u/mycomicbox-draws

Based on the song 炜WARD ROMANCE by FLAVOR FOLEY. (More info because I can't post all my yapping here for some reason)

Origin:

Wilowei is based on a rabbit, specifically the Dwarf Hotot breed, which are known for their small size, white fur, and black markings that look similar to eyeliner. It is also based on a will-o'-wisp and other similar atmospheric ghost lights. Its Fairy typing comes from the legend of the Moon rabbit. Wilowei's ears resemble candle flames when upright, giving it the appearance of a tealight.

Illunawei is based on a mixture of Chinese and Japanese myths and folklore. Conceptually, it draws some inspiration from Yotsuya Kaidan, a Japanese ghost story. Its rabbit-like traits reference the legend of the Moon Rabbit, and its spherical red paper lantern resembles the moon's reddish appearance during a lunar eclipse. The tassel hanging from the lantern resembles a Chinese knot. The evolution method involving said lantern also references the Chinese fairy tale The Magic Lotus Lantern. The moon-related aspects justify the Pokémon's Fairy typing.
Most notably, Illunawei is directly based on the song 炜WARD ROMANCE by FLAVOR FOLEY, with the Pokémon's design mimicking that of SynthV Feng Yi in the music video. The lop rabbit ears and hitodama-like fireballs on its head resemble long hair tied up in buns, and the pattern on its torso resembles a qipao. The heart-shaped patterns on Illunawei, along with its signature Ability, reference the romantic subject matter of the song's lyrics.

Name Origin:

Wilowei comes from will o' wisp and 炜 wěi (Chinese character roughly meaning "to glow" or "to burn").

Illunawei comes from illuminate, luna (Latin for moon), and 炜 wěi.

Other Notes:

• My favorite FLAVOR FOLEY song! That's why it's first in line to be Pokémon-ified.
• These Fakémon went through some drafts. First, I had the idea for a Bug/Fire-type firefly with a lantern-shaped abdomen, but my initial sketches didn't turn out great. I also briefly had the idea for a Ghost-type humanoid based on a jiangshi (undead creature from Chinese folklore), but I scrapped it in favor of the moon rabbit concept.
• Those names were brutally difficult to come up with, but I am so happy with them. They roll off the tongue nicely!
• I wanted to give Illunawei access to Tail Glow (since it would make sense with its anatomy), but that move is very strong, only balanced out by its limited distribution. If I did that, r/stunfisk would have me executed.

I do plan on making Pokémon based on other FLAVOR FOLEY songs, but only when I actually feel like it. Though, be warned: To make these designs feel more like authentic Pokémon, I like to introduce other concepts or adapt the songs' themes in new ways. For example, just because I'm making a Queen of Venus Pokémon, that doesn't mean it's going to be a literal lesbian sex computer. Nothing against lesbian sex computers, of course, but I want to be faithful to the original song while also making designs that feel at home in the Pokémon world. It's a delicate balance.

When you catch a Pokémon but it's Chinese: