When it was first established in 1998, what was The Pokémon Company's original name?

When first established in 1998, The Pokémon Company was originally named Pokémon Center Co., Ltd.

The company began as an organization focused on operating Pokémon Center stores in Japan. Its role later expanded as the franchise grew across video games, animation, cards, licensing, merchandise and international markets.

In 2000, Pokémon Center Co., Ltd. was restructured and renamed The Pokémon Company. Nintendo, Creatures and Game Freak are the joint owners associated with the franchise’s management and business operations.

This history explains why Pokémon Center and The Pokémon Company are related but not interchangeable names. Pokémon Center is still used for official retail stores and merchandise, while The Pokémon Company manages the broader brand. The international subsidiary, The Pokémon Company International, was established later to oversee regions outside Asia.