Li
コウセイ Kōsei
{{{size}}}
Sprite from HeartGold and SoulSilver
Gender Male
Hometown Unknown
Region Johto
Trainer class SageGSC
ElderHGSS
Generation II, IV
Games Gold, Silver, Crystal, HeartGold, SoulSilver

Li (Japanese: コウセイ Kōsei) is a Pokémon Trainer who first appeared in Pokémon Gold and Silver. He is the Elder of the Sprout Tower Sages. He is an elderly man whose attire consists of a large purple robe covering most of his body, with a yellow robe over his right shoulder with a Poké Ball pattern. He bears a resemblance to Buddhist monks in real-world Japan. He is the only character in the games to have the Trainer class Elder (Japanese: ちょうろう Elder).

The title of Elder existed in Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal but was not officially a Trainer class until Generation IV. Instead, it served as an honorific title that Sages used when referring to Li. Before the introduction of the class, Li simply belonged to the Sage class.

Pokémon

Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal



Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver



Gallery

Sprites

     
Sprite from
Gold, Silver, and Crystal
(JP/KO)
Sprite from
Gold, Silver, and Crystal
(international)
Sprite from
HeartGold and SoulSilver
   
Overworld sprite from
Gold, Silver, and Crystal
Overworld sprite from
HeartGold and SoulSilver

Quotes

Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal

"You are indeed skilled as a trainer. As promised, here is your HM. But let me say this: You should treat your Pokémon better. The way you battle is far too harsh. Pokémon are not tools of war..."
  • Before battle
"So good of you to come here! Sprout Tower is a place of training. People and Pokémon test their bonds to build a bright future together. I am the final test. Allow me to check the ties between your Pokémon and you!"
  • Being defeated
"Ah, excellent!"
  • After being defeated
"You and your Pokémon should have no problem using this move. Take this Flash HM."
"Flash illuminates even the darkest of all places. But to use it out of battle, you need the Badge from Violet's Gym."
"I hope you learn and grow from your journey."

Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver

  • To Silver
"You showed us what you've got and it's indeed good... Take this Technical Machine. However, you should care more about your Pokémon. The way you treat your Pokémon can be too harsh... Remember, Pokémon are not tools of war..."
  • Before battle
"So good of you to come here! Sprout Tower is a place of training. People and Pokémon test their bonds to build a bright future together. I am the final test. Allow me to check the ties between you and your Pokémon!"
  • Being defeated
"Ah, excellent!"
  • After being defeated
"Hmm...The way you battle is quite elegant. You should be able to stand up to Falkner. And you should be able to make good use of this... It is a Technical Machine called Flash. Take it with you!"
"When a Pokémon learns Flash, you can illuminate caves no matter how dark they may be. You can try it on Bellsprout for example..."
"I hope you learn and grow from your journey."

Trivia

  • In Generation II, his original full title in battle, Sage Li, may have been a pun on the word sagely.
  • His full title outside of battle (Generations II and IV) and in battle (Generation IV), Elder Li, may be a pun on the word elderly.
  • Although he cannot be battled, another Elder found in the Dragon's Den has the same overworld sprite as Li.

Names

Language Name Origin
Japanese コウセイ Kōsei Possibly from 光 (light), Flash's source of power.
English Li From light. May also be a pun of "sagely" or "elderly".
French JoachimGSC
JehanHGSS
German Marek
Italian Vico
Spanish Anselmo
Korean 청성 Cheongseong

Elder

Language Title
  French Ancien
  German Weisester
  Italian Anziano
  Korean 장로 Janglo
  Spanish Anciano



Non-player characters in the core series games
Johto Professor ElmProfessor OakMomEthanLyraSilverMr. PokémonEusineLanceRedKiyoBaobaMagnusEarlKurtCarrieDude
MaryBuenaRadio DirectorHaircut brothersWebsterMasterLiWilmaPrimoMaximoJetCaitlinCynthiaCameronMr. GameFelicityTeala
Team RocketGym guideGym LeadersFrontier BrainsKimono GirlsWeek SiblingsName RaterPoké SeerDay-Care CoupleProfessors' aides


Trainer classes in the Pokémon core series
Johto Ace Trainer*BeautyBikerBird KeeperBlack Belt*BoarderBug CatcherBurglarCamper
ChampionExecutive*FirebreatherFisherman*GentlemanGuitaristHikerJugglerKimono GirlLass
LeaderMediumPicnickerPokéfanPoké Maniac*PKMN TrainerPoliceman*PsychicRivalHGSSSage
SailorSchool Kid*ScientistSkierSuper NerdSwimmerTeacherTeam Rocket Grunt*TwinsYoungster
Mystery Man*CHGSSDouble TeamHGSSElderHGSSPasserbyHGSSYoung CoupleHGSS
Battle Frontier only:HGSS

Aroma LadyArtistBattle GirlCameramanClownCollectorCowgirlCyclistDragon TamerIdol
JoggerLadyNinja BoyParasol LadyPIPoké KidPKMN BreederPKMN RangerRancherReporter
Rich BoyRoughneckRuin ManiacSocialiteTuberVeteranWaiterWaitressWorker
Arcade StarCastle ValetFactory HeadHall MatronTower Tycoon


  This game character article is part of Project CharacterDex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each character found in the Pokémon games.