# Remembering Keiji Kinebuchi **URL:** \ **Category:** Articles\ **Tags:** kinebuchi\ **Created:** [February 14, 2026, 3:36am UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/remembering-keiji-kinebuchi/60655 "2026-02-14T03:36:29Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![rtas](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/rtas/32/257427_2.png) [@rtas](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/rtas)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 3:36am UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/remembering-keiji-kinebuchi/60655/1 "2026-02-14T03:36:29Z")
Hope everyone is enjoying Valentines day. Today, also happens to be the birthday of one of the first illustrators to work for Creatures Inc. on the TCG back in 1995. If not for his untimely death in 2002, this year Mr. Kinebuchi would have been 70 years old.. only a couple of weeks before the franchise turns 30. ![image](https://efour.b-cdn.net/uploads/default/original/3X/8/d/8d7db76b03fb850d30ffb17f8c638c77f5eac235.jpeg) * * * Not much is known about the man outside of what is shared in official books/magazines or mentioned by fellow artists: - Birthplace: Tokyo - Birthday: 2/14/1956 - Hobbies include: radio controlled airplanes and music - Favorite Pokemon: Jigglypuff & Lapras - Software used: _Lightwave 3D_ for modeling and _Photoshop_ for lettering/touch up - Favorite card illustrated: Mysterious Fossil ![image](https://efour.b-cdn.net/uploads/default/original/3X/d/8/d84f02bd91565d82454d60422e502b082fd800ac.jpeg) - Relationship with Arita: Mr. Kinebuchi met Mr. Artia on a computer bulletin board (similar to a forum). Kinebuchi connected Arita with Mr. Ishihara late 1995 when development of the TCG project was underway. According to Mr. Arita, Kinebuchi praised his 2D and 3D drawing skills and recommended him as an illustrator since it was not yet decided which direction the illustrations would be. Mr. Artia would later claim that the energy symbols were designed by him but the energy cards themselves were designed by Mr. Kinebuchi afterwards. ![image](https://efour.b-cdn.net/uploads/default/original/3X/d/b/db45b4f97416355bfa28961441c324535658f6db.jpeg) > “Playing the trumpet on my days off is the best way to relax.” ![image](https://efour.b-cdn.net/uploads/default/original/3X/5/d/5dcf0882b8c91b8e07c5ad3e124b53eabd009b43.jpeg) > “I try to love the pictures I draw, so that other people will love them too.” - Self portrait? - Bonus: His cat’s name is _Kunya_, and she was named by Kagemaru Himeno. * * * Closing words: Although his illustrations are typically not fan favorites, many of the supporters by Kinebuchi from base through gym sets are super nostalgic, at least for me! The simple and charming CGI models of clefairy doll, switch, or potion, just to name a few, will forever be classics. Although he is often forgotten, we remember Mr. Kinebuchi and thank him for his instrumental work on the TCG that we continue to love everyday here. Let me know which cards of his you enjoy. ---
**Author:** ![kamex](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/kamex/32/233970_2.png) [@kamex](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/kamex)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 3:46am UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/remembering-keiji-kinebuchi/60655/2 "2026-02-14T03:46:44Z")
![image](https://efour.b-cdn.net/uploads/default/original/3X/f/8/f8578f8005de3cd7f116057c66b44d96205cdcc6.jpeg) OG Base Set Magneton is a favorite of mine - the 3D rendering works really well for it and is very fitting! ---
**Author:** ![anon32656620](https://efour-storage.b-cdn.net/avatars/avatar-default.png) [@anon32656620](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/anon32656620)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 3:55am UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/remembering-keiji-kinebuchi/60655/3 "2026-02-14T03:55:19Z")
Leafy pikachu and jiggly promos were great. His pika was one of the first collected. ---
**Author:** ![thsigma](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/thsigma/32/2419_2.png) [@thsigma](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/thsigma)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 4:14am UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/remembering-keiji-kinebuchi/60655/5 "2026-02-14T04:14:06Z")
🫡 ![IMG_1982](https://efour.b-cdn.net/uploads/default/original/3X/7/c/7c0bf5856325a6d4df31b974bedb6bf2a40f143c.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![stagger12](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/stagger12/32/290368_2.png) [@stagger12](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/stagger12)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 4:27am UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/remembering-keiji-kinebuchi/60655/6 "2026-02-14T04:27:44Z")
![1600-2](https://efour.b-cdn.net/uploads/default/original/3X/1/3/13735fe4272f14f5bf788ab3a4fd6107de4d6683.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![CardboardP](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/cardboardp/32/197877_2.png) [@CardboardP](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/CardboardP)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 4:56am UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/remembering-keiji-kinebuchi/60655/7 "2026-02-14T04:56:21Z")
![IMG_2780](https://efour.b-cdn.net/uploads/default/original/3X/a/a/aa98267d04584b080ad5466216d9d51866bfc240.jpeg) Rest in peace to a legend ---
**Author:** ![SolemnStar](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/solemnstar/32/289983_2.png) [@SolemnStar](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/SolemnStar)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 5:57am UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/remembering-keiji-kinebuchi/60655/8 "2026-02-14T05:57:39Z")
![image](https://efour.b-cdn.net/uploads/default/original/3X/c/8/c877be17aca3c3b637d8647a3f2b764b82b593f5.jpeg) Thank you for the history. Not much to choose from, though much of his work is iconic. I remember thinking this was really cool as a kid. I think this card also looks cool as an adult. ---
**Author:** ![anthony\_CCG](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/anthony_ccg/32/282431_2.png) [@anthony\_CCG](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/anthony_CCG)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 7:40am UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/remembering-keiji-kinebuchi/60655/9 "2026-02-14T07:40:24Z")
Happy 70th birthday and rest in peace Mr Kinebuchi. Mr Kinebuchi’s passing and original cards predate me, but I was able to experience his work through XY evolutions. I remember always being intrigued by the sharp contrast between Mr. Sugimori’s water color style and Mr. Kinebuchi’s 3d creations. Later on I discovered older cards of his. My personal favorite is this grimer. Thanks again @rtas for the history. ![image](https://efour.b-cdn.net/uploads/default/original/3X/8/d/8d35a4e0715f76194691b719b9edd8344f3f4a6a.jpeg) I hope that Pokemon will continue honoring his legacy through reprints of his work so that new collectors and future generations can appreciate Mr. Kinebuchi’s work ---
**Author:** ![BUEFFES](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/bueffes/32/158647_2.png) [@BUEFFES](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/BUEFFES)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 8:28am UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/remembering-keiji-kinebuchi/60655/10 "2026-02-14T08:28:05Z")
His work was amazing and especially at the time his art style was very unique and future-esque. Great memories looking through old binders and seeing his work. Just looking at the card was enough to recognize that it was his work. Definitely deeply missed. I wish he was still around and I’d love to know what Pokémon he would have illustrated nowadays. 😭 ---
**Author:** ![c0ll3ct0r](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/c0ll3ct0r/32/26306_2.png) [@c0ll3ct0r](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/c0ll3ct0r)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 10:49am UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/remembering-keiji-kinebuchi/60655/11 "2026-02-14T10:49:02Z")
I spy an early 80’s Alembic Distillate guitar to the left of Mr Kinebuchi. It really is a small world. ![image](https://efour.b-cdn.net/uploads/default/original/3X/d/9/d956315fbc3e3c11c3c604a61585271686a65886.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![brendantheclayboy](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/brendantheclayboy/32/227237_2.png) [@brendantheclayboy](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/brendantheclayboy)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 10:51am UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/remembering-keiji-kinebuchi/60655/12 "2026-02-14T10:51:03Z")
He’s the greatest of all. I love seeing a good new thread every once in a while praising the don. My all time favorite illustrator and massive inspiration to me. > [@anthony\_CCG](#): > > My personal favorite is this grimer This is actually my favorite of his as well and I might go on to say the greatest pokemon card of all time. That and Imakuni’s porygon of course. This grimer is profound. It goes to show he got better and better and better than suddenly left this world at his artistic peak. I can only imagine how phenomenal and masterful his future works would have been had he not passed. ---
**Author:** ![decoypalmette](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/decoypalmette/32/254336_2.png) [@decoypalmette](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/decoypalmette)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 10:59am UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/remembering-keiji-kinebuchi/60655/13 "2026-02-14T10:59:37Z")
This old style CGI is super nostalgic to me, I’ve always thought it worked so well with Pokemon, giving it an ethereal look that perfectly complement the mysterious nature of these creatures. But even not considering that, I genuinely think Mr. Kinebuchi was indeed a great artist. One of my favorite is this Oddish: I love when he added the background on its works. It’s a great angle to showcase Oddish roaming during the night. Incredibly charming. ![IMG_2732](https://efour.b-cdn.net/uploads/default/original/3X/b/6/b6f3d8506a52ded9a0de2a019a4c8d2c07cb9f9f.jpeg) He was also capable of being extremely expressive, not a easy task when considering the limitations of CGI, especially back in the days. It’s unfortunate that he’s associated mostly with trainer cards which aren’t usually loved by fans, cause it’s undeniable how he greatly influenced the TCG aesthetic. I love these! ![IMG_2731](https://efour.b-cdn.net/uploads/default/original/3X/1/7/1774315d79cba393ad23957b163afa874ef8fe71.jpeg) ![IMG_2733](https://efour.b-cdn.net/uploads/default/original/3X/7/a/7a6dc9c53515b6b28f68be83341991bf8c0a63c6.jpeg) ![IMG_2734](https://efour.b-cdn.net/uploads/default/original/3X/8/4/8479aec0212aa81862f76ff0c4b20d4657f5f72f.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![mika](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/mika/32/145142_2.png) [@mika](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/mika)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 11:01am UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/remembering-keiji-kinebuchi/60655/14 "2026-02-14T11:01:46Z")
Iconic card 🥰 ![image](https://efour.b-cdn.net/uploads/default/original/3X/3/0/30f906d9df3f36e9dd44e6f50e9a666cde147936.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![pikachutcg](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/pikachutcg/32/253974_2.png) [@pikachutcg](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/pikachutcg)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 1:51pm UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/remembering-keiji-kinebuchi/60655/15 "2026-02-14T13:51:29Z")
Here is a classic, iconic card from Keiji that I adore :pikasmile: ![20260214_133911(1)](https://efour.b-cdn.net/uploads/default/original/3X/4/d/4db61b98a70c1551162296849090475ca1bf2a75.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![bigtechbill](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/bigtechbill/32/233865_2.png) [@bigtechbill](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/bigtechbill)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 2:02pm UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/remembering-keiji-kinebuchi/60655/16 "2026-02-14T14:02:18Z")
The 3D artwork he was responsible for is one of the key things that pulled me into Pokemon and made it feel real and tangible to me as a child. Its hard to explain how mystical energy cards looked to me as a kid! ![image](https://efour.b-cdn.net/uploads/default/original/3X/7/e/7eb81ff152801ea1b1a165e705c36b46488b0424.jpeg) ![image](https://efour.b-cdn.net/uploads/default/original/3X/1/b/1bcf76c206ac291309dbe9d60d8384145836f655.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Gstiess](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/gstiess/32/57263_2.png) [@Gstiess](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/Gstiess)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 2:08pm UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/remembering-keiji-kinebuchi/60655/17 "2026-02-14T14:08:55Z")
That might be my favorite thread of the year so far. Shows just how special E4 is. Love this great tribute to one of the original artists that passed away way too early. Base Set Diglett will always be one of the most nostalgic cards ever to me. ![DiglettBaseSet47](https://efour.b-cdn.net/uploads/default/original/3X/0/6/06521131198b4ebbd7ba1882f95fa6d759fda2d4.jpeg) The Porygon2 from Neo 3 is my favorite card that was illustrated by him. ![12](https://efour.b-cdn.net/uploads/default/original/3X/e/c/ecab973a3c0066c46f6dc1c01648224e8be5c630.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![azulryu](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/azulryu/32/54539_2.png) [@azulryu](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/azulryu)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 3:03pm UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/remembering-keiji-kinebuchi/60655/18 "2026-02-14T15:03:33Z")
The only artist that can stand in his 3D shadow is Ueda in my opinion. Somehow gave a ton of charm despite the simplistic design in a lot of his work. These are some favorites with Porgyon being one of my favorites as a child - I imagined you receiving Porygon in a box when you won him from the game. ![575775_in_800x800](https://efour.b-cdn.net/uploads/default/original/3X/7/d/7d9420626108597b5e741a539e411c92a9416a28.jpeg) ![617231_in_800x800](https://efour.b-cdn.net/uploads/default/original/3X/f/8/f8887dae2503c33879f7f8ad63d5aaa89cfaff3b.jpeg) ![614823_in_800x800](https://efour.b-cdn.net/uploads/default/original/3X/b/6/b60783e6c5798238762d3efe1da44c753c27971d.jpeg) ![591918_in_800x800](https://efour.b-cdn.net/uploads/default/original/3X/a/1/a1188bee870d4380a38fed3983380272fb463f02.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![joponnes](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/joponnes/32/267759_2.png) [@joponnes](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/joponnes)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 3:25pm UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/remembering-keiji-kinebuchi/60655/19 "2026-02-14T15:25:27Z")
It wasn’t love at first sight but after it grew on me this has been my favourite grimer artwork and part of the unbeatable aquapolis/town on on map slime duo. Glad to see it has already gotten recognition in this thread, Brendan has been a legend for years for loving this card so much ![s-l1600 (8)](https://efour.b-cdn.net/uploads/default/original/3X/d/0/d07bb75bdc581bc783e15685ee44ebe198f932b3.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![SolemnStar](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/solemnstar/32/289983_2.png) [@SolemnStar](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/SolemnStar)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 4:38pm UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/remembering-keiji-kinebuchi/60655/20 "2026-02-14T16:38:32Z")
legit one of my favorite cards. Its so funny. He is relatable. ---
**Author:** ![dromanyte](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/dromanyte/32/155987_2.png) [@dromanyte](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/dromanyte)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2026, 5:32am UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/remembering-keiji-kinebuchi/60655/21 "2026-02-15T05:32:20Z")
> [@rtas](#): > > Closing words: > Although his illustrations are typically not fan favorites, many of the supporters by Kinebuchi from base through gym sets are super nostalgic, at least for me! The simple and charming CGI models of clefairy doll, switch, or potion, just to name a few, will forever be classics. Although he is often forgotten, we remember Mr. Kinebuchi and thank him for his instrumental work on the TCG that we continue to love everyday here. Let me know which cards of his you enjoy. Also have to add that Kinebuchi was in charge of illustrating the Unnumbered Promos Pikachu & Jigglypuff. These 2 cards were the very first Pokémon cards in being released (even before Expansion Pack). So, these 2 cards started everything … ![3 - Ivy Pika Non-glossy Keiji Kinebuchi](https://efour.b-cdn.net/uploads/default/original/3X/7/5/754997e2cbf0a603b849610fe016f0cf6d1cc75d.png) ![2 - Jigglypuff Glossy](https://efour.b-cdn.net/uploads/default/original/3X/9/6/9609b347bd2dcb27adf06270d950c670d61e2197.png) Kinebuchi also contributed in other aspects for Pokémon. For example, he wrote (along Yachiyo Numazaki) and also illustrated a book: “Magnemite’s Mission” from Pokémon Tales series. This is one of the few books in being translated to English. Story goes like this: _After receiving an impact of a bolt, Jigglypuff searched Magnemite. Both go to space to rescue an injured friends. However, he warns them about something that is going to happen. They have to work together to save the day_ ![image](https://efour.b-cdn.net/uploads/default/original/3X/e/6/e6c590418d4d3c74197762c2757b2c97803a6971.jpeg) ![image](https://efour.b-cdn.net/uploads/default/original/3X/1/4/146a2cea32c015ef3555d12df791dacc35ae1a17.jpeg) ![image](https://efour.b-cdn.net/uploads/default/original/3X/7/7/7792352d2bfc280ea76c6ae3fe96b1059fd01bed.jpeg) ![image](https://efour.b-cdn.net/uploads/default/original/3X/1/5/1540ace37c5b121ed67e916ce0bae20ad9f86bc0.jpeg) Several TCG illustrators worked on these child books and Kinebuchi was not the exception. Kinebuchi’s style was simple, but with a lot of soul … Pokémon should reuse his artworks for modern cards & products … [Next page](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/remembering-keiji-kinebuchi/60655.md?page=2)