Which company was established in 1998 to manage Pokémon licensing and merchandising?

The Pokémon Company was established in 1998 to manage Pokémon licensing and merchandising.

The organization was formed by Nintendo, Game Freak, and Creatures, the companies closely associated with the games and their broader commercial expansion. Its responsibilities include licensing, brand management, publishing, marketing, and coordinating Pokémon products and media.

The company was originally known as Pokémon Center Co., Ltd. before changing its name to The Pokémon Company in 2000. Its creation helped coordinate a franchise that already extended beyond games into animation, trading cards, toys, books, and other merchandise.

Nintendo is often given sole credit because it published the original games and owns a major stake in the franchise. However, Nintendo, Game Freak, and Creatures jointly established the company. The Pokémon Company International later handled Pokémon business outside Asia.