Pikachu joins the resistance! Why is the cartoon character becoming the new face of protests?

While the ‘Men in Black’ are busy raging tariff wars and scrapping basic human rights and freedoms, cartoon characters are taking to the streets, joining the resistance.


Pikachu is one of those cartoon characters who is joining their hands in protest.


Pikachu on the streets!

Amid the ongoing ‘Hands Off’ protest against US President Donald Trump in the US, where Thousands of people gathered in all 50 states to express their opposition to the President and one of his key advisors, Elon Musk, a protester dressed as Pikachu was seen among the crowds on Saturday.


Among more than 1,200 coordinated protesters marching through Washington's streets on Saturday, Pikachu was one figure that instantly stood out - not for a rousing speech or a provocative sign, but for a bright yellow costume with red cheeks and pointy ears!

Videos of the costumed character have been going viral on social media, with users across platforms sharing clips of the yellow Pokémon weaving through crowds.


Who is Pikachu?

Pikachu, one of the most popular cartoon characters in the millennial generation, is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon media franchise, and the franchise's mascot. First introduced in the video games Pokémon Red and Blue, Pikachu has appeared in multiple games, including Pokémon Go and the Pokémon Trading Card Game, as well as various merchandise since its debut.

Classified as an Electric-type Pokémon, Pikachu is a large yellow mouse with a lightning bolt-shaped tail, and red sacs on its cheeks which can generate large amounts of electricity. Originally designed to be the first part of a three-stage evolution line in Red and Blue, Pikachu evolves into Raichu through the use of a "Thunder Stone" item, with Raichu intended to be able to evolve into 'Gorochu'.

🌍 A person in a Pikachu costume also joined the anti-Trump protests in the U.S.

pic.twitter.com/DhQyBZNz8C

— Universal News (@universalnewsx) April 5, 2025

However, 'Gorochu' was removed due to cartridge space concerns, and a pre-evolution for Pikachu, Pichu, was later added in the sequel titles Pokémon Gold and Silver.

Pikachu is widely considered to be the most popular and well-known Pokémon species, largely due to its appearance in the Pokémon anime television series as the companion of series protagonist Ash Ketchum. Pikachu has been well received by critics, with particular praise given for its cute design, and it has been regarded as an icon of both the Pokémon franchise and Japanese pop culture as a whole.


Will the real Pikachu please stand up?

The protester dressed as Pikachu, the Pokémon character, had joined the national uprising against US President Donald Trump and his top adviser, Elon Musk. This came days after a similarly costumed protester was seen in Turkey, where they were seen darting away from riot police amid chaos over the arrest of opposition leader Ekrem Imamoglu.

While a user said, “Pikachu against all dictators.” Another noted, "PIKACHU FIGHTING AGAINST EVIL WHEREVER IT CAN."

Pikachu against to all dictators!

— Htccmc (@tenar_12) April 5, 2025

One user said, “Pikachus will save the world. I wanna be the very best. Like no one ever was. To catch them is my real test. To train them is my cause,” another user noted, “He needs to run from gas. This is so peaceful.”

He needs to run from gas. This is so peaceful

— Özlem Tekin, neredesin? (@adxsd_) April 5, 2025

Earlier this month, a protester dressed as Pikachu was seen fleeing protests against the arrest of the political rival of Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.