What was the original name of the company founded in 1998 to operate Pokémon Centers?

The company founded in 1998 to operate Pokémon Centers was called Pokémon Center Co., Ltd.

It was established on April 23, 1998, through a joint investment by Nintendo, Creatures, and Game Freak. Its original purpose was managing specialized Pokémon merchandise stores in Japan.

The first Pokémon Center store opened in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, on July 18, 1998. The company later expanded beyond retail and became responsible for broader brand management, publishing, licensing, marketing, and franchise production.

In October 2000, Pokémon Center Co., Ltd. was renamed The Pokémon Company. This history explains why the current company and the original retail-focused organization are connected but not identical in name or scope.