Johto

Johto. A region in the Pokémon world, situated directly west of the Kanto region and characterized by its deep historical roots, traditional culture, and lush, varied landscapes. It serves as the primary setting for the second generation of Pokémon games, Pokémon Gold, Silver, and their remakes Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver. The region is governed by the Indigo League and is home to numerous ancient legends, most notably those surrounding the Legendary Beast trio of Raikou, Entei, and Suicune.

Geography

Johto features a diverse topography, ranging from sprawling forests like the Ilex Forest and National Park to formidable mountain ranges such as the Mt. Mortar and the towering Mt. Silver on its western border. Its coastline includes the port city of Olivine City, with its iconic Glitter Lighthouse, and the cliffs of Cianwood City. Major urban centers include the bustling technological hub of Goldenrod City, home to the Goldenrod Radio Tower and the Magnet Train station connecting to Saffron City, and the historic Ecruteak City, known for its Burned Tower and Bell Tower. Other significant locations are the spiritual Sprout Tower, the archaeological ruins of the Ruins of Alph, and the whirlpool-guarded entrance to the Whirl Islands.

History

The region possesses a rich, documented history stretching back over 1,500 years, centered primarily in Ecruteak City. The city was once home to two majestic towers, the Brass Tower and the Bell Tower, which were said to be perches for the legendary Ho-Oh and Lugia. A catastrophic fire destroyed the Brass Tower, which became known as the Burned Tower, and from its ashes the three Legendary beasts were reborn. The ancient Poké Ball crafting art of Apricorn Balls originates here, and the Ruins of Alph hold cryptic Unown puzzles tied to a forgotten civilization. Johto's history is also marked by the war referenced in Blackthorn City, and its modern development is intertwined with the expansion of the Team Rocket criminal syndicate from Kanto.

Culture

Johto's culture is a blend of deep tradition and modern progress. Traditional arts are preserved in Ecruteak City through the Kimono Girls dance troupe and the Pokéathlon competitions held at the National Park. The region celebrates seasonal festivals and its connection to Pokémon through events like the Bug-Catching Contest. Religious and spiritual practices are prominent, with reverence for the legendary Pokémon Ho-Oh and Lugia, and rituals conducted at the Bell Tower and Sprout Tower. Culinary specialties include the famous Slowpoke Tails from Azalea Town, and distinctive architecture ranges from the pagodas of Ecruteak to the modern skyscrapers of Goldenrod City.

In the Pokémon series

In the core series, the player begins their journey in New Bark Town, receiving their first Pokémon from Professor Elm and aiming to collect the eight Gym Badges from leaders like Falkner of Violet City and Clair of Blackthorn City to challenge the Elite Four at the Indigo Plateau. The narrative involves thwarting the revived Team Rocket and their leader Archer, culminating in a journey to Mt. Silver for a final battle with Red. The region introduced 100 new Pokémon species, including starters Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile, and mechanics like time-based events, breeding, and the Pokégear. Its integration with Kanto in the post-game was a landmark feature.

In other media

In the Pokémon anime, the region is the setting for the series' second major story arc, where Ash Ketchum travels with companions Misty and Brock and later Casey. Key episodes feature the Kimono Girls, the Legendary beasts, and the Silver Conference. The manga adaptation Pokémon Adventures dedicates its second story arc to the region, following the adventures of Gold, Silver, and Crystal. Johto also appears in the Pokémon Trading Card Game with multiple expansion sets, such as Neo Genesis and HeartGold & SoulSilver, and serves as a locale in various spin-off games including Pokémon Mystery Dungeon and Pokémon Go.

Category:Pokémon regions