You’ll never see Pokémon’s Nurse Joy the same way again.
Going to the Pokémon Center, the in-game clinic in the world-famous RPG, is supposed to be a happy occasion. You get to heal your Pokémon, swap out the members of your team, see the cool new monsters you just caught, or even battle and trade with friends.
But little did we know that this entire time we’ve been using the Pokémon Center, a monster has been lurking in plain sight… right behind the counter.
▼ “I always thought that the Pokémon Center’s nurse
was a monster that looked like this.”
俺、ポケモンセンターのお姉さんをこんな感じのバケモノと思ってました pic.twitter.com/xpbd9cFqEc
— Taka(バケモノ)P@ブ/ル/ナ/ポをよろしく (@g_taka072) February 28, 2016
▼ Woah, wait… what? You mean that nice woman who heals your Pokémon?
▼ Hmm… I’m not seeing it. Let’s take a closer look and–
▼ OH MY GOD NO NO NO NO DO NOT WANT
Yikes! Letting your Pokémon stay fainted is a better fate than handing them over to that demon! We need to get that thing back to Lavender Town where it belongs, stat!
Here’s how Japanese net users reacted to seeing the horrifying truth behind everyone’s beloved Nurse Joy:
“AAAAAHHHHH!!!”
“CAN’T UNSEE!”
“Yes! I’m glad I’m not the only one who saw the demon!”
“There’s a few other mis-seeings I remember from this game….”
That’s right! Nurse Joy’s “true” form may be the scariest, but she’s not the only one with a shape-shifting sprite. Japanese Twitter users shared a few others:
▼ Like this guy standing outside of Cerulean Cave,
who looks like he’s wearing the opening as a hat.
@g_taka072 pic.twitter.com/reTkG2Oo3j
— BIBLE BLACK (@enemy_stand) February 29, 2016
▼ Or when the main character suddenly grows a mustache.
@g_taka072 自分も金銀で似たようなこと思ってました() pic.twitter.com/TZPuARS0gC
— くろわっ㌠@まったり勢 (@vCROISSANTv) February 29, 2016
Are there any other sprites left in the original Pokémon games that can be hilariously misinterpreted? With the recent re-releases of Pokémon Red, Blue, Green and Yellow, maybe we’ll find some more… hopefully without mentally scarring anyone in the process.
Source: Twitter/@g_taka072 via My Game News Flash
Images: Twitter/@g_taka072
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Don’t judge this Kiki’s Delivery Service book by its cover, because it’s not actually a book!
One Piece docking at Round 1 amusement centers in both Japan and the USA
Starbucks Japan teams up with Converse Tokyo for a new limited-edition collection in honour of Tanabata
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Don’t judge this Kiki’s Delivery Service book by its cover, because it’s not actually a book!
One Piece docking at Round 1 amusement centers in both Japan and the USA
Starbucks Japan teams up with Converse Tokyo for a new limited-edition collection in honour of Tanabata
Studio Ghibli brings Totoro Soot Sprites out of the anime shadows for a new bag and pouch collection
Studio Ghibli releases a musical diorama based on a touching anime scene from My Neighbour Totoro
Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
KFC Japan creates spicy summer fried chicken chips together with Calbee
Blind Tokyo commuter explains the easiest place for him to stand while riding the train
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Live-action Spirited Away stage play announces world tour with first-ever U.S. and Canadian dates
Tokyo has only two barley tea makers, and we visited one to see how mugicha is made
Pikachu brings electric style to brand-new Pokémon G-Shock watch featuring every stater trio
Sleep at Hoshinoya Nara Prison, one of the most unique hotels in Japan
Japanese man’s gross conveyor belt sushi social media prank video gets him a 500,000-yen fine
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Studio Ghibli brings Totoro Soot Sprites out of the anime shadows for a new bag and pouch collection
Studio Ghibli releases a musical diorama based on a touching anime scene from My Neighbour Totoro
Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
KFC Japan creates spicy summer fried chicken chips together with Calbee
Blind Tokyo commuter explains the easiest place for him to stand while riding the train
Sanrio’s new McDonald’s Japan Happy Meals give the spotlight all to Cinnamoroll[Photos]
Foreign resident of Japan arrested after spraying bear repellant inside post office
Japanese train company brings back beloved “patapata” departure board…with a clever digital twist
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Japan’s new pettably fuzzy cat-shaped earbud chargers meow to let you know their status[Video]
7-Eleven Japan has a lot of famous food, but its new burrito needs to be on your radar
Krispy Kreme Japan adds two cute limited-edition doughnuts to its summer menu
Sanrio collaborates with Sesame Street for adorable merch and sweets in Japan[Photos]
Why you shouldn’t feel guilty about using manga for studying and the top series for learning