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A weekly Pokédex Podcast from Bald Man in Japan Luke Summerhayes. A different Pokémon family every week.
I’m Luke Summerhayes and I love Jangmo’o.
Most Europeans or Americans, if asked what they know about Polynesia, would mention warrior dances. The most famous example is probably the Haka of New Zealand. Popularised by the famous National Rugby team the All Blacks, this stomping, shouting performance is as intimidating on a modern sports field as it was on the battlefields of centuries past.
Specifically, the war dance is only one of numerous dances used for ceremonies, celebrations and various life events. Related to this family of dances, Samoans, Hawaiins and other peoples have countless similar traditions, each rich with meaning and heritage. While the Hawaiian Hula is most famous as a joyous celebration, Hula also incorporates a battle dance, the Hawaiian Ha’a.
Jangmo’o is a small dragon-type Pokemon with numerous metallic scales that clang together like a bell.
Sun
It expresses its feelings by smacking its scales. Metallic sounds echo through the tall mountains where Jangmo-o lives.
Violet
They communicate with their allies using the sounds their scales make when struck. A group of these Pokémon causes quite a racket.
This dance and noisemaking can, like a Haka, be an intimidation dance in battle.
Ultra Sun
It smacks the scales on its head against rocks or against the ground to frighten its opponents. It can also contact its friends with these noises.
The name Jangmo’o combines the jangling sound with the Mo’o, a dragon of Hawaiian myth. The Japanese name, Jyarako, is a child of Jangling but makes no mention of the Mo’o. The myth, of a shapeshifting seductress lizard, is better represented in Pokemon form by Salazzle. In fact, maybe Jangmo’o is not a lizard at all, but a scaled mammal like a Pangolin.
Shield
Jangmo-o strikes its scales to communicate with others of its kind. Its scales are actually fur that's become as hard as metal.
Whether a lizard or a mammal, a mo’o or not, Jangmo’o is certainly a warrior at heart.
Ultra Moon
It will never show an enemy its back in battle. Ancient warriors liked Jangmo-o for its valiant disposition and made it one of their own.
Moon
They live in mountains where no trace of humans can be detected. Jangmo-o grow little by little as they battle one another.
Little by Little it may be, but eventually a growing Jangmo’o will be ready to evolve. At level 35, it becomes Hakamo’o.
Hakamo’o stands up on its hind legs in a more dinosaur-like stance, with additional scales becoming to form jewelry or armour of some kind.
Moon
It sheds and regrows its scales on a continuous basis. The scales become harder and sharper each time they're regrown.
Along with extra scales, Hakamo’o has also gained an additional fighting type.
Sun
It leaps at its prey with a courageous shout. Its scaly punches tear its opponents to shreds.
The name, Hakamo’o of course references the famous Haka of New Zealand. The Japanese name, Jyarango, sticks to the generic jangling though it does incorporate dragon, at least. Hakamo’o does most definitely engage in Haka-like intimidation.
Ultra Sun
It makes noise by clanging its scales together. When the rhythm has reached its peak, Hakamo-o attacks.
Violet
It fires itself up by striking its scales with force as it dances. Its roar is a battle cry.
Of course, the Haka wouldn’t have the reputation it does if all this build-up lead to nothing. The All Blacks are a force to be reckoned with in Rugby, and at level 35 Hakamo’o culminates when it evolves into Kommo’o.
Kommo’o is a big, lumbering, long-clawed dinosaur with so many scales they form an impressive headdress and gauntlets, as well as a big loud tale like a monk’s staff or the Turkish Crescent jangled by a military band.
Sun
When it spots enemies, it threatens them by jingling the scales on its tail. Weak opponents will crack and flee in panic.
Ultra Sun
When it howls after finishing off its prey, the metallic sounds of its celebrating comrades can be heard from all around.
The name Kommo’o could refer to this commotion, or its position as commander. The Japanese name, Jyararanga, keeps the clanging onomatopoeia and the dragon aspect. If Kommo’o is a commander, its one that leads from the front.
Ultra Moon
It battles valiantly with its fists, which are armored in steel scales. Kommo-o specializes in uppercuts.
Scarlet
It lets its arm hang, and then "quick as a flash" swings upward to land its specialty punch and send the opponent flying high into the sky.
In the competitive videogame, Kommo’o and its scales did indeed shiny. It has bulky defenses, appropriately enough, and although it has high special attack despite a fighting typing and a physical signature move, it found a competitive niche as a defensive monster that could lay down hazards and boost itself into an equally offensive threat. As the seventh generation’s pseudo-legendary, it did the business one would expect.
I’ve never been to New Zealand, or Hawaii. The closest I’ve come to any Polynesian Island is Okinawa, south of Japan. Yet playing Rugby at school and watching a lot of wrestling growing up, I couldn’t help but admire those mighty warriors.
Music for Luke Loves Pokemon was composed by Jonathan Cromie. Artwork for the show is by Katie Groves. Funding is by supporters at patreon.com/podcastiopodcastius.
I love hearing from listeners! Get in touch on youtube, social media or email and let me know about your favorite Pokemon. Coming up next are Tapu Koko and Tapu Lele, so let me know your thoughts about those or any other monsters.
Even if you don’t feel like doing any of that, thank you so much for listening.
I love Jangmo-o. And remember, I love you too.