Which company was formerly known as Pokémon Center Co., Ltd.?

The Pokémon Company was formerly known as Pokémon Center Co., Ltd.

Pokémon Center Co., Ltd. was established in 1998 by Nintendo, Creatures, and Game Freak to operate Pokémon Center merchandise stores in Japan. Its original purpose was narrower than the modern organization’s role.

In October 2000, the company expanded its responsibilities to cover the wider Pokémon franchise and adopted the name The Pokémon Company. It now manages brand licensing, publishing, marketing, merchandise, and many other franchise activities.

This history explains a common mix-up: Pokémon Center Co., Ltd. was the company’s earlier legal name, while Pokémon Centers are also the retail stores themselves. The company’s reorganization was part of Pokémon’s move from a successful game property toward a coordinated global entertainment brand.