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A reader by the name of Ed brought up an interesting topic recently – there are some old folk tales you can read about in the Canalave Library in Pokemon Diamond/Pearl & Platinum , and one touches briefly on humans and the origin of Pokemon:

So the question I was asked was: Is that what the original Japanese version says? People say it was changed in the English localization… was it?

Well, here’s a look at the text side-by-side!

Japanese Text Literal Translation Official English Release 「シンオウ むかしばなし その３」 “Sinnoh Folk Story 3” “Sinnoh Folk Story 3” ひとと けっこんした ポケモンがいた There once were Pokémon that married people. There once were Pokémon that became very close to humans. ポケモンと けっこんした ひとがいた There once were people who married Pokémon. There once were humans and Pokémon that ate together at the same table. むかしは ひとも ポケモンも おなじだったから ふつうのことだった This was a normal thing because long ago people and Pokémon were the same. It was a time when there existed no differences to distinguish the two.

So there was definitely a localization change there – the English version takes out the idea that Pokemon and humans used to marry each other. The last line of the translation also sort of deflects the idea that it was a normal occurence because they used to be the same.

Some fans think this may have been changed so as not to conflict with conservative views in America concerning marriage and human evolution and all that. I suppose that’s possible, but since evolution is such a major aspect of the Pokemon franchise I’m not sure about that part so much.

I’m not nearly as knowledgeable about Pokemon as a lot of other people, so I can’t really speculate on this much – but if you have any thoughts or extra insight though, please let me know in the comments!

Also, if there are any specific lines in other games you’d like me to take a look at sometime, let me know in the comments too or contact me!

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