Which company was founded as Pokémon Center Co. in 1998?

The Pokémon Company was founded as Pokémon Center Co. in 1998.

The organization was established on April 23, 1998, as a joint venture involving Nintendo, Game Freak, and Creatures. Its initial purpose was to manage specialized Pokémon merchandise stores in Japan, including the first Pokémon Center location in Tokyo.

The company did not immediately use its current name or manage every part of the franchise. In October 2000, Pokémon Center Co. expanded its responsibilities and was renamed The Pokémon Company. It then became the central organization overseeing licensing, publishing, marketing, and brand management across games, cards, anime, films, and merchandise.

This history explains why both 1998 and 2000 appear in accounts of the company. 1998 is the founding date of the predecessor organization; 2000 is the year it adopted the name The Pokémon Company and broadened its role. Nintendo, Creatures, and Game Freak remain the company’s owner companies.