Pikachu is the electric mouse Pokemon who became the face of the Pokemon franchise after the games launched in Japan in 1996 and the anime followed in 1997. In the series Pikachu communicates only by reshaping the sounds of its own name, mixing pika and longer calls to show excitement, warning or affection. Short clips like pika pi spread through fan edits, soundboards and social videos because the voice is recognised worldwide in seconds. It remains popular as a shorthand for cute surprise and nostalgic fandom.