Pokémon hide many references to anything you can imagine. Some very dark and sinister as the origin of Misdreavus. From a real nightmare! But there are also nice and friendly stories like Wobbuffet's inspiration. This Pokémon really has a strange appearance although he is best known for being the one who never attacks, but waits patiently. Your design seems to be based on a punching bag, which would also explain that ability to withstand the blows. However, there is another reference in it that not many people know. The key is in their gestures.
As Twitter user Dr. Lava explains, Wobbuffet is also inspired by a 20th-century Japanese comedian who dedicated himself to Rakugo, a type of Japanese show that was based on humorous monologues. Hayashiya Sanpei, like other comedians of the time, knelt on a cushion to start his monologue. In the traditional style, with kimono included. And it became very popular by a phrase of its own in which it said "That's right, ma'am!" (Sō nansu, okusan!). Precisely this phrase, which was accompanied by a hand gesture on the forehead, was represented by the creators of Wobbuffet. The Pokémon makes the same gesture
Wobbuffet Origins:
Wobbuffet is an homage to Japanese comedian Hayashiya Sanpei, who exclaimed his iconic catchphrase "That's the way it is, ma'am!" with his hand on his forehead.
Wobbuffet makes the same gesture, & Wobbuffet's Japanese name Sonans means "That's the way it is." pic.twitter.com/6yQmAINSgV
– Dr. Lava's Lost Pokemon (@DrLavaYT) January 5, 2020
Certainly, we would never have imagined what this character is based on. But as we know more stories, Pokémon continues to surprise us. Did you know that Exeggutor is inspired by a mythological tree whose fruits were human heads? Not all anecdotes are so funny.
Other Pokémon items you will like
