Professor Oak

Professor Oak
Professor Oak
Pokémon character
	Professor Oak artwork by Ken Sugimori
First game	Pokémon Red and Blue (1996)
Designed by	Ken Sugimori (finalized)
Voiced by	English Stuart Zagnit (1998–2006) ; James Carter Cathcart (2006–2023) ; Tara Sands (Pokémon 4Ever (Sammy)) ; Kyle Hebert (Pokémon Origins) ; Keith Silverstein (Pokémon Evolutions) ; Joe J. Thomas (Pokémon Masters EX); Japanese Unshō Ishizuka (1997–2018) ; Kenyuu Horiuchi (2018–present) ; Keiko Toda (Pokémon 4Ever (Sammy)) ; Katsuji Mori (Pokémon Origins) ; Keiichi Sonobe (Pokémon Evolutions) ; Kenichi Ogata (Pokémon Masters EX);

Professor Samuel Oak, known as Dr. Yukinari Ohkido (Japanese: オーキド・ユキナリ博士, Hepburn: Ōkido Yukinari-hakase) in Japan, is a fictional character in the Pokémon franchise that debuted in 1996 video game Pokémon Red and Green. In these games, he is responsible both for teaching the player about how the world of Pokémon works, as well as giving the player-character their first Pokémon. He has since gone on to appear in subsequent entries in the series as well as spin-off games such as Pokémon Snap and Pokémon Channel. He also has a prominent recurring role in Pokémon: The Series, acting as a guide and starting off the journey for series protagonist Ash Ketchum by giving him a Pikachu.

Since his debut, Professor Oak has received positive reception due to his friendly appearance, with critics declaring him to one of the best characters in the franchise and a series staple. Additionally commentary was made regarding an unused battle the player could have had with him, with critics disappointed upon the discovery the battle was cut.