Pokemon plays an extremely large role in the life of a teenager in south east Asia and Japan, and possibly even the West. To this end, many students know at least the original 151 Pokemon through the viral Poke-raps and the animated series that shows on TV every week. As such, the mascot Pikachu and the Poke-ball have become large symbols in our life.

However, mascots have become less and less influential as time has passed, with Pikachu, Mewtwo being the most popular up till now, whilist Ho-oh and Lugia enjoy lesser degrees of recognition.

Sadly, recent releases such as Rayquaza, Kyogre, Groundon, Dialga, Palkia and Giratina have suffered from being ulu - that is, unpopular. As such, Pikachu and Pokemon Generations I-II are still the most influential figures in the religion, despite the number of cult followers being dwindling due to disillusionment in new mascots

Pokemon is a very valid religion. The progress made in recent Pokemon versions (see: Pokemon Platinum version) have revealed the presence of new Pokemon gods. Arceus created the Pokemon world, Dialga and Palkia control time and space, and Giratina even controls antimatter. I understand if some people cannot find the heart to believe Giratina exists, as it dwells only in the Distortion World (another dimension of the Pokemon world). But given the conclusive evidence presented in the Pokemon games, there is no reason to distrust Pokemon as a religion. Gods exist, have faith in Arceus!

people actually keep charmander idols at home. they light up the sacred flame every day

There are godly pokemon like mewtwo who will come down can whoop your ass if you dare to not believe in pokemon