There are many well-known species that represent the Pokémon franchise. Pikachu, the Electric Mouse Pokémon, has been the primary mascot of the series since 1998 when the Pokémon animated series released. Eevee has also become a popular fan-favorite with its 8 different evolutions and adorable appearances, allowing it to connect with fans all over the world. However, these popular Pokémon are not the personal favorite of Satoshi Tajiri, Pokémon's creator.
Satoshi Tajiri is the video game designer, director, and creator of the Pokémon franchise. He is one of the founders and current President of Game Freak, which continues to bring exciting new Pokémon titles to fans year after year. Tajiri has worked on projects outside of the Pokémon franchise, acting as Executive Producer on titles like Giga Wrecker in recent years. However, the Pokémon games remain his most well-known and popular creations.
According to The Ultimate Guide To Pokémon fan publication, Tajiri's favorite Pokémon is Poliwag. This is surprising, as Poliwag has only a minor role in the Pokémon animated series as a part of Misty's team, and doesn't appear as a preferred Pokémon of important characters throughout the Pokémon game series. Poliwag's design is based on a polliwog, and the swirl on its belly is meant to represent the intestines visible on a young tadpole's belly when it is looked at from above.
Pokémon's Poliwag Has Two Final Evolutions: Poliwrath & Politoed
Poliwag is a surprisingly useful Pokémon. It was first introduced in Generation 1, and evolves into Poliwhirl at level 25. During Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow, Poliwhirl could evolve into the Water/Fighting-type Poliwrath with the use of a Water Stone. However, in Generation 2, Poliwhirl was given another option. In Gold, Silver, and Platinum and beyond, a Poliwhirl traded while holding a King Stone can evolve into the brilliant green, Water-type frog Pokémon Politoed.
While Politoed and Poliwrath both offer their strengths to a player's team during a Pokémon game, it appears that Satoshi Tajiri likes the first stage of the evolutionary tree just as it is. Poliwag is an adorable tadpole and can be found in watery areas throughout most of the Pokémon games. While it isn't likely to ever hold a huge position as a mascot for the Pokémon franchise, it is still an awesome pick for a personal favorite, and will likely remind fans of its creator whenever the little, blue Pokémon is encountered in the wild.