What was The Pokémon Company called before it adopted its current name in 2000?

Before adopting its current name in 2000, The Pokémon Company was called Pokémon Center Co., Ltd.

Pokémon Center Co., Ltd. was founded in April 1998 as a joint venture involving Nintendo, Creatures, and Game Freak. Its original purpose was to manage specialized Pokémon merchandise stores in Japan, beginning with Pokémon Center retail locations.

The first Pokémon Center store opened in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, on July 18, 1998. These stores sold toys, games, clothing, stationery, and other products tied to the rapidly expanding franchise.

In October 2000, the company broadened its role beyond retail operations and changed its name to The Pokémon Company. The reorganization reflected Pokémon’s growth across video games, cards, animation, licensing, and merchandise. The earlier name is therefore associated mainly with the franchise’s first dedicated store-management company.