The Pokémon Company opened the first real-world Pokémon Center in Tokyo.
The original store opened in Tokyo in 1998, giving fans a physical retail destination modeled on the healing facilities seen in the Pokémon games. It sold Pokémon merchandise such as plush toys, figures, clothing, bags, and other collectibles.
The first location was associated with Nihonbashi, a central Tokyo district. The original store later closed and the Pokémon Center brand continued through new locations and relocations.
This retail chain should not be confused with the fictional Pokémon Centers where trainers heal their teams. Real Pokémon Centers are merchandise stores, while the in-game buildings provide services such as healing, storage management, and other trainer support.