Pikachu is the mascot of Pokémon, the Japanese franchise that began with video games in 1996 and became a global anime phenomenon. In the series, Pikachu communicates by repeating variations of its own name, and pika pika pika chu is one of its most recognisable, cheerful calls. Clips of the cry spread through fan edits, memes and soundboards as shorthand for cuteness, excitement and Pokémon nostalgia. It remains popular because almost everyone recognises the sound instantly, even without seeing the character on screen.