What was the name of the first Pokémon Center store?

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The first Pokémon Center store was Pokémon Center Tokyo.

The store opened in Tokyo in April 1998 as the first physical retail location dedicated to Pokémon merchandise. It was named after the healing facilities in the Pokémon games and anime, but its real-world purpose was selling products such as plush toys, clothing, figures, stationery, and accessories.

The store’s creation marked an important step in Pokémon’s move from a video-game brand to a fully developed consumer franchise. Pokémon Center locations became destinations for fans and venues for promotions, product launches, and special events.

The name can be confused with the fictional Pokémon Centers where Trainers heal their teams. It can also be confused with later stores, including Pokémon Center Osaka and the former Pokémon Center New York, which opened after the original Tokyo location.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Sept. 2026

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