What company was founded on April 23, 1998, to operate Pokémon Center stores in Japan?

Pokémon Center Co., Ltd. was founded on April 23, 1998, to operate Pokémon Center stores in Japan.

The company was created as a joint venture involving Nintendo, Game Freak, and Creatures. Its original purpose was narrower than the global brand-management role associated with The Pokémon Company today: it operated specialized Pokémon merchandise stores.

The first Pokémon Center store opened in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, on July 18, 1998. These stores sold games, cards, toys, clothing, and other products centered on the franchise.

In October 2000, Pokémon Center Co., Ltd. expanded its mission and was renamed The Pokémon Company. This history explains why sources may list 1998 as the company’s founding year while describing 2000 as the start of The Pokémon Company under its current name.