What was the original name of the company founded to manage Pokémon Center stores?

The company founded to manage Pokémon Center stores was Pokémon Center Co., Ltd.

Nintendo, Creatures, and Game Freak established Pokémon Center Co., Ltd. on April 23, 1998. Its initial purpose was to manage specialized Pokémon merchandise stores in Japan, beginning with the first Pokémon Center location in Nihonbashi, Tokyo.

The organization later expanded beyond store operations. In October 2000, it was reorganized and renamed The Pokémon Company, taking responsibility for broader franchise management, including licensing, marketing, publishing, and coordination across Pokémon products.

This history explains why The Pokémon Company is often dated to 2000 even though its predecessor was founded in 1998. The company’s ownership structure still reflects the franchise’s three core corporate partners: Nintendo, Creatures, and Game Freak.