Which Pokémon anime episode was withdrawn after causing televised seizure incidents in Japan?

“Electric Soldier Porygon” was the Pokémon anime episode withdrawn after televised seizure incidents in Japan.

The episode aired on December 16, 1997, and included a sequence with rapidly alternating red and blue flashes. Some viewers experienced photosensitive seizures or other symptoms while watching the broadcast, leading to emergency treatment for many people and widespread public concern.

The episode was removed from television circulation and has not received a regular rebroadcast. The incident also led to changes in Japanese animation production and broadcast review practices, including greater attention to flashing imagery.

The episode is often incorrectly described as a Porygon attack or as an incident caused by the Pokémon itself. The notable trigger was the visual presentation of the scene, particularly its intense flashing effects. Porygon’s name became associated with the event because the Pokémon appears prominently in the episode, even though later media coverage often focused on Pikachu’s attack sequence.