Raihan
キバナ Kibana
"The tamer of dragons!"
Sword Shield Raihan.png
Artwork from Sword and Shield
Gender Male
Eye color Teal
Hair color Black
Hometown Hammerlocke
Region Galar
Trainer class Gym Leader
Generation VIII
Games Sword and Shield
Leader of Hammerlocke Stadium
Badge Dragon Badge
Specializes in Dragon types
Game animation debut Sky
English voice actor Nazeeh Tarsha
Japanese voice actor Kousuke Toriumi
Animated debut Toughing It Out!
English voice actor Danny Kramer
Japanese voice actor Tatsuhisa Suzuki

Raihan (Japanese: キバナ Kibana) is the Gym Leader of Hammerlocke's Gym, known officially as Hammerlocke Stadium. He specializes in Dragon-type Pokémon. He gives the Dragon Badge to Trainers who defeat him. He's also well-known for utilizing weather tactics in his battles.

In the games

Raihan is the eighth and final Gym Leader of the Galar League, and he is recognized as the strongest Gym Leader in Galar. He is also the self-proclaimed rival of Champion Leon, and despite having a losing streak of 0 to 10 against him, he is the only person who has come close to beating him, having managed to knock out more of Leon's Pokémon than anyone else. He's said to be strong enough to become a Champion if he moved to another region, but has refused to do so out of desire of wanting to defeat Leon. He is often seen taking selfies on his Rotom Phone, a habit he initially picked up to remind him of the pain of defeat, but one which eventually spread to other parts of his lifestyle.

While Raihan specializes in the Dragon type, he will often use Pokémon of other types to set up weather conditions such as sandstorm and harsh sunlight. Uniquely amongst Galar's Gyms, Raihan's Gym also heavily focuses on Double Battles.

In Pokémon Sword and Shield, Raihan first appears during the game's opening cut-scene, having an exhibition match with Leon. The player first meets Raihan in Hammerlocke to get his permission to visit the local vault, which contains tapestries about Galar's history. Once the player has earned seven Gym Badges, they challenge and defeat Raihan. Immediately afterwards, Raihan is also challenged and beaten by Hop. The player rematches Raihan in the Champion Cup in Wyndon and beats him once again. When Rose starts the Darkest Day, Raihan organizes the evacuation of Hammerlocke to keep people safe from the event.

During the post-game, Raihan helps the player, Hop, and Piers in defeating a group of Dynamax Pokémon let loose at the Hammerlocke Stadium by Sordward and Shielbert. During this encounter, Raihan admits that Piers managed to give him a tough challenge in the Champion Cup, despite his refusal to use Dynamax, and suggests that they should have a battle where neither of them uses it.

League Cards

This is a transcript of the back of Raihan's League Cards in Pokémon Sword and Shield.

Normal League Card
"Raihan is commonly regarded as the most skilled Gym Leader in the Galar region. He has striven for victory in every environment, and as a result, he has adopted a battle style where he utilizes weather effects to their fullest. It is rumored that he could easily become another region's Champion should he choose to move, but it seems that to Raihan, defeating Leon is much more important. His uploaded selfies are quite popular. Occasionally he'll post a photo that only shows a sandstorm."
Rare League Card
"Raihan started taking selfies so as to never forget the pain of his defeats, but more recently he has been taking photos showing off his training routine, his fashion choices, and the like, causing some fans to leave harsh comments whenever he loses to Leon. It's true that Raihan is on a ten-nil losing streak against Leon, but no other Pokémon Trainer has managed to KO as many of Leon's Pokémon as Raihan has. Raihan no doubt looks forward to taking a selfie after finally defeating Leon."

Pokémon

Raihan keeps his Pokémon in Ultra Balls.

Pokémon Sword and Shield

In all battles, Raihan will Gigantamax his Duraludon at the first opportunity.

Gym battle

This battle is a Double Battle.



Second battle



Champion tournaments



Galarian Star Tournament



Quotes

Wyndon Stadium (Intro)
"Exhibition or not, Leon, your pristine record is about to end—when I beat you here today!"
Hammerlocke
"Oh! If it isn't the Trainer endorsed by the Champion! Let's see... What was your name again?"
"Ah, right! <player>!"
"And if Leon himself recognized your potential... then I guess you'll grow into quite the Trainer."
"All the same, though, anyone wanting to challenge the mighty Raihan has to prove they're up to it by earning seven Gym Badges first."
"Ah, so you're here to see our treasures, are you?"
"Gaining a better understanding of Pokémon by studying history certainly isn't a bad idea."
"I like your spirit, kid! Follow me, why don't you."
Hammerlocke Vault
"I'll even spare you one of my League Cards."
"Now on you go! If it's the vault you want, it's up those stairs there."
  • If spoken to again before continuing to the Vault
"That girl's up there, too. You know. Miss Clever Cogs."
  • After speaking to Sonia within the Vault
"The tapestries in the vault depict the heroes of the Galar region's past."
"I suppose if we've got any modern hero, it'd have to be our Champion, Leon."
"Your goal is to defeat that superstar Leon. So go conquer Route 6 and train yourself up along the way to Stow-on-Side!"
  • If spoken to again
"If you want your chance to battle the great Raihan for yourself, collect those Gym Badges!"
"You'll need seven of them - and the next one is waiting for you in Stow-on-Side, down Route 6."
Hammerlocke Vault
"Let's see, how many Gym Challengers are left? Huh... Not even ten, eh?"
"All right then. <player>! Time to explain the great Raihan's Gym mission!"
"The rules are simple! All you’ve got to do is defeat three Gym Trainers that I personally trained—in Double Battles!"
"The Gym Challenge is meant to be, well... challenging, wouldn’t you say? Naturally there aren’t too many Gym Challengers who can make it this far."
"And that’s why I provide a format where you can really show off the brilliant combinations you and your Pokémon should be capable of!"
"That’s probably more than enough out of me. Time for someone else to take the spotlight! Come on, Sebastian! You’ll be first!"
  • After defeating Sebastian
"Time to face the second Trainer! Come on, Camilla!"
  • After defeating Camilla
"You’ve made it to the third and last Trainer! Your moment to shine, Aria!"
  • If the player tries to exit mid-challenge
"Something the matter, <player>? You’re not done with my Gym mission yet."
Never mind: "Hah! Then hurry up and get it over with! I want to battle you already!"
I want to withdraw: "Are you sure you want to withdraw?"
Yes: "Fair enough. But you’re not the type to simply give up, right? I’ll be waiting for you to come back soon."
  • After defeating Aria
"Nice one, <player>! You’ve completed my Gym mission! Come on. Time to head to the Gym Stadium. You’ve earned the right to face me yourself!"
Hammerlocke Stadium
"Finally, a challenger made it! I’ve been waiting for someone to battle... Though I’ve got to admit I didn’t think it’d be you!"
"But I guess I should've expected no less from a Pokémon Trainer that Leon saw promise in."
"And you aim to defeat Leon... Do you have any idea just how high a hurdle that is? As his greatest rival, I guess that I—Raihan—will have to show you!"
"Gym Leader Raihan doesn't simply control the weather. He also seeks two-on-two battles! You must be prepared for any situation against a foe like him!"
  • Upon sending out last Pokémon
"It might be impossible to pull off a combo going solo, but it's not impossible for me to still win!"
"Bring the storm! My partner will send everyone in the stadium flying!"
"Let's do it... Time for our G-Max Depletion! The dragon's roar will cut right through you!"
"Let the winds blow! Stream forward, Sandstorm!"
  • Upon reactivating Sandstorm
"The winds rise again! Stream forward, Sandstorm!"
  • If the player uses Hail
"Ho? Not bad—changing the weather to Hail like that!"
"Pulling out a Sunny Day! Hah! That's not a bad countermeasure!"
  • Upon being defeated
"I might have lost, but I still look good. Maybe I should snap a quick selfie..."
  • After being defeated
"In the aftermath of the furious battle... I feel as pure and refreshed as when the sky clears after a storm."
"What can I possibly say? Calling myself Leon’s rival? Seems I’d grown quite conceited for someone who can’t even claim the title of Champion! Overconfident in both myself and my team!"
"I’ll give you what you want, then. The proof of your victory—the Dragon Badge!"
"You’ve collected all of the Gym Badges from the Galar region!"
"Now, win your way through the Semifinals and Finals for your chance to challenge Leon! You must! You owe us that much at least, for beating us in battle here today!"
  • Lobby
"Hey! <player>!"
"Sorry to hold you up, but there was something I forgot."
"First off, as a sign of my respect... Here. TM99. It contains the move Breaking Swipe."
"And secondly...here’s the Dragon-type Gym uniform, the mark of true strength!"
"Number <player's number>, Challenger <player>! You’ve completed the Gym Challenge! Good on you, kid. Now, prove your strength to the whole region at the Champion Cup!"
"There you are, Leon’s little brother! Don’t worry—I’ll give you a battle that’ll make you want to quit the Gym Challenge altogether!"
"I’ll be seeing you, <player>! Let’s have another epic battle someday! If you’re feeling up to it, you might want to go train hard in the Wild Area!"
Hammerlocke Station
"And you never stopped nattering on through the entire battle... You're pretty different from the Champion in that!"
"But your strength is genuine, as proven by the Dragon badge you won from me. You came at me with all the force of a raging storm, and even I was blown away!"
"Listen up, you two!"
"Battle your way through the Champion Cup tournament to face Leon! One of you ought to!"
Wyndon Stadium (Champion Cup Locker Room)
"I'm going to win my way through every round, then I'll be the one taking on Leon! If I don't, then I'll have failed to repay Duraludon and the rest of my team for all their hard work!"
Wyndon Stadium (Champion Cup Finals)
  • Before battle
"You’re really something else, kid. You’ve made it all the way here! I guess that’s why the Champion himself endorsed you, yeah?"
"Leon’s my rival—and he chose you. So I’ve got to first prove I’m better than you if I’m to beat him! I’ve reworked my whole team, and now we’re all geared up for one-on-one battles!"
"You might be thinking that you beat me once already... But if you think I’m the same Raihan you faced during the Gym Challenge, you’ll soon regret it!"
  • After activating Torkoal's Drought Ability
"That's Drought! It gets the sunlight burning real harsh!"
  • After using Goodra's Rain Dance
"Here comes the rain! Feel its cold dampness soak into your body!"
  • After using Turtonator's Sunny Day
"Here you go! Have a taste of Sunny Day! Have you got a plan to counter it?"
  • After using Flygon's Sandstorm
"Let the winds blow! Stream forward, Sandstorm!"
  • Before sending out last Pokémon
"You do realize I'm the great Raihan, right? I'll be the one to beat Leon. So first I'll beat you!"
"Bring the storm! My partner will send everyone in the stadium flying!"
"Let's do it... The dragon roars! Time for my ultimate attack -- G-Max Depletion!"
  • Upon being defeated
"Losing in the Finals is pretty rough, but I suppose I'd better take a quick shot to remember it by..."
  • After being defeated
"My lovely Pokémon and I have become much stronger than we were before... But you just blew right past us! Beyond anything I’d imagined!"
"I’m still pretty young myself, but it just goes to show that there’s always someone younger coming up, reaching further than you ever dreamed... And you’ve got your whole future ahead of you!"
"Keep up the momentum! Prove that Leon’s not unbeatable!"
Hammerlocke (Darkest Day)
"Well, if it isn’t <player> and Hop! It’s a real shame, the way things have turned out. You make it all the way to the Championship Match, then something like this has to happen!"
"And Chairman Rose thinking that the energy pouring from the Darkest Day would somehow be the key to saving Galar’s future? It all seems a bit mad, if you ask me... I can’t follow at all how that’s supposed to work."
"And he’s gone... That Hop never changes. Always in a rush about something, isn’t he?"
"The key thing is that no one’s been harmed. We Gym Leaders worked together with the city’s Pokémon, and we’ve got everyone evacuated."
"And you, you’re fixing to help our Champion? To save everyone in the Galar region?"
Of course I am: "Our greatest-ever Champion and the greatest- ever challenger, along with his/her fiercest rival... all teaming up against the Darkest Day... I almost feel sorry for it!"
That’s where I’m going now!: "Go on then, our great challenger! Into Hammerlocke Stadium with you!"
Hammerlocke Stadium (Sordward and Shielbert)
"Nice timing, you lot!"
"The stadium’s just about reached its limit! There’re simply too many Dynamax Pokémon running wild in there!"
"So that’s what’s caused all this? That’s a problem, all right... But before we get that sorted, we’ve got to do something about these Dynamax Pokémon!"
"Glad we’ve got you all here now. Though we’ve already done the bulk of the work!"
"Fantastic! Looks like we've got ourselves together an unbeatable team!"
"Especially you, Piers! The way you battled me in the Champion Cup... You really had my Dynamax Pokémon up against the wall!"
"Right! Everyone, split up so we can each take down one of the Dynamax Pokémon! Let’s do it!"
"You guys are the greatest! You really got me out of a tough spot here! I think I’d better snap a quick one to remember this victory by."
"I’ll take care of the Pokémon that went wild. No need for you all to worry about that."
"<player>! Give me a ring if things should go to pot again."
"I’m always happy to lend a hand if I can. The great Raihan is here for you anytime!"
"And Piers! You and I have got to battle again. This time, no Dynamaxing for either of us!"
"Wishing Stars being used for evil... I assume you all are already looking into who’s behind it, right? Carry on, then. I’ll take care of things here at Hammerlocke Stadium!"
Wyndon Stadium (Champion Cup rematch)
  • Before battle
"I’m going to defeat the Champion, win the whole tournament, and prove to the world just how strong the great Raihan really is!"
  • Upon being defeated
"I look this good even when I lose. It’s a real curse. Guess it’s time for another selfie!"
  • After being defeated
"Considering how many likes the photos of my defeats to you get, I bet a victory photo would just explode! Wait... Have I got my priorities mixed up?"
Isle of Armor Random Encounters
  • When first spoken to
"<player>! Drawn in by my charisma, were you? Since you're here, let's jump right into a battle!"
"If only... Fact is I'm in the middle of some top-secret training now. I'm gonna beat you and Leon both. I hope you're ready for it!"
"When it comes to putting dragon Pokémon to good use, I'm not picky about their types. There're Pokémon perfect for the job all over the place. Probably even in the tall grass over there."
"Ahh, the forest here on the Isle of Armor is so hot and steamy... It's perfect! Makes me wish I could somehow capture this humidity to use in battle!"
"Look at this place... Talk about a selfie spot! I wonder which is higher, this mountain or the roof of Hammerlocke Stadium?"
"Cave ceilings can get awfully low sometimes, eh? Better not let any of my fans catch a shot of me banging my head on one..."
"Picture this: a Pokémon battle on the beach, with the big beautiful ocean in the background... and me winning, of course. I can hear the likes rolling in already!"
"I don't know if it's conducting heat from the sand or what, but Duraludon's as scalding hot as a pot of curry on the flame right now. Watch your hands, or you'll get burned!"
"The sun sure is something here on the Isle of Armor, isn't it? A person ought to be careful they don't overheat if they're walking around out here at midday."
  • During overcast conditions
"The island gives off a whole different vibe under heavy clouds like these. Reminds me of the time you fended off the Darkest Day!"
  • During rain or thunderstorms
"Here comes the rain, <player>! Feel its cold dampness soak into your body... My Sliggoo evolved into Goodra on a day just like this."
"Let the winds blow! Stream forward, Sandstorm! Nah, just having you on..."
"Man it's gotten foggy out here... I'll pass on the Misty Terrain, thanks—I'd rather not have my Dragon-type moves get all weak."
Wyndon Stadium (Galarian Star Tournament)
Partnering with Raihan
  • In the locker room before the first round
"This...is...brilliant! You and me, kid... We're gonna be the greatest tag team in history. I feel a bit sorry for the others. They don't even stand a chance--because we're sure to win this!"
  • In the locker room before the second round
"Anyone facing off against the great Raihan and <player> is done for! And no need to worry--I'm recording the whole thing with my Rotom Phone to post later. Speaking of which... Try to smile a bit more in the next match, would you?"
  • In the locker room before the last round
"Naturally we blew past the second round! You really are something, <player>... There aren't many who can keep up with me. When we win, we've definitely got to snag a sweet selfie together to commemorate this!"
  • On the field before the first round battle
"Come on, <player>! Let's keep the crowd's eyes riveted on us!"
  • On the field before the second round battle
"Whoa! Almost got ready to throw out two Poké Balls. Force of habit!"
  • On the field before the last round battle
"Galar will see soon enough which side is the better team!"
  • Winning the Tournament
"That was a great victory. Just right for keeping up my image as the great Raihan! Now, time for one great selfie to capture it! Smile already, <player>!"
  • Against Kabu
"Right back at you, Kabu! Whatever trick you have, we're gonna run right over it!"
  • Against Leon
"A two-on-two match isn't what I'd prefer... Still, the tournament ends for you right here, Leon!"
  • Against Piers
"Come on, Piers! Let's see if you can shut me down with your Dark-type moves!"

Artwork

Sprites

GST Raihan icon.png
Icon from the
Galarian Star Tournament menu

League Cards

League Card Raihan.png League Card Raihan rare.png
Raihan's League Card in
Sword and Shield
Raihan's rare League Card in
Sword and Shield

In the anime

In the main series

Raihan in the anime

In Toughing It Out!, Raihan had a battle against Leon during the World Coronation Series in Wyndon. His Duraludon battled Leon's Charizard, only to be defeated.

Raihan reappeared in a flashback in JN042.

In JN044, Raihan helped Sonia against a group of Macro Cosmos employees who had accosted her outside the Energy Plant and Hammerlocke Stadium. In the following episode, he defeated them and then left Sonia so he could take care of rampaging Dynamax Pokémon in the area. After Goh caught Eternatus and the Darkest Day ended, he and Duraludon were seen looking on as the Kommo-o they were battling reverted back to its normal state.

Character

Like his game counterpart, Raihan has a strong rivalry with Leon, and it is the real reason he entered the World Coronation Series. As expected of a Masters Eight member, Raihan is an exceptional Trainer, being able to enter the Master Class shortly after the current season of the competition begins and is strong enough to knock out several Pokémon from Rose's associates with a single move.

Raihan is also very flirtatious, as seen when he defended Sonia from Rose's associates, during which he called her a "beautiful woman". After fending off Rose's crew, Raihan remarked that he would have asked Sonia out on a date if the circumstances weren't critical and also referred to her as "babe".

Pokémon

This listing is of Raihan's known Pokémon in the anime:

Duraludon ↔ Gigantamax Duraludon
Raihan's Duraludon ↔ Gigantamax Duraludon
Raihan's Gigantamax Duraludon
Debut Toughing It Out!
Voice actors
Japanese Yūichi Nakamura

Duraludon is Raihan's only known Pokémon, as well as his ace. It is capable of Gigantamaxing. Raihan used it in his battle against Leon, where it went up against Charizard, only to be defeated.

Duraludon's known moves are Metal Claw, Iron Defense, Stone Edge, Steel Beam, and Breaking Swipe.
As a Gigantamax Duraludon, it can use Max Rockfall and Max Steelspike.

Achievements

Pokémon competitions

Voice actors

Language Voice actor
Japanese 鈴木達央 Tatsuhisa Suzuki
English Danny Kramer


In Pokémon: Twilight Wings

In Early-Evening Waves, Raihan was briefly seen on a magazine cover. In Sky, Raihan had a battle against Leon at Wyndon Stadium.

In The Gathering of Stars, Raihan was seen at Hammerlocke Stadium with his Flygon, receiving an invitation letter for the Galarian Star Tournament from Leon. He was later seen at Wyndon Stadium, walking out onto the field for the tournament's opening ceremony.

Pokémon

This listing is of Raihan's known Pokémon in Pokémon: Twilight Wings:

On hand
Goodra
Raihan's Goodra
Debut Sky
Voice actors
Japanese
English Allegra Clark

Goodra was the first Pokémon used by Raihan during his battle against Leon. It went up against Leon's Aegislash, but it was unable to defeat it.

Goodra's known moves are Surf and Thunder.

Flygon
Raihan's Flygon
Debut Sky

Flygon was used during the battle between Leon and Raihan. It defeated Leon's Aegislash and then went up against his Dragapult. It reappeared in The Gathering of Stars.

Flygon's only known move is Stone Edge.

Duraludon ↔ Gigantamax Duraludon
Raihan's Gigantamax Duraludon
Debut Sky

Duraludon was the last Pokémon used by Raihan during the battle. It went up against Leon's Gigantamax Charizard.

None of Duraludon's moves are known*.
As a Gigantamax Duraludon, it can use Max Guard.

Traveling with
479Rotom-Phone.png
Rotom Phone

In the GOTCHA! music video

Raihan briefly appeared in GOTCHA!.

In the manga

Raihan in Pocket Monsters

In the Pocket Monsters manga

Raihan appeared in JNM10, where he played the same role as in the anime.

Pokémon

This listing is of Raihan's known Pokémon in the Pocket Monsters manga:

Duraludon ↔ Gigantamax Duraludon
Raihan's Duraludon ↔ Gigantamax Duraludon
Debut JNM10

Duraludon is Raihan's only known Pokémon, as well as his ace. It is capable of Gigantamaxing. Raihan used it in his battle against Leon, where it went up against Charizard, only to be defeated.

Duraludon's known moves are Metal Claw, Stone Edge, and Steel Beam.
As a Gigantamax Duraludon, it can use Max Rockfall and Max Steelspike.

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

Raihan debuted in the Sword & Shield arc. He was first seen at the gates of Hammerlocke, speculating on which Trainers would be able to earn the right to face him in the Gym Challenge. Later, in front of the Hammerlocke gate, Raihan met Sōdo Tsurugi, who had come to see the Hammerlocke vault. After a short battle that ended in Raihan's victory, Sōdo was taken to the vault, only for him and Raihan to find Sonia under attack by a wild Oranguru. By teaming up, Raihan and Sōdo managed to calm Oranguru down.

Pokémon

Duraludon
Raihan's Duraludon

Duraludon is Raihan's first known Pokémon. It was first seen with its Trainer as he wondered about the Trainers participating in the Gym Challenge.

None of Duraludon's moves are known.

Sandaconda
Raihan's Sandaconda

Sandaconda is Raihan's second known Pokémon. It was first used in Raihan's battle against Sōdo, where it emerged victorious.

Sandaconda's known moves are Sandstorm, Skull Bash, and Slam.

Traveling with
479Rotom-Phone.png
Rotom Phone

Trivia

Names

Language Name Origin
Japanese キバナ Kibana From 黄花藤 kibanafuji (common laburnum), may also incorporate 牙 kiba (tusk, fang)
English Raihan From golden rain and golden chain (names for the common laburnum)
German, Spanish, French,
Brazilian Portuguese
Roy From Laburnum anagyroides (scientific name of the common laburnum). Also, Roy means King in french.
Italian Laburno From laburno (laburnum)
Korean 금랑 Geumrang From 금사슬나무 geumsaseunnamu and 노랑꽃등 norangkkotdeung (names for the common laburnum)
Chinese (Mandarin) 奇巴納 / 奇巴纳 Qíbānà Transcription of his Japanese name
Chinese (Cantonese) 奇巴納 Kèihbānaahp


Gym Leaders of the Galar region
Turffield Stadium Grass Badge
GST Milo icon.png
Milo
Hulbury Stadium Water Badge
GST Nessa icon.png
Nessa
Motostoke Stadium Fire Badge
GST Kabu icon.png
Kabu
Stow-on-Side Stadium Fighting Badge
GST Bea icon.png GST Allister icon.png
Ghost Badge
Bea Allister
Ballonlea Stadium Fairy Badge
GST Opal icon.png GST Bede icon.png
Opal Bede
Circhester Stadium Rock Badge
GST Gordie icon.png GST Melony icon.png
Ice Badge
Gordie Melony
Spikemuth Gym Dark Badge
GST Piers icon.png GST Marnie icon.png
Piers Marnie
Hammerlocke Stadium Dragon Badge
GST Raihan icon.png
Raihan


Project CharacterDex logo.png 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.