What was The Pokémon Company's original corporate name?

The Pokémon Company's original corporate name was Pokémon Center Co., Ltd.

Nintendo, Creatures, and Game Freak established Pokémon Center Co., Ltd. in April 1998. Its initial purpose was to operate specialized Pokémon Center merchandise stores in Japan.

After Pokémon Gold and Silver increased international interest and generated more licensing proposals, the organization needed a broader role. In October 2000, it expanded its responsibilities to franchise-wide brand management and adopted the name The Pokémon Company.

The company now handles areas including licensing, marketing, publishing, production, and brand management. Pokémon Company International manages much of the franchise's business outside Asia, while the Japanese parent company remains based in Tokyo.