What company began on April 23, 1998 as Pokémon Center Co., Ltd.?

The Pokémon Company began on April 23, 1998 as Pokémon Center Co., Ltd. It was established by Nintendo, Creatures and Game Freak to manage Pokémon Center stores in Japan.

The company’s original role was narrower than its modern one. It focused on specialized Pokémon merchandise stores, including the first Pokémon Center location in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, which opened in July 1998.

After Pokémon Gold and Silver became successful, the franchise received a growing number of worldwide merchandising proposals. The organization expanded its purpose beyond retail and was renamed The Pokémon Company in October 2000.

The Pokémon Company now handles brand management, licensing, publishing, marketing and production across many Pokémon businesses. A common mix-up is treating 1998 and 2000 as the same milestone: 1998 marks the predecessor’s founding, while 2000 marks the current name and expanded role.