1996
Pokémon TCG — Professional Debut
In 1996, Mitsuhiro Arita began his professional illustration career with the Pokémon Card Game, joining the project during its prototype stage before the first official release. Working as an external freelance illustrator, he created artwork for the earliest cards and designed the seven original Energy symbols. Pokémon became the longest continuous collaboration of his career and the foundation of his international reputation.
Career Archive
Timeline Events
Arita became involved with Creatures during the development of a new trading card game project.
He met Tsunekazu Ishihara, who was leading Creatures and the development of the project.
Arita was selected as one of the illustrators contributing artwork to the first generation of the Pokémon Card Game.
He had already joined the project during its prototype stage, before the first official release.
Arita designed the seven original Energy symbols used by the early Pokémon Card Game, including Colorless Energy.
The Pokémon Card Game was released in Japan in 1996.
Arita has described the Pokémon Card Game as his first project as a professional artist.
His Pokémon TCG collaboration would continue without interruption for the following three decades.
Arita was also credited as one of the Puzzle Designers for Nintendo's Game Boy title Picross 2, developed by Jupiter Corporation and Creatures Inc. and released in Japan on October 19, 1996.
The project established trading card illustration as an important part of his professional career.
His previous experience with computers, games, traditional drawing and digital techniques converged in his new professional work as an illustrator.