Pokémon Center Co., Ltd. was founded in 1998 to operate Pokémon Center stores in Japan. It was created through a joint investment by Nintendo, Game Freak, and Creatures.
The first Pokémon Center store opened in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, on July 18, 1998. These specialized stores sold Pokémon games, cards, toys, clothing, and other merchandise, giving the growing franchise dedicated retail spaces.
The company later expanded its responsibilities beyond stores. In October 2000, it adopted the name The Pokémon Company and took on broader brand-management duties, including licensing, publishing, marketing, and coordination across the franchise’s many products.
This history creates a common date mix-up. The Pokémon Company in its current form dates from the 2000 rebranding, while its corporate predecessor was founded in 1998. The question refers specifically to Pokémon Center Co., Ltd., the original store-focused organization.