Pikachu Day is observed worldwide every February 5, celebrating Pikachu, the mascot of the Pokémon media franchise. This unofficial holiday recognizes one of the most popular Pokémon species, which was created by Satoshi Tajiri and first appeared in the original games, Pocket Monsters Red and Green, released in February 1996. Fans commemorate the day by sharing Pikachu fan art online, purchasing Pikachu-themed merchandise, re-watching Pokémon animated series and movies, playing Pokémon games, and using the hashtag #PikachuDay on social media. Pikachu, designed to resemble a mouse with distinctive red cheek sacs that store electricity, has become an icon of both the franchise and Japanese pop culture. Its popularity was solidified when it was referred to as “the most beloved animated character since Hello Kitty” by Time in 1999.