What is the original Japanese title of the Pokémon franchise?

The original Japanese title of the Pokémon franchise is Pocket Monsters.

In Japan, the franchise is known as Pocket Monsters, written in Japanese as ポケットモンスター and romanized as Poketto Monsutā. The shorter international name Pokémon is an abbreviated form of that title.

The abbreviation became useful because “Pocket Monsters” was already associated with another entertainment property in some markets. The accented é in Pokémon was added internationally to guide pronunciation and distinguish the brand visually.

The original name remains visible in several parts of the franchise, including the Japanese title of the television anime and the names of the first Japanese games. The franchise began with Pocket Monsters Red and Green in Japan in 1996 before expanding into games, animation, cards, films, and merchandise worldwide.