Mitsuhiro Arita

A self-taught artist, Mitsuhiro Arita joined the Pokémon Trading Card Game adventure back in 1996. Armed only with pixel art from the Game Boy video games, he developed an entire visual universe for the Pokémon cards even before the card game became the global success we know today. He is notably responsible for the designs of Charizard and Pikachu from the very first starter set. Over time, and as the game gained global popularity, these cards have become some of the most recognisable in the history of TCGs. He is now credited with designs for nearly 645 cards.

A renowned illustrator, he has created numerous designs for famous franchises such as Shin Megami Tensei, Monster Hunter and Super Sentai, as well as many illustrations for Final Fantasy XI.

Beyond Pokémon, he has provided illustrations for other collectible card games based on franchises such as Shin Megami Tensei, Monster Hunter and Super Sentai, as well as numerous illustrations for Final Fantasy XI.

Over the decades, his artistic style has evolved, shifting from a blend of watercolour and pastel with defined outlines towards a more fluid style, favouring vibrant colours and a realistic treatment of light and shadow.