Ogerpon: Exploring the Mask Pokemon origin, influences, lore, and more

In the vast world of Pokemon, few creatures are as captivating and rich in cultural lore as Ogerpon. This unique Pokemon, introduced in the latest expansion of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, draws inspiration from a fascinating blend of Japanese culture, theater, and natural elements. Let us delve into the origins, influences, and intricate lore behind Ogerpon, the Mask Pokemon.

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Pokemon origin and influences for Ogerpon: Visual design and typing

Ogerpon's Paldean Pokedex entry (Image via TPC)

Ogerpon's design is a delightful fusion of botanical and cultural elements. Visually, it resembles a small citrus tree, which aligns with its Grass typing. The tree’s trunk splits down the middle, forming two toes that evoke the traditional Japanese wooden sandals known as geta.

The resemblance to a Yuzu tree, a type of Japanese orange, is evident in Ogerpon’s orange face and yellow spots. The flower adorning its head resembles citrus blossoms, and its shiny variant sports an unripe green face.

This botanical connection is reinforced by the Japanese term “oni yuzu,” referring to a related variety of the fruit.

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Pokemon origin and influences for Ogerpon: Signature moves and typing

Ogerpon using its signature move, Ivy Cudgel (Image via TPC)

Ogerpon's signature move, Ivy Cudgel, is a testament to its plant-based design. In battle, Ogerpon wields vines and ivy to create an oni club, which it uses to bash opponents.

Interestingly, while citrus trees do not naturally have vines or ivy, grapevines do. This connection cleverly ties into Pokemon Violet, where players attend Uva Academy - “uva” being Spanish for grape.

This thematic link is mirrored in Pokemon Scarlet's Naranja Academy, with “naranja” meaning orange citrus fruits.

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Pokemon origin and influences for Ogerpon: The Teal Mask and Noh Theater

Ogerpon and its various Masks (Image via TPC)

The titular element of the expansion, the Teal Mask, signifies Ogerpon's ability to change its type and cloak colors based on the mask it holds. These masks draw heavy inspiration from Japanese Noh theater, which peaked in popularity just before the Meiji Restoration.

Noh theater is renowned for its exaggerated masks, used to depict various characters and emotions.

The masks in Noh theater include:

• Okina-men (Joy)
• Onna-men (Sorrow)
• Oni-men (Anger)
• Butsu-men (Fulfillment)

These masks parallel Ogerpon's Teal, Wellspring, Hearthflame, and Cornerstone masks, each reflecting a specific emotion and type. This connection extends to a Chinese belief system, which identifies four ranges of human emotion: Joy, Anger, Sorrow, and Fulfillment.

Moreover, these masks echo the legend of Fujiwara Chika's Four Demons, where four oni (demons) embody different elemental types and emotions, akin to Ogerpon's masks.

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Pokemon origin and influences for Ogerpon: Cultural and folklore Influences

Ogerpon's various masks Terastallized (Image via TPC)

Ogerpon’s lore is steeped in Japanese folklore and festival traditions. The story of Fujiwara Chika's Four Demons, set around Mount Iwate in the same prefecture as the real-world Kitakami, aligns with Ogerpon's narrative.

The Water Oni, disguising itself as a woman, correlates with the feminine Wellspring Mask, while the aggressive Fire Oni aligns with the Hearthflame Mask. Variations of the legend that swap the Wind Oni with an Earth Oni resonate with the Rock-type Cornerstone Mask. The Teal Mask, representing the hidden oni, matches Ogerpon's shy nature, often hiding behind this mask.

When Ogerpon Terastalizes, a huge crystalline copy of the mask appears, symbolizing the Terastal energy. This effect is reminiscent of the Aomori Nebuta Matsuri, a summer festival famous for its large, illuminated floats depicting exaggerated faces and powerful imagery.

The festival, celebrated in the Iwate Prefecture, mirrors the vibrant, mask-wearing tradition seen in Kitakami’s summer festival.

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Pokemon origin and influences for Ogerpon: Gender and fashion

Ogerpon as seen in the Scarlet and Violet game (Image via TPC)

Ogerpon is a 100% female Pokemon, a rare trait for an oni-inspired character in Japanese folklore. This design choice underscores the flipped narrative in Ogerpon's story – instead of an ogre robbing villagers, the villagers enlist the Loyal Three and Pecharunt to rob Ogerpon, leading to the loss of three of its four masks.

Ogerpon’s kind and peaceful nature contrasts with its fearsome appearance, challenging the notion of judging based on looks.

Ogerpon’s design also incorporates elements of contemporary Japanese fashion, particularly Dekora and Harajuku styles. The asymmetrical citrus and flower decorations, along with the bright star eyes and colored eyeliner, evoke the vibrant and accessory-laden aesthetics of Dekora fashion.

This modern twist connects Ogerpon to current cultural trends, much like how Revavroom’s StarMobile form draws inspiration from Dekotora (decorated trucks).

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Ogerpon using its signature move, Ivy Cudgel, with its various Mask forms (Image via TPC)

Ogerpon is a masterful blend of cultural homage, folklore, and botanical elements, making it a standout addition to the franchise's universe. Its design, rooted in Japanese tradition and modern fashion, coupled with its deep lore and emotional masks, creates a rich and multifaceted character.

Ogerpon truly embodies the spirit of Japanese summer festivals and folklore, inviting players to explore and appreciate the intricate cultural tapestry from which it originates.