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To do: Add references, because we need a lot of them here. |
Hocotate (ホコタテ?) is the home planet of some of the leaders in the Pikmin franchise, particularly Captain Olimar and his family, as well as Louie. Life on planet Hocotate appears to be similar to that of Earth's, though with some key differences.
Geography
In Pikmin 2, it is a dull red-colored planet that possesses a pair of two intersecting planetary rings. In Hey! Pikmin, although it still has rings, it has a brighter blue and green color scheme with white clouds – looking rather more like Earth. These clouds can also be seen from the planet's surface in Pikmin 2. Its exact location in the universe has yet to be specified, though it most likely takes place in a different star system from ours, as an incredibly bright star can be seen behind it. It is also said to be quite close to Koppai. In Olimar's voyage log, he explains that his family is probably gazing up at the planet's "pale red moon".[1] This moon, along with a grayish moon can be seen in the endings of Pikmin 2 and Hey! Pikmin. Again Hey! Pikmin depicts them with much brighter colors, with the gray moon now being blue (possibly implying water is there) with white clouds. Stars are visible from the planet's surface during the daytime, indicating a very transparent atmosphere.
The green and blue coloring of the planet in Hey! Pikmin likely indicates it is covered with plant life and water. However, what is seen on its surface indicates at least part of the planet is desert-like, though the President notes a location known as the "Hocotate Swamp".[2] Hocotate Freight appears to be in or near a built-up area, which suggests that at least some of Hocotate may be densely populated. Olimar's wife mentions "hot springs" in one of her letters, indicating that geothermally heated water exists in the planet's crust. Olimar's family also mentions a beach, suggesting that the planet has at least one ocean.
Life
The atmosphere of Hocotate is known to be different from PNF-404 and Koppai, as oxygen is known to be extremely poisonous to its dominant life form, the Hocotatian. The planet shows some signs of flora growing on its surface, including vegetables such as Pikpik carrots, which the planet is famous for, according to Brittany. Also according to the Koppaites, a Hocotatian's diet consists mainly of vegetables, although meat consumption is not unusual. It is unknown what gases are used to cultivate these foods. These foods consist of the Hocotatian versions of potatoes[3], avocados[4], limes[5][6], and lemons[7] (for flavoring) as they're mentioned in Louie's cooking tips. Interestingly, some of these plants can be found as treasures and fruits on PNF-404, although the food they're referring to is likely different from these. Mayonnaise also seems to be frequently used in Hocotatian meals[8], indicating that many other ingredients exist there as well. Olimar recognizing treasures in the Sweet Tooth series as sugary treats means that similar desserts must exist on his home planet. Olimar even reveals in a log that Hocotate has an abundance of food, though this may just be in contrast to PNF-404's food supply.[9] Bulbie, Olimar's pet, is known to be similar to a Bulborb, and its species take on a role similar to Earthling dogs. The President mentions trees[10], edible grass[11], and wild animals, apparently covered with hair.[12] A few exotic green plants with twisting, vine like branches can be seen in Pikmin 2's intro as well.
Louie hints that chickens,[13] pigs[5][14], and sheep[15] are life-forms on the planet that are regularly eaten. Cheese is also mentioned repeatedly[16][4][17], indicating that dairy producing animals live there. Olimar mentions that there are bothersome mosquitoes[18] and flies[19] that are regularly swatted off there. He also mentions carnivorous dinosaurs may have roamed on Hocotate.[20] It isn't completely clear if these creatures are from their own planet, or a different one. They still seem familiar to Hocotatians though, so it's safe to assume they're found on Hocotate.
Whether these mentioned life forms actually look like their counterparts on Earth or look wildly different is also unknown, given that Bulbie is mentioned to be a dog, yet is said to resemble a Bulborb more than an Earthling dog.
Hocotatians
Hocotatians are apparently the dominant species of the planet Hocotate. They are first referred to as "Hocotatians" in the Hocotate ship's announcement of the Massive Receptacle Series, and are then called by this name frequently in Pikmin 3. They are about the size of a nickel (~2cm, ~0.7in), and appear to be more advanced than humans, and have superior, or at least equal intelligence. They are capable of efficient extraterrestrial exploration and interaction, and use devices far beyond the current technology of humans. Their primary means of communication is speech, and they are able to read and write. It's also possible that they may be related to the Koppaite because they share a similar appearance and speak the same language. On the logo for Hocotate Freight, the letters look very similar to the English alphabet. If Hocotatians and Koppaites can indeed speak the same language, Koppaite text may be an alternate form of writing, like Chinese characters, that the Hocotatians do not use.
Hocotatians bare multiple resemblances to humans, including expressing human-like emotions. Physically, Hocotatians have a humanoid shape, the main differences being a larger head-to-body ratio, much larger noses, and different eyes, as explained in the next paragraph. Their respiratory system also works differently from humans. While oxygen is one of the keys to human survival, it is incredibly toxic to the Hocotatians.[21] Unfortunately, PNF-404's atmosphere contains high amounts of oxygen, thus prohibiting its exploration without the aid of spacesuits.
The shape of Hocotatian eyes changes to show emotions and to accommodate their normally-invisible eyebrows. In a "neutral" state, the pupil is heavily dilated and stretched horizontally, giving their eyes the appearance of being entirely black, which leads some people to think they are actually closed. When surprised, the Hocotatian's pupils shrink and expose their irises, making them more closely resemble humans' eyes. This can be seen most notably with Louie in some cutscenes in Pikmin 2: in the opening cutscene, when Louie sees the souvenir and hears the ship's analysis, as well as in the cutscene where he sees the first Red Pikmin sprout, his "normal" eyes can be seen, and his eyebrows pop out too. The Pikmin 2 cutscene shown after completing the debt shows the pupil expanding gradually, instead of instantly. In the Super Smash Bros. series, Olimar's eyes will pop out when he is hit by a strong attack.
Some Hocotatians, mostly Olimar's family besides himself, often have curved eyes in arch shapes, displaying joy. The President is seen with a similar expression too, in the mail from Pikmin 2. The near-opposite goes for sad emotions, wheres their eyes droop down like an upside-down arch.
Technology
Advanced technology
Lots of the technology is shown to be very advanced, with particles such as gluons in use (evidenced by the Gluon Drive ship part in Pikmin), a source of endless energy (the Eternal Fuel Dynamo), and a weapon that can destroy objects as large as stars (the Nova Blaster). Some of these mentioned ship part capabilities might be exaggerations, however.
Science
In Olimar's notes on the Common Glowcap, he mentions a chemical element called "Hocotatium 111", saying it is the reason for the plant's luminescence. However, Olimar's notes in Pikmin 2 strangely say that the technology behind a light bulb (the Stellar Orb) and a match (the Flame of Tomorrow) is completely unknown to his people.
Some Hocotatians also seem to study in a degree of paleontology, the study of fossil remains and plants.[22] This is later supported in Hey! Pikmin, where Olimar mentions dinosaurs. It is not completely clear that there are paleontologists on Hocotate, or another planet. However, since all treasures in Pikmin 2 are to be sold back on Hocotate, it is most likely that Hocotatian paleontologists are the audience they are targeting. A similar field of science is xenoarcheology, the study of extraterrestrial and alien remains. It is mentioned in Hey! Pikmin, when Olimar finds remains that he mistakes for alien life on PNF-404.[23] This may suggest Hocotatians have explored other planets where they have found alien remnants. Botany also seems to be a study in Hocotate, based on the ship's announcement for the Xenoflora Series.[24]
Transportation
Hocotations also have knowledge of some simple transportation, such as bicycles.[25] Another log also reveals that he has rode some kind vehicle with his wife, although it is unclear what it is.[26] However, it seems like the vehicle he is speaking of has two wheels, as the seemingly two-wheeled treasure he picked up reminds him of the ride. In another one of Olimar’s notes, he mentions a toy car, so it can be assumed that actual cars exist on Hocotate as well.[27]
Entertainment
Along with the toy mentioned previously, movies[28] and video games[29] seem to be common things used for recreation. Additionally, nearly the entire Dream Series is meant to be sold to Hocotate as toys, such as the Favorite Gyro Block, which is targeted for toy makers.[30] It is likely there are factories that help produce these toys.
Astrology
Hocotatians also seem to believe in astrology, and in a similar way to humans on Earth, given that Olimar mentions the Libra and Sagittarius star signs on the respective ship parts' monologues.
Government
Hocotate is shown to be commercialized; it makes use of the Poko, a small coin that resembles those from the Mario series. Items from PNF-404 are considered extremely valuable treasures worth a particularly large amount of Pokos, which enables Olimar and Louie to pay off their company's debt of 10,100 Pokos. For comparison, 100 Pokos is "more than a year's salary". A Mayor of Hocotate is alluded in Olimar's notes once, though his status in Hocotatian government is unknown.[31]
"Happy Hocotate Savings and Loan" is a Hocotate company with which the President attempts to take out a loan in Pikmin 2 to cover for the lost shipment of golden Pikpik carrots. It is later revealed in one of his letters to Olimar that, instead, he has accidentally taken out a loan with the company just next door, the "All-Devouring Black Hole Loan Sharks", which forces him to go into hiding.
Naming
The name "Hocotate" actually comes from Nintendo of Japan's headquarters' address: 11-1, Kamitoba-hokotate-cho. While it has never been pronounced in English in canon media, it has been pronounced in several official sources.
- In Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, in Olimar's Palutena's Guidance conversation, Palutena pronounces the planet's name /ˈhoʊkətɑːteɪ/ (HOE-kuh-tah-tay). However, Super Smash Bros. games are non-canon.
- Captain Charlie can be heard saying the planet's name in the ending cutscene of Pikmin 3. Likewise, when Brittany collects the data file on the path to the Armored Mawdad, the word Hocotate can be heard among the Koppaite language while reacting to Olimar's journal entry. However, in both cases the actual language heard being spoken by the characters is unknown.
- In Pikmin 3's Bingo Battle, if the red team (Captain Olimar's team) is one point away from winning, Pikmin will be heard in the background cheering for Hocotate, although it is unknown how faithful Pikmin sounds are to the pronunciation of certain words.
- In a trailer for Hey! Pikmin it is pronounced /ˈhoʊkoʊtɑːteɪ/ (HOE-koh-tah-tay).[32]
Names in other languages
| Language | Name | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
 Japanese |
ホコタテ星? | Hokotate planet; see above | |
 Dutch |
Planeet Hocotate | Planet Hocotate | |
 French |
La planète Hocotate | The planet Hocotate | |
 German |
Planet Hocotate | - | |
 Italian |
Pianeta Hocotate | Planet Hocotate | |
 Korean |
호코타테 행성 hokotate haengseong |
Planet Hocotate | |
 Spanish |
Planeta Hocotate | Planet Hocotate | |
 Russian |
Хокотатэ Khokotate |
Hocotate | From Super Smash Bros. Ultimate |
Gallery
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This article or section is in need of more images. Particularly: |
Official concept art.
The intro cinematic of the S.S. Dolphin being revoked in Pikmin 2.
See also
References
- ^ “Looking from this planet into the skies above, I see the pale white moon floating overhead. It brings to mind memories of the moon from back home. I bet that even now my wife and children are sitting at home, gazing up at our pale red moon... Hang on, dear ones! Your Olimar will return some day!” – Captain Olimar in a voyage log
- ^ “I have a regrettable message. I have been caught. If I don't pay off the company debt right away, I'm to be buried in Hocotate Swamp. It's bleak here... Hurry!” – The President in a letter
- ^ “To prep the tongue for cooking, marinate in olive oil and chop into cubes. Stir in a pot with carrots, potatoes, and chives, cover, and simmer over low heat for several hours. Accompany this mouthwatering, rustic stew with a hearty roll.” – Louie in Louie's notes on the Emperor Bulblax
- ^ a b “Spread several specimens in the bottom of a casserole dish and layer with sliced avocado. Bake until the meat is choice and the cheese is lusciously browned.” – Louie in Louie's notes on the Male Sheargrub
- ^ a b “Plump specimens are best spit-roasted whole, stuffed with a lime and a slab of bacon. Baste frequently to ensure a magnificently moist haunch.” – Louie in Louie's notes on the Red Bulborb
- ^ “Slice the meat into tender cutlets and vigorously apply a lime and pepper rub. Panfry until lightly crusted. Accompany with watercress and drizzle with freshly prepared tamarind sauce.” – Louie in Louie's notes on the Decorated Cannon Beetle
- ^ “Remove all of the bulborb's hair, wrap the beast in foil along with a halved lemon, and place it directly on the grill. The foil should protect the carcass from scorching, and the lemon will give the meat an elegant hint of citrus.” – Louie in Louie's notes on the Hairy Bulborb
- ^ “We return from our mission successful in retrieving _ pieces of edible matter! We picked up a stray Hocotatian as well, so we're on our way to drop him off. He won't stop talking about adding something called "mayonnaise" to vegetables to make them taste good. It'll take another food crisis for me to find out if he's right. I hope I never see this "mayonnaise"...” – Brittany in a voyage log
- ^ “Despite the name, it's a closer relation to the Mockiwi. It is docile in nature and does not attack deliberately. My guess is that its long legs evolved to grant it access to food in hard-to-reach places. Is the abundence of convenient food the reason my species has such short, stubby legs?” – Captain Olimar in Olimar's notes on the Elongated Crushblat
- ^ “Today, I tried building a small room at the top of a tree. It reminded me of my younger days, when I lived in a little shed. Those memories help make this bearable.” – The President in mail
- ^ “I found some tasty grass today. It was the first time in a while that I could eat until I was full. I've become one heck of a grass and root chef... Maybe I'll write a book.” – The President in mail
- ^ “Some wild animals are nesting under the bridge now. They think I'm their pal or something. My stylish suits are covered with hair. I'm pitiful... but at least they're warm...” – The President in mail
- ^ “Inedible. Tastes like chicken.” – Louie in Louie's notes on the Mamuta
- ^ “The search for a gourmet, high-protein salad-topping alternative to bacon bits is over! Grind this spicy dweevil into tasty micro-chunks and toss them generously over your salad to add instant flair AND flavor!” – Louie in Louie's notes on the Fiery Dweevil
- ^ “Sun-dry the leaves for several days, then grind them with a mortar and pestle. The resulting herb grants an aromatic, earthy flavor to mutton and poultry dishes.” – Louie in Louie's notes on the Fiddlehead
- ^ “Like a fine cheese, the aroma of this fluid floater can be oppressive, but its flavor must be experienced to be believed. Also makes an unforgettable nondairy spread!” – Louie in Louie's notes on the Greater Spotted Jellyfloat
- ^ “Best grilled and served hot over a bed of fresh spinach and crumbled blue cheese.” – Louie in Louie's notes on the Snow Bulborb
- ^ “This seems to be a gentle, flower-loving creature, but if angered, it is fierce. Its mighty open-handed smack... It reminds me of the time back home when a mosquito landed on my head, and my wife tried to get it...” – Captain Olimar in Olimar's monologues in Pikmin
- ^ “Its wide frame and solid construction make it perfect for smacking down pesky flies. Oh! Is an abundance of this tool the reason I haven't seen any normal-sized flies on this planet?” – Captain Olimar in Olimar's notes on the Flysmacker
- ^ “What a find! This should rock the field of xenoarchaeology to its core! Everyone thinks of dinosaurs as vicious predators, but these teeth clearly indicate a plant-eating creature. The S.S. Dolphin II has no record of this species, so that means I discovered it! That means they'll name it after me in the textbooks, right? The Olimasaurus... No, the Olimaceratops... No, wait...” – Captain Olimar in Olimar's notes on the Herbivore Molars
- ^ “To make matters worse, my atmospheric sensors indicate this planet's environment contains high levels of poisonous oxygen.” – Captain Olimar in Olimar's monologues in Pikmin
- ^ “You've collected the Paleontology Series! Who knows what beasts left these behind?” – The Hocotate ship in its announcement for the Paleontology Series.
- ^ “What a find! This should rock the field of xenoarchaeology to its core! Everyone thinks of dinosaurs as vicious predators, but these teeth clearly indicate a plant-eating creature. The S.S. Dolphin II has no record of this species, so that means I discovered it! That means they'll name it after me in the textbooks, right? The Olimasaurus... No, the Olimaceratops... No, wait...” – Captain Olimar in his notes on the Herbivore Molars
- ^ “You've collected the Xenoflora Series! Botanists will fog their spectacles over these wonders.” – The Hocotate ship in its announcement for the Xenoflora Series.
- ^ “I returned to the landing site after today's exploration and found the Pikmin clearing weeds and pulling up stones! Their diligence is a constant surprise. Maybe I'm just a good leader? Anyway, I found this object that looks like a useless bicycle. Throw it on the Sparklium pile, I suppose.” – Captain Olimar in his notes on the Ornamental Cycle
- ^ “This must be a two-wheel vehicle. Or half of a full one. It does remind me of riding along with my dear wife—just the two of us, singing a song, happy together. Much like being with Pikmin!” – Captain Olimar in his notes on the Dual Wheeler
- ^ “My daughter said she wanted to be treated like her mom, so I got her a fancy dress. She said, "No, like MOM!" so I bought her a toy car to drive. She threw a fit. I couldn't tell where I was going wrong. When I mentioned it to my wife, she laughed and said, "She wanted you to give her a hug." Just like me to get the simplest things all twisted up!” – Captain Olimar in his notes on the Twisty Pick
- ^ “I once dreamed of being a movie star known for all sorts of roles. But really, I already play many roles: Hocotate Freight employee, husband, father, and on my best days, master to my dog.” – Captain Olimar in his notes on the Metamorphocistern
- ^ “This object must have been manufactured long ago by some kind of machine. Back then, they didn't have the fun toys kids have these days. My son is a video game addict, but I'm terrible at them! He teases me about it all the time. Wait... I've got it! Louie's young... He must be a video game wizard! He can give me some hot tips!” – Captain Olimar in his notes on the Repair Juggernaut
- ^ “Children throughout the universe are captivated by the very thought of this cool blue disc. Hocotate toy makers are swampred with orders for this popular item.” – The Hocotate Ship in Its sales pitch for the Favorite Gyro Block.
- ^ “Grassy plains and meadows on this planet are carpeted with brilliantly colored flowers in bloom. When I entered the atmosphere on my descent from space, I was stunned by the vibrant sight. The other day, a group of white Pikmin under my command detected an object buried under the surface and immediately began to dig up this colossal flower bulb. Somehow, it hadn't yet sprouted into a towering flower. I plan to take it back to Hocotate and grow it there! My people will hail me as a botanical genius...and the mayor may even make me Supreme Flower Commander!” – Captain Olimar in Olimar's notes on the Pilgrim Bulb
- ^ YouTube video of the Hey! PIKMIN Lift-Off Trailer