What is the current name of the company founded in 1998 as Pokémon Center Co., Ltd.?

The company founded in 1998 as Pokémon Center Co., Ltd. is now called The Pokémon Company.

Pokémon Center Co., Ltd. was established in April 1998 through a joint investment by Nintendo, Creatures, and Game Freak. Its original purpose was to manage specialized Pokémon Center merchandise stores in Japan, beginning with the first location in Nihonbashi, Tokyo.

The organization expanded its responsibilities as the franchise grew. In October 2000, it adopted the name The Pokémon Company and took on broader duties involving brand management, licensing, marketing, publishing, and production across Pokémon media and merchandise.

The company is distinct from Nintendo, Game Freak, and Creatures, although those three companies are its owners. It also differs from The Pokémon Company International, which manages much of the franchise's business outside Asia. This corporate history explains why different Pokémon products can share one coordinated brand.