manga sold in Taiwan are also sold there, as Ching Win Publishing Group also owns the distribution rights of the manga in Hong Kong. However, the names are given some changes due to difference in the dialect and terminologies between the two regions, and is translated completely separately by its Hong Kong subsidiary, Hong Kong Ching Win Publishing Co., Ltd., with {{tt|神奇寶貝|Pokémon}} changed to {{tt|寵物小精靈|Pokémon}} being one of the major changes. [[Pokémon Pocket Monsters]], [[Magical Pokémon Journey]], [[The Electric Tale of Pikachu]], and [[Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All]] were all translated by Da Ran Culture (Hong Kong) (大然文化(香港)). As the company had become defunct since 2003, the sequels of Pokémon Pocket Monsters such as Pocket Monsters Ruby and Sapphire were taken over by Ching Win Publishing Group. However since 2018, Ching Win no longer distribute Pokémon manga in Hong Kong exclusively possibly due to the new translation issue. Rightman Publishing Ltd. (正文社出版有限公司) has since published [[Pokémon Horizon]], [[Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us: Zeraora's Story]] and Pokédex guidebooks using the new Chinese translation of Pokémon (寶可夢/精靈寶可夢).  


In Hong Kong, most of manga translated in Taiwan is also released in here as Ching Win Publishing Group also distributes manga in the region. However, the names are given some changes due to difference in the dialect and terminologies between the two regions, with {{tt|神奇寶貝|Pokémon}} changed to {{tt|寵物小精靈|Pokémon}} being one of the major changes. The [[Pocket Monsters Film Comic]] series of books was translated into Cantonese by Viz Communication China (H.K.) Ltd.
In Mainland China, Pokémon Pocket Monsters and its sequel [[Pokémon Ruby-Sapphire]] have also been translated. [[Ash & Pikachu]], [[Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All]], and [[Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys]] have also been translated as well. Pokémon Adventures was also previously translated by China Light Industry Press (轻工业出版社) under its Cantonese name before 2000. While the Cantonese term of Pokémon is used in that translation, all other names and terminologies were based on the Taiwanese translation. As Jilin took over in 2005, it was renamed to the Taiwanese translation for consistency. As of 2011, Pokémon Adventures had been renamed to its current name.  


===Translations===
===Translations===
Line 171: Line 238:
| 神奇寶貝特別篇
| 神奇寶貝特別篇
| 寵物小精靈特別篇
| 寵物小精靈特別篇
| {{tt|精灵宝可梦特别篇|2011 - current}}<br>{{tt|神奇宝贝特别篇|2000 - 2010}}<br>{{tt|宠物小精灵特别篇|1998 - 1999}}
| {{tt|精灵宝可梦特别篇|Volume 1-40 (2011 - 2019)}}<br>{{tt|神奇宝贝特别篇|Volume 1-29 (2005 - 2010)}}<br>{{tt|宠物小精灵特别篇|Volume 1-7 (2000)}}
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
| [[Pokémon Pocket Monsters]]
| [[Pokémon Pocket Monsters]]
Line 188: Line 255:
| N/A
| N/A
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
| [[Ash and Pikachu]]
| [[Ash & Pikachu]]
| N/A
| N/A
| N/A
| N/A
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|}
|}


====Gallery====
===Gallery===
=====Taiwan=====
;Taiwan
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Electric Tale of Pikachu TW volume 1.png|The Electric Tale of Pikachu in traditional Mandarin (Taiwan)
File:Electric Tale of Pikachu TW volume 1.png|The Electric Tale of Pikachu in traditional Mandarin (Taiwan)
Line 242: Line 309:
</gallery>
</gallery>


=====Hong Kong=====
;Hong Kong
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Electric Tales of Pikachu Cantonese.png|The Electric Tale of Pikachu in Cantonese (Hong Kong)
File:Electric Tales of Pikachu Cantonese.png|The Electric Tale of Pikachu in Cantonese (Hong Kong)
Line 250: Line 317:
File:Try Adventure Hong Kong Vol 1.jpg|Pokémon Try Adventure in Cantonese (Hong Kong)
File:Try Adventure Hong Kong Vol 1.jpg|Pokémon Try Adventure in Cantonese (Hong Kong)
</gallery>
</gallery>
=====Mainland China=====
 
;Mainland China
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All TW volume 1.png|Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All in simplified Mandarin (Mainland China)
File:Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All TW volume 1.png|Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All in simplified Mandarin (Mainland China)
Line 257: Line 325:


==[[Pokémon Trading Card Game]]==
==[[Pokémon Trading Card Game]]==
The Pokémon Trading Card Games (集換式卡片遊戲) are available in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the Mainland China with most of the cards, boosters, and theme decks nearly identical to the ones that were released internationally. Cards released in Hong Kong and Taiwan are printed in Traditional Chinese characters with minor grammatical and naming differences, while the mainland versions are printed in Simplified characters. In addition to the Hong Kong releases, English versions of the cards have also been released in Hong Kong as well, and are often displayed on Hong Kong's official Pokémon website. Although the Trading Card Games exist in all three areas, only Hong Kong actually takes part in the worldwide tournaments.
 
=== Pre Sun & Moon Era ===
 
Prior to the Sun & Moon era, only two sets of the Trading Card Game were officially printed in Traditional Chinese. The {{TCG ID|Jungle|Pikachu|60}} card from the {{TCG|Jungle}} expansion was released in Traditional Chinese as part of the 2000 Pikachu World Collection. This was followed by {{tcg|Base Set}}, which was released by [[Wizards of the Coast]] in 2000 and distributed by Hasbro Hong Kong (孩之寶香港) in Taiwan and Hong Kong using the [[Media:Pokémon logo Southeast Asia.png|red variant of the Pokémon logo]] with the title 神奇寶貝集換式紙牌遊戲. Later in 2006, {{tcg|EX Legend Maker}} (傳說的締造者) and {{tcg|EX Trainer Kit 2}} (訓練家裝備組) were released by [[The Pokémon Company International|Pokémon USA, Inc.]] and distributed by Funbox Toys (麗嬰國際) in Taiwan under the title 集換式卡片遊戲 to commemorate the {{OBP|PokéPark|theme park}} theme park.<ref>http://web.archive.org/web/20200218105258/http://guangjoe.com/pokemon-cards-in-china</ref>
 
After 2006, TCG products released in Taiwan and Hong Kong are English-language sets and decks released by [[The Pokémon Company International]] and distributed by Maxsoft. In 2009, JFL Trading was authorized by Maxsoft as the local distributor in Hong Kong with the rights to hold local [[Play! Pokémon]] tournaments. In 2017, MTG Mint Card was authorized to distribute TCG products in Taiwan, who then authorized local company KKTCG (名卡有限公司) to handle local release and [[Play! Pokémon]] events.
 
While TCG products were introduced in Taiwan and Hong Kong during this period, they were never officially released in Mainland China, and none of the cards were printed in Simplified Chinese, which is mainly used in Mainland China over Traditional Chinese.
 
=== Sun & Moon and Later Eras ===
 
==== Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao ====
 
In 2019, [[The Pokémon Company]] started localizing, manufacturing and releasing the Trading Card Game in several regions across southeast Asia, including Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao. The Pokémon Trading Card Game (集換式卡牌遊戲) was localized in Traditional Chinese and made available in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao under the new unified translation (寶可夢) in October 2019 starting with the {{ATCG|All Stars Collection}} (眾星雲集組合篇) expansion. MTG Mint Card was authorized by The Pokémon Company to be the main distributor and now manages release and organized play in Hong Kong and Macao. KKTCG continues to be the distributor in Taiwan until 2020, when the distributor role was taken over by Justan (傑仕登股份有限公司), a local company purchased by MTG Mint Card and received authorization by The Pokémon Company to manage the Pokémon brand in Taiwan, including TCG products.
 
4 Traditional Chinese sets were released over the Sun & Moon era, with each set covering cards from multiple sets released in Japan in an effort to catch up with Japanese releases. In June 2020, Traditional Chinese releases entered the Sword & Shield era with the {{ATCG|Sword & Shield}} (劍&盾) expansion, and with the next expansion {{ATCG|Infinite Power}} (無極力量) including cards from {{TCG|Legendary Heartbeat}} - the latest set in Japan at the time, the catch-up was considered done, and starting from {{TCG|Amazing Volt Tackle}} The Pokémon Company switched to releasing Japanese sets in Traditional Chinese instead of sets exclusive to the language. New Traditional Chinese sets are now being released at a regular pace, with most sets released 2 weeks after the releases of corresponding Japanese sets.
 
==== Mainland China ====
 
In September 2022, Pokémon Shanghai Toy Limited (宝可梦(上海)玩具有限公司) - The Pokémon Company's subsidiary in Mainland China - announced the upcoming release of the Pokémon Trading Card Game (宝可梦集换式卡牌游戏) in Simplified Chinese.<ref>https://www.pokemon.cn/tcg/product/post.html</ref> The first set 横空出世 is scheduled to release on October 28, 2022.


==[[Pokémon Battrio]]==
==[[Pokémon Battrio]]==
Pokémon Battrio (神奇寶貝 三隻組對戰) was released in Taiwan in 2010, making it the only country outside of Japan to have released the arcade game. Many of the machines were found in department stores throughout Taiwan. Nine sets were released with the last being Rayquaza.
Pokémon Battrio (神奇寶貝 三隻組對戰) was released in Taiwan in 2010, making it the only country outside of Japan to have released the arcade game. Many of the machines were found in department stores throughout Taiwan. Nine sets were released with the last being Rayquaza.


The merchandise ended in Taiwan on December 2012 due to lower-than-expected popularity, the end of the Taiwanese contractor's contract, and the earlier retirement of the machines in Japan. All Taiwanese versions of the arcade machine have been removed and it is still unknown whether the Taiwanese game chips were playable in Japan. Its sequel, [[Pokémon Tretta]], has not been released in Taiwan.
The merchandise ended in Taiwan on December 2012 due to lower-than-expected popularity, the end of the Taiwanese contractor's contract, and the earlier retirement of the machines in Japan. All Taiwanese versions of the arcade machine have been removed and it is still unknown whether the Taiwanese game chips were playable in Japan.  
 
[[Pokémon Tretta]] (PokémonTRETTA) was released in Taiwan in April 2016 by SEGA Taiwan, and in Hong Kong in 2017 by Hit-Style Ltd..


==Events==
==Events==
[[File:PokePark theme park logo.png|thumb|200px|PokéPark logo used in Taiwan]]
[[File:PokePark theme park logo.png|thumb|200px|PokéPark logo used in Taiwan]]
There are also several {{pkmn2|event}}s held in Taiwan. One of the first events were featured in PokéPark during [[List of Japanese event Pokémon distributions (Generation III)|2006]], but only for the Japanese language games. {{p|Mew}}, {{p|Jirachi}} and {{p|Celebi}} were distributed. [[Old Sea Map]] was also distributed for the pre-release ticket of [[M08|the eighth movie]]. {{p|Keldeo}} and {{p|Meloetta}} were distributed in commemoration of the [[M15|15th movie]] during 2012, while {{p|Genesect}} and {{p|Mewtwo}} were distributed in 2013. Both {{p|Pikachu}} and {{p|Sylveon}} were also distributed in Taiwan and Hong Kong. Nintendo HK currently handles the distributions in both regions.
{{bulbanews|PokéPark Taiwan to open Friday}}
{{bulbanews|PokéPark Taiwan to open Friday}}
A {{OBP|PokéPark|theme park}} theme park was opened in Taiwan in 2006.
A {{OBP|PokéPark|theme park}} theme park was opened in Taiwan in 2006.
{{-}}
{{-}}


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==External links==
==External links==
===Taiwan===
;The Pokémon Company
* [http://www.nintendo.tw/ Nintendo Taiwan]
* [http://cn.portal-pokemon.com/ Pokémon Asia (Mainland China)]
** [http://www.nintendo.tw/pokemonXY/ Pokémon minisite]
** [http://weibo.com/u/6305628151 Pokémon on Weibo]
** [http://v.qq.com/vplus/38f05872d099d7cc3d9d36e561cdbe5c/videos Pokémon on QQ]
** [http://i.youku.com/i/UMzkzNTk3MDI1Ng== Pokémon on Youku]
* [http://hk.portal-pokemon.com/ Pokémon Asia (Hong Kong)]
** [https://www.facebook.com/精靈寶可夢-香港-1513033318812085/ Pokémon Hong Kong on Facebook]
** [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI_l5oEPv4DuAUcWpcVcuzg Pokémon Hong Kong on YouTube]
* [http://tw.portal-pokemon.com/ Pokémon Asia (Taiwan)]
** [https://www.facebook.com/精靈寶可夢-台灣-1041278776012303/ Pokémon Taiwan on Facebook]
** [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUsB9KTwSGgPlIARzdaKb_Q/ Pokémon Taiwan on YouTube]
 
;Nintendo
* [http://www.nintendo.com.hk/ Nintendo Hong Kong (Hong Kong)]
** [http://www.nintendo.com.hk/pokemon_sun_moon/ Pokémon Sun and Moon minisite]
** [http://www.nintendo.com.hk/pokemonXY/ Pokémon X and Y minisite]
* [http://www.nintendo.tw/ Nintendo Hong Kong (Taiwan)]
** [http://www.nintendo.tw/pokemon_sun_moon/ Pokémon Sun and Moon minisite]
** [http://www.nintendo.tw/pokemonXY/ Pokémon X and Y minisite]
* [https://www.facebook.com/Nintendo.hk Nintendo HK on Facebook]
* [http://tw.weibo.com/NintendoHK Nintendo HK on Weibo]
 
;Video games
* [http://www.pokemon-sunmoon-cn.com/tc/ Pokémon Sun and Moon website (Traditional Chinese)]
* [http://www.pokemon-sunmoon-cn.com/sc/ Pokémon Sun and Moon website (Simplified Chinese)]
* [http://www.pokemon-sunmoon-cn.com/usum/tc/ Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon website (Traditional Chinese)]
* [http://www.pokemon-sunmoon-cn.com/usum/sc/ Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon website  (Simplified Chinese)]
 
;Anime
* [http://www.mightymedia.com.tw/ Mighty Media]
* [http://www.mightymedia.com.tw/ Mighty Media]
** [http://www.pokemon.com.tw/ Pokémon Sun & Moon minisite]
* [http://www.mightymedia.com.hk/ Mighty Media Hong Kong]
* [http://www.hkopentv.com/ Hong Kong Open TV]
* [http://programme.tvb.com/jade/ TVB Jade]
** [http://programme.tvb.com/animation/pokemonxy XY season subpage]
* [https://www.facebook.com/UniverseFilms Universe Films on Facebook]
* [http://www.pokemon-sun-moon.cn Pokémon anime (Mainland China) official website]
* [http://www.iqiyi.com/dongman/pokemonbw.html iQiyi]
* [http://www.dynamicmedia.com.cn/ DynamicMedia]
<!--* [http://www.my-cartoon.com.tw/ My-cartoon]
<!--* [http://www.my-cartoon.com.tw/ My-cartoon]
** [http://www.my-cartoon.com.tw/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=104 Official anime website] (Defunct)
** [http://www.my-cartoon.com.tw/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=104 Official anime website] (Defunct)
** [http://www.my-cartoon.com.tw/pokemon/bw/index.htm Official BW anime website] (Defunct)-->
** [http://www.my-cartoon.com.tw/pokemon/bw/index.htm Official BW anime website] (Defunct)-->
;Manga
* [http://www.ching-win.com.tw/ Ching-win]
* [http://www.ching-win.com.tw/ Ching-win]
* [http://www.funbox.com.tw/pokemontcg/ Funbox]
* [http://www.rightman.net/ Rightman]
<!--* [http://battrio.com.tw/ Battrio]-->
* [http://www.longman.net.cn/ Longman]


===Mainland China===
;Others
* [http://www.dynamicmedia.com.cn/ DynamicMedia]
* [http://www.longman.net.cn/ Longman]
* [http://www.tomy.cn/toy/pokemon/ Takara Tomy]
* [http://www.tomy.cn/toy/pokemon/ Takara Tomy]
* [http://www.iqiyi.com/dongman/pokemonbw.html iQiyi]
===Hong Kong===
* [http://www.nintendo.hk/ Nintendo Hong Kong]
** [http://www.nintendo.hk/pokemonXY/ Pokémon minisite]
* [http://programme.tvb.com/jade/ TVB Jade]
** [http://programme.tvb.com/animation/pokemonxy XY series subpage]
* [http://www.jfltrading.com.hk/ JFL Trading]
* [http://www.jfltrading.com.hk/ JFL Trading]
* [http://www.funbox.com.tw/pokemontcg/ Funbox]
* [http://pokemontretta.com.tw/ Pokémon Tretta]
<!--* [http://battrio.com.tw/ Battrio]-->


==References==
==References==
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<br>
<br>
{{Project Globe notice}}
{{Project Globe notice}}
[[ja:中国におけるポケモン]]
[[zh:附录:寶可夢在華語圈]]

Latest revision as of 08:27, 8 March 2024

292Shedinja.png The contents of this article have been suggested to be split into Pokémon in Taiwan and Pokémon in Hong Kong.
Please discuss it on the talk page for this article.
Pokémon in Greater China
Pokémon logo Chinese.png
China and Taiwan Flags.png
Flags of the People's Republic of China, the Republic of China (Taiwan), Hong Kong, and Macao
Language Mandarin and Cantonese
Continent Asia
Original anime airdates
EP001 November 16, 1998
November 28, 1998
December 24, 1998
September 1, 2018
AG001 December 13, 2003
March 4, 2007
DP001 October 28, 2007
June 20, 2010
July 3, 2011
BW001 January 28, 2011
November 19, 2011
July 13, 2019
XY001 July 13, 2014
August 3, 2014
February 15, 2020
SM001 January 28, 2017
December 15, 2017
JN001 June 27, 2020
May 1, 2022
HZ001 February 9, 2024
March 8, 2024

The Pokémon (寶可夢 / 宝可梦) franchise first reached Greater China in 1998.

Names

Since 2019, the official Chinese translations of both "Pocket Monsters" and "Pokémon" have been unified under the name 寶可夢 / 宝可梦, an approximate transcription of Pokémon.[1] Previously, after the release of Pokémon Sun and Moon in 2016, the term "Pocket Monsters" was distinguished by translating it as 精靈寶可夢 / 精灵宝可梦, including the word 精靈 / 精灵 (creature). According to Tsunekazu Ishihara, the intention of the rename was to keep the pronunciation of "Pokémon" consistent throughout the world. However, the newer name still takes its former translations into account by incorporating parts from the two into it.[2]

The current name was first introduced in mainland China in December 2010. Following the announcement of the rename, Pokémon Adventures received a reprint with updated translations, while iQiyi gradually uploaded the anime for streaming under the new title. In addition, Takara Tomy had also released a new line of Pokémon toys from Pokémon the Series: Black & White. On July 10, 2015, a special event was also held during the premiere of M17 in Shanghai to promote the new name[3]. In mainland China, from 1998 to 2000, the Cantonese name 宠物小精灵 was used; from 2000 to 2010, starting when Jilin acquired the rights to publish Pokémon Adventures, the Taiwanese name 神奇宝贝 was used; in 2010, the name was changed to the current name, 精灵宝可梦.

Prior to Sun and Moon, Pokémon was officially translated as 神奇寶貝 in Taiwan and 寵物小精靈 (commonly abbreviated as 小精靈) in Hong Kong. According to the opening text and narrations in the Taiwanese dub, the term 神奇寶貝 is a contraction of the phrase 「神奇的口袋中的寶貝」 ("the magical creatures in the pocket"). Nintendo had previously used both translations on its official website prior to X and Y. The Pokémon.com page for Hong Kong used the former Hong Kong name in early 2016, while the Japanese Pokémon Center website used the former Taiwanese name in its FAQ page before 2014 and the Chinese-language Pokémon Store page continues to use it.

However, since the announcement of the new Chinese translation of Pokémon (精靈寶可夢 / 精灵宝可梦), the Pocket Monsters XY&Z season, M19 and Adventures manga distributed in Taiwan and Hong Kong remains translated under their respective former translation. However in late 2017, the Adventures manga distributed in Taiwan and Hong Kong gradually adapts the official translations provided by Nintendo HK despite the translation of Pokémon (神奇寶貝 / 寵物小精靈) remaining unchanged. The Pocket Monsters Sun & Moon anime released in Taiwan and Hong Kong was the first media to fully use the new Chinese translation of Pokémon (精靈寶可夢), along with the other official translations that are used in Pokémon Sun and Moon provided by Nintendo HK. In September 2018, the Pocket Monsters anime was re-dubbed in Hong Kong using official translations that are used in Pokémon Sun and Moon, however, many Gen I translations remain unchanged from the previous dub version, despite them being changed in Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!.

Previously, the anime, manga, and various guidebooks have also given names to the Pokémon, characters, locations and other important terminologies. With the release of Sun and Moon, Nintendo has provided a new set of names for the first 151 Pokémon, with some receiving completely new names[4]. For more information on these localized names for Pokémon, see List of Chinese Pokémon names.

Due to the lack of official Chinese translations of games prior to Generation VII and the proliferation of bootlegs in the market, the unofficial name 口袋妖怪 (literally meaning "pocket monster") is commonly used by fans in mainland China. The name is also trademarked by Nintendo in mainland China and Taiwan, but remains unused by official media.

Bulbanews
Bulbanews has an article related to this subject:

The rename of the series has met some criticism among the fanbase, particularly in Hong Kong where it became a topic of socio-cultural and political controversy[5]. Fans have taken complaints about the name change to Nintendo HK's Facebook page, pointing out that its Cantonese translation did not match local pronunciation and citing examples of other franchise where various regions received its own localization. On May 31, 2016, members of a radical political group named Civic Passion protested Pikachu's name change outside the Japanese consulate in Central, Hong Kong, as its original Cantonese name 比卡超 was changed to its Mandarin name 皮卡丘. To avoid public backlash, all anime episodes and movies released in Hong Kong afterwards, as well as all public events, use the English pronunciation of 'Pikachu' instead of its Mandarin name 'Pèihkāyāu'.

Pokémon video games

Pokémon Sun and Moon are the first set of games to be officially translated into Chinese, available in both Traditional and Simplified characters. In the years prior to the release of the Chinese localizations, only the Japanese and English versions of the video games were made available in Taiwan and Hong Kong, while video games were banned in mainland China around that period[6]. The release came two years after the lifting of the 14-year ban of video games in mainland China[7].

As a result of lack of Chinese localizations in the previous games, many Chinese-translated language hacks and bootleg versions of the series are distributed into the mainland. Interactions between these bootlegs and any official game cartridges are possible, but not recommended since the Chinese characters were never programmed into any official cartridges, and could result in file corruption on both cartridges, forcing the gamers to start over from the beginning.

In 2016, the Pokémon Video Game National Championships was held in Taipei on June 11 and in Hong Kong on July 3.

Pokémon anime

With the exception of summarizing episodes, side story episodes, the infamous EP038, The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon, and the clip shows, all episodes and the first 21 movies have been dubbed into both Mandarin and Cantonese.

In Taiwan, all episodes prior to Pokémon Journeys: The Series have been aired. The first 21 Pokémon movies have also been released, with the thirteenth movie being released just 20 days after the Japanese premiere. Subsequent movies were released within a few months after the Japanese premiere.

In Hong Kong, all episodes prior to the Pocket Monsters Sun & Moon season have been aired, with the Pocket Monsters Sun & Moon season currently on air. The first episode of Pokémon the Series: Black & White premiered on November 19, 2011, while the first episode of Pokémon the Series: XY has premiered on July 13, 2014. 21 Pokémon movies have also been released. On May 1, 2023, the inaugural episode of Pokémon Journeys: The Series was also made available to the public.

In mainland China, the first 54 episodes (excluding the infamous EP038) and parts of the Orange League arc have been aired in the 2000s. Pokémon anime returned after three years of hiatus when Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl (精灵宝可梦 DP:钻石与珍珠) premiered on July 3, 2011. The show went on an indefinite hiatus after airing only 27 episodes. On December 2012, iQiyi put the first 84 episodes of the Taiwanese dub of Best Wishes up for online legal viewing, with episodes from the BW Season 2 and the original series added in the subsequent months. The series is released under the title 精灵宝可梦 超级愿望. Episodes of the original series, Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire, Diamond and Pearl series, Pokémon the Series: XY, and Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon were later added, these episodes are of the Taiwanese dubs but with simplified Chinese subtitles.

The Journey of One Dream, a 12-minute animated short was released on Weibo and Bilibili in mainland China on February 28, 2023.

Music

Unlike the other dubs, the Mandarin dub subtitles the original Japanese opening and ending themes. However, for the Kanto saga of the original mainland dub, the localization team used an original Mandarin song, with minor edits made to the original video. For the Taiwanese dub and mainland redub, both dubs had instead subtitled the original Japanese theme. However, due to the request of the Japanese officials[citation needed], an original Mandarin theme song was used in the place of the Japanese theme when Pokémon the Series: Black & White is broadcast on YoYoTV. Nevertheless, the Japanese theme was used in the fourteenth movie. In addition, the anime tends to switch back to the original Japanese theme for unknown reasons. However, the new episodes in MOD continued to use the new Mandarin theme after the switch from the Japanese theme. As of Pokémon the Series: XY, the dub has fully returned to subtitling the Japanese theme.

For the Cantonese dub, it used Cantonese openings that are either original or based on the Japanese version. It continued up until midway through Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire (寵物小精靈超世代), before using the subtitled Japanese themes like the Taiwanese dub. However, a Cantonese version of Best Wishes! was used during the premiere of the series. The dub later switched back to subtitling the Japanese themes. For more information on these theme songs, see List of Chinese Pokémon themes.

Cast and crew

Many voice actors and actresses have contributed to the production of the Chinese dubs of the Pokémon anime.

Character Taiwan Hong Kong Mainland China
Ash Ketchum 汪世瑋 Wāng Shìwěi*
賀世芳 Hè Shìfāng*
李明幸 Li Míngxìng*
鄭家蕙 Jehng Gāwaih*
黃玉娟 Wòhng Yuhkgyūn (Xenia Wong)*
陳凱婷 Chàhn Hóitìhng (Joyce Chan)*
盧素娟 Lòuh Sougyūn (Doris Lo)*
吳小藝 Ngh Síungaih*
陳安瑩 Chàhn Ōnyìhng* (Louise Chan)
徐琳 Xú Lín*
王小燕 Wáng Xiǎoyàn*
山新 Shān Xīn*
唐雅菁 Táng Yǎjīng*
张琦 Zhāng Qí*
Gary Oak 詹雅菁 Zhān Yǎjīng*
王瑞芹 Wáng Ruìqín*
林丹鳳 Làhm Dāanfuhng (Peggy Lam)
Misty 林美秀 Lín Měixiù*
謝佼娟 Xiè Jiǎojuān
龍顯蕙 Lóng Xiǎnhuì
林凱羚 Lín Kǎilíng
梁少霞 Lèuhng Síuhàh (Sharon Leung)*
張雪儀 Jēung Syutyìh (Winnie Cheung)*
劉惠雲 Làuh Waihwàhn (Vivien Lau)*
曹玉敏 Cáo Yùmǐn*
王晓彤 Wáng Xiǎotóng*
Jessie 詹雅菁 Zhān Yǎjīng
姚敏敏 Yáo Mǐnmǐn
盧敘榮 Lú Xùróng
黃麗芳 Wòhng Laihfōng (Anita Wong)*
譚淑英 Tàahm Suhkyīng (Rebecca Tam)*
莊巧怡 Jōng Háauyìh (Nicole Chong)*
刘莉 Líu Lì*
金燕 Jīn Yàn*
黎筱濛 Lí Xiǎoméng*
黄莺 Huáng Yīng*
徐慧 Xú Huì*
James 吳東原 Wú Dōngyuán
陳進益 Chén Jìnyì
符爽 Fù Shuǎng
孫誠 Sūn Chéng
謝潔貞 Jeh Gitjīng (Dorothy Tsze) (Young James)
劉奕希 Làuh Yihkhēi (Ricky Lau)*
陳卓智 Chàhn Jeukji (Dominic Chan)*
黎偉明 Làih Wáihmìhng*
陳廷軒 Chàhn Tìhnghīn (Turrick Chan)*
蔡忠衛 Choi Jūngwaih* (Gary Choi)
张文渔 Zhāng Wényú*
郭盛 Guō Shèng*
梁达伟 Liáng Dáwěi*
孙晔 Sūn Yè*
Meowth 汪世瑋 Wāng Shìwěi
雷碧文 Léi Bìwén
龍顯蕙 Lóng Xiǎnhuì
林凱羚 Lín Kǎilíng
梁偉德 Lèuhng Wáihdāk (Pasu Leung)*
王夢華 Wòhng Muhngwàh (Eva Wong)*
张明亮 Zhāng Míngliàng*
王晨光 Wáng Chénguāng*
刑凯新 Xíng Kǎixīn*
吴迪 Wú Dí*
刘垚 Líu Yáo*
Brock 于正昇 Yú Zhèngshēng* (Paul Yu)
梁興昌 Liáng Xìngchāng
符爽 Fù Shuǎng
李錦綸 Léih Gámlèuhn (Alan Lee)*
何承駿 Hòh Sìhngjeun (Rattan Ho)*
劉奕希 Làuh Yihkhēi (Ricky Lau)*
張振聲 Jēung Jansīng (Antonio Cheung) *
姚居德 Yáo Jūdé*
赵震 Zhào Zhèn*
马洋 Mǎ Yáng*
Tracey Sketchit 符爽 Fú Shuǎng 曹啟謙 Chòuh Káihīm (Monte Cho)*
黎景全 Làih Gíngchyùhn (Kinson Lai)*
陳卓智 Chàhn Jeukji (Dominic Chan)*
張振聲 Jēung Jansīng (Antonio Cheung)*
May 傅曼君 Fù Mànjūn 張頌欣 Jēung Juhngyā (Judy Cheung)*
朱妙蘭 Jyū Miuhlàahn (Peggy Chu)*
Max 詹雅菁 Zhān Yǎjīng 陸惠玲 Luhk Waihlìhng (Joyce Luk)
Dawn 林美秀 Lín Měixiù 劉惠雲 Làuh Waihwàhn (Vivien Lau)*
楊善諭 Yèuhng Sihnyuh (Zanne Yeung)*
鄭麗麗 Jehng Laihlaih (Kate Cheng)*
王慧珠 Wòhng Waihjyū (Kimmy Wong)*
纪元 Jì Yuán*
Paul 李世揚 Li Shìyáng 曹啟謙 Chòuh Káihīm (Monte Cho)
Iris 林美秀 Lín Měixiù 魏惠娥 Ngaih Waihngòh *
陳琴雲 Chàhn Kàhmwàhn*
高可慧 Gōu Hówaih (Miu Miu Ko)*
Cilan 于正昇 Yú Zhèngshēng (Paul Yu) 胡家豪 Wùh Gāhòuh (Lupus Wu)
Serena 詹雅菁 Zhān Yǎjīng 凌晞 Lìhng Hēi (Heidy Ling) 沈念如 Chén Niànrú*
Clemont 劉如蘋 Liú Rúpíng 袁淑珍 Yùhn Suhkjān (Penny Yuen) 张圣 Zhāng Shèng*
Bonnie 林美秀 Lín Měixiù 何寶珊 Hòh Bóusāan (Rae Ho) 阎么么 Yán Meme*
Rotom Pokédex 于正昇 Yú Zhèngshēng 簡懷甄 Gáan Wàaihyān (Ryan Kan)
Lillie 詹雅菁 Zhān Yǎjīng 楊婉潼 Yèuhng Yúntùhng (Yuki Yeung)
Kiawe 吳東原 Wú Dōngyuán 張振熙 Jēung Janhēi
Mallow 劉如蘋 Liú Rúpíng
Lana 林美秀 Lín Měixiù 羅婉楓 Lòh Yúnfūng (Charie Lo)
Sophocles 林美秀 Lín Měixiù 何凱怡 Hòh Hóiyìh (Candice Ho)
Goh 詹雅菁 Zhān Yǎjīng
Chloe 徐瑀甄 Xú Yǔzhēn

Distribution

All dubs of the anime are mainly based on the original Japanese version with the exception of M22.

Since Spring 2019, the Pokémon the Series: XY and the Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon have been made available on Netflix for Taiwan and Hong Kong with subtitles in both traditional and simplified Chinese. On February 28, 2020 (UTC+8), Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back—Evolution had also seen its worldwide release (excluding Japan and Korea) on Netflix with a Mandarin dub featuring a completely different set of actors.

Pro-Insight International Co., Ltd. (博英社國際股份有限公司), a subsidiary of Top Insight International, was the former distributor of anime and movie-related merchandise such as toys and DVD sets in parts of Asia. As of January 2014, all Pokémon-related content have been removed from both its corporate and commercial website, while its Pokémon-related merchandise have now been pulled out from the Taiwanese market.

Taiwan

The Mandarin dub of the Pokémon anime and Pokémon movie is currently distributed by Mighty Media (曼迪傳播). Prior to BW130 and M17, the Taiwanese dub of both the anime and movie were distributed by Top Insight (群英社). The anime has aired in several different channels, such as China Television, YoYoTV, MOMO Kids, Cartoon Network, and MOD.

Hong Kong

The anime is currently distributed by i-CABLE (有線寬頻). Prior to the Pocket Monsters Sun & Moon season, the Cantonese translation of the anime was distributed by Mighty Media Hong Kong (曼迪香港). Between BW123 to BW142 and BWS01, the anime was distributed by TVB. Prior to BW123, the Cantonese translation of the anime was distributed by Top Insight (群英社). Moreover, the Cantonese translation was initially distributed by Medialink Animation International Ltd. (羚邦國際), but had already lost the rights to distribute the anime after EP076. The anime has aired in several different channels, such as TVB Jade, TVB Kids, HOY TV, aTV and Hong Kong Cable.

Prior to M20, the Cantonese dub of the movie was distributed by Universe International Financial Holdings Limited (寰宇國際金融控股有限公司). Universe Films Distribution Co., Limited held the license to distribute the Pokémon movies in cinemas, while Universe Digital Entertainment Co., Limited holds the license to distribute DVDs for the Pokémon movies prior to M20 and the Pikachu shorts. Currently, the Cantonese dub of the movie is distributed by Sundream Motion Pictures (驕陽電影), a subsidiary of i-CABLE.

Mainland China

The Taiwanese dub of the anime series and several movies are currently available as online streaming services on video platforms such as iQiyi. M19 and POKÉMON Detective Pikachu had been dubbed and screened on Chinese cinemas respectively in 2017 and 2019, .

The first 52 episodes of the series had first been dubbed and distributed by Medialink Animation. Some years later, EP104 to EP159 and DP001 to DP026 have also been redubbed by Beijing DynamicMedia Co., Ltd. (北京迪美文化发展有限公司) and aired on CCTV-6 for a short period.

Pokémon manga

Pokémon Adventures has been translated into various versions in Chinese. The Traditional Chinese (Taiwan) version is translated by Ching Win Publishing Co., Ltd. (青文出版社有限公司), while the Traditional Chinese (Hong Kong) version is translated by its subsidiary, Hong Kong Ching Win Publishing Co., Ltd. (香港青文出版社有限公司). The Simplified Chinese (Mainland China) version had previously been translated by Jilin Publishing Group (吉林出版集团). The manga has also been launched on bilibili with current translations being handled by Shanghai Viz Communication Co., Ltd. (上海碧日咨询事业有限公司), a subsidiary of Shogakukan.

CoroCoro was also distributed within the three regions under the names 快樂快樂月刊 (Taiwan), 快樂龍 (Hong Kong), and 龍漫CORO-CORO (Mainland China). As of 2015, CoroCoro has ended serialization in all three regions. Since February 2015, a digital version of the magazine (無限誌) has taken CoroCoro's place in the serialization of various manga, which includes the Traditional Chinese (Taiwan) version of X & Y chapter of Pokémon Adventures.

In Taiwan, various manga series are currently translated by Ching Win Publishing Group with the exception of Pokémon Pocket Monsters, Magical Pokémon Journey, The Electric Tale of Pikachu, and Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All that were translated by Da Ran Culture (大然文化). As the latter company had become defunct since 2003, the sequels of Pokémon Pocket Monsters such as Pocket Monsters Diamond and Pearl were taken over by Ching Win Publishing Group. Ching Win has also translated Pokémon Zensho, Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys, Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl Adventure!, Pokémon Try Adventure, and several movie manga adaptations as well as a number of guidebooks.

In Hong Kong, most of the manga sold in Taiwan are also sold there, as Ching Win Publishing Group also owns the distribution rights of the manga in Hong Kong. However, the names are given some changes due to difference in the dialect and terminologies between the two regions, and is translated completely separately by its Hong Kong subsidiary, Hong Kong Ching Win Publishing Co., Ltd., with 神奇寶貝 changed to 寵物小精靈 being one of the major changes. Pokémon Pocket Monsters, Magical Pokémon Journey, The Electric Tale of Pikachu, and Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All were all translated by Da Ran Culture (Hong Kong) (大然文化(香港)). As the company had become defunct since 2003, the sequels of Pokémon Pocket Monsters such as Pocket Monsters Ruby and Sapphire were taken over by Ching Win Publishing Group. However since 2018, Ching Win no longer distribute Pokémon manga in Hong Kong exclusively possibly due to the new translation issue. Rightman Publishing Ltd. (正文社出版有限公司) has since published Pokémon Horizon, Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us: Zeraora's Story and Pokédex guidebooks using the new Chinese translation of Pokémon (寶可夢/精靈寶可夢).

In Mainland China, Pokémon Pocket Monsters and its sequel Pokémon Ruby-Sapphire have also been translated. Ash & Pikachu, Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All, and Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys have also been translated as well. Pokémon Adventures was also previously translated by China Light Industry Press (轻工业出版社) under its Cantonese name before 2000. While the Cantonese term of Pokémon is used in that translation, all other names and terminologies were based on the Taiwanese translation. As Jilin took over in 2005, it was renamed to the Taiwanese translation for consistency. As of 2011, Pokémon Adventures had been renamed to its current name.

Translations

Manga Taiwan Hong Kong Mainland China
Pokémon Adventures 神奇寶貝特別篇 寵物小精靈特別篇 精灵宝可梦特别篇
神奇宝贝特别篇
宠物小精灵特别篇
Pokémon Pocket Monsters 神奇寶貝 寵物小精靈 神奇宝贝
The Electric Tale of Pikachu 電擊皮卡丘 電擊比卡超 N/A
Magical Pokémon Journey 皮卡丘大冒險 我愛PiPiPi 寵物小精靈PiPiPi大追逐 N/A
Ash & Pikachu N/A N/A 小智与皮卡丘
Pokémon Zensho 漫畫版 神奇寶貝全書 漫畫版 寵物小精靈全書 N/A
Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All 神奇寶貝一把抓 寵物小精靈大捕捉 神奇宝贝大搜捕
Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys 神奇寶貝金·銀版:黃金少年 寵物小精靈金·銀:黃金少年 神奇宝贝-金·银:金色少年
Pokémon Ruby-Sapphire N/A 爆笑寵物小精靈R·S編 神奇宝贝 红宝石·蓝宝石篇
Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl Adventure! 神奇寶貝 鑽石·珍珠篇 寵物小精靈 鑽石·珍珠篇 N/A
Pocket Monsters DP 神奇寶貝鑽石·珍珠歡樂祭 N/A N/A
Pokémon Try Adventure 神奇寶貝三隻組挑戰大冒險 寵物小精靈三人行挑戰大冒險 N/A

Gallery

Taiwan
Hong Kong
Mainland China

Pokémon Trading Card Game

Pre Sun & Moon Era

Prior to the Sun & Moon era, only two sets of the Trading Card Game were officially printed in Traditional Chinese. The Pikachu card from the Jungle expansion was released in Traditional Chinese as part of the 2000 Pikachu World Collection. This was followed by Base Set, which was released by Wizards of the Coast in 2000 and distributed by Hasbro Hong Kong (孩之寶香港) in Taiwan and Hong Kong using the red variant of the Pokémon logo with the title 神奇寶貝集換式紙牌遊戲. Later in 2006, EX Legend Maker (傳說的締造者) and EX Trainer Kit 2 (訓練家裝備組) were released by Pokémon USA, Inc. and distributed by Funbox Toys (麗嬰國際) in Taiwan under the title 集換式卡片遊戲 to commemorate the PokéPark theme park.[8]

After 2006, TCG products released in Taiwan and Hong Kong are English-language sets and decks released by The Pokémon Company International and distributed by Maxsoft. In 2009, JFL Trading was authorized by Maxsoft as the local distributor in Hong Kong with the rights to hold local Play! Pokémon tournaments. In 2017, MTG Mint Card was authorized to distribute TCG products in Taiwan, who then authorized local company KKTCG (名卡有限公司) to handle local release and Play! Pokémon events.

While TCG products were introduced in Taiwan and Hong Kong during this period, they were never officially released in Mainland China, and none of the cards were printed in Simplified Chinese, which is mainly used in Mainland China over Traditional Chinese.

Sun & Moon and Later Eras

Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao

In 2019, The Pokémon Company started localizing, manufacturing and releasing the Trading Card Game in several regions across southeast Asia, including Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao. The Pokémon Trading Card Game (集換式卡牌遊戲) was localized in Traditional Chinese and made available in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao under the new unified translation (寶可夢) in October 2019 starting with the All Stars Collection (眾星雲集組合篇) expansion. MTG Mint Card was authorized by The Pokémon Company to be the main distributor and now manages release and organized play in Hong Kong and Macao. KKTCG continues to be the distributor in Taiwan until 2020, when the distributor role was taken over by Justan (傑仕登股份有限公司), a local company purchased by MTG Mint Card and received authorization by The Pokémon Company to manage the Pokémon brand in Taiwan, including TCG products.

4 Traditional Chinese sets were released over the Sun & Moon era, with each set covering cards from multiple sets released in Japan in an effort to catch up with Japanese releases. In June 2020, Traditional Chinese releases entered the Sword & Shield era with the Sword & Shield (劍&盾) expansion, and with the next expansion Infinite Power (無極力量) including cards from Legendary Heartbeat - the latest set in Japan at the time, the catch-up was considered done, and starting from Amazing Volt Tackle The Pokémon Company switched to releasing Japanese sets in Traditional Chinese instead of sets exclusive to the language. New Traditional Chinese sets are now being released at a regular pace, with most sets released 2 weeks after the releases of corresponding Japanese sets.

Mainland China

In September 2022, Pokémon Shanghai Toy Limited (宝可梦(上海)玩具有限公司) - The Pokémon Company's subsidiary in Mainland China - announced the upcoming release of the Pokémon Trading Card Game (宝可梦集换式卡牌游戏) in Simplified Chinese.[9] The first set 横空出世 is scheduled to release on October 28, 2022.

Pokémon Battrio

Pokémon Battrio (神奇寶貝 三隻組對戰) was released in Taiwan in 2010, making it the only country outside of Japan to have released the arcade game. Many of the machines were found in department stores throughout Taiwan. Nine sets were released with the last being Rayquaza.

The merchandise ended in Taiwan on December 2012 due to lower-than-expected popularity, the end of the Taiwanese contractor's contract, and the earlier retirement of the machines in Japan. All Taiwanese versions of the arcade machine have been removed and it is still unknown whether the Taiwanese game chips were playable in Japan.

Pokémon Tretta (PokémonTRETTA) was released in Taiwan in April 2016 by SEGA Taiwan, and in Hong Kong in 2017 by Hit-Style Ltd..

Events

PokéPark logo used in Taiwan

There are also several events held in Taiwan. One of the first events were featured in PokéPark during 2006, but only for the Japanese language games. Mew, Jirachi and Celebi were distributed. Old Sea Map was also distributed for the pre-release ticket of the eighth movie. Keldeo and Meloetta were distributed in commemoration of the 15th movie during 2012, while Genesect and Mewtwo were distributed in 2013. Both Pikachu and Sylveon were also distributed in Taiwan and Hong Kong. Nintendo HK currently handles the distributions in both regions.

Bulbanews
Bulbanews has an article related to this subject:

A PokéPark theme park was opened in Taiwan in 2006.


Related articles

External links

The Pokémon Company
Nintendo
Video games
Anime
Manga
Others

References


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