The Man Who Inspired Snorlax

Photo: The Pokemon Company, Image: Conekuriya, Niantic

One of the most beloved Pokémon is Snorlax. Meet the man who inspired the character.

In a recent interview with Japanese newspaper Yomiuri, Pokémon art director Ken Sugimori confirmed that planner Koji Nishino served as the model for Snorlax.

Nishino has worked on the series since Red and Green.

Is Snorlax a bear?

— MAGNEDETH (@MAGNEDETH) May 16, 2017

Previously, it seems, that it wasn’t 100 per cent clear the character was based on the game developer.

“(Nishino), with this (huge) appearance, was the model for the Snorlax Pokémon,” Sugimori was quoted as saying. “Though, he’s abnormally fussy about cute things.”

@MAGNEDETH Snorlax does have an official origin though! http://t.co/viJHAu0XGe pic.twitter.com/IjLdBwpAss

— 梅子＠超社会級のダイハル熱 (@Umekopyon) January 29, 2015

Prior to this official confirmation, there was an image of Nishino circulating online (above) with a quote from him reading, “Snorlax is like my kid.”

In Japanese, Snorlax is called “Kabigon,” which, according to Pokémon urban legend, was Nishino’s nickname. The reason is that “kabi” (カビ）means “mould,” and apparently, Nishino would even eat food that had gone moldy.

He really looks like Snorlax.

Or, better yet, Snorlax really looks like Nishino.