This is a list of Pokémon by the beings (non-animal) they are designed after. Only Pokémon with a distinctly identifiable origin are listed.
Yōkai and Eastern myth-based
Akaname (filth licker) have an extremely long, sticky tongue that it uses to lick the slime, grease, hair, and other filth found in bathrooms.
Amikiri (net cutter) is a small crustacean-like creature that resembles shrimp or lobsters. It is notorious for its habit of oppressing fishermen by cutting their nets.
Akuma (demon) is commonly represented as a being adorned with a blazing head, fiery gaze, and brandishing a sword, believed to foretell doom for those who encounter it.
Baku (dream-devouring tapir) is a mythological creature created by the gods using leftover animal parts, primarily resembling a tapir. It possesses the ability to feed on the bad dreams of humans and acts as a guardian spirit. As a result, it is often regarded as a symbol of good luck and is frequently depicted in talismans.
Basan (the sound of flapping wings) is a brilliantly colored, chicken-like creature with tongues of flame. It is known to feed on charred wood and embers, sustaining itself through this unique diet.
Bodhidharma (dharma of awakening) is a semi-legendary Buddhist monk who is highly revered in Zen Buddhism. In Japan, he is commonly known as Daruma and is often depicted in the form of a Daruma doll, which is considered a talisman of good luck and perseverance.
Chōchin-obake (paper lantern ghost) is a type of yōkai that originated from a paper lantern. It is said to become haunted, transforming into a creature with one eye and a gaping mouth that appears between its ribs.
Alternatively it may be, Hitotsume-kozō (one-eyed priest boy) is a humanoid yōkai with a Cyclops-like appearance. This ghostly entity is often depicted as a mischievous creature that enjoys surprising people on dark streets.
Daidarabotchi (giant priest) is a colossal humanoid creature that resembles a bald-headed priest. It is said to be of immense size and has the ability to shape the landscape. Legends claim that Daidarabotchi can build mountains by moving dirt and create valleys or lakes with its footprints.
Fenghuang (chinese phoenix), known as Hōō in Japan, is a beautiful and majestic creature with colorful plumage, resembling a phoenix. It is associated with peace, prosperity, and happiness, and is often depicted alongside the Chinese dragon. The Fenghuang symbolizes good fortune and is believed to bring blessings of harmony and joy.
The Four Perils are four malevolent beings that exist in Chinese mythology and are considered the antagonistic counterparts of the Four Symbols.
The Four Symbols consist of the Vermilion Bird of the South, the Azure Dragon of the East, the White Tiger of the West, and the Black Tortoise of the North.
Futakuchi-onna (two-mouthed woman) is a female yōkai that conceals a monstrous, ravenous mouth at the back of her head, hidden under thick hair. This additional mouth utilizes its hair as tentacles to gorge itself on any food it can find.
Hakutaku (white marsh) is a wise and chimerical beast that resembles a white ox. One notable Hakutaku, named "Kutabe," forewarned people of an impending deadly plague that would sweep through the lands. In addition, Kutabe taught the people how to create magical talismans that would serve as protection against the plague.
Hinezumi (fire rat) is a creature in Chinese folklore said to live in the fire of a volcano at the southern end of the country, in a tree that never burns out. Its body is red when inside the fire and turns white when outside. It is said that if water is poured on it while it is outside the fire, it will die.
Hitodama (human soul) are glowing orbs or flames believed to be the souls of the deceased. They float and flicker, often seen near graveyards or during funerals. They are associated with supernatural occurrences and are depicted as luminous blue or white balls of light.
Jinmenju (human face tree) is a mythical tree that bears flowers resembling human faces. These face-like flowers do not possess the ability to speak but are known to occasionally emit laughter. In some versions of the myth, the faces may even detach and fall from the tree.
Jiraiya (protagonist of "The Tale of the Gallant Jiraiya") is a legendary character in Japanese folklore and literature. He is portrayed as a shapeshifting ninja who possesses the ability to transform into various forms, including animals. One of his most notable associations is with toads, as he is often depicted riding a giant toad.
Kaguya (the titular character of "The Tale of Princess Kaguya") is a princess from the Moon in Japanese folklore. According to the legend, she is discovered as a baby inside the stalk of a glowing bamboo plant. Kaguya is depicted as a celestial being with extraordinary beauty and enchanting powers.
Kamaitachi (sickle weasel) is an invisible weasel riding whirlwinds, known for its razor-sharp claws that leave dreadful cuts which heal instantly.
Fūjin and Raijin are Shinto gods associated with winds and thunder, respectively. They are often depicted together as counterparts. Fujin is portrayed as a red-headed, green-skinned humanoid wearing a leopard skin and carrying a large bag of winds on his shoulders. On the other hand, Raijin is typically depicted with fierce facial expressions, standing atop a cloud surrounded by Taiko drums.
Inari is a Shinto deity associated with fertility, agriculture, and prosperity. Inari is not strictly categorized as male or female.
Kamuy-huci is the Ainu goddess of fire and the hearth, possesses flames that serve as a conduit between the human realm and the spirit world. The spectral flames on her neck resemble a necklace made of magatama beads, which hold significance in various spiritual traditions, including the ancient Japanese custom of placing them in graves as offerings to the gods alongside the departed.
Kappa (river child) is a mischievous aquatic humanoid creature with a turtle-like beak, webbed hands, and a water dish on its head. They inhabit rivers and streams.
Karura (derived from the Hindu deity Garuda) is a mythical creature depicted as a humanoid with the head and wings of an eagle. It possesses the ability to breathe fire. Karura is often portrayed with red skin and adorned with vibrant yellow feathers.
Kim-un-kamuy (god of the mountains) is the Ainu god of bears and mountains.
Kitsune (fox) is a legendary creature in Japanese folklore. It is an intelligent and long-lived fox known for its shapeshifting abilities. Some versions of Kitsune are depicted with multiple tails, commonly nine tails. Kitsune is often associated with pranks, tricks, and occasionally punishing humans by transforming into them or manipulating their surroundings.
Kodama (tree spirit) are elusive forest spirits, inseparable from the trees they inhabit, serving as their souls.
Komainu (guarding dog) is a type of guardian lion-dog commonly depicted in sculptures. They serve as protective deities and originated from China.
Longmen (the dragon gate) is a gate located at the top of the Yellow River in Chinese folklore. It is believed that carps that successfully leap over the gate can transform into dragons.
Maneki-neko (inviting cat) is a symbol of good luck and fortune. It is often seen as a decorative statue with a raised paw beckoning motion and sometimes holding a koban coin.
Minogame (straw raincoat turtle) is a mythical creature depicted as an ancient turtle with a shell adorned by long strands of algae. These algae strands drape down from its shell, bearing a resemblance to a farmer's straw raincoat, known as "mino" in Japanese.
Mokumokuren (many eyes) is a benign spirit in Japanese folklore that is said to reside in the holes and cracks of walls. It takes the form of an eye if the holes are left unrepaired.
Momotarō (peach boy) is a Japanese folktale about a boy who is born from a giant peach. He embarks on a quest to defeat ogres causing trouble in his village. With the help of a dog, a monkey, and a pheasant, Momotarō defeats the ogres and returns home as a hero.
The story of the priests of Mugenyama tells of their desire to forge a bell for their temple. A local woman generously donated a bronze mirror for this purpose. However, the mirror was imbued with her deep repentance, making it impossible to melt down for the bell's creation.
Namazu (giant catfish) is a giant catfish in Japanese mythology associated with earthquakes. Its thrashing movements when disturbed or excited are believed to cause tremors and earthquakes. In folklore, catfishes like Ōnamazu were attributed with the ability to predict earthquakes due to their electrosensitivity, displacing dragons as the perceived cause of seismic activity.
Nekomata (forked cat) is depicted as a powerful cat with a forked tail. It is believed to possess supernatural abilities, often associated with dark or malevolent forces. Nekomata is often depicted with violet-colored powers, symbolizing its magical nature.
Ningen (human) refers to a cryptid or legendary creature described as a humanoid whale-like creature that supposedly inhabits the icy waters of the Antarctic Ocean. These alleged creatures are often described as having a pale, bluish-white skin and a human-like shape but are much larger in size than an average human.
Nukekubi (removable neck) is a creature of Japanese folklore known as a bloodsucking flying head. It is said to possess the ability to detach itself from its body, leaving the head floating and flying autonomously.
Nurarihyon (slippery gourd) is a mystical entity from Japanese folklore commonly depicted either as a demonized jellyfish or as a humanoid figure with a jellyfish-like appearance. In some versions, Nurarihyon takes on the form of a man wearing refined or even regal clothing.
Ōnyūdō (big monk) take on the appearance of monks and are said to afflict illness to anyone who sees it. There are stories of animals that can shapeshift into ōnyūdō, one of which being the weasel.
Ōmukade (giant centipede) is a formidable creature of Japanese folklore, characterized by its vicious and highly aggressive nature. It is often depicted with dragon-like features, showcasing its immense strength and ferocity. Ōmukade is known for its ability to torment and overpower even other dragons, showcasing its dominance and power within the mythological realm.
Oni (ogre) are humanoid creatures known for their monstrous appearance. They are usually portrayed with either red or blue skin, disheveled hair, two or more horns on their heads, and tusk-like fangs jutting from their mouths. Oni are often depicted wearing loincloths made from animal skins, commonly tiger skin, or leaves to conceal their lower bodies.
Pulgasari is a metal-eating legendary creature that appears in Korean mythology and folklore which is a mixture of different animals like bear, elephant, rhino, tiger and bull.
Qilin (Chinese unicorn) is a mythical creature resembling a deer with dragon scales. It is often depicted with parts of its body on fire. Known for its purity and benevolence, Qilin never harms any being and walks without trampling a single blade of grass. It is a symbol of good fortune and harmony in East Asian culture.
Raijū (thunder beast) embodies the power of lightning, taking the form of an animal, typically a dog or a cat. It is believed to be associated with thunderstorms and is often depicted as a creature surrounded by electricity or with fur that stands on end like lightning bolts.
Sōgenbi (Sōgen's fire) is a yōkai depicted as tormented spirit of a wicked monk who was sentenced to hell for his sins, leading to his eternal punishment in the form of a fiery, headless apparition.
Sazae-oni (turban snail demon) takes the form of a turban snail but has the ability to shapeshift into a seductive demon woman. It is said to use its alluring appearance to attract and lure sea men, often causing them to meet unfortunate fates.
Shachihoko is a sea monster in Japanese folklore with the head of a dragon and the body of a carp. Its broad fin and tails always point up toward heaven, and its dorsal fins have numerous sharp spikes.
Shikigami (ceremonial spirit) are small servant spirits in Japanese folklore that are employed in rituals and magic. They are believed to be enshrined within small objects, often strips of paper, and are summoned and controlled by practitioners to carry out specific tasks or protect against evil.
Shussebora (promoted giant triton) is a sea snail that transforms into a powerful draconic creature after reaching several thousand years of age.
Suzaku (vermilion bird) is a mythical bird resembling a phoenix. It is associated with the southern direction, the element of fire, the season of summer, the planet Mars, and the color red. In Chinese astrology, Suzaku is one of the Four Symbols and represents one of the cardinal directions. It is also believed to bring blessings and prosperity.
TThe turtle in the Japanese fairy tale of Urashima Tarō rewards the tituar fisherman for his kindness by carrying him on its back to the Dragon Palace beneath the sea. He spends what he believes to be a few days there, but when he returns home, he finds that over a century has passed due to a mysterious jeweled box given to him by Princess Otohime, which causes his rapid aging.
Tengu (heavenly sentinel) is a legendary creature in Japanese folklore known for its dual nature. It is both dangerous and protective, often assuming the form of a priest. Tengu is characterized by its distinctive long nose, a fan used to stir the wind, and the iconic one-toothed geta sandal it wears.
Tsuchigumo (ground spider) is a mythical creature often described as a monstrous spider or a spider-like demon. These creatures are said to dwell in forests, caves, or mountains, and they are known for their malevolent and dangerous nature.
Tsuchikorobi (tumbling monster), is a Japanese yōkai known for its habit of rolling over travelers and crushing them.
Tsuchinoko (hammer child) is a cryptid creature in Japanese folklore. It is described as a short snake-like creature that may bear a resemblance to a hammer without a handle.
Tsukumogami (tool deities) are objects in Japanese folklore that are said to come to life and gain self-awareness, typically after reaching their 100th birthday.
Yama-uba (mountain hag) is an elderly and unattractive witch described as always wearing a tattered red kimono, having whitish-blonde hair, control over snow, dark-colored skin, and large lips. In modern Japanese slang, "Yama-uba" is also used to refer to a specific fashion trend called Ganguro characterized by young Japanese women adopting a dark tan and wearing contrasting makeup.
Yamata no Orochi (eight-branched serpent) is an enormous serpent or dragon with eight heads and eight tails. The hero Susanoo slays the beast to save a village and finds a legendary sword called Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi in one of its tails. This sword later became one of the three Imperial Regalia of Japan and a symbol of imperial authority.
Yotsuya Kaidan (the ghost story of Yotsuya) is a famous Japanese ghost story in which a woman undergoes a transformation into a yōkai, specifically a paper lantern yōkai, characterized by long hair.
Yuki-onna (snow woman) is a captivating figure in Japanese folklore. She is depicted as an otherworldly woman with a cold and icy presence, often appearing during heavy snowstorms. Yuki-onna preys on lost travelers, luring them with her beauty and leading them astray in the snow. In some versions of the story, she even forms relationships or marriages with these unfortunate individuals.
Zashiki-warashi (parlor child) are endearing and mischievous child spirits in Japanese folklore. Despite their playful nature, they are considered to bring good fortune and blessings to the households they inhabit. Zashiki-warashi are cherished and celebrated as bringers of luck, and their presence is seen as a positive omen.
Western myth-based
Nike torch-based
Shadow-based
Sheet ghost-based
Spirit-based
Alien-based
Interdimensional being-based
Manmade item-based
Appliance-based
Armor-based
Bag-based
Ball-based
Balloon-based
Beads-based
Bow and arrows-based
Broom-based
Building-based
Bouquet and wreath-based
Candle and lamp-based
Chess-based
Chest-based
Clock-based
Cold weapon-based
Compass-based
Construction equipment-based
Crystal ball-based
Cyber-based
Doll and toy-based
Dowsing rods-based
Explosives-based
Firearm-based
Fishing lure-based
Floaties-based
Food-based
Grave-based
Heating-based
Incense-based
Key-based
Magnet-based
Map-based
Mask-based
Mechanical-based
Medical equipment-based
Mirror-based
Money-based
Musical instrument and note-based
Paintbrush-based
Paper-based
Pendulum-based
Perfume-based
Pictograph-based
Pincushion-based
Poké Ball-based
Pocket knife-based
Pollution-based
Propeller-based
Punching bag-based
Robot-based
Runes-based
Shackles-based
Speaker-based
Spring-based
Statue-based
Tablet-based
Tableware-based
Totem-based
Transportation-based
Whip-based
Wool ball-based
Writing-based
Life adjacent-based
Body remains-based
Beak-based
Bone-based
Butt-based
Cell-based
DNA-based
Dream-based
Egg-based
Eyes-based
Face-based
Feather and wing-based
Fermentation-based
Fetus-based
Fin-based
Hand and arm-based
Head-based
Heart-based
Honeycomb-based
Ink-based
Intestines-based
Mouth-based
Multiple beings-based
Mutant-based
Nest-based
Pearl-based
Plant-based accessory
Pseudo animal-based
Pseudo dinosaur-based
Runny nose-based
Scar-based
Shell-based
Starfish-based
Stomach-based
Tail-based
Veins-based
Virus-based
Celestial body-based
Aurora-based
Constellation-based
Comet-based
Blackhole-based
Eclipse-based
Meteor-based
Moon-based
Nebula-based
Planets-based
Rainbow-based
Star-based
Sun-based
Nature-based
Clay-based
Cloud and smoke-based
Electricity-based
Fire-based
Gem-based
Ground and sand-based
Ice-based
Landscape-based
Lightning bolt-based
Magma and lava-based
Metal-based
Mountain-based
Rock-based
Volcano and geyser-based
Water and bubbles-based
Weather-based
Wind-based
Chemistry-based
Carbon-based
Cobalt-based
Copper-based
Copper(II) sulfate-based
Gallium-based
Gold-based
Magnetite-based
Molecule-based
Neon-based
Obsidian-based
Platinum-based
Salt-based
Silver-based
Sulfur-based
Water-based
- Main article: Plant Pokémon
- Main article: Fungus Pokémon
See also