Mitsuhiro Arita

Pokémon card illustrator

Mitsuhiro Arita (born 1970, Fukuoka) is a self-taught freelance illustrator who has provided art for the Pokémon TCG since its very first set in 1996. He is the artist behind the original Base Set Charizard and Pikachu — among the most iconic and valuable cards ever printed — and his work is known for cinematic realism, atmosphere, and dynamic, expressive poses. He is one of the most prolific and historically important illustrators in the game's history.