Thanks for watching everyone! WE'RE SO CLOSE to getting the Lil' G plush funded! Just 37 more sales! It's got 11 days left before it's gone so please check it out if you haven't yet! www.makeship.com/products/gaijin-goombah-plush
Hi there, Gaijin! I recently discovered a cartoon called Shuriken School. Its packed with shinobi and other Japanese cultural references! I picked up on many of the references but felt there was a lot that went over my head. Someday I would love to see a reaction video or break down of the show from you and Goombah! Your content is always so informative and enjoyable! Thank you for what you do, keep up the great work! 😁✌️❤️
Don't worry. That Plush will print. I'm placing my order with this next check in about a week. Just in time to slide in before deadline. I want 2 so I can give one as a Christmas gift.
I wish Lil’ G’s ninja outfit could be made to fit over an official Goomba plush but do to the potential legal nightmares that come with such a task it’s wishful thinking at least.
I've got another explanation for the red marks on the Hisuan Zorua and Zoroark. Frostbite. If frostbite wounds are rewarmed to quickly, or repeatedly thawed and refrozen, they will raise BLOOD BLISTERS. Those marks could be a reflection of how the Zorua died - struggling and failing to survive against the harsh Hisuan winters.
The lore of this Pokémon is that Zorua and Zoroark that migrated to the Hisui region were unable to adapt and _all died._ That is why they have the Normal/Ghost typing, they are literal ghosts as in _normal ghosts_ in the Pokémon franchise.
On the bright note, Hisuian Zoroark has a soft spot for comrades and family. That's why it's with Hisuian Zorua, by the way. It could be possible that a good trainer would earn the Hisuian Zoroark's rare good side, ideally, raised as an Hisuian Zorua.
The normal-typing may also point towards them having been domestic pokémon; That is, pokémon sharing a human home. In one of the Sinnoh folk tales, it's said that once, there were pokémon (not all pokémon, just some) who 'married' with people. Well, humans unknowingly marrying kitsune is a common theme in Kitsune lore and given the make-up on Zorua and the bibs possibly being a reference to bleaching ojizo-sama bibs, it's possible that Zorua and Zoroark share references to the mythology of human kitsune being married with humans and then forced out when the human discovers their true nature.
Well they became ghosts for a time after dying, but getting reborn later as Ghost type meant they got to live again. And of course any babies they had would not have died that way, making the malice they carry become an ancestral trait.
@@ArcCaravan I mean there's nothing wrong with it, I just keep finding out about the inspirations behind the mons and it's either really depressing or really strange.
*Dr. Fuse enters* I am deeply apologetic in my delay... I was working Triple Fusions for Legendary Trios and... a Zorua and Marowak fusion? I MUST GET BACK TO THE LAB!!
Turns out the red is in fact its own blood. According to Zoroark's pokedex entry, its malice is so powerful that its attacks lacerate its own body. So those red spots are in fact open wounds.
The best little probably unintended thing about them being wounds it sustained when alive that are there posthumously is that in the same region theres many Hisuian sneasles who are half Fighting type with the claws that could inflict said wounds. Even being half poison type which may be a reason for the disease interpretation as well. In short while alive and dark type, a mix of the cold region and local fauna with a type advantage mauling the territory intruders they came back as half ghost type which convently resists poison and is immune to fighting.
I love this new version of Zoroark. Ghost/Normal covers so many of the others weakens and only leaves one super effective move type against them, that being Dark.
@@michaelkowal3230 I guess that works from an evolution standpoint, since pokemon evolve to be stronger. Edit: I'm talking real life evolution, not Pokemon evolution.
1:11 Now this is how content creators should handle their videos. Who cares about it being relevant, all they should focus on is making videos as good and researched as possible. It's no wonder that your uploads aren't that frequent. I'm still waiting for videos on the other new monsters of Monster Hunter Rise. However, with how much research goes into your videos, I'm sure it will be well worth the wait.
Can't wait either, Gaijin puts a lot of effort into his research so there's no doubt every single Rise monster he hasn't covered yet will make for great videos.
I didn't know that no Edo period art of kitsune had no red lines or swirls on there face I didn't know it was a morden thing. This is why I love you man keep doing your amazing work but not to hard you know
with the evolution becoming look more humanoid I guess the same applies to Digimon's Renamon who is a humanoid fox who's final evolution Sakuyamon is a human woman clad in armor.
That also helps explain the final form's alternate look, the so-called 'Miko mode' -- it's a further step to becoming human and attaining a divine state of understanding, being based on Shinto shrine maidens/priestesses.
I always thought Hisuian Zorua/Zoroark's red markings were from that picture of the Kuuko @ 4:08 of having red hair but after hearing that Onryou inspiration I can't help but notice how the red markings aren't just red, they _fade_ into red, like if they were soaked in blood...
These origins also help explain the two sole locations you can find these Pokémon in, *a giant pit located in the freezing cold, and a dark, decrepit cave*
Love these connections. When I made my own video, one of the things that I came across in my research is the bibs that are given to ojizo-sama and kitsune statues. Particularly with ojizo-sama, because these bibs tend to fade over time from deep red, to pink to white, as the red dye slowly drains over time. That is something that seems to be mirrored in the Zorua and Zoruark designs. In addition, the normal-typing and hikimaru leads me to think that, originally, Zorua and Zoruark were the pokémon married to humans from the Sinnoh folk tales. The Sinnoh folk tales are often misinterpreted to say that 'pokémon and humans married each other', but that's not accurate; It actually calls out pokémon who did this, implying that they were still the exception. One of the most common myths of Kitsune is that a human man unknowingly marries a kitsune in the form of a human woman. When the kitsune are discovered, it usually ends in tragedy. What I think happened with the Zorua and Zoroark is that, once upon a time, they lived in harmony with humans, but then people started to view pokémon as something separate from humanity and they were kicked out. And, kind of like abandoning unprepared animals that are raised by humans into the wild; It doesn't go well for them. I think that this is meant to have coincided with the Legendary Beasts, rather than being close to a millenium ago in the pokémon world, but these themes do tend to bleed across time periods and syncretizing multiple stories into one is kind of the beautiful alchemy that is Pokémon. My second-ever video is about the idea of Zorua having once been universally accepted as part of Johto culture until they are othered.
Could it be they were kicked out because people got tired of accidentally marrying Pokemon? If they were sneaky about it then people would have had trust issues with them. So like you said, Pokemon that had been living in the luxury of human society likely wouldn't know how to survive in the wild. Especially not in an unforgiving frigid ice hell.
@@suicune2001 I think that it was mutual consent. The Folk Tales do not mention any trickery, which would be quite a big omission. If anything, the Folk Tales seem to confirm that, as far as anyone was concerned, the marriage between pokemon and humans was transparent and accepted, because these pokemon were equal to humans. Marriage is sometimes symbolic too. So marrying a powerful Kami might have had a ritual element to it. I'm fond of the idea that humans would routinely adopt these weird feral silent kitsune children, similar to what's suggested in the video was thought to be a bad idea by the Wajin. However, mostly the Folk Tales come down to marriage as peers. Provided that one would still desire children (and pokémon categorically lack reproductive organs: Eggs appear spontaneous canonically, as if by Quantum Tunneling or something) that would imply polygamous marriages. This is not impossible in Japanese culture, though typically reserved for high-ranking members of society. So, TLDR; I think that humanity and these 'kitsune' considered each other peers and there was no shame in marriage, though a third partner in equal standing for human procreation was probably implied. At some point, the sentiment of equality shifted for unknown reasons and then the kitsune were banished.
@@pokenectionswithprofessorp2979 That last part is what confuses me the most. I could understand the distrust of finding out your wife of 5 years was actually a Pokemon. But if you already knew that and it was totally accepted, then why the change? The only thing that would make sense is a change in government. Whoever ruled before was totally cool with Pokemon marriages. Whoever ruled after that person did not. The new ruler must have pushed their ideals on to their people through propaganda or by law, thus resulting in the change in attitude. I always figured the whole egg thing was a way to get around explaining the pidgeys and combees. ;)
@@suicune2001 In the anime at least, it's explained that eggs are like quantum mechanics. Any attempt to observe the results prevents eggs from being laid. Eggs really do seem to spontaneously appear. Which is also what happened with Arceus; Their egg just spontaneously appeared in the Aether. I think that there was a gradual shift of sentiment towards the equality of man and pokémon. My pet theory is that science tried to count pokemon and humanity as separate. If you want to count, you have to draw a distinction somewhere. And so, observed differences between humans and the pokemon they married gained more attention, even if it didn't immediately cause any rifts. I think that people knew that these pokemon were shape-shifters but weren't supposed to acknowledge what their true form was like publicly. There's plenty of stories in folklore where the kami asks not to be observed while bathing for example, even if it was known they were kami. Did you know that in the 1870s, Hikimayu make-up was banned for being antiquated? Something along those lines. So, there was already some strain there. Then, some inciting incident caused a cascade where the changing sentiment turned into controversy. In Johto, there was this event involving the Bell Towers. Inside, three creatures burned and were mourned, but then were resurrected by a power ostensibly worshiped by humanity (Ho-oh). Yet, humanity rejected the resurrection as 'unnatural' and tried to suppress it with violence. This indicates to me that sentiment in Johto was already changing to think of certain boundaries to be sacred, such as the boundary between pokemon and humans and the boundary between life and death. So what I think happened is that Johto saw this abrupt miracle upset recent theological developments refuted and even made a mockery of, which made the marriage between kitsune and humans very uncomfortable suddenly. Heck, my personal theory is that the Legendary Beasts of Kanto were Zorua before they were resurrected. Living as humans in service of a higher cause, then having their taboo true forms revealed by death, then seemingly demoted from a human-like kami to beasts on the kharmic ladder and denied death. That's a lot of long-held assumptions broken at once; Enough to make the kind of change happen that changes how society operates.
@@pokenectionswithprofessorp2979 Weird! I didn't know that about eggs in the anime. It makes sense for Arceus to suddenly appear since it's a Pokemon God, after all. I still wonder if "it just showed up out of nowhere" is a way to get around little kids asking too many questions. I could see the Kami not wanting to observe being bathed. It would be a reminder to the spouse they aren't human. It would shatter the illusion, so to speak. The theory with scientists makes sense as well. It also could have been a religious thing too. It has happened several times where a religion is altered to further some agenda. You could be right that the tipping point was the resurrection at the towers. Whatever may have caused the gradual shift before that probably escalated after such an uproar. With the 3 legendary birds, I got the impression from the Pokemon 2000 movie that they kept the weather around the world in balance. (or at least didn't disrupt it when they were in balance) So perhaps they were created by Arceus or something.
I'm really glad you uploaded this video. While I initially thought the Hisuian variants of Zorua and Zoarark were mainly following kitsune references, the inclusion of yurei folklore tied more conclusive than simply just being kitsune. Also, the Kaihatsu history inclusion was incredibly informative. Great content as always, keep on creating!
I know that this isn’t the point of the video, but I can’t wait to see what these guys look like shiny! I really hope that they get shinies as go as the original forms. All of the Fox Pokémon have great shinies. I am always willing to wait for more through analysis of Pokémon but watch other reactions are fun.
Ghost/Normal is such a good typing! It gets rid of Normal's weakness to Fighting and Ghost's weakness to itself meaning you only have to worry about Dark moves
And this is why I prefer your videos than any other’s. Slow and steady wins the race. (Plus not only is this video very informal and have very accurate information, but it is very entertaining)
I think Lil' G is experiencing with that plushie exactly what it feels like when ninja use the "Shadow clone technique" in an unorthodox method: spooking the target by dressing up as them, making it appear like their target is multiple places at once, driving the target crazy with the number of people who spot one of the ninjas and mistake them for the real deal.
Doubting that the red marks might be referring to wounds? It seems you forgot just how terrifying the Pokémon series can get, and I'm not just talking about the dex entries. Every single main series entry has has some form of horror in it, some more obvious than others. Ghost pokémon in general are connected to disturbing events.
Hey, GG, have you heard of a game called Golden Sky Stories? It's a Japanese TTRPG where you play as Henge-Yokai. Super cute and dripping with culture, so I figured I'd point it out to you. ^_^
Honestly, after hearing all of this.. it makes me even happier to have one as a friend or ally in battle. All they wanted was to be safe, have a home, and be accepted and as a pokemon trainer, im able to do all three for my partner Zoruark
Ok so the red is infact wounds as the pokedex entry says that it lacerates its own body when attacking and this Is the game where a 15 year old is told they will be banished to the wilds to die if they don't pull their weight
If anyone wants to get an example of what Onryou can do... Watch Grudge. Samara/Sadako from Ring is one thing. But I would NEVER want to deal with Kayako!
Oh gosh I'm so glad you brought up the Ainu people. I've seen so many videos on Sinnoh and almost never see any mention of them. I've been learning about them since about 2019. The culture is so interesting. I own nearly 40 books, ranging from reproduction prints from the 1860s to academic books written in 2010. I actually own an original 1884 printing of one book! It's such a shame more people don't know about them, but there seems to be increasing awareness of them in the West as of the past several years.
Irankarapte! I've been interested in Ainu culture myself for a long time. And actually it is Sinnoh that started that interest in the first place. One thing I aim on doing through my video series is introducing more people to Ainu culture, as it is still not known or talked about much apart from the occasional mention in a UA-cam video, but without any real substance. And while I own a whole load of books on Ainu culture myself, one of the best things is speaking to actual Ainu people about their experiences and culture - something that I've been lucky enough to have been able to do (and continue to), which is something that will inform how I bring up Ainu-related topics in my series.
As someone who's struggling just to keep things rolling with a starting channel, I can say that the allure of "trending" is tempting, but from what I've experienced, chasing it won't lead to the end of the rainbow. Just do what you love and people will love that. Passion draws the passionate, and that's a beautiful thing! It's why this whole internet thing is worth it in the first place. 4:10 What I'm hearing is, "Anthro design is culturally accurate. Eat it anti-furs." Hooray for culture!
The placement of red on the ears, tail, and hair may also be connected to frostbite seeing as they were forced into colder habitats. And vengeful ghosts were mentioned to bring natural disasters. A loose connection but still in theme.
Hey, Gaijin, have you been watching Digimon: Ghost Game? The show is leaning heavily into Yokai spooky stuff. It's pretty cool, and I think you'd really like it.
Can't believe I only just discovered you. As someone who is fascinated by Japanese Ghost and Supernatural Lore I think I've found a new channel to follow
Finding out about my 2nd favorite pokemon being exiled by humans, perishing due to the shear cold, being riddled with a deathly disease, and becoming absolute vicious monsters to any living thing makes me incredibly saddened. Part of me wants to comfort those pokemon, but the other part wants to steer clear out of fear. Man GameFreak, you guys are a legion of tortured souls for coming up with these vastly dark pokedex entries.
Now knowing their tragic story, I will make it my mission to catch as many of these restless spirits as possible. I’ll do my best to bring them peace and happiness so they can finally stop suffering and move on in the afterlife.
I'll take your videos over someone who just trend surfs. This series, among your many others, are a big reason I follow and watch them. My personal favorite is Which Ninja because it helps me learn what a ninja truly was and inspires me to make a variant of my own for D&D and other RP purposes. As for this video, YEESH that grim backstory. Vengeful spirits aren't something to mess with nor want to encounter.
I noticed something else on Zoroark's design! If you look closely to its body, there are white marking on its fur, and they kinda resemble scars. Smallpox as cause of dead seems plausible, but they might have also suffered attacks from native pokemon
*Lillie get injured in middle of a battle* Lillie: “You thought you seen me in my final form!!!!” *She goes from Snowy / Kitsune form to immediately skip Hisuian Zoroark* Lillie: “I’m going get revenge!!!! Look out you tanuki!!!!”
8:54 yknow, the first thing I thought when I caught glimpses of hisuian zoroark was that it looked like an angry plague zombie, as if it were covered in raging sores and was tottering towards you. Guess I was right ouo
8:27 and now I want you to talk about Bleach’s Hollows. You mentioning this reminded me of the circumstances behind a Hollow’s creation, that of regret, anger and hatred corrupting their souls and preventing them from passing on until they mutate and become monsters bent on devouring everyone around them. Either from sheer hatred for the living or from the endless hunger Hollows are afflicted with
You know what's messed up, since Hisuian Zorua and Zorark attack even Pokémon indiscriminately there's probably a good bit of them that were killed by their own kin. Just like the Chozo Ghosts from Metroid Prime.
"I hope you're happy everyone, a man had to die to give you a new variant." I don't even think he died. I feel it's implied he dropped the camera and ran for his life.
My own interpretation of Hisui Zorua and Zoroark's red tendrils is that they represent kitsunebi (fox fire). Despite having 'fire' in their name, they're more related to mysterious ghost lights than actual fire, a lot like will-o-wisps. While Hisui Zorua and Zoroark's tendrils don't glow, the way they move reminds me of smoke, really wispy. Kitsunebi's association with the supernatural also matches with the two pokemon's typing!
So basically, these are onryo kitsune Pokémon who literally were driven out of their original mainland home to Hisui/Sinnoh and literally died in the cold and now want revenge on all Hisuian Pokémon and people.
My man, you are so funny and entertaining, not to mention how much I love watching every video where you explain the cultural inspirations in video games. It killed me when Lil G explained what the kanji for onryou means and immediately got the point you were going to make.
What I've inferred thus far is that the Normal/Ghost Typing, with three immunities (two of them mutual), Husuian Zoroark don't normally engage in intraspecific combat. However, the biggest weakness of this dual type is Dark, the same as the modern Unovan Zoroark; i.e. Sending a Unovan Zoroark back in time to Husui gives it a massive advantage over the 'ancient' offshoot of the ancestral Zoroark.
This was amazing video!!! So much good info ☺️, you guys are amazing with your research. Keep it up! It was very helpful that you showed the those books, I've been try to find good ones about the yokai, thank you!
You know sometimes I wonder how wild Zorua and Zoroark were driven out of Unova (new york) to places like Galar, Alola, Hoenn (ORAS) and Hisui regions. To which I specifically think of ancient times where Arceus is set in. Because modern day Unova, Zorua and Zoroark are not something you can find anywhere in the wilds of Unova. Which is why I wonder about this. Given the fact they mostly fear humans.
I love that these regional variants are dual type normal/ghost and not mono type ghost, because the body IS the actual spirit, not a spirit inhabiting an object. Nice little touch for the first normal/ghost Pokémon.
Omg, I remember watching you constantly years back. I remember you not even having 100k subs. It's crazy how much you have grown, keep up the good work man
Kitsune being one of my favorite yokai, I REALLY do enjoy your videos on them. I've watched them several times just to learn every bit of info you present and where to find it. Thank you very much for your hard work.
It's interesting that the Hisuian Zorua line has that much more history to it than I thought. I initially just saw that it was taking more inspiration from the kitsune especially since to was colored similar to the Yugioh card Nine Tailed Fox from Bastion's yokai deck in the GX manga.
This video first introduced me to the Ainu. I researched them more and fell in love with the culture so much I wrote a short story set in 9th century Hokkaido. It’s called ‘White Fox’, about an Emishi boy (who may or may not be a shapeshifter) who’s taken in by an Ainu family. The story was runner-up in a historical fiction prize. I wanted to say, thank you Gaijin! You’re videos are so inspiring.
there illness connection can also make sense with hisuian zoroarks signature move witch can randomly inflict any status effect on a oponenct hit with it
Okay firstly I am very sad I reacted negatively to these new region variants. Shunned them as badly as the cruel people that drove them to their deaths. T_T Oww. But weirdly this also makes me realize something I never thought about before in anime despite watching it for years. Snow is associated with not just a bad omens but undesirable people! I mean the idea of a "Yeti King" is not uncommon in Japanese folklore, both nonhuman monsters and overlords in big wool coats, as a mainstay but also rebels and the discontent spirits are associated with it. The only time I've seen it portrayed positively as at the funeral of Haku in Naruto and with Rukia of Bleach who uses ice and snow to destroy evil spirits and whose final Banaki is associated with the biggest icon of Japanese folklore on the element itself. Fascinating! Thank you for expanding my brain as well as helping my urban fantasy novel I had recently started again. ^_^
Pokemon pull from just one thing so the kabuki and Noh theater are viable. And there are kitsune masks with red accents from that time period. For festivals. Also the gold eyes are telltale signs of possession by kitsune or a half kitsune because kitsune become more human
For years ever since I first discovered Pokémon and laid eyes on the very first Pokémon I ever saw being the Piplup in the Sinnoh Anime episode The Thief that Keeps on Thieving who belonged to a trainer with same name as me being Tyler, I have never felt such a close connection with any Pokémon at first sight. Seeing the sweetness and beauty and cuteness and grace and power and love behind it launching all of those attacks just for the sake of it's Trainer who loves it. I felt like I was right there watching that battle in the forest by the lake. And now 10 years later after I started my first Journey in Pokémon Black when I was 11, I never thought I'd see or let alone feel the same thing happen again. The day that trailer for Legends Arceus came out, I was sick and at the worst point in my cold. I was so excited to see it yet I had almost no energy to stay awake that day. I'll admit I had trouble breathing and felt like my head was in a fog. When the video played of Lucas/Rei recording with the Arc Phone, it felt like I was actually there. Everything he said about the landscape and his reactions to the wildlife were exactly how I react to seeing animals and nature in real life. The will to learn and understand the vast world around me and to protect and preserve all of nature and be connected to all forms of life. Then I felt that sense panic and wonder, awe and fear, amazement and dread when that ominous, shadowy, ethereal, cloudy beast leapt out from behind that Zorua and straight towards the camera as it pounced. I have felt that sense of immersion . . . only once before, all those years ago. And then when that Zorua slowly stepped forward to check and see if the viewer was alright that figure in the background appeared. And as the two of them left, I know saw that Zoroark look back not at the camera lying on the ground, but at me the viewer. Those piercing Golden Yellow eyes like both twin suns and moon's shining so bright seeming to cut through and dig into every fiber of my being as if silently observing me. Curious yet wary, suspicious and not trusting yet amused and fascinated by such a strange creature not fighting back despite the potential threat they might pose to their young. And after reading the information on the Pokémon Legends Arceus website, all of my suspicions were confirmed. A tragic story of life and innocence lost to no fault of their own. The fear and reality of persecution by those who deemed them as dangerous simply because they look and act differently than others want or expect them to. Being hunted like prey despite being seen as the dangerous one despite that the real predators are ones hunting you down simply because they fear your difference and potential to make a difference in the world. Because you bring change, they push back and hound you down to the ends of the Earth, until you have no more faith, no more hope, no more energy to give. And the last things you feel is despair. The dread, the anger, burning hatred forever fueled by hate that you have received from those who see no reason why you exist other than to be picked on and beaten over and over until you break. That hopeless feeling inside your chest of spine and core collapsing in on itself, as if you're being crushed from the inside out. That single moment that lasts an eternity. And you want nothing more than to make those who made you feel this way, feel the exact same amount of pain and torture that they've put you through. And sometimes, that's the last thing people feel before they die. Whose to say that animals can't or don't feel the same about us when we humans hunt them down until they collapse. It's not our place to decide whether or not they can feel that. But I know that feeling all too well. And it's a terrible feeling. Arguably the worst. And then all that burning spite and malice and hatred suddenly gives out and then you only feel cold. So cold and alone and useless. As if you never got a chance to prove anything you were capable of. All your hopes and dreams taken away from you by others who are just truly evil and filled with nothing but hatred and greed and cowardice. I have a feeling that if Pokémon we're real, I would have a Hisuian Zoroark as my partner and potentially my one and only Pokémon. And I would be surprised if one day I was reincarnated as one. Or at least a Hisuian Zorua who would eventually evolve into one. 🌫️🦊🌫️ 🌫️😔🌫️
There's a little more to the typing of these two Pokemon that I think is getting overlooked, and could be kind of darkly poetic if this was intentional. Now, everyone who knows Pokemon knows that the original Zoroark line is pure dark type right? Well that typing played a role in the negative view of this Pokemon, which lead to its exile and subsequent death in Legends. When their vengeful spirits rose from the dead, they didn't just become plain ghost type, they became normal/ghost. A typing which has only a single weakness- dark type. Their new forms are only weak to the type which played a role in their deaths in the first place, which also means that they are weak to their still living relatives. Kind of fitting that the only things that can easily defeat a ghost being either something directly related to what got them killed in the first place, or someone of the same bloodline/family coming to deal with the spirit.
Gaijin: "So this is a Nintendo game..." Me: "So yes." Keep in mind Nintendo put Dead Hand a creature seemingly covered in Blood in Zelda and a lot of Pokédex entries for ghost Pokémon involve murder. I would not put it past them to reference death wounds on a Pokémon.
I think the tattoo-like marks on the face and body resembles also teeth and ribs from (un)dead creatures. And the red spots could be a kind exposed muscles/wounds.
Thanks for watching everyone! WE'RE SO CLOSE to getting the Lil' G plush funded! Just 37 more sales! It's got 11 days left before it's gone so please check it out if you haven't yet! www.makeship.com/products/gaijin-goombah-plush
Hi
Hi there, Gaijin! I recently discovered a cartoon called Shuriken School. Its packed with shinobi and other Japanese cultural references! I picked up on many of the references but felt there was a lot that went over my head. Someday I would love to see a reaction video or break down of the show from you and Goombah!
Your content is always so informative and enjoyable! Thank you for what you do, keep up the great work! 😁✌️❤️
Don't worry. That Plush will print. I'm placing my order with this next check in about a week. Just in time to slide in before deadline. I want 2 so I can give one as a Christmas gift.
None can escape plushifaction... Not even the Goombah... Amazing vid btw
I wish Lil’ G’s ninja outfit could be made to fit over an official Goomba plush but do to the potential legal nightmares that come with such a task it’s wishful thinking at least.
I've got another explanation for the red marks on the Hisuan Zorua and Zoroark. Frostbite. If frostbite wounds are rewarmed to quickly, or repeatedly thawed and refrozen, they will raise BLOOD BLISTERS. Those marks could be a reflection of how the Zorua died - struggling and failing to survive against the harsh Hisuan winters.
omg that makes so much sense!
Could also explain why Zoruas feet are pitch black...
My thoughts exactly!
What about the hair?
Thanks, that's even more depressing :(
The lore of this Pokémon is that Zorua and Zoroark that migrated to the Hisui region were unable to adapt and _all died._
That is why they have the Normal/Ghost typing, they are literal ghosts as in _normal ghosts_ in the Pokémon franchise.
On the bright note, Hisuian Zoroark has a soft spot for comrades and family. That's why it's with Hisuian Zorua, by the way. It could be possible that a good trainer would earn the Hisuian Zoroark's rare good side, ideally, raised as an Hisuian Zorua.
The normal-typing may also point towards them having been domestic pokémon; That is, pokémon sharing a human home. In one of the Sinnoh folk tales, it's said that once, there were pokémon (not all pokémon, just some) who 'married' with people. Well, humans unknowingly marrying kitsune is a common theme in Kitsune lore and given the make-up on Zorua and the bibs possibly being a reference to bleaching ojizo-sama bibs, it's possible that Zorua and Zoroark share references to the mythology of human kitsune being married with humans and then forced out when the human discovers their true nature.
Also like the video said, it implies that the red on them are diseases like small pox, meaning they died by that.
God THAT IS GRIM.
Well they became ghosts for a time after dying, but getting reborn later as Ghost type meant they got to live again. And of course any babies they had would not have died that way, making the malice they carry become an ancestral trait.
"I hope you're happy everyone, a man had to die to give you a new variant."
I'm cool with it.
But he didn’t die he just ran away
Especially when it's one of my Favs
Research comes with risk.
He knew what he was getting into
still less disturbing than killing thousands of basculin to evolve it
Man thanks Nintendo, can't just make a Pokémon that isn't buck wild or really depressing/questionable.
What else could Game Freak do?
@@ArcCaravan I mean there's nothing wrong with it, I just keep finding out about the inspirations behind the mons and it's either really depressing or really strange.
@@adhambarbour Yeah, just had to make a joke about those being the usual options.
yeah Nintendo way to straight-up yoink Game Freak's homework before they could hand it in
Basculegion is both.
"could those be wounds?"
"its a nintendo game so i doubt it"
umm you have seen pokedex entries right?
*SPMD and PMDEOTDS endings intensifies*
"that connect zorua and zoro-whack to japanese kitsune..."
lol made me think of zorua and marowak fusing.
*Dr. Fuse enters* I am deeply apologetic in my delay... I was working Triple Fusions for Legendary Trios and... a Zorua and Marowak fusion? I MUST GET BACK TO THE LAB!!
Turns out the red is in fact its own blood. According to Zoroark's pokedex entry, its malice is so powerful that its attacks lacerate its own body. So those red spots are in fact open wounds.
The best little probably unintended thing about them being wounds it sustained when alive that are there posthumously is that in the same region theres many Hisuian sneasles who are half Fighting type with the claws that could inflict said wounds. Even being half poison type which may be a reason for the disease interpretation as well. In short while alive and dark type, a mix of the cold region and local fauna with a type advantage mauling the territory intruders they came back as half ghost type which convently resists poison and is immune to fighting.
I love this new version of Zoroark. Ghost/Normal covers so many of the others weakens and only leaves one super effective move type against them, that being Dark.
Ironic
Unovan Zoroark is strong against Hisuian Zoroark
@@michaelkowal3230 I guess that works from an evolution standpoint, since pokemon evolve to be stronger.
Edit: I'm talking real life evolution, not Pokemon evolution.
@@KnightsofGaming2016 and considering the Hisui region is long it the past, unovan zoroark is the more evolved version, evolved in real life that is
@@michaelkowal3230 Unless there was a different Zoroark before the dark type one, Unovan Zoroark is still the base form of the line.
1:11 Now this is how content creators should handle their videos. Who cares about it being relevant, all they should focus on is making videos as good and researched as possible. It's no wonder that your uploads aren't that frequent. I'm still waiting for videos on the other new monsters of Monster Hunter Rise. However, with how much research goes into your videos, I'm sure it will be well worth the wait.
So true my guy👍🏼
Can't wait either, Gaijin puts a lot of effort into his research so there's no doubt every single Rise monster he hasn't covered yet will make for great videos.
@@firetools Very much so
I didn't know that no Edo period art of kitsune had no red lines or swirls on there face
I didn't know it was a morden thing. This is why I love you man keep doing your amazing work but not to hard you know
with the evolution becoming look more humanoid I guess the same applies to Digimon's Renamon who is a humanoid fox who's final evolution Sakuyamon is a human woman clad in armor.
Omg that makes so much sense now.
Oooooo, I wouldn't have thought of that!
That also helps explain the final form's alternate look, the so-called 'Miko mode' -- it's a further step to becoming human and attaining a divine state of understanding, being based on Shinto shrine maidens/priestesses.
That could explain most digimon too actually, since they all tend to gravitate towards becoming more human like.
Missed opportunity fo Sakuyamon to be called Inarimon
I always thought Hisuian Zorua/Zoroark's red markings were from that picture of the Kuuko @ 4:08 of having red hair but after hearing that Onryou inspiration I can't help but notice how the red markings aren't just red, they _fade_ into red, like if they were soaked in blood...
I can’t lie, I even mistaken this Yokai for something even way dark.
I want thank you for taking your time and learn a ton more!!!!
These origins also help explain the two sole locations you can find these Pokémon in, *a giant pit located in the freezing cold, and a dark, decrepit cave*
I just had the best timing happen lol
Right after "Dorsnt that mean "Vengeful Ghost"?" And then at that moment,a ghost busters add. Freakin fantastic
Love these connections. When I made my own video, one of the things that I came across in my research is the bibs that are given to ojizo-sama and kitsune statues. Particularly with ojizo-sama, because these bibs tend to fade over time from deep red, to pink to white, as the red dye slowly drains over time.
That is something that seems to be mirrored in the Zorua and Zoruark designs.
In addition, the normal-typing and hikimaru leads me to think that, originally, Zorua and Zoruark were the pokémon married to humans from the Sinnoh folk tales. The Sinnoh folk tales are often misinterpreted to say that 'pokémon and humans married each other', but that's not accurate; It actually calls out pokémon who did this, implying that they were still the exception. One of the most common myths of Kitsune is that a human man unknowingly marries a kitsune in the form of a human woman. When the kitsune are discovered, it usually ends in tragedy.
What I think happened with the Zorua and Zoroark is that, once upon a time, they lived in harmony with humans, but then people started to view pokémon as something separate from humanity and they were kicked out. And, kind of like abandoning unprepared animals that are raised by humans into the wild; It doesn't go well for them. I think that this is meant to have coincided with the Legendary Beasts, rather than being close to a millenium ago in the pokémon world, but these themes do tend to bleed across time periods and syncretizing multiple stories into one is kind of the beautiful alchemy that is Pokémon.
My second-ever video is about the idea of Zorua having once been universally accepted as part of Johto culture until they are othered.
Could it be they were kicked out because people got tired of accidentally marrying Pokemon? If they were sneaky about it then people would have had trust issues with them. So like you said, Pokemon that had been living in the luxury of human society likely wouldn't know how to survive in the wild. Especially not in an unforgiving frigid ice hell.
@@suicune2001 I think that it was mutual consent. The Folk Tales do not mention any trickery, which would be quite a big omission. If anything, the Folk Tales seem to confirm that, as far as anyone was concerned, the marriage between pokemon and humans was transparent and accepted, because these pokemon were equal to humans.
Marriage is sometimes symbolic too. So marrying a powerful Kami might have had a ritual element to it. I'm fond of the idea that humans would routinely adopt these weird feral silent kitsune children, similar to what's suggested in the video was thought to be a bad idea by the Wajin.
However, mostly the Folk Tales come down to marriage as peers. Provided that one would still desire children (and pokémon categorically lack reproductive organs: Eggs appear spontaneous canonically, as if by Quantum Tunneling or something) that would imply polygamous marriages. This is not impossible in Japanese culture, though typically reserved for high-ranking members of society.
So, TLDR; I think that humanity and these 'kitsune' considered each other peers and there was no shame in marriage, though a third partner in equal standing for human procreation was probably implied. At some point, the sentiment of equality shifted for unknown reasons and then the kitsune were banished.
@@pokenectionswithprofessorp2979 That last part is what confuses me the most. I could understand the distrust of finding out your wife of 5 years was actually a Pokemon. But if you already knew that and it was totally accepted, then why the change? The only thing that would make sense is a change in government. Whoever ruled before was totally cool with Pokemon marriages. Whoever ruled after that person did not. The new ruler must have pushed their ideals on to their people through propaganda or by law, thus resulting in the change in attitude.
I always figured the whole egg thing was a way to get around explaining the pidgeys and combees. ;)
@@suicune2001 In the anime at least, it's explained that eggs are like quantum mechanics. Any attempt to observe the results prevents eggs from being laid. Eggs really do seem to spontaneously appear. Which is also what happened with Arceus; Their egg just spontaneously appeared in the Aether.
I think that there was a gradual shift of sentiment towards the equality of man and pokémon. My pet theory is that science tried to count pokemon and humanity as separate. If you want to count, you have to draw a distinction somewhere. And so, observed differences between humans and the pokemon they married gained more attention, even if it didn't immediately cause any rifts. I think that people knew that these pokemon were shape-shifters but weren't supposed to acknowledge what their true form was like publicly. There's plenty of stories in folklore where the kami asks not to be observed while bathing for example, even if it was known they were kami.
Did you know that in the 1870s, Hikimayu make-up was banned for being antiquated? Something along those lines.
So, there was already some strain there. Then, some inciting incident caused a cascade where the changing sentiment turned into controversy.
In Johto, there was this event involving the Bell Towers. Inside, three creatures burned and were mourned, but then were resurrected by a power ostensibly worshiped by humanity (Ho-oh). Yet, humanity rejected the resurrection as 'unnatural' and tried to suppress it with violence. This indicates to me that sentiment in Johto was already changing to think of certain boundaries to be sacred, such as the boundary between pokemon and humans and the boundary between life and death.
So what I think happened is that Johto saw this abrupt miracle upset recent theological developments refuted and even made a mockery of, which made the marriage between kitsune and humans very uncomfortable suddenly.
Heck, my personal theory is that the Legendary Beasts of Kanto were Zorua before they were resurrected. Living as humans in service of a higher cause, then having their taboo true forms revealed by death, then seemingly demoted from a human-like kami to beasts on the kharmic ladder and denied death. That's a lot of long-held assumptions broken at once; Enough to make the kind of change happen that changes how society operates.
@@pokenectionswithprofessorp2979 Weird! I didn't know that about eggs in the anime. It makes sense for Arceus to suddenly appear since it's a Pokemon God, after all. I still wonder if "it just showed up out of nowhere" is a way to get around little kids asking too many questions.
I could see the Kami not wanting to observe being bathed. It would be a reminder to the spouse they aren't human. It would shatter the illusion, so to speak. The theory with scientists makes sense as well. It also could have been a religious thing too. It has happened several times where a religion is altered to further some agenda.
You could be right that the tipping point was the resurrection at the towers. Whatever may have caused the gradual shift before that probably escalated after such an uproar.
With the 3 legendary birds, I got the impression from the Pokemon 2000 movie that they kept the weather around the world in balance. (or at least didn't disrupt it when they were in balance) So perhaps they were created by Arceus or something.
The more I continue to learn more about Hisuian Zorua/Zoroark, the more I continue to love it even more!
The day the plushies sell out.
Goombah: “Finally, inner peace”
This is by FAR the best breakdown of Hisui Zoroark I have seen!
I'm really glad you uploaded this video. While I initially thought the Hisuian variants of Zorua and Zoarark were mainly following kitsune references, the inclusion of yurei folklore tied more conclusive than simply just being kitsune. Also, the Kaihatsu history inclusion was incredibly informative. Great content as always, keep on creating!
"Wait, doesn't that Kanji mean Vengful Ghos- Oh, I get it..." - Why did I laugh so hard at this?
I know that this isn’t the point of the video, but I can’t wait to see what these guys look like shiny! I really hope that they get shinies as go as the original forms. All of the Fox Pokémon have great shinies.
I am always willing to wait for more through analysis of Pokémon but watch other reactions are fun.
They try to reject, but hard resist the siren call, Or should I say.
The new Hisuian Zoroark
Ghost/Normal is such a good typing! It gets rid of Normal's weakness to Fighting and Ghost's weakness to itself meaning you only have to worry about Dark moves
And this is why I prefer your videos than any other’s. Slow and steady wins the race.
(Plus not only is this video very informal and have very accurate information, but it is very entertaining)
Oh no…
“You may not like it, but this is what the ideal kitsune form looks like.”
I think Lil' G is experiencing with that plushie exactly what it feels like when ninja use the "Shadow clone technique" in an unorthodox method: spooking the target by dressing up as them, making it appear like their target is multiple places at once, driving the target crazy with the number of people who spot one of the ninjas and mistake them for the real deal.
Now I want to see a skit of Lil G trying to blend in with a bunch of plushies 😆
Doubting that the red marks might be referring to wounds? It seems you forgot just how terrifying the Pokémon series can get, and I'm not just talking about the dex entries. Every single main series entry has has some form of horror in it, some more obvious than others. Ghost pokémon in general are connected to disturbing events.
like ghosts in general
Hey, GG, have you heard of a game called Golden Sky Stories?
It's a Japanese TTRPG where you play as Henge-Yokai.
Super cute and dripping with culture, so I figured I'd point it out to you. ^_^
Just from a simple look i love that it looks like blood in the snow! Like they perished fighing in the harsh envirement! Its dark
Honestly, after hearing all of this.. it makes me even happier to have one as a friend or ally in battle. All they wanted was to be safe, have a home, and be accepted and as a pokemon trainer, im able to do all three for my partner Zoruark
Ok so the red is infact wounds as the pokedex entry says that it lacerates its own body when attacking and this Is the game where a 15 year old is told they will be banished to the wilds to die if they don't pull their weight
If anyone wants to get an example of what Onryou can do... Watch Grudge.
Samara/Sadako from Ring is one thing. But I would NEVER want to deal with Kayako!
You know they fought once?
@@Kroododile553 Yeah and what I recall, it did NOT go well for anyone after those two curses mixed!
@@duskbringer4583 Sadakayko. Yes
@@Kroododile553 Sadakaya.
As always love learning more about kitsunes and other Yokai but dang, the Hisui Zoroark line is darker than any dark type in Pokemon.
Oh gosh I'm so glad you brought up the Ainu people. I've seen so many videos on Sinnoh and almost never see any mention of them. I've been learning about them since about 2019. The culture is so interesting. I own nearly 40 books, ranging from reproduction prints from the 1860s to academic books written in 2010. I actually own an original 1884 printing of one book! It's such a shame more people don't know about them, but there seems to be increasing awareness of them in the West as of the past several years.
Irankarapte! I've been interested in Ainu culture myself for a long time. And actually it is Sinnoh that started that interest in the first place. One thing I aim on doing through my video series is introducing more people to Ainu culture, as it is still not known or talked about much apart from the occasional mention in a UA-cam video, but without any real substance. And while I own a whole load of books on Ainu culture myself, one of the best things is speaking to actual Ainu people about their experiences and culture - something that I've been lucky enough to have been able to do (and continue to), which is something that will inform how I bring up Ainu-related topics in my series.
As someone who's struggling just to keep things rolling with a starting channel, I can say that the allure of "trending" is tempting, but from what I've experienced, chasing it won't lead to the end of the rainbow. Just do what you love and people will love that. Passion draws the passionate, and that's a beautiful thing! It's why this whole internet thing is worth it in the first place.
4:10 What I'm hearing is, "Anthro design is culturally accurate. Eat it anti-furs." Hooray for culture!
Thanks for having me on the show, Gaijin!
*teaser has audio of the guy running away screaming
"....a man had to die for this reveal"
Bruh, i didn’t even know this was a thing. Good on ya Goombah.
The placement of red on the ears, tail, and hair may also be connected to frostbite seeing as they were forced into colder habitats. And vengeful ghosts were mentioned to bring natural disasters. A loose connection but still in theme.
Hey, Gaijin, have you been watching Digimon: Ghost Game? The show is leaning heavily into Yokai spooky stuff. It's pretty cool, and I think you'd really like it.
Fun Fact: You Are Loved By So Many People Because Of How Awesome You Guys Are! 😉❤
Can't believe I only just discovered you. As someone who is fascinated by Japanese Ghost and Supernatural Lore I think I've found a new channel to follow
Finding out about my 2nd favorite pokemon being exiled by humans, perishing due to the shear cold, being riddled with a deathly disease, and becoming absolute vicious monsters to any living thing makes me incredibly saddened. Part of me wants to comfort those pokemon, but the other part wants to steer clear out of fear.
Man GameFreak, you guys are a legion of tortured souls for coming up with these vastly dark pokedex entries.
Now knowing their tragic story, I will make it my mission to catch as many of these restless spirits as possible. I’ll do my best to bring them peace and happiness so they can finally stop suffering and move on in the afterlife.
I'll take your videos over someone who just trend surfs. This series, among your many others, are a big reason I follow and watch them. My personal favorite is Which Ninja because it helps me learn what a ninja truly was and inspires me to make a variant of my own for D&D and other RP purposes.
As for this video, YEESH that grim backstory. Vengeful spirits aren't something to mess with nor want to encounter.
There's actually some mentionings on the posts from the Pokemon Facebook about how Hisuian Zoroark won't attack those it considers family.
I noticed something else on Zoroark's design! If you look closely to its body, there are white marking on its fur, and they kinda resemble scars. Smallpox as cause of dead seems plausible, but they might have also suffered attacks from native pokemon
*Lillie get injured in middle of a battle*
Lillie: “You thought you seen me in my final form!!!!”
*She goes from Snowy / Kitsune form to immediately skip Hisuian Zoroark*
Lillie: “I’m going get revenge!!!! Look out you tanuki!!!!”
Why the Tanuki though Lillie? Wouldn't it be easier to get revenge on a dragon?
8:54 yknow, the first thing I thought when I caught glimpses of hisuian zoroark was that it looked like an angry plague zombie, as if it were covered in raging sores and was tottering towards you. Guess I was right ouo
8:45 "This is still a Nintendo game that we're talking about." That never stopped Gamefreak. :P
Oh this is perfect for my book *furiously taking notes*
8:27 and now I want you to talk about Bleach’s Hollows. You mentioning this reminded me of the circumstances behind a Hollow’s creation, that of regret, anger and hatred corrupting their souls and preventing them from passing on until they mutate and become monsters bent on devouring everyone around them. Either from sheer hatred for the living or from the endless hunger Hollows are afflicted with
This was great! I love the thorough investigative work!
Excellent analysis and explanation. You can never know enough about Pokemon's designs and origins.
You know what's messed up, since Hisuian Zorua and Zorark attack even Pokémon indiscriminately there's probably a good bit of them that were killed by their own kin. Just like the Chozo Ghosts from Metroid Prime.
"I hope you're happy everyone, a man had to die to give you a new variant." I don't even think he died. I feel it's implied he dropped the camera and ran for his life.
My own interpretation of Hisui Zorua and Zoroark's red tendrils is that they represent kitsunebi (fox fire). Despite having 'fire' in their name, they're more related to mysterious ghost lights than actual fire, a lot like will-o-wisps. While Hisui Zorua and Zoroark's tendrils don't glow, the way they move reminds me of smoke, really wispy. Kitsunebi's association with the supernatural also matches with the two pokemon's typing!
It's always so cool all the inspirations that goes into each pokemon's designs.
So basically, these are onryo kitsune Pokémon who literally were driven out of their original mainland home to Hisui/Sinnoh and literally died in the cold and now want revenge on all Hisuian Pokémon and people.
My man, you are so funny and entertaining, not to mention how much I love watching every video where you explain the cultural inspirations in video games. It killed me when Lil G explained what the kanji for onryou means and immediately got the point you were going to make.
Something to add: Zoroark no longer has the sphere it supposed to hold its power/soul.
It's a Bake Kitsune without its Hoshi no Tama.
What I've inferred thus far is that the Normal/Ghost Typing, with three immunities (two of them mutual), Husuian Zoroark don't normally engage in intraspecific combat. However, the biggest weakness of this dual type is Dark, the same as the modern Unovan Zoroark; i.e. Sending a Unovan Zoroark back in time to Husui gives it a massive advantage over the 'ancient' offshoot of the ancestral Zoroark.
I have been thinking the red spots make Zoroark look sick.
This was amazing video!!! So much good info ☺️, you guys are amazing with your research. Keep it up!
It was very helpful that you showed the those books, I've been try to find good ones about the yokai, thank you!
Ngl, I would still try to pet a wild Hisuin Zorua/Zoroark. If I die, then I died doing what I loved: petting dogs
I wanna pick up and snuggle a Hisuian Zorua.
Rest in pieces, oh brave Pokémon researcher. Thank you, I am very happy for his sacrifice to give some of my favorites new forms.
You know sometimes I wonder how wild Zorua and Zoroark were driven out of Unova (new york) to places like Galar, Alola, Hoenn (ORAS) and Hisui regions. To which I specifically think of ancient times where Arceus is set in. Because modern day Unova, Zorua and Zoroark are not something you can find anywhere in the wilds of Unova. Which is why I wonder about this. Given the fact they mostly fear humans.
8:42 Nintendo will never outright state something or make something obvious, but I don't think they'd *not* have something dark like that.
I hate to say it but some of the red may be injuries , is mostly on the thin wispy parts like the areas frostbite would effect
I love that these regional variants are dual type normal/ghost and not mono type ghost, because the body IS the actual spirit, not a spirit inhabiting an object. Nice little touch for the first normal/ghost Pokémon.
Omg, I remember watching you constantly years back. I remember you not even having 100k subs. It's crazy how much you have grown, keep up the good work man
The red wavy tips on hisui zorua line, especially zoruark, Remind me of the endless tendrils on carnage from spider-man and venom
Kitsune being one of my favorite yokai, I REALLY do enjoy your videos on them. I've watched them several times just to learn every bit of info you present and where to find it. Thank you very much for your hard work.
It's interesting that the Hisuian Zorua line has that much more history to it than I thought. I initially just saw that it was taking more inspiration from the kitsune especially since to was colored similar to the Yugioh card Nine Tailed Fox from Bastion's yokai deck in the GX manga.
This video first introduced me to the Ainu. I researched them more and fell in love with the culture so much I wrote a short story set in 9th century Hokkaido. It’s called ‘White Fox’, about an Emishi boy (who may or may not be a shapeshifter) who’s taken in by an Ainu family. The story was runner-up in a historical fiction prize. I wanted to say, thank you Gaijin! You’re videos are so inspiring.
there illness connection can also make sense with hisuian zoroarks signature move witch can randomly inflict any status effect on a oponenct hit with it
"A man had to die to give you this variant!"
... Is it wrong that I'm okay with that?
Thank you for taking your time with these videos and putting forth the effort the subject matter deserves. 💚
Great analysis! I had no idea regarding about 90% of the content, so major kudos to you for your continued depth of research integrity.
Appreciate the extra effort man. Quality over speed.
So hyped to see Kaihatsu hop on! Awesome video!
I love pokémon but you're the only youtuber I trust to get this stuff right. Thanks for the info!
Oh man, that explains the full Tamers Digivolution line. They all transforms in to a human form for their Mega form.
Okay firstly I am very sad I reacted negatively to these new region variants. Shunned them as badly as the cruel people that drove them to their deaths. T_T Oww.
But weirdly this also makes me realize something I never thought about before in anime despite watching it for years. Snow is associated with not just a bad omens but undesirable people! I mean the idea of a "Yeti King" is not uncommon in Japanese folklore, both nonhuman monsters and overlords in big wool coats, as a mainstay but also rebels and the discontent spirits are associated with it. The only time I've seen it portrayed positively as at the funeral of Haku in Naruto and with Rukia of Bleach who uses ice and snow to destroy evil spirits and whose final Banaki is associated with the biggest icon of Japanese folklore on the element itself. Fascinating! Thank you for expanding my brain as well as helping my urban fantasy novel I had recently started again. ^_^
Pokemon pull from just one thing so the kabuki and Noh theater are viable. And there are kitsune masks with red accents from that time period. For festivals. Also the gold eyes are telltale signs of possession by kitsune or a half kitsune because kitsune become more human
12:13 that would make an interesting ground/bug type spider pokemon actually
For years ever since I first discovered Pokémon and laid eyes on the very first Pokémon I ever saw being the Piplup in the Sinnoh Anime episode The Thief that Keeps on Thieving who belonged to a trainer with same name as me being Tyler, I have never felt such a close connection with any Pokémon at first sight. Seeing the sweetness and beauty and cuteness and grace and power and love behind it launching all of those attacks just for the sake of it's Trainer who loves it. I felt like I was right there watching that battle in the forest by the lake. And now 10 years later after I started my first Journey in Pokémon Black when I was 11, I never thought I'd see or let alone feel the same thing happen again.
The day that trailer for Legends Arceus came out, I was sick and at the worst point in my cold. I was so excited to see it yet I had almost no energy to stay awake that day. I'll admit I had trouble breathing and felt like my head was in a fog. When the video played of Lucas/Rei recording with the Arc Phone, it felt like I was actually there. Everything he said about the landscape and his reactions to the wildlife were exactly how I react to seeing animals and nature in real life. The will to learn and understand the vast world around me and to protect and preserve all of nature and be connected to all forms of life. Then I felt that sense panic and wonder, awe and fear, amazement and dread when that ominous, shadowy, ethereal, cloudy beast leapt out from behind that Zorua and straight towards the camera as it pounced. I have felt that sense of immersion . . . only once before, all those years ago. And then when that Zorua slowly stepped forward to check and see if the viewer was alright that figure in the background appeared. And as the two of them left, I know saw that Zoroark look back not at the camera lying on the ground, but at me the viewer. Those piercing Golden Yellow eyes like both twin suns and moon's shining so bright seeming to cut through and dig into every fiber of my being as if silently observing me. Curious yet wary, suspicious and not trusting yet amused and fascinated by such a strange creature not fighting back despite the potential threat they might pose to their young. And after reading the information on the Pokémon Legends Arceus website, all of my suspicions were confirmed. A tragic story of life and innocence lost to no fault of their own. The fear and reality of persecution by those who deemed them as dangerous simply because they look and act differently than others want or expect them to. Being hunted like prey despite being seen as the dangerous one despite that the real predators are ones hunting you down simply because they fear your difference and potential to make a difference in the world. Because you bring change, they push back and hound you down to the ends of the Earth, until you have no more faith, no more hope, no more energy to give. And the last things you feel is despair. The dread, the anger, burning hatred forever fueled by hate that you have received from those who see no reason why you exist other than to be picked on and beaten over and over until you break. That hopeless feeling inside your chest of spine and core collapsing in on itself, as if you're being crushed from the inside out. That single moment that lasts an eternity. And you want nothing more than to make those who made you feel this way, feel the exact same amount of pain and torture that they've put you through. And sometimes, that's the last thing people feel before they die. Whose to say that animals can't or don't feel the same about us when we humans hunt them down until they collapse. It's not our place to decide whether or not they can feel that. But I know that feeling all too well. And it's a terrible feeling. Arguably the worst. And then all that burning spite and malice and hatred suddenly gives out and then you only feel cold. So cold and alone and useless. As if you never got a chance to prove anything you were capable of. All your hopes and dreams taken away from you by others who are just truly evil and filled with nothing but hatred and greed and cowardice.
I have a feeling that if Pokémon we're real, I would have a Hisuian Zoroark as my partner and potentially my one and only Pokémon. And I would be surprised if one day I was reincarnated as one. Or at least a Hisuian Zorua who would eventually evolve into one.
🌫️🦊🌫️
🌫️😔🌫️
There's a little more to the typing of these two Pokemon that I think is getting overlooked, and could be kind of darkly poetic if this was intentional. Now, everyone who knows Pokemon knows that the original Zoroark line is pure dark type right? Well that typing played a role in the negative view of this Pokemon, which lead to its exile and subsequent death in Legends. When their vengeful spirits rose from the dead, they didn't just become plain ghost type, they became normal/ghost. A typing which has only a single weakness- dark type. Their new forms are only weak to the type which played a role in their deaths in the first place, which also means that they are weak to their still living relatives. Kind of fitting that the only things that can easily defeat a ghost being either something directly related to what got them killed in the first place, or someone of the same bloodline/family coming to deal with the spirit.
Doesn't matter the generation, there will always be a few Pokémon that will have messed up back stories.
Hell yeah ghost fox lore
Gaijin: "So this is a Nintendo game..."
Me: "So yes."
Keep in mind Nintendo put Dead Hand a creature seemingly covered in Blood in Zelda and a lot of Pokédex entries for ghost Pokémon involve murder. I would not put it past them to reference death wounds on a Pokémon.
So THAT’S why in the original Ringu story Sadako’s curse was spread via smallpox instead of the video tape!
7:05 - Um, does ANYTHING become a ghost under pleasant circumstances?
This video also explains the appearance and look masked transforming tribe in the north in Okami.
I think the tattoo-like marks on the face and body resembles also teeth and ribs from (un)dead creatures. And the red spots could be a kind exposed muscles/wounds.
Gaijin I know this is totally unrelated but I LOVE the cherry blossom sweater!
This is the first time I have seen this channel in so long I 100% forgot it existed.
We never stopped makin' vids! ^-^ Thanks for coming back!
@@GaijinGoombah 👍
Oh, so that's why Kyubi's lightside form wear clothes