A Mascot Reinterpretation

I should note that currently, Indonesia is staging a very big event. That event is the 18th Asian Games, which is the all-Asia version of the Olympics. And like any major sporting event in modern times, this one has its representative mascots - three of them, to be exact. Of course, hard-wired as I am in regard to Pokémon, I can't help but regard the mascots in the point of view of Pokémon, and this seems to be a worthy point of view for any fan.

The three mascots of this edition of the Games are named Bhin-Bhin, Atung, and Kaka. They're named that way because their first syllables, in that order, are "Bhin-A-Ka"... that is, "Bhinneka... Tunggal Ika". The animals of the mascots are the cendrawasih, deer, and one-horned rhinoceros, respectively. They reflect diversity and different origins from different parts of the country, and also have different qualities, therefore being representative of certain sports in the Games. Of note is that these mascots, as I recall, replace a prior concept, which was deemed too drab and old-fashioned for today's Games. But that is indeed a good thing, because it really makes them appealing and fitting for a modern implementation. They have caught my attention as well.

Now comes the Pokémon part of this. Spiritually, they resemble and can be conceived as certain Pokémon. Bhin-Bhin's generally yellow plumage and proportion is a lot like Oricorio with the Pom-Pom Style. Atung is a deer, therefore it bears resemblance to Stantler - or even, Sawsbuck Spring Form, even if it's a bit forced. Finally, Kaka is a rhino, and the clear analogue is Rhydon. They may not be able to do the same things that the mascots do, but their resemblance is superficial, appearance-wise; it almost makes me think they could do the same. They too hail from different regions and have different aspects, leading to considerations of diversity as well. This is as seen from the eyes of a fan, which in this case is me.

And that is what it is. These interpretations don't replace the mascots, but they are instead complementary, for someone who is a Pokémon fan. Through them, I develop appreciation for the actual mascots, as well as for this year's Games as a whole. Any fan can do the same, and that's a great thing. May it bode for success in this year's Games and for our Pokémon efforts to come.

One year ago: Local Hangouts and Pokémon