Akai, Isamu

赤井勇

Isamu is a young Trainer from Pallet Town who received a Pokédex from Professor Oak and was sent on a quest to learn more about Pokémon.
On his way to Professor Oak's lab, Isamu encounters a violent male Clefairy, and together they accidentally defeat a giant Nidoran. When the Clefairy follows Isamu to the laboratory, Isamu chooses to travel with it because he finds its antics amusing.
Unlike his rival, Isamu does not catch many Pokémon. He has two (later three) favorites, which he keeps outside their Poké Balls. He has caught several others, including Articuno, but never uses them in battle.
He continues his journey in Pokémon Ruby-Sapphire, the sequel to Pokémon Pocket Monsters that takes place in Hoenn, and in Pocket Monsters DP, the second sequel to Pokémon Pocket Monsters that takes place in Sinnoh.
His rival is Kai Midorikawa.