What was the original Japanese name of the company now called The Pokémon Company?

The company now called The Pokémon Company was originally named Pokémon Center Co., Ltd.

Pokémon Center Co., Ltd. was founded in April 1998 by Nintendo, Creatures, and Game Freak. Its initial purpose was to operate Pokémon Center stores in Japan, which sold franchise merchandise and created dedicated retail destinations for fans.

The business expanded after the success of Pokémon Gold and Silver and the growing volume of worldwide licensing proposals. In October 2000, it broadened its responsibilities beyond stores and adopted the name The Pokémon Company. Its role became centralized management of the Pokémon brand across games, cards, animation, films, licensing, and merchandise.

Pokémon Center Co., Ltd. is easy to confuse with the modern Pokémon Center retail brand. The earlier company was the corporate predecessor of The Pokémon Company, while the current Pokémon Center stores are one part of the broader franchise business. The three founding companies remain central owners of the franchise.