On what date did the original Pokémon TV series first premiere in Japan?

The original Pokémon TV series premiered in Japan on April 1, 1997.

The series began on TV Tokyo with the episode “Pokémon— I Choose You!” Its opening story follows Ash Ketchum as he leaves Pallet Town, receives Pikachu from Professor Oak, and begins his journey toward becoming a Pokémon Trainer. The premiere established the core travel-and-battle format used throughout the early anime.

The show became internationally famous, but its first Japanese broadcast is distinct from later overseas premieres. The English-language version debuted in the United States in September 1998, more than a year after the Japanese launch. Different countries then received localized versions on different schedules.

The series’ early run also became associated with the December 1997 broadcast of “Electric Soldier Porygon,” after flashing effects caused reported health problems among viewers. That incident led to production changes and a temporary broadcast hiatus in Japan.