'Pokemon Sun and Moon' Update: Pikachu's Name Change Sparks Protests in Hong Kong
Jazz RosinNintendo announced that it will be changing the name of Pokemon's most popular monster, Pikachu in Hong Kong, which started a wave of protests.
Pokemon has been a long standing Nintendo franchise, loved by people both young and old across all countries. However, according to Polygon, Sun and Moon will be the first game in the series that will be available to play in traditional and simplified Chinese for players in Hongkong, Taiwan, and Mainland China.
The backlash started when Pokemon fans in Hong Kong heard that the names of the original 151 Pokemon wil be translated into Mandarin instead of the more widely used Cantonese, Quartz reported. Because of this change, Pikachu will now be "Pei-kaa-jau" in Cantonese, instead of "Bei-kaa-chyu" from the original translation.
Pokemon fans living in Hong Kong started protesting in front of the Japanese Embassy to show its disgust over the name change plans, demanding that Nintendo provide a Cantonese translation for the people who live in the city. They said they would boycott the game company giant if this was not done.
Nintendo responded to the protests by sending a letter to the Hong Kong Pokemon fans to ignore the Mandarin spelling and read it as normal. The fans are still not satisfied with the response, and have set up a Facebook page "Petition to Keep Regional Chinese Translations of Pokémon" to air their concerns. The group asks Nintendo to respect their chosen language and acknowledge their independence.
"Pikachu is 比卡超,not 皮卡丘,I hereby vow I will never buy from Nintendo again, unless you finally understand what is Cantonese and the correct Chinese usage," one Facebook user has written on the page, according to Kotaku.
There were also other people outside of Hong Kong who has shown their support on the Facebook page. "Your fight for the preservation of the Cantonese names has my full support." Facebook user Evin Tucker wrote on the page. "Good luck from America."
In other Sun and Moon news, the official Pokemon Twitter page posted on May 20 that another exciting announcement will be made on June 2. Would it be finally the release date for the games? Watch this space!
More #PokemonSunMoon news is coming on June 2, around 6 a.m. PT! pic.twitter.com/08uc1fXEbp
— Pokémon (@Pokemon) May 20, 2016
most read
related stories
more stories from Games
Enjoy data-free fun with these 10 entertaining classic offline mobile games! Read the article to discover your new favorites.
ernest hamiltonTencent is gearing up to launch the 'Dungeon and Fighter' mobile game in May, promising an exciting new gaming experience for fans of the franchise.
ernest hamiltonUnlock retro gaming nostalgia on your iPhone with Delta Emulator. Learn how now!
ernest hamiltonDiscover the potential of Squad Busters' soft launch and its global impact. Read now!
ernest hamiltonThe recent Genshin Impact leak sheds light on the Clorinde and Sigewinne materials, hinting at potential new crafting components or ascension items for upcoming characters or weapons.
ernest hamiltonBillie Eilish fans, get ready! The iconic singer will be performing live at the Fortnite Festival this week. Don't miss out!
ernest hamiltonEmbark on an electrifying adventure in Monopoly GO! Uncover Electric Escape rewards and achievements. Don't miss out on the excitement!
ernest hamiltonDiscover what happens to leftover shovels after the 'Monopoly GO' Anniversary Treasures event. Read now for all the details!
ernest hamilton