Pokemon, as many fans well know, is Japanese for "Pocket Monsters". It is not short for Pocket Monsters, nor is it a nickname for the term, it is Japanese. Many people don't seem to understand this concept. In fact, many uneducated people seem to be under the impression that Pokemon is a Chinese thing... Um, no. Anyway, I'll go on with the basics of the anime.
The Story
Pokemon is about a ten-year old boy's journey to become a master trainer of Pokemon. Pokemon are creatures that can battle each other in sort of boxing style matches. They battle on a field with one pokemon per person per round. Once someone's pokemon "faints" or otherwise becomes unable to battle, the opposing pokemon, and their trainer, wins. On the surface, this show looks like a kid-friendly version of cockfighting. Which it is. But along with the fighting, comes unforgettable characters, enriching lessons, and an otherwise normal cartoon show. In fact, while some episodes are devoted simply to beating an opponent, others have no fighting in them whatsoever. Anyway, enough with the parent-talk, back to the story. As the main boy travels through Kanto, Johto, and Hoenn (the three areas of the country he lives in), he meets friends, makes enimies, etc. and proves that the best way to train these monsters, is to do it through friendship, and not punishment.
The Characters
Ash Ketchum (Satoshi) is the main character (I put their Japanese names in parentheses). He also sports one of the cutest pokemon of all 350 of them. Pikachu is his best friend, and his most powerful pokemon (besides Charizard).
