Kanto

Revision as of 15:45, 8 October 2012 by HoennMaster (talk | contribs)
Kanto カントー地方
Kantō region
HGSS Kanto.png
Artwork of Kanto from Generation IV
Introduction Red and Green
Professor Professor Oak
First partner Pokémon Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, Pikachu*, and Eevee*
Regional Villains Team Rocket
League
Pokémon League Indigo League
League Location Indigo Plateau
Pokédex
Pokédex List Kanto Pokédex
Anime
Series Original
Advanced Generation
Season(s) Indigo League (1)
Advanced Battle (8)
Battle Frontier (9)
Games
Generation I, II, III, IV
Games Red and GreenJa
BlueJa
Red and Blue
Yellow
Gold and Silver
Crystal
FireRed and LeafGreen
HeartGold and SoulSilver
Manga
Adventures Debut PS001

The Kanto region (Japanese: カントー地方 Kantō-chihō) is a region of the Pokémon world. It is located east of Johto, and as revealed by the radio show Sinnoh Sound, is located south of Sinnoh. It was the first region to be introduced. It is setting of the Generation I games and FireRed and LeafGreen; it is also accessible in Pokémon Gold, Silver, Crystal, HeartGold, and SoulSilver after the quest in Johto is completed.

All cities in Kanto are named after colors (Viridian City, Lavender Town, Indigo Plateau, etc.), with the exception of Pallet Town, which is also a reference to color. Professor Oak is the resident Pokémon Professor and gives Pokémon Trainers a choice between Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle as their starter Pokémon, though in Yellow the only choice is a Pikachu that he recently caught, although he did have an Eevee. In the games, the player begins his or her journey in Pallet Town and ends it at Indigo Plateau.

It is based on and named after the real Kantō region (関東, meaning "east of the barrier") in Japan. Unlike almost every other region, which are specific to their own generations, Kanto has been explorable in the first four generations of Pokémon games. However, it is not the primary region in the Generation II and IV games it appears in, in which players explore the neighboring Johto region before exploring Kanto.

The artwork of Kanto in Generation I and Generation II depict Kanto as grassland, with very few trees. In Generation III and Generation IV, Kanto is seen with more trees, making it less like grassland.

Etymology and design concept

Connection to Japan

Main article: Pokémon world in relation to the real world
File:Pokemonworld.png
The map of Japan showing the Kanto region as the Kantō region.

Regardless of their proximity, the people of Johto and those of Kanto are set apart by many cultural differences. Kanto is based on the real Kantō region in Japan. Compared to the traditional Kansai region (where Johto is based), Kanto is modern and technological, which is reflected in the look of the cities and the buildings like the Pokémon Lab of Cinnabar Island and the Power Plant. This fact is also reflected in Kanto being the only Pokémon region without any legends, myths, or traditions related to Pokémon, and being the centerpoint for innovation, with the Poké Ball's ultimate upgrade, the Master Ball, being recently invented by Silph Co. The soil of the Kantō region is volcanic, referencing the in-game Kanto region's inability to maintain a Berry crop in Generation II, Generation III and Generation IV. People from Kanto are considered to be sophisticated, reserved and formal. Kansai and Kantō, however different, are the two most important areas of Honshū, the largest island in Japan, and, much like Johto and Kanto, represent a harmony of contrasting cultures living together. The cultural divide is most noticeable in the games, as the player talks to and learns about the denizens of both regions.

Tokyo, which the commercial Celadon City and the financial Saffron City are based on, is the most important commercial and economic center of Japan. Yokohama, which Vermilion City is based on, is the main and largest seaport of Japan.

History

 
An early design of Kanto from Capsule Monsters

The Kanto region is home to a lot of Pokémon and has a rich history of creating Pokémon with technology.

Researchers of Kanto have been great at their job. Some researcher working for the evil organization Team Rocket cloned Mew through its genes and created the Genetic Pokémon Mewtwo. Porygon, the Virtual Pokémon, was also created by humans in Kanto.


Spoiler warning: this article may contain major plot or ending details.


In contemporary history, Red/Leaf is given a Pokémon by Professor Oak for personal safety. Professor Oak also gives his grandson, Blue, a Pokémon and asks Blue and Red/Leaf to help him fill the Pokédex, a complete encyclopedia on Pokémon. Thus, the journey of Red/Leaf begins. Red/Leaf travels across the Kanto region and collects all eight Gym Badges. During his/her journey, Red/Leaf comes across Team Rocket, an evil organization behind wrongdoings about Pokémon. Red/Leaf stops Team Rocket and defeats Giovanni, their boss as well as the Gym Leader of Viridian Gym, who then disbands Team Rocket. In the meantime, Blue, who has also collected all of the Kanto Gym Badges, defeats the Elite Four at the Indigo League and becomes the champion of the Kanto region. Finally, Red/Leaf makes it up to him and defeats him to gain the title of the Indigo League Champion.

Three years later, Ethan/Kris/Lyra from Johto comes to Kanto and collects all eight Kanto Gym Badges. Ethan/Kris/Lyra is the current Indigo League Champion and has also met and defeated Red.

Cities, routes, and other locations

The Kanto region features ten towns and cities. There is a wide variety of towns and cities throughout the region; from the large, urban Saffron City to the quiet, quaint town of Pallet. Kanto features a Pokémon League, like most other regions in the Pokémon world. However, since Kanto shares its borders with Johto, it also shares the same Pokémon League. Kanto and Johto are the only known regions that can be crossed with relative ease. Even though Kanto and Johto are culturally and socially different, the two regions are actually very similar in terms of geography.

The Kanto region includes 28 different routes, which acts as roads to cities and towns or points of interest. The Johto region follows Kanto's route number which ends at Route 28 in the Kanto region and begins with Johto's Route 29. Unlike other regions, Kanto does not have routes featuring any sort of weather conditions, such as Hoenn's Route 119 which rains and thunders constantly and Sinnoh's Route 217 in which hail regularly falls. The Kanto region seems to have the most temperate climate of the five main regions.

The connecting landmass between Kanto and Johto doesn't appear to be a fine line; but more or less a blurry one. Route 28 is technically owned by Kanto; however, it bridges the border between the two regions, making it the only route in history that enters two regions at one time. This is similar to Routes 26 and 27, that are strictly Kanto locations; however, they are able to be transported to via HM02 (Fly) from Johto in Generation IV.

Demographics

Including all the cities and towns in the Kanto region, the total population in FireRed and LeafGreen is 391.

Cities/Towns

Map City/Town Population Description
  Pallet Town 10 A fairly new and quiet town. It's a small and pretty place.
  Viridian City 30 A beautiful city that is enveloped in green year-round.
  Pewter City 33 A quiet city nestled between rugged mountains and rocks.
  Cerulean City 32 A beautiful city with flowing water and blooming flowers.
  Vermilion City 29 A southern city that is bathed in orange by the setting sun.
  Lavender Town 41 A small town covered in a beautiful hue of purple.
  Celadon City 82 A rich, rainbow colored city where people and Pokémon gather.
  Fuchsia City 35 A historic village that has become new.
  Saffron City 63 The biggest city in Kanto, shining with a golden light.
  Cinnabar Island 36 / 9 A town used to be here until it was swept away by an eruption.

Anime-exclusive locations

Picture Location Description
  Bill's Lighthouse Bill's Lighthouse is located somewhere near Cerulean City.
  Cameran Palace Cameran Palace is located in the center of Rota.
  Camomile Island It is an island located in the Kanto region.
  Camp Pokéhearst It is a camp located east of Hollywood.
  Chrysanthemum Island A popular tourist destination in Kanto featuring a beach and a Contest Hall.
  Commerce City It is a large city with a park and is located somewhere in Kanto.
  Cremini Town A town close to Tohjo Falls. The Battle Tower, lead by Anabel is also nearby.
  Dark City A town located between the Safari Zone and Cinnabar Island.
  Evolution Mountain A mountain located between the Safari Zone and Cinnabar Island. Stone Town lies at its base.
  Fennel Valley It is a valley located in the Kanto region.
  Gaiva Dam The dam was once being constructed near Fuchsia City. The workers abandoned the dam due to wanting to protecting the surrounding habitat. The dam eventually gets destroyed by Team Rocket.
  Gardenia Town The town has a Contest Hall and is located in Kanto.
  Grampa Canyon A canyon located outside of Neon Town.
  Gringey City A once-thriving city that over-expanded with its factories. As a result, the city has become polluted and practically abandoned. It is located between Celadon City and Fuchsia City.
  Hidden Village Hidden Village is located between Cerulean City and Vermilion City. Run by Melanie, the village is a place for Pokémon who have been abandoned by their Trainers. She takes care of them until they're ready to return to the wild.
  Hollywood Hollywood is located in western Kanto. It is based on the real-world city Hollywood.
  HopHopHop Town HopHopHop Town is an urban settlement located on the outskirts of Celadon City.
  House of Imite The House of Imite is located between the Safari Zone and Cinnabar Island. Home to Duplica and her Ditto, the House of Imite is also where Duplica and her Ditto perform shows for audiences.
  Leaf Forest This forest has an unusual power that can suddenly cause Grass-type Pokémon to evolve.
  Maiden's Peak Maiden's Peak is a town located near Saffron City. The town is known for its haunting legend and its festival which is held at the end of every summer.
  Matcha City Matcha City is the location of Dr. Akihabara's laboratory.
  Metallica Island It is an island located near the Seafoam Islands and the Battle Palace is located there.
  Mossgreen Village It is a small town located between the Safari Zone and Cinnabar Island.
  Mt. Hideaway It is a large mountain located near Pallet Town.
  Mulberry City Mulberry City is located in the Kanto region and has a Contest Hall.
  Neon Town It is a vibrant town located between the Safari Zone and Cinnabar Island.
  New Island New Island is the setting of the first movie. It was once the location of Team Rocket secret laboratory. Later in the movie, Mewtwo takes over the island and creates a fortress after the destruction of the laboratory.
  Old Shore Wharf Old Shore Wharf is a docking place. It is where Mewtwo invited trainers to go to, in order to reach New Island. Miranda works here.
  Pokélantis Pokélantis is a lost empire in the proximity of Pewter City. In present day, all that remained of the once thriving city was the tomb of the king who once ruled it. Brandon decided to investigate which ultimately led to the discovery of the tomb, which is baited with many traps.
  Pokémon Land Pokémon Land is an amusement park located near Porta Vista.
  Pokémon Ninja School A school located close to Fuchsia City were jujutsu is taught.
  Pokémon Tech It serves as a school for those who do not wish to travel to collect the eight gym badges. It is also known as Pokémon Technical and is located in between Cerulean City and Vermilion City.
  Pokémopolis Pokémopolis is an ancient civilization in close proximity to Pallet Town. It made its only anime appearance in The Ancient Puzzle of Pokémopolis.
  Porta Vista Porta Vista is a popular tourist destination located between Maiden's Peak and Vermilion City.
  Potpourri Island It is an island located in Kanto's seas.
  Rifure Village It is a tiny establishment located near Cerulean City.
  Rota A medieval themed city where Cameran Palace is located.
  Sable City Sable City is located near Pewter City.
  Sayda Island It is a heavily forested island home to the Sayda Lab.
  Scissor Street It is home to many salons for improving a Pokémon's appearance and strength.
  Silver Town A town located in Kanto.
  Stone Town Stone Town is a tiny establishment located between the Safari Zone and Cinnabar Island.
File:Sunny Town.png Sunny Town Sunny Town is located at one end of the Cycling Road.
  Team Rocket Academy People train here to become members of Team Rocket.
  Terracotta Town A seaside town established on steep cliffs. The town is famous for its unofficial Pokémon Contests.
  Tree of Beginning It is a gigantic living organism made up of crystals. It is north of Pewter City and Mt. Moon.
  Wisteria Town Wisteria Town is located in Kanto.
  Xanadu Nursery It is a large greenhouse located near Pallet Town.

Mentioned only

Name Notes
Celadon University Celadon University is located in Celadon City and has been mentioned multiple times in various canons, but is only seen in the manga Pokémon Get da ze!.
Crimson City Mentioned in The Fourth Round Rumble.
Frodomar City Mentioned in Celebi and Joy. It is allegedly the hometown of Ritchie.


Manga-exclusive locations

Picture Location Manga Description
File:Celadon University.png Celadon University Pokémon Get da ze! Celadon University is located in Celadon City and has been mentioned numerous times in various canons, but is only seen in the manga Pokémon Get da ze!.
  Cerise Island Pokémon Adventures
Yellow arc
An unmapped and mostly unknown island located to the west of Cinnabar Island. The headquarters of the Kanto Elite Four, the antagonists of the Yellow arc.
  Mt. Spirit The Electric Tale of Pikachu A tall mountain on the outskirts of Fuchsia City. The flag on its peak is the finishing point for the Fuchsia Free-For-All Race.

Areas of interest

Image(s) Location
FR/LG HG/SS
    Cerulean Cave
    Diglett's Cave
    Indigo Plateau
    Mt. Moon
  N/A Pokémon Mansion
File:Pokemon Tower.png   Pokémon Tower (Generations I and III)
Lavender Radio Tower (Generations II and IV)
File:Power Plant FRLG.png File:Power Plant HGSS.png Power Plant
    Rock Tunnel
    Celadon Game Corner
    Safari Zone (Gens I and III)
Pal Park (Generation IV)
    Seafoam Islands
    Silph Co.
    Victory Road
    Viridian Forest
  Pokémon Stadium
(according to its in-game location information in Super Smash Bros.)

Routes

Routes in Kanto began the numbering process, going from 1 to 25 in Generation I and Generation III, but adding three routes to connect to Johto (26, 27, and 28) in Generation II and Generation IV.

Geography

 
Anime-based map of the Kanto region
 
Kanto in the anime

The Kanto region has a very temperate climate and not many notable landscape features, though this may be due to the region's origins in the Generation I games.

The majority of the Kanto region are forests and plains. Many of the major Kanto cities are in the center of the region, with close access to virtually every environment such as the sea, mountains, forests, etc. Kanto is mostly dominated by land, but has a large bay in the middle which opens to a sea in the southwest. Kanto has a contrast between urban cities and rural towns. Cinnabar Island is unique in a way that it is built on top of a mountain. The rest of Kanto's cities and towns are generic. Kanto has several mountain ranges, which are mostly in northern and western Kanto. Indigo Plateau and Victory Road mountain range divides Kanto from the neighboring Johto region.

Differences between Generations

Between Generation I and Generation III, Kanto is very much the same with some alterations in respect to the improved graphics and gameplay in the remakes. Additionally in FireRed and LeafGreen, a chain of islands known as the Sevii Islands, located east and southeast of Kanto, are unlocked throughout the player's quest, with the first three accessible once Blaine is defeated on Cinnabar Island. Becoming the Pokémon Champion and getting the National Pokédex unlocks the other islands which make up this archipelago.

In the Generation II games as well as HeartGold and SoulSilver, Trainers may travel from Johto to Kanto and notice that changes have occurred as a result of three years having passed since the time of the Generation I games and FireRed and LeafGreen:

  • The Safari Zone has closed as a result of the warden taking a trip. In Generation II, it is simply inaccessible during normal gameplay while it has been relocated to Johto in Generation IV, with the original area now housing a Pal Park.
  • Cerulean Cave has collapsed. In Generation IV, however; it has since been re-excavated.
  • Cinnabar Island has been destroyed by an eruption of the volcano, and its Gym has been relocated to the Seafoam Islands.
  • In Generation II only, Viridian Forest has become smaller.
  • Mt. Moon has decreased in size due to rock slides.
  • The Power Plant has become functional.
  • The Pokémon Tower has become a radio tower. The Pokémon graves it housed have been moved to the House of Memories
  • Blue has taken over Viridian Gym since Giovanni's retreat for training and remodeled the Gym to suit his tastes.
  • Janine has taken over Fuchsia Gym since her father Koga has been promoted to the Elite Four.
  • In Generation II only, the Pewter Museum of Science is closed for renovations.

Indigo League

Main article: Indigo League

Gym Leaders

Indigo League
Generations I, II, III, and IV Region: Kanto
Gym Leader
Japanese
Location
Japanese
Type Badge
 
Brock
タケシ Takeshi
Pewter City
ニビシティ
Nibi City
Rock  
Boulder Badge
 
Misty
カスミ Kasumi
Cerulean City
ハナダシティ
Hanada City
Water  
Cascade Badge
 
Lt. Surge
マチス Matis
Vermilion City
クチバシティ
Kuchiba City
Electric  
Thunder Badge
 
Erika
エリカ Erika
Celadon City
タマムシシティ
Tamamushi City
Grass  
Rainbow Badge
 
Koga
キョウ Kyō I III
 
Janine
アンズ Anzu II IV
Fuchsia City
セキチクシティ
Sekichiku City
Poison  

Soul Badge


 
Sabrina
ナツメ Natsume
Saffron City
ヤマブキシティ
Yamabuki City
Psychic  
Marsh Badge
 
Blaine
カツラ Katsura
Cinnabar Island
グレンじま
Guren Island I III
Fire  
Volcano Badge
Seafoam Islands
ふたごじま
Twin Islands II IV
 
Giovanni
サカキ Sakaki I III
 
Blue
グリーン Green II IV
Viridian City
トキワシティ
Tokiwa City
Ground Various  

Earth Badge

Elite Four and Champion

Indigo League
Generation I, II, III, and IV
Member
Japanese
Type
{{{size}}}
Lorelei
カンナ KannaI III
 
Will
イツキ ItsukiII IV
Ice Psychic
{{{size}}}
Bruno
シバ SibaI III
 
Koga
キョウ KyōII IV
Fighting Poison
{{{size}}}
Agatha
キクコ KikukoI III
 
Bruno
シバ SibaII IV
Ghost Fighting
{{{size}}}
Lance
ワタル WataruI III
 
Karen
カリン KarinII IV
Dragon Dark
File:FL Blue.png
Champion
Blue
グリーン GreenI III
 
Champion
Lance
ワタル WataruII IV
Various Dragon


Trivia

 

"A map of the Kanto region!
I hope she gives it to me..."
  • Kanto's name was never revealed in the Generation I games outside of Japan, causing many fans to think the region was called Indigo (because of Indigo Plateau). It was mentioned only once in the Japanese versions upon viewing the Town Map at the rival's house. The first mention of its name outside of Japanese context was in Pokémon Gold and Silver Versions. Despite this, its name is mentioned multiple times in the Generation III remakes, including but not limited to viewing the Town Map at the beginning of the games.
  • Kanto is the only main region which has been featured in two separate anime series, once at the start of Ash's journey (in the original series), and once after Ash returned from Hoenn (in the Advanced Generation series).
    • Until Platinum's release, after Ash defeated Maylene and Crasher Wake (not to mention just before Ash challenges Fantina), it was also the only region in the anime where Ash defeated the Gym Leaders in a different order from the games.
  • Kanto is mentioned during the event in which players capture Shaymin in Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum. Professor Oak states that somewhere in the Kanto region there is a white rock similar to the one at the north end of Route 224 in Sinnoh, although no such rock appears in any of the games where Kanto is featured, not even the Generation IV remakes of the Generation II games, released after Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum. This may have intended to reference instead the small white rock that appears outside of Hoenn's Mossdeep Space Center, though Kanto is specifically mentioned in both the original Japanese as well as English.
  • If the Sevii Islands were considered part of Kanto, then Kanto would be the largest region in the games.
  • Kanto is the only region that is accessible in every generation until Generation V: Red and Green, Blue, Red and Blue, and Yellow in Generation I; Gold, Silver, and Crystal in Generation II; FireRed and LeafGreen in Generation III; and HeartGold and SoulSilver in Generation IV.
  • Kanto is the only region that shares its name with the region of Japan it is based on.
  • In its Generation I and III appearances (i.e. the games in which it is the primary region), Kanto is the only region of the original four where the player doesn't need Waterfall to get to the Elite Four. Pokémon Trainers from Johto, however, do need Waterfall.
    • It is the only region where the League is west of all of the Gyms. This does consider Johto, whose Gyms are all west of Indigo Plateau.
  • Kanto and Johto are the only regions that are connected to each other by land, and are likewise the only regions to add additional routes in their second appearances.
  • In Generation II, Kanto was tied with Johto for the fewest amount of towns/cities, with only 10. This changed however in Generation IV, due to the introduction of the Safari Zone Gate and the Frontier Access in Johto.
  • In Generation I, Kanto was slightly redesigned twice, with the designs of signposts, doors and other minor details being changed between Red and Green and Blue, and then again between Blue and Yellow. The original Red and Green design was upgraded and colorized for Kanto's Generation II and Generation III appearances.
  • Kanto has appeared in the most generations, having appeared in four so far. It is the only recurring region which did not only reappear in remakes.
  • Kanto has appeared in 10 different main series games (11 counting the Japanese Pokemon Green Version), the biggest number to date.

In other languages

Language Name Origin
Korean 관동 Gwandong Possibly from 關東 (관동), gwandong.
Chinese (Taiwan) 關都 Guāndū Transliteration of Kantō. Can either mean "closed capital" or "city of the pass".
Chinese (PRC) 关都 Guāndū *
关东 Guāndōng*
Same as Taiwanese name.
From 関東 Kantō. Means "east of pass".


See also


Regions in the Pokémon world
Core series Kanto (Sevii Islands) • JohtoHoenn
Sinnoh (HisuiBattle Zone) • Unova
KalosAlolaGalar (Isle of ArmorCrown Tundra)
PaldeaKitakami
Side series White CityOrre
Anime Orange ArchipelagoDecolore Islands
Spin-off games FioreAlmiaObliviaPokémon IslandMintale Town
Ryme CityPasioRanseiFerrumLental
Mystery Dungeon worldPokéParkTCG Islands
Carmonte IslandTumblecube IslandAeos Island
TCG Southern IslandsPuzzle ContinentHolonParallel Worlds
Sovereign states in
the Pokémon world
Ranger UnionGuyana
Lucario KingdomMirage KingdomRota


Kanto
               
Settlements
Pallet TownViridian CityPewter CityCerulean CityVermilion CityLavender Town
Celadon CitySaffron CityFuchsia CityCinnabar IslandIndigo Plateau
Routes
12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728
Landmarks
Professor Oak's LaboratoryViridian ForestDiglett's CavePewter Museum of ScienceMt. Moon (Square) • Cerulean Cave
Underground Path (Kanto Routes 5–6)Underground Path (Kanto Routes 7–8)S.S. AnneS.S. AquaSea CottageRock Tunnel
Power PlantCycling Road/Pokémon RoadTeam Rocket HideoutSilph Co.Magnet TrainPokémon TowerSafari Zone/Pal Park
GO ParkSeafoam IslandsPokémon MansionCinnabar LabPokémon League Reception GateVictory RoadTohjo Falls
Access to
Sevii IslandsJohto


  This article is part of Project Locations, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on every location in the Pokémon world.