(Spoilers for SV DLC ahead)
Pecharunt being at level 88 actually makes sense for many reasons.
In Japan, the number 8 represents good luck. That’s why most of Pecharunt’s stats are 88, and why the Loyal Three learn moves every 8 levels. The second reason is that 88 is the highest level of trainer Pokémon, with Red’s Pikachu in HGSS and Cynthia’s Garchomp in BDSP being level 88. While Pecharunt doesn’t have a Trainer, it’s still a scripted battle and is now tied for being the highest level boss Pokémon with Red and Cynthia. :woah:
The Loyal Three appear to also be connected to the number “8”. This may be because the 8 looks like a set of chains.
There are 8 complete chains worn by the Three: Okidogi has three in his scarf, Munkidori has one in his headband, and Fezandipiti has four in his belt.
The group's shared base HP stat of 88 can be read in Japanese as goroawase for yabai, which can mean several different things like "terrible" and "dangerous", referencing their true nature as vicious thieves.
88 can also be read as goroawase for pachipachi, the sound of clapping. This could reference their misinterpreted role as heroes in their story.
Also, Kitakami is definitely set in Japan.
The Loyal Three, Pecharunt, and Operon appear to reference the Japanese folktale of Momotarō, albeit with the roles of the heroes and the villains reversed. The tale of Momotarō relates the titular Momotarō, a boy born from inside a peach, who traveled alongside a talking dog, monkey, and pheasant to fight a band of oni (a Japanese folkloric creature commonly equated to ogres in translations).
Lets not forget the fact Kitakami is a real city to.