What was the title of the Pokémon anime episode linked to the 1997 flashing-light incident in Japan?

The Pokémon anime episode linked to the 1997 flashing-light incident was titled “Dennō Senshi Porygon.”

The episode aired in Japan on December 16, 1997. During a scene involving an attack, rapid red and blue flashing effects were broadcast. Some viewers reported symptoms including seizures, dizziness, headaches, and nausea, and hundreds of people were taken to hospitals for evaluation.

The incident led to the temporary suspension of the Pokémon anime in Japan and prompted changes to television production and broadcast guidelines. The series later returned after a hiatus, but the episode was never rebroadcast and was not included in regular international releases.

Despite the episode’s title, Porygon itself was not responsible for creating the flashing effect. The scene used alternating colored flashes, and later Pokémon productions adopted stricter visual standards. The event is one of the most widely discussed moments in anime broadcasting history.