Which company was founded on April 23, 1998, to manage the Pokémon brand and its licensing?

The Pokémon Company was founded on April 23, 1998, to manage the Pokémon brand and its licensing.

The organization began as Pokémon Center Co., Ltd., created through a joint investment by Nintendo, Game Freak, and Creatures. Its initial role was connected to operating Pokémon Center stores in Japan.

As the franchise expanded, the company took on a much broader responsibility. It coordinated brand management, publishing, marketing, licensing, merchandise, anime-related business, films, and other Pokémon ventures across multiple markets.

In October 2000, Pokémon Center Co., Ltd. expanded its scope and adopted the name The Pokémon Company. This history explains why Nintendo is strongly associated with Pokémon but is not the sole company responsible for every part of the franchise. The Pokémon Company International later handled operations outside Asia.