Which Pokémon anime episode was linked to the 1997 seizure incident in Japan?

“Dennō Senshi Porygon” was the Pokémon anime episode linked to the 1997 seizure incident in Japan.

The episode aired on December 16, 1997. A rapidly alternating red-and-blue flashing sequence during an explosion caused some viewers to experience photosensitive seizures and other symptoms, leading to emergency medical treatment for hundreds of children.

Japanese broadcasters suspended the anime after the incident, and the series went off the air for several months while production and broadcast practices were reviewed. The episode was never rebroadcast and has not been officially released in the same way as ordinary episodes.

Although the episode is commonly associated with Porygon because of its title, the flashing sequence involved Pikachu’s attack. Porygon was subsequently used far less in the anime, creating a long-running misconception about which character caused the visual effect.