Which Pokémon anime episode was withdrawn after a televised flashing-light incident in Japan?

“Electric Soldier Porygon” was the Pokémon anime episode withdrawn after a televised flashing-light incident in Japan.

The episode aired on December 16, 1997, and included rapid red-and-blue flashing effects during an explosion sequence. Hundreds of viewers reported symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, nausea, and seizures, and the broadcast prompted emergency medical responses in Japan.

The incident became known as the Pokémon shock and led TV Tokyo to suspend the anime temporarily. “Electric Soldier Porygon” was never rebroadcast in Japan and was not included in later television reruns or home-video releases there.

Although Porygon appears in the title and episode, the flashing sequence involved Pikachu’s electrical attack. This is why people sometimes incorrectly call it the “Pikachu episode.” The event also encouraged Japanese broadcasters to adopt stronger precautions for flashing imagery in animated programming.