The Type Is Wild

And before you know it (Type: Wild)

Gonna reach my goal (Type: Wild)

Keep on going (Type: Wild)

Gonna be strong (Type: Wild)

...

For I know, this will be reality

Go follow all your dreams

-- "Type: Wild" (English version), Robbie Danzie

I've mentioned the song that I've referenced above in my post yesterday about Pokémon songs from the anime that are on the border of two languages, English and Japanese. Yet, I do find the song attractive enough for a further discussion, and so I've chosen to do that for and in this post. The aspects of this song that are of interest go beyond that of languages, though that remains an interesting one.

As stated, the song comes in the two respective language versions as above. The original Japanese version is sung by Rica Matsumoto, making it a "proxy" for the sentiments of Ash and other Pokémon Trainers who start their journeys the same way. Meanwhile, the later English version is sung by Robbie Danzie, which makes it less of a Trainer statement, but by virtue of the vocalist, forges another connection between Pokémon and a certain family of music games, as the vocalist has her own renown in those games.

Comparing the two language versions, the verses have some similarity, but not completely, and thus the English version represents more of an adaptation in this respect. However, the chorus - the first four lines quoted above - still carries most of the ideas in the original Japanese and is thus a translation to at least some capacity. Regardless, the song mentions the objects and experiences that become a Trainer's way of life beyond the place (places, perhaps) where one may start the journey.

Whichever language the song is in, it's still one that resonates for Trainers at a fundamental level, even if Japanese viewers of the anime might not too care for the English version and English viewers don't know (much) about the English version of the song that was in Japanese. They're still quite expressive of the ideas that they contain, and like the last lines of the song above, they're a prelude of dreams coming to real fruition. 

One year ago: Cosplay: "How Are You, Communities?"

Two years ago: Subcultures and Specialties

Three years ago: Pokémon and eSports

Four years ago: Fondness for Latias and Latios

Five years ago: A Story of Love, A Story of Passion

Language Bridging Songs

The Pokémon anime is popular among Japanese and English viewers alike, with great numbers of fans of both. What some may not realize is that a few of the music pieces of either language have links to the other language, even if the forms are not exactly the same. In effect, they "straddle" or "bridge" the two languages and become interesting aspects of the anime in both language and music.

One of the ending themes of the Japanese dub of the anime actually has an English version, and that theme is called "Type: Wild". Both forms have been used as ending themes, cut down to what is called the "TV size". Even so, fans who know about this are likely those who watch the Japanese dub, as the English version is non-existent in the English dub, as odd as it may be. It's still an energetic piece that should encapsulate the feelings of any Trainer who watches the anime.

Meanwhile, there's the ending theme of the third feature film or movie, which in English is entitled "Just Like a Rainbow" and I've detailed in a separate post. Its Japanese title is "Niji ga Umareta Hi", which roughly translates to "a rainbow is born", and based on that, the English version may be described as a loose adaptation, yet still sung by the original artist, a rarity among these "bridging" songs. It is likewise a real gem that may be relatively unknown among English fans.

Likewise, I've covered "Make a Wish/Chiisaki Mono", the ending theme of the sixth featured film or movie. Unlike the previous two songs above, English language viewers are likely to know about this one, even only in partial as the English version is also a partial one. What is not partial are the sentiments that are invoked, whichever version one listens to, and they remain as true as I've written about them initially. The fact that the song managed to make the "crossover" is regardless a rarity.

Actually, the same might apply to the last song I'll mention here. The song is called "Polka O Dolka", which in English is sometimes called "Gotta Dance" after the short film that it appears in. Either way, it's a really upbeat number that features Meowth singing in the respective languages with its characteristic voice. The Japanese version also acts as an ending theme for some of the episodes in the Hoenn saga, again in a short yet lively TV size. The feature of Meowth singing is an odd but neat one.

Whether it's in Japanese or English, music makes a great part of the anime. It carries sentiments in a complementary manner to the anime feature being presented. It's apparent that those sentiments can cross over and "straddle" or "bridge" the boundaries of the mentioned languages, which is made clear by the selection of four songs above. They may be considered treats for viewers of both languages.

One year ago: Getting Collective and Connective with Pokémon

Two years ago: Quizzes and Knowledge

Three years ago: Going For New Competitions

Four years ago: Artistic License

Five years ago: I Found You, Black and White

April Fool's Day 2022: Life in Duplex

Another year, and April Fool's has come by again. Things are not as bad as they were in the past two years, but at the same time no one is out of the woods just yet. But life goes on, and today it's back to this day. Now, something that always proceeds on this day is pranks and jokes of all kinds - hopefully mostly of the harmless kind - and that goes on over the workings of daily life that is not pranked or joked over. It may be regarded as a "life in duplex" in the case of today and amidst everything, including in connection with Pokémon.

Case in point: today is actually the anniversary of my city of residence - or at least the date is regarded as its anniversary anyway, as I'm sure the actual founding, still on this day, was barely in the shadow of April Fool's. And for all the Litleo and Pyroar of the city (in Pokémon terms, certainly), of which I may be included, that remains significant with or without all the goings-on of this day. But then, in this modern day and age, it remains something to be lived with, in addition to what happens with April Fool's as is now recognized worldwide today.

Meanwhile, "duplex" has another connotation; it is closely associated with the number 2, but it is also linked with the concept of "duplication". Given Pokémon, it therefore becomes related to the Pokémon species of Ditto, which is a master duplicator in its own right. Today, it seems the Pokémon is a hot topic, as it might be the Pokémon that many Trainers are currently looking for and might just be easily found at a certain time of the day today. It seems even more appropriate, since this year's number has three of the number 2, something that will only occur again in a century from now.

Presently, though...

Me: You know what makes a great twosome? You two, Ash and Goh.

Goh: I appreciate that! I think we're also great as a pair. I mostly collect and Ash mostly battles, but that's still great for us.

Ash: Yeah! I love it when Goh catches something. It feels like I caught it. And when I win, we both win.

Pikachu: Pi pika pika! ["It goes both ways!"]

Me: See, that's what I'm talking about. How do you guys feel about Ditto?

Ash: It's a neat Pokémon! You never know what it can turn into. I mean, you see it, and then you see two of one Pokémon.

Goh: That's also the part that can get confusing. If Ditto does it well, then you almost can't tell them apart. But if it doesn't, then you could say Ditto is the confused one.

Ash: I met a Ditto once that could turn into a Pokémon but it couldn't get the size right. So you could get a "mini Onix", if it tries to turn into that.

Pikachu: Pi pika, pi pika. ["So confusing."]

Goh: That must have been a sight.

Me: Well, whether there's Ditto or not, I think we can agree that Pokémon goes hand-in-hand with our lives. They're two parts, but they're together.

Goh: That's one way to put it!

Ash: I wouldn't have it two ways!

It may seem that one part of life always works in one way and another part works in a different way, and yet, they're part of the same life. Such seems to be the case on this very day with April Fool's pranks on one level over regular life in another, or for Pokémon fans, how their Pokémon life works out and how their "life" life works out. It's never really "two" but always "one", whether things are serious or just plain funny, the latter as expected today.

Happy April Fool's. Put two and two together.

One year ago: April Fool's Day 2021: Aipom Business

Two years ago: April Fool's Day 2020: Truth in a Post

Three years ago: April Fool's Day 2019: Objectivity and Subjectivity

Four years ago: April Fool's Day 2018: Stepping Back, Moving Forward

Five years ago: It's April Fool's Day!

Consume and Create

In the field of media, two forces are always in play: consumption and creation. The latter allows for media to be realized in all its forms and the former allows those forms to be enjoyed. Naturally, Pokémon is a major player in media today, and it is affected by both forces all the same. How those two forces are manifested in things that are related to it becomes a fascinating matter to discuss, and that is exactly what I'd like to do in this post.

Specifically, I'd like to frame the discussion by the observation that both forces are important and balance each other out, according to someone I know. It is great to be able to consume things (including content) related to Pokémon, but it would also be great to create things related to Pokémon. In this way, one can "consume to create" and "create to consume", fulfilling their qualities and relationships to each other.

The matter of "consuming to create" is one that is pertinent to many fans, particularly the most creative of them. They can take in incredible amounts of content, after which they can synthesize what they have taken in into various forms, for example posts on a blog, a podcast, or even a YouTube channel, all of which I have some experience with at this point. Even then, any fan should be able to do what I've done with a certain amount of initiative.

Going the other way, in "creating to consume", those who are able to create content ought to be able to do so in a manner that attracts others to be able to consume not just the created content but also the original content as it's meant to be consumed. This may present the greatest challenge for fans, especially in dealing with something as big and important like Pokémon, but it's something that is completely doable.

Pokémon has a great deal going for it, including many, many things (content) in various forms of media. They can stand to be consumed, yet they can stand to be the precursor for creation that leads to more consumption, creation, and so on and so forth. Neither process can or should stand alone, and both in tandem can lead to even greater things. Given that Pokémon is fundamentally important in media today, both forces are also as such for it.

One year ago: "New Daybreaks" for Pokémon

Two years ago: The Long-Winded Side of Things

Three years ago: Cosplay: ONEGAI Bunkasai 2019 - Eiyuu no Uprising

Four years ago: Mauville's Progress

Five years ago: Nostalgia: Episode 672 - "Here Comes the Trubbish Squad!"

More on Wayfarer (and Links to Pokémon Go)

As noted yesterday, PokéStop nominations in Pokémon Go are now integrated (and inextricably linked) with Niantic Wayfarer, the system for collecting and reviewing the nominations, not just from Pokémon Go but also from other games, such as Ingress Prime - in that sense, they are known as nominations for a "Waypoint", the generic term for them. Usage of Wayfarer is obviously now required, but there are also finer points to that usage that also should be explained, especially in further relations to Pokémon Go.

First off, Wayfarer is only accessible by way of Google or Facebook login, so a Trainer needs to have linked (that is, bound) either one to their Trainer account. In my case, I finally had to link or bind the former to my account, which started with only a PTC login. Of course, one also has to meet the level requirement to access Wayfarer, and that has to be met regardless of the login account requirement. Once both are met, Wayfarer is then open for access.

To make further nominations, one also has to take and pass the test that also allows the review of others' nominations. The test serves as a check of understanding of nomination criteria, which are numerous but somewhat obvious, though the test may incorporate them in subtle ways; if one is not observant, one may not be able to pass. That happened to me, as I had to take the test three times before I passed and could make nominations again. It should be noted that if one reviews nominations poorly, one will need to take the test again, but that shouldn't happen with objective intent.

By accessing Wayfarer, one can also see the list of made nominations and their states; these are actually somewhat descriptive, and I may utilize them when I update my progression next time. The textual particulars of a nomination in the state of "In Queue" can also be edited if the need arises. Further, a nomination can be "upgraded" or at the least marked for such, which will promote the nomination further in reviews and help to accelerate the process, though the "upgrade" has to be earned through the review of other nominations, as the main objective for participating in the system.

Reviewing is not a total must, but in light of the above, it may be necessary (and must necessarily be conducted properly regardless). It maintains one's Wayfarer rating, which is important for posterity in the system. Most significantly, review "agreements" also count towards an achievement medal in Pokémon Go, and this may be the best incentive for participating in the Wayfarer system, aside from making more nominations.

With Niantic Wayfarer, it might seem that the nomination process for Pokémon Go (and other Niantic games) has gotten somewhat more complicated, and in some ways, it might be. Yet in effect, the process is also centralized, streamlined, and even beneficial for those still devoted to Pokémon Go. In that sense, the integration may be quite justified, further with its primary intent and the links and nifty things that are brought to Pokémon Go. That further justifies the process of nominating places itself and expanding the overworlds.

One year ago: Road of 25th Anniversary: Beckoning Specials

Two years ago: The State of Nominations, Part 3

Three years ago: Tournament: Raid Group Cup

Four years ago: Lugia Raid Burnout

Five years ago: Ice Is Nice with Pokémon

The State of Nominations, Part 15

With two months having gone by, it becomes time to update on my PokéStop nomination progress in Pokémon Go. For this progression, change is always a thing - the world changes, the environment changes, and nominations may change as well due to my and others' effects. But this time around, the changes seem to be more pronounced than ever, as they deal with the methodology of doing things themselves for this progression and beyond. That and more have to be covered in this update.

As always, it's helpful to cite the hard numbers to add perspective. Currently, I have 29 active nominations (up by 5 from last time) plus 3 renominations. The number of accepted nominations went up by 1 to 66 (from 65 last time), while rejected nominations stayed at 30, though this is because I took the effort to make a renomination while something else got rejected. I also gained a superseded nomination (to 14 from 13) by way of finding out that a very old nomination seemed to have already existed.

The reason for the last one is the most major change to nominations: now the process is fully integrated with Niantic Wayfarer, and a nominator - here, a Trainer - must be able to access and participate in the system to continue to make nominations or even changes to existing PokéStops. In my case, I've done exactly that and in the process found out the state of the nomination above through Wayfarer. Wayfarer itself has many facets and aspects, which I'll have to cover separately as they all are important.

In transitioning to Niantic Wayfarer, nominations now also have to be classified through its category system, which contains many descriptive labels for specific objects. Up to three may be applied to a nomination, and the choice has to be made carefully, as improper labeling may cause the review process to take longer or result in a flat-out rejection. The classification adds time to make a nomination, but at least through the freedom to nominate anywhere and anytime, it's just something else to heed in the process.

Nominating PokéStops isn't always an easy or straightforward matter, but it's one that is always fraught with changes, whether significant or not. The full Wayfarer integration as above is a major and significant change for anyone who nominates or want to keep on nominating, like me. Yet in turn, such a major and significant change will certainly effect other changes, especially in the realm of Pokéstops in Pokémon Go, and that may be the incentive to keep nominating and allowing change to occur.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Regional Event Rollup

Two years ago: Pokémon Go: A Drive to Investigate

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 3/29/2019

Four years ago: Takara Tomy Pokémon MonCollé Friends: Pikachu

Five years ago: Pokémon Mechanical Fan

Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 3/28/2022

Now, it's fairly close to the end of the month, so it's time once again to make the rollup of events that have occurred or even are occurring in Pokémon Go. It is known for a fact that the beginning of this month marks the start of a Pokémon Go season that highlights a region known for its tropical characteristics. Accordingly, the events of the first month of the season should ideally herald or welcome the new season, and they do. It becomes a festive start to the season in that way.

As with last month, there is a bit of an addendum. On Pokémon Day, during the Pokémon Presents announcement, the "prequel" to the new season and the events of this month took place with "breakout" appearances of Alolan Exeggutor throughout the overworld, then tapering off until the season started. Since the form isn't new to Pokémon Go, there wasn't anything else for those appearances, unlike for Hisuian Voltorb, though it did give the opportunity for some to obtain its Shiny form. The "prequel" made for a nice and festive early start to the season.

Then came the first event of the month and season on March 1 to 9, titled "Welcome to Alola". This marked the "first wave" of Pokémon species that are native to Alola, in the form of the three starters (Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio) plus a handful of other Pokémon, including the "undocumented" Jangmo-o in the wild. The other complementary Pokémon were Pikipek and Yungoos (in the wild and Field Research) and Rockruff and Tapu Koko (in raids). The non-raid Pokémon were also featured in a Collection Challenge, while a Special Research set for Melemele Island - the locale of these Pokémon - became available. It's mostly a standard beginning as far as Pokémon Go is concerned, but it's also a nicely welcoming one.

India also celebrates the Festival of Colors (also known as Holi) this month, and unlike last year, this time the whole world got in on the action, from March 15 to 20. Part of the reason is the debut of Oricorio and its four multicolored forms in different parts of the world. Along with the new Pokémon, a dazzling array of Pokémon with many colors and multiple forms appeared in the wild, raids, and Field Research task rewards. A Collection Challenge also helped to highlight a number of these Pokémon, and the reward itself is another Oricorio based on the form for the location. Things were helped along by three-hour Lure Modules and five photobombs a day that may reward a Shiny Smeargle, as well as a new fashion item. All told, it was colorful and rewarding the world over.

One last event to close off this month is the Lush Jungle event, from March 22 to 29 (tomorrow). The Lush Jungle is located on Akala Island, and the characteristic Pokémon are the Fomantis family for the former and Tapu Lele for the latter, and they both debut in this event. While the latter joins raids, naturally, the former joins a host of Grass-type and related Pokémon in the wild, raids, and Field Research task rewards. Instead of a Collection Challenge, the event features a regular Timed Research set instead, with highly specific tasks; meanwhile, a Special Research set for Akala Island also became available. The weekend of the event also featured a "park spotlight" with Cottonee, in which it appeared more often in parks and could also be Shiny for the first time, also aided by certain Field Research tasks. Quite a bit goes on in this event, all for some very natural Pokémon.

Lots of things took place in this month, the month that kicks off the Season of Alola. Two out of the region's four main islands became highlights, along with the customary "first wave" to celebrate the formal debut of the Pokémon of this region. That should be able to be considered rather festive for the start of this season, enough to put any Trainer into the bliss and state of mind that is this tropical region.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 3/28/2021

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 3/28/2020

Three years ago: Local EX Raid (and Priorities), 3/28/2019

Four years ago: More on Ali (and the Early Manga)

Five years ago: A Pikachu Wall Hanging