What was the original name of the company that became The Pokémon Company?

The company that became The Pokémon Company was originally called Pokémon Center Co., Ltd.

Nintendo, Creatures, and Game Freak founded Pokémon Center Co., Ltd. on April 23, 1998. Its initial purpose was to manage Pokémon Center specialty stores in Japan, rather than to oversee every part of the franchise.

The organization later expanded its responsibilities beyond retail. In October 2000, it was renamed The Pokémon Company and became responsible for broader brand management, licensing, publishing, marketing, and other franchise operations. This distinction explains why some histories describe the company as founded in 1998, while others refer to The Pokémon Company beginning in 2000.

Pokémon USA, Inc. was a separate overseas affiliate established in 2001. The Pokémon Company International was later created to manage operations outside Asia. The three original Japanese corporate owners remain Nintendo, Creatures, and Game Freak.