Summary
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’supcoming Teal Mask and Indigo Disk DLC will include a mix of new and returning Pokemon as players explore further into the Paldea region and learn more about Area Zero’s hidden secrets. On August 22, one new Pokemon appearing inScarlet and Violet’sTeal Mask DLC segment was revealed: Poltchageist, a new tea-themed critter. In addition to referencing classic Japanese matcha tea, this Pokemon’s behavior and history draw inspiration from one popular Japanese folktale.
Poltchageist is a Grass/Ghost-type Pokemon that is native to the Kitakami area. It is one ofPokemon Scarlet and Violet’s regional fakeor convergent evolution critters that is similar in appearance to Sinistea, but not actually connected via evolution, similar to Diglett and Wiglett or Tentacool and Toedscool. It will likely have an evolution that has not yet been shown. Poltchageist takes the shape of a caddy of green matcha tea and came to life when it was owned by a strict, bad-tempered tea master. Now, it plays tricks on those who do not respect tea or tea-serving utensils but is respectful and nice to those who respect it in turn.
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Poltchageist and the Legend of “Bunbuku Chagama”
“Bunbuku Chagama,” also known as “The Wonderful Teakettle” or “The Lucky Teakettle,” is a well-known Japanese folktale and children’s story. It tells the story of atanuki (raccoon dog)who shapeshifts into the form of a teakettle. The kettle is initially owned by the abbot of a temple, who treats it poorly, so it performs mischief and is disobedient. The frustrated priests sell the kettle to a merchant, who instead treats the tanuki kindly. To thank its new owner, the tanuki-kettle performs a variety of tricks, such as walking across a tightrope or doing flips. The tricks earn the merchant a great deal of money, and he becomes wealthy, while the temple that originally owned the kettle remains poor.
Poltchageist is a spirit, not a tanuki, but its behavior is very similar to that of the titular “Bunbuku Chagama.” It believes that tea and tea utensils should be respected and treated kindly. In its reveal trailer, theGrass/Ghost-Pokemonpunishes a woman who breaks a teacup by using its matcha powder to drain her energy. However, if it is greeted properly, it instead uses its power to restore cracked and broken items. This power seems to be inspired by the Japanese art of kintsugi,in which liquid gold is used to fill in cracks, thus turning something broken into something beautiful.
Kitakami’s Pokemon Honor Japanese Folklore
Poltchageist is not the only Pokemon appearing in the Teal Mask DLC that takes its inspiration from a popular Japanese folktale. The central conflict of the Teal Mask involves an oni (demon)-like Pokemon Ogerpon that is opposed by three protectors: the monkey-like Munkidori, the canine Okidogi, and the pheasant-inspired Fezandipiti. These fourPokemon originate from the Japanese legend of Momotaro(Peach Boy), a hero born from a giant peach who battles oni alongside his dog, monkey, and pheasant companions. Momotaro is one of Japan’s most well-known tales.
It is unknown whether there will be any more new Pokemon appearing in the Teal Mask, although Poltchageist will likely have an evolution of some form. However, if other Pokemon show up, they could possibly be based on other Japanese folktales. Alternately, the “Teal Mask” chapter could see more Pokemon inspired by Japanese festival foods, such asDipplin, an evolution of Applinbased on a candy apple. Additionally, Poltchageist’s evolution could draw further inspiration from “Bunbuku Chagama.” Perhaps it will require its Trainer to bond with it and make it happy, mimicking how the tanuki in “Bunbuku Chagama” will only reveal its true self to those who are kind and respectful. Hopefully, more will be revealed when this Pokemon’s evolution is confirmed.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’sTeal Mask DLC will release on June 23, 2025 for the Nintendo Switch.
