Growlithe and Arcanine's ALL ASIAN Origins in Pokémon! - Gaijin Goombah

[@bagodrago]

I think the Hisuian-Arcanine's rock typing may also be a nod to the stone statues that these creatures were often portrayed with.

[@donaldorios6268]

There's also how the statues lost their horns because of how easily they broke off (Hisuian Growlithe's horn is noted to be fragile) and how much of a pain they were to fix, so stonecutters just started making them without the horns.

[@championty3714]

It’s funny because Growlithe and Arcanine still have dragon inspiration because they could learn two dragon type moves: Dragon Pulse and Outrage Pokémon must’ve really did their research over the years also they learn another bite move in SwSh Psychic Fang and they also know Flame Charge to increase their speed and Extreme Speed the move makes you attack first so they just like dogs you said

[@miguellozano308]

Psychic Fangs

[@championty3714]

@@miguellozano308 I didn’t played SwSh a long time I forgot the name

[@dejEtack]

Gaijin Goombah: "Finally! I can catch up on all the Pokemon stuff!" Game Freak: "Are you sure about that?"

[@GaijinGoombah]

I want to die.

[@michaelpitter9193]

@@GaijinGoombah You'll live. 👍❤😉

[@michaelpitter9193]

@@GaijinGoombah Also I would really love it if you would cover the game Dragalia Lost in the future.

[@andywap3]

Pokémon Scarlett and Violet's region: No one expects the Spanish Inquisition.

[@garrettlich7140]

@@GaijinGoombah just use leech seed

[@WarmLillie]

Arcanine is considered a Legendary pokemon for a reason, because it is multiple legend into one single pokemon.

[@ragepoweredgamer]

Wasn't that only in one episode of the anime though? The same anime where they called a growlithe arcanine, and onigiri a "jelly donut?"

[@Sungura_Kaiser]

@@ragepoweredgamer It's called called the "Legendary" Pokémon in the PokéDex, so that's not anime exclusive.

[@ragepoweredgamer]

@@Sungura_Kaiser I think that might be retconned at this point. Legendaries in gen1 seem to be a bit more nebulous whereas after that generation, they got official classification. You can't breed legendaries, either. Probably something that existed in name only, and happened before "real legendaries" became serious and distinct.

[@nicholascordero6600]

@@ragepoweredgamer the jelly donut was an Americanism because the translators were told Americans wouldn't understand what an onigiri is

[@ragepoweredgamer]

@@nicholascordero6600 Yeah, but he could say ANYTHING else. "Rice cake" would make a lot more sense. We DO have rice cakes. Even being more general like "pastry" or "snacks" would have been okay, I guess. But jelly donut is a very specific thing, which is why it's so funny.

[@AzureKnight2]

Oh, it was no surprise they win the poll. Not because it was just any old Pokemon content, but because they're _GIANT, FLUFFY FIRE DOGGOS._

[@timwoods2852]

That's one of the major things that sets Pokemon apart from other games. They don't just pull from any one culture. Sure, there's a slight lean towards Japanese culture, as that's where the franchise is founded, but even back in Gen 1 we had rainforest plants, arid frogs, western dragons, etc. Anyone playing could pick something out and say, "Hey, I know that, that's from my neck of the woods!" And, like with Growlith and Arcanine, there are plenty of cultures that influence a modern idea. Take Vulpix and Ninetails, many cultures tell tales of trickster foxes that have many tails and use fire in some way. Heck, even the Bible has the account of Samson tying foxes' tails together, setting them ablaze and letting them loose though the Philistines' crops.

[@solidskullz5736]

I figured that they were supposed to be some kind of statue I remember seeing before. Their designs are really nice especially arcanine’s. Maybe black wasn’t the best choice for its mane but I think it stills looks badass

[@darkwolfoflight6753]

I think Hisuian Arcanine's mane is supposed to be more smokey gray. I think that's pretty fitting, if they were going for a smoke look

[@Arkiro27]

It was really neat hearing more about the influences and legends that formed my favourite Pokémon

[@williamswonderland3636]

Gighin Hussain form (takes off hat) look at my boy! Is it just me or dose the lack of hat just precious

[@tcdoesstuff]

Fun fact, the two 石獅 (stone lions) that stand in front of Chinese temples are a male and female pair (at least in Taiwan, haven’t went to Chinese temples in other countries). I have checked most of the time I walk by one. Yes, they do sculpt the male reproductive organ.

[@glyon506]

You know, I’ve noticed that a lot of Legends Arceus feels way more Japanese than I expected considering the obvious Ainu hints in the trailers. Granted, I haven’t finished the game in favor of shiny hunting and I am certainly not an expert on Ainu culture, so I could be wrong, but I feel like a lot of references that are more familiar to me feel distinctly Japanese (though considering the early confusion with the protagonists being ninjas, that could be taken with a grain of salt).

[@CalebCalixFernandez]

From the very beginning Hisuian Growlithe was shown, I knew its inspiration came from the Komainu statues that normally stand at the entrance of Buddhist temples in Japan. I'm a bit biased because I've always liked Growlithe and Arcanine due to my love of dogs, but I really like Hisuian Growlithe and Arcanine's design.

[@WarmLillie]

*Lillie pets her Snowy, Spiritomb, Hisuian Zoroark* I’m like bit wicked fox pokemon trainer myself now.

[@kaistephens2694]

Oh my Swirls! I'm using an Arcanine in my main team. I even named it Komane!

[@chaosdragon-fox1864]

Same here but I named him 'Komainu' lol

[@michaelnelson1127]

Same with me. Mine’s named Komasan. And if I ever find a shiny, I’m naming it Komajiro.

[@TheBottegaChannel]

So, over in my neck of the woods there are these Komainu statues out front of an Asian supermarket that turned into a Gym in Pokemon Go. I ended up leveling up my Arcanine ( named Mouse, because of the Dresden files novels) and set him to guard the establishment. To this day, Mouse is still good boy.

[@Wildcatt1999]

I named mine Bolin after the character from Korra

[@BartanTirix]

The hat comes OFF!? This is my biggest mind blown moment since I learned you could rotate the Playstation Logo on my PS2 :O It's nice to see a breakdown of a pokemon I actually know xP Let alone one of my all-time favorites

[@LordBloodySoul]

See, I first had my eyes on the Shiisa with this, but when I found out about the Xieshi, I thought: "Wait. This seems more likely." It got me all confused, and I am glad to have some validations on my thoughts now :3

[@galaxy-eyesgarchomp9478]

0:15 That is some serious hat hair. I think you need a new comb Gaijin or something else.

[@zigzackb2036]

I did mention Arcanine in your last video as my all time favorite, you did not disappoint sir!

[@Solqueen86]

Funny enough Grayhounds and other dogs also can have tiger stripes like the Tora-Inu it's called the brindle coating. I had a rescued Grayhound when I moved back to the states in 2006 he a few years later passed away from heart conditions but he was the same color as the Tora-Inu

[@LordHayabusa85]

Dude, why no mention of the Shisa? The Okinawan counterpart to the Shishi and Komainu?

[@crcoghill]

always take your time man. you are doing these and live streams so we understand. still YAY! more Pokemon on Pokemon Day!

[@jamcalx]

DOGE OF JUSTICE!

[@danielcurren2119]

One thing I really like (and quite a few people dislike) is the design choice for hisuian arcanine's fur to be dark grey. As someone with a few years of geology, I could tell that they are going with an igneous rock inspiration with the design. As arcanine is the lord of the volcano, it would make a lot of sense for the rock that's part of it would be the same type as that of the volcano it protects and watches over. Igneous rocks gain that specific color due to the high content of iron and magnesium. Sinnoh is a very volcanic region as volo stated with lake verity, as well as the obsidian field-lands (which definitely influenced kleavor's design, as obsidian is a very sharp volcanic glass that was highly valued for making cutting tools in older times. Heck, even the description of black augurite as a "glossy black stone that creates a sharp cutting edge when split" screams obsidian, as there aren't that many igneous rocks that are naturally glossy or have the mineral structure to create sharp fragments when broken). I love the attention they put to geology for these designs, as well as myths and cultures as a stone statue, making the fire/ rock type fit thematically, culturally and geologically.

[@joshuaperrin3910]

Thank you for doing something on Neon Dynasty. It's a big shoutout to the OG Kamigawa set, and seeing Kamigawa return tugs at the heartstrings quite a bit. Also, nice that you're covering Elden Ring!

[@dsusak]

Oh poor gajin, pokemon episode on the day they show off new pokemon XD

[@shawnheatherly]

I don't love how Hisuian Arcanine turned out, but that pupper is so good.

[@kylecocciante4362]

Funny how this comes out the same day we find out about the new Pokemon games, Scarlet and Violet.

[@captvalstrax]

Also worth noting, the Shi-sa as they are known collectively, are seen all over Okinawa, and Kantonian Arcanine is the signature Pokémon of the Pokémon Center Okinawa.

[@Artista_Frustrado]

that's honestly the coolest thing about Mythology is aways evolving as it spreads & intermingles with other cultures

[@louisvictor3473]

100% accuracy is never required for cultural INFLUENCE on ARTIATIC creations because that is it, influence on art not a documentary. If the creators thougj, our mouth closed design doesn vibe well with a horn, they take horn out. Later in, open mouth design woupd look.cooler with a pseudo horn, there it comes.

[@kerrygligorovic9758]

To be honest I was a little disappointed of Hisuain Arcanine forms design because for a Hisuain Growlith as both Fire/Rock type Pokemon I was expecting Hisuain Arcanine design to be more impressive from one of the inspiration mythology Chinese/ Japanese dragon or lions.

[@coreymyers5321]

What?! The hat comes off!!!!!

[@draccoonxcii1288]

So cool to see my all time favorite Pokemon get a refreshing update!

[@galaxy-eyesgarchomp9478]

I was iffy on watching this at first, since I already was aware of the chinese origins of the hisuan forms of arcanine and growlithe. However, I was surprised to learn about the real world origins of Arcanine and Growlithe, while also being surprised about the origins of the Shishi and its cousin.

[@erict.miyahira6241]

Did you guys upload this video on the same day of the Pokemon present on porpouse (did I wrote that right?), or It was gust a coincidense? Sorrry for the english.

[@AjoraJade]

8:19 The mother takes care of the child while the dad only cares about soccer. Geez...

[@mickmast8901]

Loved this so much. I had no clue of how complex and varied the lion doggos inspirations are

[@coreymyers5321]

Used the word “evolution” about 20 times, most without the idea of natural selection.

[@the_godbodor7026]

If there are any cultural inspirations in Lilligant’s Hisuian form I would love to see a video on her.

[@gustavju4686]

Russian Ballet dancer? (If only it had been Tsarina...) Hokkaido borders Russia (and Hisuian Braviary is based on a migratory eagle from Russia iirc)

[@TheSpencermacdougall]

8:30 So that's the origin of the name of the talking dog from American Dragon Jake Long. Cool.

[@TheCreepypro]

really cool that one of my favorite pokemon is based on multiple sources and not just one cause that just means we get to learn more nice work goomba

[@PrinsaVossum]

A Pokemon video on the day Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are announced? What a koinky-dink.

[@vustvaleo8068]

"who let the dogs out" literally, from a Pokeball.

[@MrSailing101]

So, I think we all understand that Zoroark is a second take on Kitsune myth after Ninetales, and that Hisuian Zoroark is an Onryo. Both reference Kabuki theatre with Zoroark's facial markings resembling the vivid makeup, and Hisuian Zoroark's hair and hunched over pose referencing the appearance of Onryo as popularized by Kabuki tradition (think sadako, from the ring) It is my belief, that Hisuian Zoroark is a direct reference to the story of Tamano no mae, who Gaigin has talked about in this channel before. A Kitsune, chased from her home by suspicious humans, who was killed and became an Onryo. A story that was adapted into a Kabuki play.

[@TheSquareheadgamer]

(deep breath) when are you going to start doing videos on the Spanish origins of Fuecoco! /s (tbc i'm joking please take your time and work on whatever you want! love the videos)

[@quinntonhyde4488]

There's also a possibility that the reason the Hisuian/Past forms of Arcanine and Growlithe have a horn is to represent how the komainu used to have that trait, which is why the Kantonian/Present-day forms no longer have the horn as modern komainu don't either.

[@drbowser166]

I love the spiral fur designs so much. They gave the Charr in Guild Wars 2 the same designs for the expansion dropping tomorrow and I gotta say, that aestetic/design is so great overall. Just how detailed and intricate it is, it's just so appealing.

[@LunaBianca1805]

Growlithe has been one of my favourite Pokémon over the past 8 seasons of the franchise and I usually end up with one on my team I'm the end - cool to see you break down the inspiration behind my favourite "good boy" 🥰

[@zepenance9571]

Ahh Arcanine, pokemon's bestest pupper hands down. It says fire type but we all know he's REALLY fire, electric, and dragon type all in one. Too bad that speed stat never hit 100. He would have been a dominant meta pick from day 1 if he only had 100 base speed.

[@franknova987]

Yeeeah first time i saw Hisuian Growlite the first thing that pop on my head was the Shiisa ^^;;

[@Khroniclas]

"If you ever want to own a pokemon irl, this is probably the closest you're gonna get." Jokes on you, I have like 100 candles in my drawer.

[@Masamune84]

Nice a video about favorite Pokemon, I think it is safe to say Gaijin hit this one out of the park when it comes to details.

[@TheCoolerHKR]

Learning about Hisuian Growlithe’s and Arcanine’s buddhist origins is the reason why this Pokemon is my favorite in Legends Arceus so far

[@lourdeswhitener9713]

Oh my swirls! Just like Komasan

[@benleighton9013]

another thing for reference for growlithe and arcanine's inspirations is it's subtype

[@evilkittie13]

Hisuian Growlithe and Arcanine's designs kind of remind me of the dog demon designs from Inuyasha. Not entirely, but it was the first thing it reminded me of for some reason. Great video btw!

[@Morgil27]

Yay, more Pokemon Legends content! That game is so interesting and I love your videos on all the stuff in it.

[@171QA]

Great video.

[@victorvaldez8869]

This was practically a Pixel Pets episode. I hope Aki is doing well these days, give her our best.

[@adamblakeslee5301]

Honestly, I thought they were based on the Tibetan mastiffs.

[@lespena3722]

I think, this is just a theory. The other reason why people went crazy (in a good way) for the new versions of Growlithe is because of the story they play in the game. Not sure about you but to me their story line screams Lion king… or at least that it was somewhat inspired by the Disney lion king. I mean we have an orphan heir whose father died saving him (much like the lion king minus the fact the father died because he was betrayed) We got the son going on a journey which eventually ends with him assuming his rightful ruling place. Also that it is revealed that the fathers spirit was watching over the son…. (Like in the lion king movie) The similarities are there and I think that also helped with the popularity (also the fact that lion king is a popular movie not just in the USA but also in China and Japan…. I mean it was one of the few movies that Disney made that got theatrical screenings over there)

[@kpearson3973]

Apparently they don't fall asleep like other Pokemon. They're too loyal

[@suicune2001]

Growlithe / Arcanine are my favorite!

[@LuisCastillo-tg6xw]

Thanks for yet another fantastic and entertaining video

[@mierardi88]

Gaijin Michael! Nice hair!

[@Prototype_46058]

I'm actually here on time for once.

[@tristanmilner9511]

Seeing those doggos reminded me of Azumnga Diaoh. The field trip where Osaka and Chiyo-chan say: "Shisa yaibiiin."

[@massimodalessandro108]

Lovely video!! Hopefully the announcement of Gen 9 doesn't mean these Legends Arceus videos will be less successful...

[@mazubahtender]

Look, I know this has nothing to do with the contents of the video proper, ie. the goodest doggos, but Pocky and Rocky has some serious 70's and 80's gag-manga vibes. Like I see it and can't not see Urusei Yatsura. EDIT: Thank you Ginga Nagareboshi Gin, I actually knew you were gonna talk about Kai-ken from "orange fur and black stripes".

[@aliciahuang6329]

Mr goombah you miss one thing hisuian growlithe pokedex its say that the horn on its head made from rock and break easy like fu dog statue in the past and people are tired of fixing the horn and the statue are made without horns this shows that present day growlithe have no horn like the modern fu dog statue plus the front fur of hisuian growlithe make it look like a bib on fu dog statue

[@majoukrahe1437]

While there's a lot of good stuff in here, there are also a few things that really should've been mentioned. The most major point missing is, no matter how many mythical lion-beasts there are in China, China NEVER had actual wild lions. (The only place where lions and tigers intersect is India. In China, the King of Beasts is usually the tiger, who has the character for "king" written on his head.) The earliest concepts the Chinese had of lions came from either Indian art or pelts, neither of which represented the actual beast very well. The popularity of these "lions" led to a lot of Chinese dogs (chow chow, Pekingese, and so on) being bred to resemble lions. I'm also a little suspicious of the "koma inu have their mouths closed" notion. What I've heard far more often on this topic is something along the lines of "the female lion has her mouth closed (as she should)," which also ties into the a/un you mentioned with the Nioh and the concepts of yin and yang. The gendered aspects of shizi/shisaa go way deeper than you went. (For more on this, and a little fun, look into Xiran Jay Zhao's content. They like pointing out "gay lions" whenever they can.) I saw the MH-related Kirin video you did a while back. For those of you who also saw that, the lion is in the same boat as the giraffe: a foreign animal given heavenly powers in mythology. Except, in the lion's case, the Buddha got a Pekingese out of it.

[@monstersmike4585]

"I am groot." Hats are confusing says Groot...

[@phantomvaporeon5596]

wonder how long till he does a video covering the new pokemon games revealed today

[@Kone5497]

Oh, Kai-ken bring memories from Ginga Dentsetsu Gin and Weed animes(you should watch them if you haven't). They are loved in Finland

[@llyrseadancer]

I'm jealous over the fact that you still have a full head of hair, mine started falling out at 16 :(

[@SilverZephyrFalcon]

Even within Japan the depictions of guardian lion-dogs aren't consistent. I'm most familiar with the Okinawan Shiisaa, which use the open mouth, closed mouth duology, but keep the same name.

[@emanononame421]

Omg! Great! I loved you previous video on mgt ninjas! I would love to hear you comments on the New kamigawa neon dynasty full art lands (and anything else you want to k talk,, but I really want to talk about the art on those cards)

[@bluzerotwo3379]

found out in elden ring (you brought it up) that you can find a Wakizashi in Gaol Cave and it's classed as a dagger

[@edywhalley4169]

i have recently spent 43+ hours playing arceus. and JUST watched the last vid

[@james4thedoctor482]

Get a Kantonian Arcanine statute with a Hisuian Growlithe under her paw. And a Hisuian Arcanine statue with a Pokéball under his paw

[@syaoranli973]

You forgot about the Kaiju Seasar.

[@jjg92114]

Seeing all those dog lion statues made me think of the Kaiju King Ceasar.

[@girl1213]

Gaijin without his hat is surprising cause it's trademark and calling card, but it's good to see him without it: messy hair like me!

[@SilentGlaceon94]

Question: Can we rub Hisuian Arcanine's belly?

[@errorbirdesther]

How about this gaijin ? Growlithe and arcanine are all these inspirations thrown together in a blender

[@cofagrigusfan24]

side note Gaijin where is your Hello Neighbor video? and comparing it to Baba Yaga i wanted to watch it again, but it seems to be gone

[@GaijinGoombah]

Since it was a game theory video it was made unlisted. You need to go to my front page of my channel and go through the playlist there.

[@עומרשרייבר-ל4ר]

If there is one consistent thing about those lion dogs is that they are all good boys.

[@thevoid3010]

I can’t wait for the demon slayer which ninja

[@BrawlSnorlax]

Also consider that Pokémon didn’t know they’d be making this many Pokémon at the time they made the original games

[@akumaking1]

Nothing about the Gen 9 reveal?

[@cameroncooper5941]

If I wasn't dedicated to my firstest of boys Typhlosion, I'd have absolutely used a hisuian Arcanine. 10/10 design.

[@Demanufactur3r]

Many Snorunt were harmed during the making of this video.

[@naomidierckx5467]

... What did that poor lil' Buisel ever do to you, man? Alpha Blissey, Alpha Snorlax, Alpha Golbat and... Small ass Buisel. DJEEZ. :P

[@MrSkysenGames]

I get the stony look of Arcanine, but it just looks to me like it rolled around in soot.

[@XxSoraMifunexX]

So, GG! I noticed you gave a like to my comment about Golden Sky Stories a while back. Did you check it out? If so, what did you think?

[@Lucky-Nick123]

Do next time about hisuin Sneazel and his evolution

[@vinnythewebsurfer]

Ooo. I’m gonna be real curious to see your thoughts on Neon Kamigawa

[@ceresbane]

hair goomba is rocking has lots of Lani energy.

[@AuraHero]

I wonder if the evolution from lion to canine is also a result of the fact that there are no native big cats in Japan, so they adapted the guardians to resembles wolves. Just pure speculation on my part.

[@retrogamingtime2812]

Ok so I know you do polls, but I have two request ideas. Either A cultural breakdown on Sifu Or a which ninja build in elden ring Just sayin lad those games are HOT right now.