Pikachu is the yellow electric mouse mascot of the Pokémon franchise, which began in Japan in the 1990s and became a global phenomenon through its games, animated series and films. Its name is also its cry, with the syllables pi-ka-chu repeated in a high, cheerful voice that fans recognise instantly. Short clips of Pikachu singing or vocalising have circulated widely as reaction sounds and fan edits, because the character needs no translation. That instant, cross-language cuteness is why the sound still appears in memes, shorts and playful videos today.