Evidence Suggests Erika Was Originally Planned as a Ghost-Type Gym Leader in Pokémon Red, Blue & Green
But was changed to a Grass-type at the last minute—and the decision has lasted to this day.
Before Pokémon Red and Green launched in Japan and skyrocketed to become one of the country’s best-selling and most beloved games of all time, the developers went through a long trial-and-error process. These early versions even required several updates—eventually resulting in Pokémon Blue and the special Yellow version.
Recently, one of the more fascinating development secrets has come to light, thanks to Reddit user adenosinetrifuckyou, who shared an intriguing behind-the-scenes theory: Erika, the Yukata-wearing Gym Leader of Celadon City (Tamamushi City in Japanese), who specializes in Grass-type Pokémon, may have originally been designed as a Ghost-type Gym Leader.
Comparing the Old and New Character Sprites
The Evidence Behind Erika’s Haunting Past
Let’s start with the earliest sprite art and character sketches. In the initial version of the game, Erika is depicted wearing a monochrome yukata with the left side folded over the right—a detail that, in Japanese culture, is traditionally reserved for the deceased. This seemingly minor design choice raised eyebrows among fans who dug deeper into the game’s development history.
Further observations add to the mystery. Her calm demeanor, combined with the way she holds a Pokéball that appears to float in her hand, suggests an ethereal, psychic-like power—not a typical posture for someone about to battle with Grass-types. This supernatural touch aligns more closely with Ghost-type themes than with nature or botany.
Moreover, early development notes and sketches reveal that the fifth Gym Leader—a role Erika would eventually fill—was initially set to be located in Lavender Town (Shion Town in Japanese), a place already associated with death and spirits due to its Pokémon Tower cemetery. That location, unsurprisingly, ended up being home to the game’s most iconic ghost-type storylines.
As for Agatha (or Kikuko in Japanese), who ultimately became the Elite Four’s Ghost-type specialist, she originally had a team made up of different Pokémon types, not strictly Ghost. It’s possible that some elements of Erika’s original design and role were reallocated to Agatha during the game’s restructuring phase.
Why the Change?
So, what prompted the last-minute shift?
The most plausible theory is gameplay balance. Ghost-type Pokémon in the original games were considered tricky opponents, requiring players to rely on special attacks. Facing such a Gym Leader early in the game may have posed too steep a challenge for beginners. As a result, the development team might have decided to rework Erika into a Grass-type Gym Leader, offering a more accessible and balanced experience for players still building their skills.
By the time Pokémon Yellow launched, Erika’s sprite had been updated—her yukata now featured more colorful patterns, and the fold was corrected to the standard (right over left), distancing her further from any ghostly associations.
A Legacy That Shaped the Series
Pokémon Red and Green were first released in Japan in 1996, followed by translations in 1998, and Pokémon Yellow in 1999. These titles laid the groundwork for the franchise’s enduring success. Their legacy includes the core gameplay of battling eight Gym Leaders, becoming the Champion, and capturing all 151 Pokémon—a formula that remains mostly unchanged to this day.
Final Thought
It’s fascinating to think how small design decisions—like the direction of a yukata fold—can hint at massive narrative shifts behind the scenes. Erika’s transformation from a ghostly figure to a serene Grass-type Gym Leader highlights the delicate balance developers must strike between story, mechanics, and player experience. While we’ll never know exactly how the game would have played out had Erika remained a Ghost-type leader, the discovery adds a new layer of depth to Pokémon’s rich development history. And perhaps, in another timeline, Lavender Town has a much more formidable defender watching over its spirits.
