Which Pokémon anime episode triggered the 1997 broadcast incident?

The Pokémon anime episode that triggered the 1997 broadcast incident was “Dennō Senshi Porygon,” also known in English as “Electric Soldier Porygon.” It aired in Japan on December 16, 1997.

The episode included rapidly alternating red and blue flashing effects during an explosion scene. Reports stated that some viewers experienced symptoms such as seizures, dizziness, nausea, and loss of consciousness after watching the broadcast.

The incident led to the temporary suspension of the Pokémon anime in Japan and prompted investigations and changes in television production practices. The episode was not rebroadcast in its original form and was not included in the regular international broadcast rotation.

Porygon is often blamed in casual descriptions because it appears in the episode, but the reported problem concerned the flashing visual sequence rather than the Pokémon itself. The episode title is therefore the precise answer, while “Electric Soldier Porygon” is its English translation.