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[[File:Junichi Masuda.png|right|frame|Junichi Masuda]]
[[File:Junichi Masuda.png|right|200px|thumb|Junichi Masuda]]


'''Junichi Masuda''' (Japanese: '''増田順一''' ''Masuda Jun'ichi'', born January 12, 1968 in Yokohama) is one of the founding members of [[Game Freak]] and serves as the Director of the Board. He is best known as a game director and composer for the [[Pokémon games]].
'''Junichi Masuda''' (Japanese: '''増田順一''' ''Masuda Jun'ichi'', born January 12, 1968 in Yokohama) is one of the founding members of [[Game Freak]] and the current Chief Creative Fellow at [[The Pokémon Company]]. He is best known as a game director and composer for the [[Pokémon games]].


He runs his [http://www.gamefreak.co.jp/blog/dir Director's Columns] on [[Game Freak]]'s website, with many entries [http://www.gamefreak.co.jp/blog/dir_english translated into English]. In it, he has talked about why he has done his work in the Pokémon series the way he has and also has given out news about the games he is working on. It was through this column that the [[Masuda method]], a method of obtaining [[Shiny Pokémon]] more easily, was first documented.
He runs his [http://www.gamefreak.co.jp/blog/dir Director's Columns] on [[Game Freak]]'s website, with many of the entries [http://www.gamefreak.co.jp/blog/dir_english translated into English]. In it, he has talked about why he has done his work in the [[Pokémon]] franchise the way he has and also has given out news about the games he is working on. It was through this column that the [[Masuda method]], a method of obtaining [[Shiny Pokémon]] more easily, was first documented.


==Early life and career==
==Early life and career==
Junichi Masuda was born in the {{wp|Kanagawa Prefecture}}, located in the real-life {{wp|Kantō region}}, on January 12, 1968. His family would vacation in the {{wp|Kyūshū region}}, which became the basis for the Pokémon world's [[Hoenn]]. As a teenager, he played the trombone and had interest in classical music, while also maintaining an interest in arcade games and their programming. He was working in a corporate office in 1989 when [[Satoshi Tajiri]] approached him and asked if he would like to join [[Game Freak]], which was just beginning to form at the time. Masuda agreed and became one of the founding members of the company. 2009 marked his 20th anniversary with Game Freak.
Masuda was born in the {{wp|Kanagawa Prefecture}}, located in the real-life {{wp|Kantō region}}, on January 12, 1968. His family would vacation in the {{wp|Kyūshū region}}, which became the basis for the Pokémon world's [[Hoenn]]. As a teenager, he played the trombone and had interest in classical music, while also maintaining an interest in arcade games and their programming. He was working in a corporate office in 1989 when [[Satoshi Tajiri]] approached him and asked if he would like to join [[Game Freak]], which was just beginning to form at the time. Masuda agreed and became one of the founding members of the company. 2009 marked his 20th anniversary with Game Freak.


The first game that Masuda worked on with Game Freak was composing the music for {{wp|Mendel Palace}}, which was released in 1990. He also composed for [[Nintendo]]'s {{smw|Mario and Wario}} in 1993 and {{wp|Sega}}'s {{wp|Pulseman}} in 1994. Recently, he co-produced the Game Freak title {{wp|Drill Dozer}}.
The first game that Masuda worked on with Game Freak was composing the music for {{wp|Mendel Palace}}, which was released in 1990. He also composed for [[Nintendo]]'s {{smw|Mario and Wario}} in 1993 and {{wp|Sega}}'s {{wp|Pulseman}} in 1994. He also co-produced the Game Freak title {{wp|Drill Dozer}}.


==Work with Pokémon==
==Work with Pokémon==
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Masuda was the sole composer for the handheld games {{game|Red and Green|s}}. He developed a program called "Sound Driver" in the early 1990s, which was used to play music and sound effects in Game Freak's titles. This program was later used to create all of the original Pokémon's [[cry|cries]].
Masuda was the sole composer for the handheld games {{game|Red and Green|s}}. He developed a program called "Sound Driver" in the early 1990s, which was used to play music and sound effects in Game Freak's titles. This program was later used to create all of the original Pokémon's [[cry|cries]].


He has composed the music for every [[core series]] Pokémon game to date. He also composed for {{eng|Pokémon Stadium}}, {{g|Stadium 2}}, and the [[e-Reader]] applications [[Machop At Work]] and [[Kingler's Day]]. He has also composed music for the Pokémon stages in the [[Super Smash Bros.]] series.
He has composed the music for every [[core series]] Pokémon game to date. Gradually, Masuda began to take on duties other than composing; however, he still has composed most of the battle themes. He was appointed sub-director for {{game|Gold and Silver|s}} and has directed or co-directed every core series Pokémon game since {{game|Crystal}} as well as {{g|Box Ruby & Sapphire}}. He served as an adviser for Pokémon Stadium, Pokémon Stadium 2, and {{g|Puzzle Challenge}}, and he was the supervisor for {{g|Channel}}.
 
Gradually, Masuda began to take on duties other than composing. He was appointed sub-director for {{game|Gold and Silver|s}} and has directed or co-directed every core series Pokémon game since {{game|Crystal}} as well as {{g|Box Ruby & Sapphire}}. He served as an adviser for Pokémon Stadium, Pokémon Stadium 2, and {{g|Puzzle Challenge}}, and he was the supervisor for {{g|Channel}}.


Masuda has also done design work for the Pokémon games. He designed the [[Hoenn]] region, and he was involved with game design that contributed to {{g|XD: Gale of Darkness}}, although he did not directly serve as a designer for that game.
Masuda has also done design work for the Pokémon games. He designed the [[Hoenn]] region, and he was involved with game design that contributed to {{g|XD: Gale of Darkness}}, although he did not directly serve as a designer for that game.
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On February 26, 2012, Masuda appeared on [[Pokémon Smash]] to announce {{2v2|Black|White|2}}.
On February 26, 2012, Masuda appeared on [[Pokémon Smash]] to announce {{2v2|Black|White|2}}.


On April 7, 2013, Masuda again appeared on Pokémon Smash to reveal an alternative [[form]] of {{p|Mewtwo}} for the upcoming [[Generation VI]] games.
On April 7, 2013, Masuda again appeared on Pokémon Smash to reveal [[Mega Evolution|Mega]] {{p|Mewtwo}} Y for the upcoming [[Generation VI]] games.
 
On July 4, 2013, at {{wp|Japan Expo}} 2013, a video was broadcasted where Masuda [[n:Masuda's video from Japan Expo France reveals information about Kalos|announced]] that the [[Kalos]] region is based on {{wp|France}}. The video also included Masuda's revelation of the [[Generation VI]] Pokémon, {{p|Honedge}}.


On July 4, 2013, at {{wp|Japan Expo}} 2013, a video was broadcasted where Masuda [[n:Masuda's video from Japan Expo France reveals information about Kalos|announced]] that the [[Kalos]] region is based off of {{wp|France}}. The video also included Masuda's revelation of the [[Generation VI]] Pokémon, {{p|Honedge}}.
On May 31, 2022, Masuda joined The Pokémon Company, serving as Chief Creative Officer, vacating his position at Game Freak.


===Anime===
===Animation===
Masuda's music is rearranged for the [[Pokémon anime]] by [[Shinji Miyazaki]]. He has also done original design for the series since {{series|Advanced Generation}}.
Masuda's music is rearranged for [[Pokémon animation]] by [[Shinji Miyazaki]]. He has also done original design for the series since ''[[Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire]]''.


Masuda has also been involved with many of the Pokémon movies. Masuda was an original creator of the Pokémon movies ''[[M06|Jirachi: Wish Maker]]'', ''[[M07|Destiny Deoxys]]'', ''[[M09|Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea]]'', ''[[M10|The Rise of Darkrai]]'' and ''[[M11|Giratina and the Sky Warrior]]'', as well as the ''[[The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon]]'', ''[[SS019|Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Team Go-Getters out of the Gate!]]'', and ''[[PK17|Pikachu's Island Adventure]]'' [[List of anime specials|anime specials]]. He also composed music for ''[[M01|Mewtwo Strikes Back]]'' and ''[[M02|The Power of One]]'' and contributed sound for ''[[M04|Celebi: Voice of the Forest]]''. In ''[[M05|Pokémon Heroes]]'', he was involved with character staging.
Masuda has also been involved with many of the Pokémon movies. Masuda was an original creator of the Pokémon movies ''[[M06|Jirachi: Wish Maker]]'', ''[[M07|Destiny Deoxys]]'', ''[[M09|Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea]]'', ''[[M10|The Rise of Darkrai]]'' and ''[[M11|Giratina and the Sky Warrior]]'', as well as the ''[[The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon]]'', ''[[Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Team Go-Getters Out of the Gate!]]'', and ''[[PK17|Pikachu's Island Adventure]]'' [[List of animated series specials|animated series specials]]. He also composed music for ''[[M01|Mewtwo Strikes Back]]'' and ''[[M02|The Power of One]]'' and contributed sound for ''[[M04|Celebi: The Voice of the Forest]]''. In ''[[M05|Pokémon Heroes: Latios & Latias]]'', he was involved with character staging.


===Others===
===Others===
On keyboards in the group ＭＴＭ, Masuda composed the song [[battle gene M|battle gene Ｍ]] after gaining a request from [[Shōko Nakagawa]]. The song is based on [[Cynthia]]'s battle theme, which is featured on [[Pokémon Diamond & Pearl Super Music Collection]], [[Pokémon Black & White Super Music Collection]], and [[Pokémon Black 2 & White 2 Super Music Complete]] under the titles 戦闘！チャンピオン ''Battle! Champion'', 戦闘! シロナ ''Battle! Shirona'', and 戦闘! チャンピオン(シンオウ) ''Battle! Champion (Shin'ō)'', respectively.
On keyboards in the group ＭＴＭ, Masuda composed the song [[battle gene M|battle gene Ｍ]] after gaining a request from [[Shōko Nakagawa]]. The song is based on [[Cynthia]]'s battle theme, which is featured on [[Pokémon Diamond & Pokémon Pearl: Super Music Collection]], [[Pokémon Black & Pokémon White: Super Music Collection]], and [[Pokémon Black 2 & Pokémon White 2: Super Music Collection]] under the titles 戦闘！チャンピオン ''Battle! Champion'', 戦闘! シロナ ''Battle! Shirona'', and 戦闘! チャンピオン(シンオウ) ''Battle! Champion (Shin'ō)'', respectively.
 
==Game credits==
* '''{{wp|Mendel Palace}}''' (1989) - Music, Sound Effect
* '''{{smw|Yoshi (game)|Yoshi}}''' (1991) - Music & Sound Effects
* '''Magical Tarurūto-kun''' (1992) - Music, Sound Effects, Sound Program
* '''{{smw|Mario & Wario}}''' (1993) - Programmer, Music
* '''{{wp|Pulseman}}''' (1994) - Program, Music & Sound Effects
* '''{{game|Red and Green|s}}''' (1996) - Programmer, Music, Sound Effects
* '''Bazaru de Gozaru no Game de Gozaru''' (1996) - Program
* '''[[Pokémon Blue Version (Japanese)|Pokémon Blue]]''' (1996) - Programmer, Music, Sound Effects
* '''Bushi Seiryūden: Futari no Yūsha''' (1997) - Program, Music & Sound Effects
* '''[[Pokémon Stadium (Japanese)]]''' (1998) - Advisor
* '''{{game|Yellow}}''' (1998) - Programmer, Music, Sound Effects
* '''Click Medic''' (1999) - Director, Program, Planning
* '''[[Pokémon Stadium]]''' (1999) - Advisor
* '''{{game|Gold and Silver|s}}''' (1999) - Sub Director, Music, Sound Effects, Game Design
* '''[[Pokémon Puzzle Challenge]]''' (2000) - Pokémon Supervision
* '''{{game|Crystal}}''' (2000) - Director, Music, Sound Effects, Game Design, Game Scenario, US Coordination
* '''[[Pokémon Stadium 2]]''' (2000) - Advisement & Original Sound
* '''[[Pokémon Party mini]]''' (2001) - Supervisor
* '''[[Pokémon Pinball mini]]''' (2001) - Supervisor
* '''[[Pokémon Zany Cards]]''' (2001) - Pokémon Theme Music, Supervisor
* '''[[Pokémon Puzzle Collection]]''' (2001) - Supervisor
* '''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''' (2001) - Original Game Staff (Director: Pokémon)
* '''[[Pokémon Tetris]]''' (2002) - Supervisor
* '''[[Pokémon Race mini]]''' (2002) - Supervisor
* '''[[Pichu Bros. mini]]''' (2002) - Supervisor
* '''[[Machop at Work]]''' (2002) - Very Special Thanks
* '''[[Kingler's Day]]''' (2002) - Very Special Thanks
* '''[[Togepi's Great Adventure]]''' (2002) - Supervisor
* '''{{game|Ruby and Sapphire|s}}''' (2002) - Director, Music Composition, Game Designer, Plot Scenario
* '''[[Pokémon Box: Ruby & Sapphire]]''' (2003) - Director, Planning
* '''[[Pokémon Channel]]''' (2003) - Supervisor
* '''[[Pokémon Colosseum]]''' (2003) - Pokémon Games Designer
* '''{{game|FireRed and LeafGreen|s}}''' (2004) - Director, Music Composition, Game Designer
* '''{{game|Emerald}}''' (2004) - World Director, Music Composition, Game Designer, Scenario Plot
* '''[[Pokémon Dash]]''' (2004) - Special Thanks
* '''[[Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness]]''' (2005) - Pokémon Games Designer
* '''{{wp|Drill Dozer}}''' (2005) - Additional Tuning, Producer
* '''{{vg|Pokémon Ranger}}''' (2006) - Game Design Adviser
* '''{{game|Diamond and Pearl|s}}''' (2006) - Director, Music Composition, Plot Scenario
* '''[[Pokémon Battle Revolution]]''' (2006) - Pokémon Games Designer
* '''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''' (2008) - Supervisor (Original Games)
* '''[[Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia]]''' (2008) - Game Design Advisor
* '''[[My Pokémon Ranch]]''' (2008) - Game-Design Advisor
* '''{{game|Platinum}}''' (2008) - Music Composition, Plot Scenario, Producer
* '''[[Pokémon Rumble]]''' (2009) - Game-Design Advisor
* '''{{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}}''' (2009) - Music Composition, Producer
* '''[[Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs]]''' (2010) - Game Design Advisor
* '''{{game|Black and White|s}}''' (2010) - Director, Music, World & Plot, Producer
* '''[[Learn with Pokémon: Typing Adventure]]''' (2011) - Game Design Adviser
* '''[[Pokémon Rumble Blast]]''' (2011) - Game-Design Advisor
* '''[[Pokémon Conquest]]''' (2012) - Game-Design Advisor
* '''{{B2W2}}''' (2012) - Pokémon Black Version and White Version Music, World & Plot, Producer
* '''[[Pokémon Dream Radar]]''' (2012) - Supervisor, Producer
* '''{{wp|HarmoKnight}}''' (2012) - General Producer
* '''[[Pokémon Rumble U]]''' (2013) - Game-Design Advisor
* '''[[Pokémon X and Y]]''' (2013) - Director, Music, World & Plot, Producer
* '''[[Pokémon Battle Trozei]]''' (2014) - Pokémon Game Design Adviser
* '''[[The Thieves and the 1000 Pokémon]]''' (2014) - Very Special Thanks
* '''[[Pokémon Art Academy]]''' (2014) - Very Special Thanks
* '''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U]]''' (2014) - Supervisor (Original Games)
* '''[[Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire]]''' (2014) - Producer
* '''[[Pokémon Rumble World]]''' (2015) - Game-Design Advisor
* '''[[Pokkén Tournament]]''' (2015) - Very Special Thanks
* '''{{wp|Tembo the Badass Elephant}}''' (2015) - General Producer
* '''[[Pokémon Picross]]''' (2016) - Game-Design Advisor
* '''{{OBP|Detective Pikachu|video game}}''' (2016) - Game-Design Advisor
* '''[[Pokémon GO]]''' (2016) - Music
* '''[[Pokémon Sun and Moon]]''' (2016) - Music, Producer
* '''{{wp|Giga Wrecker}}''' (2017) - General Producer
* '''[[Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon]]''' (2017) - Sound, Producer
* '''{{OBP|Detective Pikachu|video game}}''' (2018) - Game-Design Advisor
* '''[[Pokémon Quest]]''' (2018) - General Producer
* '''{{LGPE}}''' (2018) - Director, Original Music, Concept, General Producer
* '''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''' (2018) - Original Game Supervisor
* '''{{wp|Giga Wrecker|Giga Wrecker Alt.}}''' (2019) - General Producer
* '''{{wp|Little Town Hero}}''' (2019) - General Producer
* '''[[Pokémon Sword and Shield]]''' (2019) - Producer
* '''[[New Pokémon Snap]]''' (2020) - Very Special Thanks
* '''[[Pokémon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass]]''' (2020) - Sound
* '''[[Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl]]''' (2021) - Director, Music, Concept & Plot
* '''[[Pokémon Legends: Arceus]]''' (2022) - Supervisor
* '''[[Pokémon Scarlet and Violet]]''' (2022) - Composer, Supervisor
* '''[[Pokémon Sleep]]''' (2023) - Special Thanks (The Pokémon Company)
* '''[[The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero|Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero]]''' (2023) - General Producer


==Discography==
==Discography==
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* [[Game Boy: Entire Pokémon Sounds Collection CD]]
* [[Game Boy: Entire Pokémon Sounds Collection CD]]
* [[Pokémon Gotta Catch the Sound!]]
* [[Pokémon Gotta Catch the Sound!]]
* [[Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire Music Super Complete]]
* [[Pokémon Ruby & Pokémon Sapphire: Super Music Collection]]
* [[Pokémon FireRed & Pokémon LeafGreen: Super Music Collection]]
* [[Pokémon FireRed & Pokémon LeafGreen: Super Music Collection]]
* [[Pokémon Diamond & Pearl Super Music Collection]]
* [[Pokémon Diamond & Pokémon Pearl: Super Music Collection]]
* [[Pokémon HeartGold & Pokémon SoulSilver: Super Music Collection]]
* [[Pokémon HeartGold & Pokémon SoulSilver: Super Music Collection]]
* [[Pokémon Black & White Super Music Collection]]
* [[Pokémon Black & Pokémon White: Super Music Collection]]
* [[Pokémon Black 2 & White 2 Super Music Complete]]
* [[Pokémon Black 2 & Pokémon White 2: Super Music Collection]]
* [[Pokémon X & Pokémon Y: Super Music Collection]]
* [[Pokémon X & Pokémon Y: Super Music Collection]]
* [[Pokémon Sun & Pokémon Moon: Super Music Collection]]
* [[Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! & Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! Super Music Collection]]
* [[Pokémon Sword - Shield + Expansion Pass Super Music Collection]]
* [[Pokémon Scarlet - Violet + The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero Super Music Collection]]
==Song credits==
===[[Pokémon Red and Green Versions|Pokémon Red, Green]], and [[Pokémon Blue Version (Japanese)|Blue]]===
*Title Screen -- Composition & Arrangement
*[[Pallet Town]] Theme -- Composition & Arrangement
*[[Professor Oak]] -- Composition & Arrangement
*[[Professor Oak's Laboratory]] -- Composition & Arrangement
*A Rival Appears -- Composition & Arrangement
*Road to [[Viridian City]]: Leaving Pallet Town -- Composition & Arrangement
*Picked Up an [[Item]]! -- Composition & Arrangement
*Battle! ([[Wild Pokémon]]) -- Composition & Arrangement
*Victory! (Wild Pokémon) -- Composition & Arrangement
*Obtained a {{OBP|Pokémon|species}}! -- Composition & Arrangement
*[[Pewter City]] Theme -- Composition & Arrangement
*[[Pokémon Center]] -- Composition & Arrangement
*Pokémon Healed -- Composition & Arrangement
*[[Pokédex]] Evaluation... You're on Your Way! -- Composition & Arrangement
*[[Viridian Forest]] -- Composition & Arrangement
*Guide -- Composition & Arrangement
*A Trainer Appears (Girl Version) -- Composition & Arrangement
*Battle! ([[Pokémon battle|Trainer Battle]]) -- Composition & Arrangement
*Victory! (Trainer Battle) -- Composition & Arrangement
*[[Level]] Up! -- Composition & Arrangement
*Caves of [[Mt. Moon]] -- Composition & Arrangement
*Road to Cerulean City: Leaving Mt. Moon -- Composition & Arrangement
*[[Cerulean City]] Theme -- Composition & Arrangement
*[[Gym|Pokémon Gym]] -- Composition & Arrangement
*To [[Bill]]: Leaving Cerulean City -- Composition & Arrangement
*{{p|Jigglypuff}}'s Song -- Composition & Arrangement
*[[Vermilion City]] Theme -- Composition & Arrangement
*The [[S.S. Anne]] -- Composition & Arrangement
*Road to Lavender Town: Leaving Vermilion City -- Composition & Arrangement
*The [[Poké Flute]] -- Composition & Arrangement
*A Trainer Appears (Boy Version) -- Composition & Arrangement
*Battle! ([[Gym Leader]] Battle) -- Composition & Arrangement
*Victory! (Gym Leader Battle) -- Composition & Arrangement
*[[Bicycle|Cycling]] -- Composition & Arrangement
*[[Lavender Town]] Theme -- Composition & Arrangement
*[[Pokémon Tower]] -- Composition & Arrangement
*[[Celadon City]] Theme -- Composition & Arrangement
*[[Celadon Game Corner|Rocket Game Corner]] -- Composition & Arrangement
*A Trainer Appears (Bad Guy Version) -- Composition & Arrangement
*[[Team Rocket Hideout|Rocket Hideout]] -- Composition & Arrangement
*Obtained a [[Key Item]]! -- Composition & Arrangement
*[[Silph Co.]] -- Composition & Arrangement
*{{m|Surf|The Sea}} -- Composition & Arrangement
*[[Cinnabar Island]] Theme -- Composition & Arrangement
*{{ka|Pokémon Mansion}} -- Composition & Arrangement
*[[Evolution]] -- Composition & Arrangement
*Congratulations! Your Pokémon Evolved! -- Composition & Arrangement
*[[Indigo Plateau|The Final Road]] -- Composition & Arrangement
*Final Battle! ({{ga|Blue|Rival}}) -- Composition & Arrangement
*[[Hall of Fame]] -- Composition & Arrangement
*Ending Theme -- Composition & Arrangement
===[[Game Boy: Entire Pokémon Sounds Collection CD]]===
*Pokémon Techno -- Composition & Arrangement
==={{game|Yellow}}===
*Opening Movie -- Composition & Arrangement
*Theme of [[Jessie]] and [[James]] -- Composition & Arrangement
*[[Pikachu's Beach]] -- Composition & Arrangement
*Pikachu's Beach (Results Announcement) -- Composition & Arrangement
*[[Game Boy Printer|Connection]] -- Composition & Arrangement
==={{game|Gold and Silver|s}}===
*Opening Demo -- Composition (w/[[Gō Ichinose]]), Arrangement (w/[[Gō Ichinose]])
*Opening Demo 2 -- Composition & Arrangement
*Title Screen -- Composition & Arrangement
*An Adventure Begins! -- Composition & Arrangement
*[[New Bark Town]] -- Composition (w/[[Gō Ichinose]]), Arrangement (w/[[Gō Ichinose]])
*Hurry Along -- Composition, Arrangement (w/[[Gō Ichinose]])
*[[Professor Elm|Elm]] Pokémon Lab -- Composition & Arrangement
*{{rt|29|Johto}} -- Composition & Arrangement
*Battle! (Wild Pokémon—[[Johto]] Version) -- Composition & Arrangement
*Level Up! -- Composition
*[[Cherrygrove City]] -- Composition & Arrangement
*Pokémon Center -- Composition & Arrangement
*Pokémon Healed -- Composition
*Battle! (Trainer Battle—Johto Version) -- Composition & Arrangement
*{{rt|30|Johto}} -- Composition & Arrangement
*[[Sprout Tower]] -- Composition & Arrangement
*[[Union Cave]] -- Composition & Arrangement
*Picked Up an Item! -- Composition
*[[Ruins of Alph]] -- Composition & Arrangement
*Battle! ([[Team Rocket]]) -- Composition & Arrangement
*{{rt|34|Johto}} -- Composition & Arrangement
*A Rival Appears! -- Composition & Arrangement
*Battle! ({{ga|Silver|Rival}}) -- Composition & Arrangement
*Evolution -- Composition & Arrangement
*Congratulations! Your Pokémon Evolved! -- Composition
*Battle! (Gym Leader—Johto Version) -- Composition & Arrangement
*Received a [[Badge|Gym Badge]]! -- Composition & Arrangement
*Received a [[TM]]! -- Composition & Arrangement
*Bicycle -- Composition & Arrangement
*[[Burned Tower]] -- Composition & Arrangement
*{{rt|38|Johto}} -- Composition & Arrangement
*[[Olivine Lighthouse]] -- Composition & Arrangement
*{{rt|42|Johto}} -- Composition & Arrangement
*Radio Transmission -- Composition & Arrangement
*[[Team Rocket HQ]] -- Composition & Arrangement
*A Rival Appears! (Version 2) -- Composition & Arrangement
*[[Bell Tower|Tin Tower]] -- Composition & Arrangement
*[[Ice Path]] -- Composition & Arrangement
*[[Dragon's Den]] -- Composition & Arrangement
*Battle! (Gym Leader—[[Kanto]] Version) -- Composition & Arrangement
*[[Mt. Moon Square|Mt. Moon]] -- Composition
*[[Pokégear]] {{DL|Pokégear|Radio}}: [[Professor Oak's Pokémon Talk|Pokémon Channel]] -- Composition
*Pokégear Radio: {{p|Unown}} -- Composition & Arrangement
*Pokégear Radio: {{DL|Pokémon Music Channel|Pokémon March}} -- Composition & Arrangement
*Pokégear Radio: {{DL|Pokémon Music Channel|Pokémon Lullaby}} -- Composition & Arrangement
*Pokégear Radio: Poké Flute -- Composition & Arrangement
*{{ka|Victory Road}} -- Composition & Arrangement
*The [[Pokémon League]] -- Composition & Arrangement
*Battle! ([[Lance|Champion]]) -- Composition & Arrangement
*The Hall of Fame -- Composition & Arrangement
==={{game|Crystal}}===
*Opening Demo -- Composition & Arrangement
*Title Screen -- Composition & Arrangement
*Battle! ({{p|Suicune}}) -- Composition & Arrangement
==={{game|Ruby and Sapphire|s}}===
*Battle! (Wild Pokémon) -- Composition & Arrangement
*Battle! (Trainer Battle) -- Composition & Arrangement
*Battle! ([[Team Aqua]]/[[Team Magma]]) -- Composition & Arrangement
*Fallarbor Town -- Composition (w/[[Gō Ichinose]])
*Battle! (Gym Leader) -- Composition & Arrangement
*Battle! ({{ga|Brendan}}/{{ga|May}}) -- Composition & Arrangement
*Mt. Pyre -- Composition (w/[[Gō Ichinose]])
*Battle! ([[Archie|Team Aqua]]/[[Maxie|Team Magma]] Leaders) -- Composition & Arrangement
*Battle! ([[Super-ancient Pokémon]]) -- Composition & Arrangement
*Battle! ({{p|Regirock}}/{{p|Regice}}/{{p|Registeel}}) -- Composition & Arrangement
*Battle! ([[Elite Four]]) -- Composition & Arrangement
*Battle! ([[Steven Stone|Steven]]) -- Composition & Arrangement
===[[Pokémon Ruby & Pokémon Sapphire: Super Music Collection]]===
*Steven Stone -- Composition & Arrangement
==={{game|FireRed and LeafGreen|s}}===
*Battle! ({{p|Deoxys}}) -- Composition
===[[Pokémon FireRed & Pokémon LeafGreen: Super Music Collection]]===
*Rocket Hideout -- Composition & Arrangement
*Pokémon Tower 1997 -- Composition & Arrangement
*Strength of a Gym Leader -- Composition & Arrangement
==={{game|Emerald}}===
*{{p|Rayquaza}} Appears! -- Composition & Arrangement
==={{game|Diamond and Pearl|s}}===
*Battle! (Wild Pokémon) -- Composition & Arrangement
*Battle! (Trainer Battle) -- Composition & Arrangement
*Battle! ({{ga|Barry|Rival}}) -- Composition & Arrangement
*Battle! (Gym Leader) -- Composition & Arrangement
*Battle! ([[Team Galactic]]) -- Composition & Arrangement
*Battle! (Team Galactic {{tc|Commander}}) -- Composition & Arrangement
*Battle! ([[Cyrus|Team Galactic Boss]]) -- Composition & Arrangement
*[[Spear Pillar]] -- Composition (w/[[Gō Ichinose]]), Arrangement (w/[[Gō Ichinose]])
*The Legendary Pokémon Appears! -- Composition & Arrangement
*Catastrophe! -- Composition & Arrangement
*Battle! ({{p|Dialga}}/{{p|Palkia}}) -- Composition & Arrangement
*Lake Caverns -- Composition & Arrangement
*Battle! ({{p|Azelf}}/{{p|Mesprit}}/{{p|Uxie}}) -- Composition & Arrangement
*Battle! ([[Legendary Pokémon]]) -- Composition & Arrangement
*Battle! (Elite Four) -- Composition & Arrangement
*Battle! ([[Cynthia|Champion]]) -- Composition & Arrangement
==={{game|Platinum}}===
*Battle! ({{p|Giratina}}) -- Composition
==={{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}}===
*{{p|Arceus}} -- Composition & Arrangement
==={{game|Black and White|s}}===
*Coronation Day -- Composition
*Battle! ([[Cheren]]/[[Bianca]]) -- Composition
*Battle! (Wild Pokémon) -- Composition
*Battle! (Trainer Battle) -- Composition
*Battle! ([[Team Plasma]]) -- Composition
*Battle! (Gym Leader) -- Composition
*Route 4 (Spring) -- Composition
*Battle! ([[N]]) -- Composition
*Route 4 (Summer) -- Composition
*Battle! (Elite Four) -- Composition
*Battle! ({{p|Reshiram}}/{{p|Zekrom}}) -- Composition
*Decisive Battle! (N) -- Composition
*Battle! ([[Ghetsis]]) -- Composition
*Route 4 (Autumn) -- Composition
*Battle! ([[Battle Subway]] Trainer) -- Composition
*Battle! (Legendary Pokémon) -- Composition
*Battle! (Strong Wild Pokémon) -- Composition
*Route 4 (Winter) -- Composition
*Battle! ({{p|Kyurem}}) -- Composition
*Battle! ([[Alder|Champion]]) -- Composition
===[[Pokémon X and Y]]===
*Battle! (Wild Pokémon) -- Composition
*Battle! (Trainer Battle) -- Composition
*Battle! (Gym Leader) -- Composition
*Battle! (Successor [[Korrina]]) -- Composition
*Battle! ({{p|Xerneas}}/{{p|Yveltal}}/{{p|Zygarde}}) -- Composition
*Battle! (Elite Four) -- Composition
*Battle! ([[Diantha|Champion]]) -- Composition
*[[KISEKI]] -- Lyrics (w/[[Kenji Matsushima]])
*Battle! ({{p|Mewtwo}}) -- Composition
===[[Pokémon GO]]===
*Battle! (Wild Pokémon) -- Composition
*Gotcha! (Pokémon Captured) -- Composition
*Evolution -- Composition
*[[Professor Willow]] -- Composition
*Walking (Map Theme) -- Composition
*Night Theme (Lyrical Version) -- Composition<ref>https://youtu.be/kTNfyr0IL_0 </ref>
*Battle! (Ultra Beast) -- Composition<ref>https://twitter.com/PokemonGOAppJP/status/1533282461077196800</ref>
===[[Pokémon Sun and Moon]]===
*A Tapu Appears! -- Composition
*Battle! (Wild Pokémon) -- Composition
*The Festival in Iki Town -- Composition (w/[[Minako Adachi]])
*Trainers' Eyes Meet (Trainer) -- Composition
*Battle! (Trainer) -- Composition
*Island Kahuna's Theme -- Composition
*Battle! (Island Kahuna) -- Composition (w/[[Gō Ichinose]])
*The Protector of the Island -- Composition
*To the Altar... -- Composition
*Solgaleo / Lunala Appears! -- Composition (w/[[Tomoaki Oga]] & [[Minako Adachi]])
*Let's Go to Ultra Space! -- Composition (w/[[Tomoaki Oga]])
*Battle! ({{p|Solgaleo}}/{{p|Lunala}}) -- Composition & Arrangement
*Battle! (Elite Four) -- Composition & Arrangement
*Battle! (Tapu) -- Composition
*Staff Credits -- Composition (w/[[Minako Adachi]])
==In the games==
{{incomplete|section|needs=images (QR code, his Super-Secret Base), quotes (team slogan, happy message, encouraging message)}}
===Generation VI===
Masuda made his first cameo appearance in the series in {{g|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire}} as the owner of a special [[Secret Base#Generation VI|Super-Secret Base]] in [[Mossdeep City]] that the player can visit after scanning a QR Code, which was first revealed in the ''Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire Full Story Guide Book''. The player can choose to challenge him and any of the three Grunts in his base to a [[Pokémon battle|Single Battle]] or invite him to their own Super-Secret Base. In battle, he uses three [[Cosplay Pikachu]].
His team name is Team {{tt|ジュン|Jun}}.
{{Party/Single
|color={{electric color}}
|bordercolor={{electric color dark}}
|headcolor={{electric color light}}
|sprite=VSGuitarist.png
|size=150px
|prize={{PDollar}}1000
|class=Secret Base Trainer
|classlink=Pokémon Trainer
|name=マスダ
|game=ORAS
|location=Mossdeep City
|pokemon=3}}
|{{Pokémon/6
|ndex=025
|pokemon=Pikachu
|gender=female
|form=-Rock Star
|ability=Lightning Rod
|level=50
|type1=Electric
|held=Light Ball
|move1=Play Nice|move1type=Normal|move1cat=Status
|move2=Thunderbolt|move2type=Electric|move2cat=Special
|move3=Spark|move3type=Electric|move3cat=Physical
|move4=Meteor Mash|move4type=Steel|move4cat=Physical}}
|{{Pokémon/6
|ndex=025
|pokemon=Pikachu
|gender=female
|form=-PhD
|ability=Lightning Rod
|level=50
|type1=Electric
|held=Light Ball
|move1=Play Nice|move1type=Normal|move1cat=Status
|move2=Discharge|move2type=Electric|move2cat=Special
|move3=Wild Charge|move3type=Electric|move3cat=Physical
|move4=Electric Terrain|move4type=Electric|move4cat=Status}}
|{{Pokémon/6
|ndex=025
|pokemon=Pikachu
|gender=female
|form=-Pop Star
|ability=Lightning Rod
|level=50
|type1=Electric
|held=Light Ball
|move1=Play Nice|move1type=Normal|move1cat=Status
|move2=Nuzzle|move2type=Electric|move2cat=Physical
|move3=Electro Ball|move3type=Electric|move3cat=Special
|move4=Draining Kiss|move4type=Fairy|move4cat=Special}}
{{Party/Footer}}
===Generation VIII===
{{incomplete|section|needs=missing image (his unique model in BDSP), quotes}}
Masuda appears in {{g|Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl}} in the northwesternmost house in [[Hotel Grand Lake]] alongside one of his favorite Pokémon, {{p|Psyduck}}. He evaluates the player's Pokédex and gives them a [[Diploma]] both for completing the [[List of Pokémon by Sinnoh Pokédex number#Diamond.2C Pearl.2C Brilliant_Diamond.2C and Shining Pearl edition|Sinnoh Pokédex]] and for completing the [[National Pokédex]]. Along with [[Yuichi Ueda]], he is only referred to in-game as "Game Director".
==Gallery==
===Core series game assets===
{{incomplete|section|needs=Sprites from other games.}}
{|style="font-size:80%; margin:auto; text-align:center; {{roundy|20px}} border:2px solid #{{white color dark}}; background:#{{white color}}; color:#000"
| colspan="5" style="{{roundy|20px}} border:2px solid #{{white color dark}}; background:#{{white color dark}}; font-size:125%; color:white" | '''{{color2|fff|Generation II}}'''
|-
| style="{{roundy|20px}} border:2px solid #{{white color dark}}; background:#{{white color light}}; overflow:hidden"| [[File:Spr GS Guitarist.png]]
|-
| '''{{GameIcon|C}}''' <br> Guitarist Junichi <br> {{color2|000|Battle Tower (Generation II)|(Battle Tower)}} sprite
|-
| colspan="5" style="{{roundy|20px}} border:2px solid #{{white color dark}}; background:#{{white color dark}}; font-size:125%; color:white" | '''{{color2|fff|Generation IV}}'''
|-
| style="{{roundy|20px}} border:2px solid #{{white color dark}}; background:#{{white color light}}; overflow:hidden"| [[File:Rich Boy IV OD.png]]
|-
| '''{{GameIcon|D}}{{GameIcon|P}}''' <br> Game Director <br> overworld sprite
|-
| colspan="5" style="{{roundy|20px}} border:2px solid #{{white color dark}}; background:#{{white color dark}}; font-size:125%; color:white" | '''{{color2|fff|Generation VI}}'''
|-
| style="{{roundy|20px}} border:2px solid #{{white color dark}}; background:#{{white color light}}; overflow:hidden"| [[File:VSGuitarist.png|x150px]]
|-
| '''{{GameIcon|OR}}{{GameIcon|AS}}''' <br> {{color2|000|Secret Base}} <br> VS sprite
|-
| colspan="5" style="{{roundy|20px}} border:2px solid #{{white color dark}}; background:#{{white color dark}}; font-size:125%; color:white" | '''{{color2|fff|Generation VIII}}'''
|-
| style="{{roundy|20px}} border:2px solid #{{white color dark}}; background:#{{white color light}}; overflow:hidden"| [[File:Mdl BDSP Overworld Masuda.png|x150px]]
|-
| '''{{GameIcon|BD}}{{GameIcon|SP}}''' <br> Game Director <br> overworld model
|}
==Videos==
===''[[Pokémon 20th Anniversary|#Pokemon20]]: GAME FREAK's Junichi Masuda''===
{{youtubevid|K4S8MZ19utc|user/pokemon|name=The Official Pokémon Channel|Pokémon|Pokémon}}


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
* In an interview with {{wp|Wired (magazine)|''Wired UK''}} in December 2014, Masuda stated that he didn't originally work in {{game|Gold and Silver|s}} as he was working on another project; however, he was brought back when the team faced issues during development.<ref>[http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2014-12/11/pokemon-interview Pokemon's Junichi Masuda: 'We weren’t explicitly targeting children' (Wired UK)]</ref> Whereas he worked as a programmer and composer in {{game|Red and Blue|s}}, in Gold and Silver, he worked on the audio and game design as well as in the coordination of the American and European localizations.
* Masuda listens to {{wp|alternative music}} and {{wp|techno}}. He says that he is most inspired by the classical music composer {{wp|Stravinsky}}.
* Masuda listens to {{wp|alternative music}} and {{wp|techno}}. He says that he is most inspired by the classical music composer {{wp|Stravinsky}}.
* Masuda's favorite Pokémon is {{p|Victini}}, his favorite move is {{m|Surf}}, and his favorite type is the {{t|Water}} type.
* Masuda's six favorite Pokémon are {{p|Psyduck}}, {{p|Pichu}}, {{p|Torchic}}, {{p|Victini}}, {{p|Sylveon}}, and {{rf|Alolan}} {{p|Exeggutor}}.
** Prior to Generation V, when Victini was introduced, his favorite Pokémon was {{p|Pichu}}.
** Masuda's favorite move is {{m|Surf}}, and his favorite type is the {{t|Water}} type.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090327224428/http://www.gamepro.com/article/previews/209340/pokemon-platinum-developer-interview-pt-2/ Preview : Pokemon Platinum: Developer Interview! - GamePro.com]</ref>
* The character {{ga|Barry}}'s optional name '''Jun''' could be a possible reference to Masuda.
* The character {{ga|Barry}}'s Japanese and optional English name '''Jun''' could be a possible reference to Masuda.
** In the {{Gdis|Battle Tower|II}} in {{g|Crystal}}, there is a {{tc|Guitarist}} named '''Masuda'''.
** In the {{Gdis|Battle Tower|II}} in {{game|Crystal}}, there is a {{tc|Guitarist}} named '''Masuda'''.
** The {{pkmn|anime}} character [[Vincent]]'s Japanese name is '''Jun'ichi''', another possible reference.
** The {{pkmn|animated series}} character [[Vincent]]'s Japanese name is '''Jun'ichi''', another possible reference.
* Masuda occasionally competes online in [[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection|Wi-Fi]] battles.
** In the [[Generation II]] and HeartGold and SoulSilver there's another Guitarist in the [[Vermilion Gym]] named '''Jun'ichi''' and '''Vincent''' in Japanese and English respectively.
* An NPC in [[Sootopolis City]], [[Kiri]], was named after Masuda's daughter, born right before the Japanese release of {{2v2|Ruby|Sapphire}}.
* Although the game did not get an official soundtrack release, Masuda is listed under ''Music'' in the credits of [[Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl]] despite [[Shota Kageyama]] being known to have arranged the entirety of [[Pokémon Diamond & Pearl]]'s soundtrack for the remakes, including the composition of both [[Ramanas Park]] battle themes.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20230726120459/https://twitter.com/shotakageyama/status/1684015678322536448</ref>
** Composers from the original Diamond & Pearl soundtrack such as Hitomi Sato or Go Ichinose are not credited in any capacity, meaning that the ''Music'' category in the credits only applies to those that provided new work on the remakes. It is also possible that this refers to the [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKjDDxO2OoY&list=PLxdQfrU9eTcPyycH8jMqCnpQ-TpvExgue&index=160&ab_channel=VideoGameMusicResources two unused tracks in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl], which both sound compositionally similar to Masuda's work for [[Pokémon GO]].
* According to some information in the [[Pokémon Omega Ruby & Pokémon Alpha Sapphire: Super Music Collection]],<ref>[https://twitter.com/Lewchube/status/1504100422688153605]</ref> Masuda's favorite song in the original [[Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire]] is the main theme that plays on the title screen, which he composed.
* The concept for the [[Global Terminal]] was Masuda's idea.
* The concept for the [[Global Terminal]] was Masuda's idea.


==See also==
==See also==
{{bulbanews|G4 interviews Junichi Masuda, Takeshi Kawachimaru}}
{{bulbanews|G4 interviews Junichi Masuda, Takeshi Kawachimaru}}
* Director's Columns (Masuda's blog)
* Director's Columns (Junichi Masuda's blog)
**[http://www.gamefreak.co.jp/blog/dir/ Awakening Power of Director Masuda] (Japanese)
**[http://www.gamefreak.co.jp/blog/dir/ Awakening Power of Director Masuda] <small>(Japanese)</small>
**[http://www.gamefreak.co.jp/blog/dir_english/ Hidden Power of masuda<!--small m-->] (English)
**[http://www.gamefreak.co.jp/blog/dir_english/ Hidden Power of masuda<!--small m-->] <small>(English)</small>
*[http://twitter.com/#!/Junichi_Masuda Twitter]
*[http://twitter.com/#!/Junichi_Masuda Junichi Masuda's account] on {{wp|Twitter}}


===References===
===References===
<references/>
<references/>
* [http://www.gamepro.com/article/previews/209340/pokemon-platinum-developer-interview-pt-2/ Gamepro.com: Pokémon Platinum Developer Interview]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090327224428/http://www.gamepro.com/article/previews/209340/pokemon-platinum-developer-interview-pt-2/ Gamepro.com: ''Pokémon Platinum'' Developer Interview]
* "Talking Pokémon." Nintendo Power Apr. 2009: 42-44. Print.
* "Talking Pokémon." Nintendo Power Apr. 2009: 42–44. Print.


{{Clear-both}}
{{-}}
{{Project Music notice}}
{{Project Music notice}}


[[Category:People|Masuda, Junichi]]
[[Category:People|Masuda, Junichi]]
[[Category:Game cast and crew|Masuda, Junichi]]
[[Category:Game staff|Masuda, Junichi]]
[[Category:Anime cast and crew|Masuda, Junichi]]
[[Category:Animation cast and crew|Masuda, Junichi]]
[[Category:Japanese musicians|Masuda, Junichi]]
[[Category:Japanese musicians|Masuda, Junichi]]


[[de:Junichi Masuda]]
[[es:Junichi Masuda]]
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[[it:Junichi Masuda]]
[[it:Junichi Masuda]]
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[[pl:Jun'ichi Masuda]]
[[zh:增田顺一]]
[[zh:增田顺一]]

Latest revision as of 23:46, 2 October 2024

Junichi Masuda

Junichi Masuda (Japanese: 増田順一 Masuda Jun'ichi, born January 12, 1968 in Yokohama) is one of the founding members of Game Freak and the current Chief Creative Fellow at The Pokémon Company. He is best known as a game director and composer for the Pokémon games.

He runs his Director's Columns on Game Freak's website, with many of the entries translated into English. In it, he has talked about why he has done his work in the Pokémon franchise the way he has and also has given out news about the games he is working on. It was through this column that the Masuda method, a method of obtaining Shiny Pokémon more easily, was first documented.

Early life and career

Masuda was born in the Kanagawa Prefecture, located in the real-life Kantō region, on January 12, 1968. His family would vacation in the Kyūshū region, which became the basis for the Pokémon world's Hoenn. As a teenager, he played the trombone and had interest in classical music, while also maintaining an interest in arcade games and their programming. He was working in a corporate office in 1989 when Satoshi Tajiri approached him and asked if he would like to join Game Freak, which was just beginning to form at the time. Masuda agreed and became one of the founding members of the company. 2009 marked his 20th anniversary with Game Freak.

The first game that Masuda worked on with Game Freak was composing the music for Mendel Palace, which was released in 1990. He also composed for Nintendo's Mario and Wario in 1993 and Sega's Pulseman in 1994. He also co-produced the Game Freak title Drill Dozer.

Work with Pokémon

Video games

Masuda was the sole composer for the handheld games Pokémon Red and Green. He developed a program called "Sound Driver" in the early 1990s, which was used to play music and sound effects in Game Freak's titles. This program was later used to create all of the original Pokémon's cries.

He has composed the music for every core series Pokémon game to date. Gradually, Masuda began to take on duties other than composing; however, he still has composed most of the battle themes. He was appointed sub-director for Pokémon Gold and Silver and has directed or co-directed every core series Pokémon game since Pokémon Crystal as well as Pokémon Box Ruby & Sapphire. He served as an adviser for Pokémon Stadium, Pokémon Stadium 2, and Pokémon Puzzle Challenge, and he was the supervisor for Pokémon Channel.

Masuda has also done design work for the Pokémon games. He designed the Hoenn region, and he was involved with game design that contributed to Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, although he did not directly serve as a designer for that game.

Masuda has been known by fans for his important and noteworthy announcements relating to the games, among his firsts being the aforementioned Masuda method. In 2008, Masuda revealed diamond dust to players of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl through his director's column by asking them to play on January 12. The phenomenon first occurred on his 40th birthday, and it was later discovered to appear on several other days in different years in different games. Slightly over two years later, Zoroark was first revealed by Junichi Masuda as a silhouette in the February 7, 2010 edition of Pokémon Sunday. Its full image was later revealed in the March 2010 issue of CoroCoro, alongside its pre-evolution, Zorua.

Masuda opened his Twitter account on October 4, 2011 in order to communicate with fans. Soon after, Masuda gained the attention of fans once again because of his blog post that revealed information about the mysterious character N, including his name and its origin.

On February 26, 2012, Masuda appeared on Pokémon Smash to announce Black 2 and White 2.

On April 7, 2013, Masuda again appeared on Pokémon Smash to reveal Mega Mewtwo Y for the upcoming Generation VI games.

On July 4, 2013, at Japan Expo 2013, a video was broadcasted where Masuda announced that the Kalos region is based on France. The video also included Masuda's revelation of the Generation VI Pokémon, Honedge.

On May 31, 2022, Masuda joined The Pokémon Company, serving as Chief Creative Officer, vacating his position at Game Freak.

Animation

Masuda's music is rearranged for Pokémon animation by Shinji Miyazaki. He has also done original design for the series since Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire.

Masuda has also been involved with many of the Pokémon movies. Masuda was an original creator of the Pokémon movies Jirachi: Wish Maker, Destiny Deoxys, Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea, The Rise of Darkrai and Giratina and the Sky Warrior, as well as the The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Team Go-Getters Out of the Gate!, and Pikachu's Island Adventure animated series specials. He also composed music for Mewtwo Strikes Back and The Power of One and contributed sound for Celebi: The Voice of the Forest. In Pokémon Heroes: Latios & Latias, he was involved with character staging.

Others

On keyboards in the group ＭＴＭ, Masuda composed the song battle gene Ｍ after gaining a request from Shōko Nakagawa. The song is based on Cynthia's battle theme, which is featured on Pokémon Diamond & Pokémon Pearl: Super Music Collection, Pokémon Black & Pokémon White: Super Music Collection, and Pokémon Black 2 & Pokémon White 2: Super Music Collection under the titles 戦闘！チャンピオン Battle! Champion, 戦闘! シロナ Battle! Shirona, and 戦闘! チャンピオン(シンオウ) Battle! Champion (Shin'ō), respectively.

Game credits

Discography

Masuda's work appears on the following CDs:

Song credits

Pokémon Red, Green, and Blue

  • Title Screen -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Pallet Town Theme -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Professor Oak -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Professor Oak's Laboratory -- Composition & Arrangement
  • A Rival Appears -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Road to Viridian City: Leaving Pallet Town -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Picked Up an Item! -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Battle! (Wild Pokémon) -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Victory! (Wild Pokémon) -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Obtained a Pokémon! -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Pewter City Theme -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Pokémon Center -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Pokémon Healed -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Pokédex Evaluation... You're on Your Way! -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Viridian Forest -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Guide -- Composition & Arrangement
  • A Trainer Appears (Girl Version) -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Battle! (Trainer Battle) -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Victory! (Trainer Battle) -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Level Up! -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Caves of Mt. Moon -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Road to Cerulean City: Leaving Mt. Moon -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Cerulean City Theme -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Pokémon Gym -- Composition & Arrangement
  • To Bill: Leaving Cerulean City -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Jigglypuff's Song -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Vermilion City Theme -- Composition & Arrangement
  • The S.S. Anne -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Road to Lavender Town: Leaving Vermilion City -- Composition & Arrangement
  • The Poké Flute -- Composition & Arrangement
  • A Trainer Appears (Boy Version) -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Battle! (Gym Leader Battle) -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Victory! (Gym Leader Battle) -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Cycling -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Lavender Town Theme -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Pokémon Tower -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Celadon City Theme -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Rocket Game Corner -- Composition & Arrangement
  • A Trainer Appears (Bad Guy Version) -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Rocket Hideout -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Obtained a Key Item! -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Silph Co. -- Composition & Arrangement
  • The Sea -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Cinnabar Island Theme -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Pokémon Mansion -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Evolution -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Congratulations! Your Pokémon Evolved! -- Composition & Arrangement
  • The Final Road -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Final Battle! (Rival) -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Hall of Fame -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Ending Theme -- Composition & Arrangement

Game Boy: Entire Pokémon Sounds Collection CD

  • Pokémon Techno -- Composition & Arrangement

Pokémon Yellow

  • Opening Movie -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Theme of Jessie and James -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Pikachu's Beach -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Pikachu's Beach (Results Announcement) -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Connection -- Composition & Arrangement

Pokémon Gold and Silver

  • Opening Demo -- Composition (w/Gō Ichinose), Arrangement (w/Gō Ichinose)
  • Opening Demo 2 -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Title Screen -- Composition & Arrangement
  • An Adventure Begins! -- Composition & Arrangement
  • New Bark Town -- Composition (w/Gō Ichinose), Arrangement (w/Gō Ichinose)
  • Hurry Along -- Composition, Arrangement (w/Gō Ichinose)
  • Elm Pokémon Lab -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Route 29 -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Battle! (Wild Pokémon—Johto Version) -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Level Up! -- Composition
  • Cherrygrove City -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Pokémon Center -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Pokémon Healed -- Composition
  • Battle! (Trainer Battle—Johto Version) -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Route 30 -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Sprout Tower -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Union Cave -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Picked Up an Item! -- Composition
  • Ruins of Alph -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Battle! (Team Rocket) -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Route 34 -- Composition & Arrangement
  • A Rival Appears! -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Battle! (Rival) -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Evolution -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Congratulations! Your Pokémon Evolved! -- Composition
  • Battle! (Gym Leader—Johto Version) -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Received a Gym Badge! -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Received a TM! -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Bicycle -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Burned Tower -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Route 38 -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Olivine Lighthouse -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Route 42 -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Radio Transmission -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Team Rocket HQ -- Composition & Arrangement
  • A Rival Appears! (Version 2) -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Tin Tower -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Ice Path -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Dragon's Den -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Battle! (Gym Leader—Kanto Version) -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Mt. Moon -- Composition
  • Pokégear Radio: Pokémon Channel -- Composition
  • Pokégear Radio: Unown -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Pokégear Radio: Pokémon March -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Pokégear Radio: Pokémon Lullaby -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Pokégear Radio: Poké Flute -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Victory Road -- Composition & Arrangement
  • The Pokémon League -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Battle! (Champion) -- Composition & Arrangement
  • The Hall of Fame -- Composition & Arrangement

Pokémon Crystal

  • Opening Demo -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Title Screen -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Battle! (Suicune) -- Composition & Arrangement

Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire

Pokémon Ruby & Pokémon Sapphire: Super Music Collection

  • Steven Stone -- Composition & Arrangement

Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen

  • Battle! (Deoxys) -- Composition

Pokémon FireRed & Pokémon LeafGreen: Super Music Collection

  • Rocket Hideout -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Pokémon Tower 1997 -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Strength of a Gym Leader -- Composition & Arrangement

Pokémon Emerald

  • Rayquaza Appears! -- Composition & Arrangement

Pokémon Diamond and Pearl

  • Battle! (Wild Pokémon) -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Battle! (Trainer Battle) -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Battle! (Rival) -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Battle! (Gym Leader) -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Battle! (Team Galactic) -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Battle! (Team Galactic Commander) -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Battle! (Team Galactic Boss) -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Spear Pillar -- Composition (w/Gō Ichinose), Arrangement (w/Gō Ichinose)
  • The Legendary Pokémon Appears! -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Catastrophe! -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Battle! (Dialga/Palkia) -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Lake Caverns -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Battle! (Azelf/Mesprit/Uxie) -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Battle! (Legendary Pokémon) -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Battle! (Elite Four) -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Battle! (Champion) -- Composition & Arrangement

Pokémon Platinum

Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver

  • Arceus -- Composition & Arrangement

Pokémon Black and White

  • Coronation Day -- Composition
  • Battle! (Cheren/Bianca) -- Composition
  • Battle! (Wild Pokémon) -- Composition
  • Battle! (Trainer Battle) -- Composition
  • Battle! (Team Plasma) -- Composition
  • Battle! (Gym Leader) -- Composition
  • Route 4 (Spring) -- Composition
  • Battle! (N) -- Composition
  • Route 4 (Summer) -- Composition
  • Battle! (Elite Four) -- Composition
  • Battle! (Reshiram/Zekrom) -- Composition
  • Decisive Battle! (N) -- Composition
  • Battle! (Ghetsis) -- Composition
  • Route 4 (Autumn) -- Composition
  • Battle! (Battle Subway Trainer) -- Composition
  • Battle! (Legendary Pokémon) -- Composition
  • Battle! (Strong Wild Pokémon) -- Composition
  • Route 4 (Winter) -- Composition
  • Battle! (Kyurem) -- Composition
  • Battle! (Champion) -- Composition

Pokémon X and Y

  • Battle! (Wild Pokémon) -- Composition
  • Battle! (Trainer Battle) -- Composition
  • Battle! (Gym Leader) -- Composition
  • Battle! (Successor Korrina) -- Composition
  • Battle! (Xerneas/Yveltal/Zygarde) -- Composition
  • Battle! (Elite Four) -- Composition
  • Battle! (Champion) -- Composition
  • KISEKI -- Lyrics (w/Kenji Matsushima)
  • Battle! (Mewtwo) -- Composition

Pokémon GO

  • Battle! (Wild Pokémon) -- Composition
  • Gotcha! (Pokémon Captured) -- Composition
  • Evolution -- Composition
  • Professor Willow -- Composition
  • Walking (Map Theme) -- Composition
  • Night Theme (Lyrical Version) -- Composition[1]
  • Battle! (Ultra Beast) -- Composition[2]

Pokémon Sun and Moon

  • A Tapu Appears! -- Composition
  • Battle! (Wild Pokémon) -- Composition
  • The Festival in Iki Town -- Composition (w/Minako Adachi)
  • Trainers' Eyes Meet (Trainer) -- Composition
  • Battle! (Trainer) -- Composition
  • Island Kahuna's Theme -- Composition
  • Battle! (Island Kahuna) -- Composition (w/Gō Ichinose)
  • The Protector of the Island -- Composition
  • To the Altar... -- Composition
  • Solgaleo / Lunala Appears! -- Composition (w/Tomoaki Oga & Minako Adachi)
  • Let's Go to Ultra Space! -- Composition (w/Tomoaki Oga)
  • Battle! (Solgaleo/Lunala) -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Battle! (Elite Four) -- Composition & Arrangement
  • Battle! (Tapu) -- Composition
  • Staff Credits -- Composition (w/Minako Adachi)

In the games

050Diglett.png This section is incomplete.
Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it.
Reason: images (QR code, his Super-Secret Base), quotes (team slogan, happy message, encouraging message)

Generation VI

Masuda made his first cameo appearance in the series in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire as the owner of a special Super-Secret Base in Mossdeep City that the player can visit after scanning a QR Code, which was first revealed in the Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire Full Story Guide Book. The player can choose to challenge him and any of the three Grunts in his base to a Single Battle or invite him to their own Super-Secret Base. In battle, he uses three Cosplay Pikachu.

His team name is Team ジュン.



Generation VIII

050Diglett.png This section is incomplete.
Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it.
Reason: missing image (his unique model in BDSP), quotes

Masuda appears in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl in the northwesternmost house in Hotel Grand Lake alongside one of his favorite Pokémon, Psyduck. He evaluates the player's Pokédex and gives them a Diploma both for completing the Sinnoh Pokédex and for completing the National Pokédex. Along with Yuichi Ueda, he is only referred to in-game as "Game Director".


Gallery

Core series game assets

050Diglett.png This section is incomplete.
Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it.
Reason: Sprites from other games.
Generation II
Spr GS Guitarist.png
 C 
Guitarist Junichi
(Battle Tower) sprite
Generation IV
Rich Boy IV OD.png
 D  P 
Game Director
overworld sprite
Generation VI
VSGuitarist.png
 OR  AS 
Secret Base
VS sprite
Generation VIII
Mdl BDSP Overworld Masuda.png
 BD  SP 
Game Director
overworld model

Videos

#Pokemon20: GAME FREAK's Junichi Masuda

By The Official Pokémon Channel
This video is not available on Bulbapedia; instead, you can watch the video on YouTube here.


Trivia

See also

Bulbanews
Bulbanews has an article related to this subject:

References

  1. ↑ https://youtu.be/kTNfyr0IL_0
  2. ↑ https://twitter.com/PokemonGOAppJP/status/1533282461077196800
  3. ↑ Pokemon's Junichi Masuda: 'We weren’t explicitly targeting children' (Wired UK)
  4. ↑ Preview : Pokemon Platinum: Developer Interview! - GamePro.com
  5. ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20230726120459/https://twitter.com/shotakageyama/status/1684015678322536448
  6. ↑ [1]


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