Which three companies established Pokémon Center Co., Ltd., the predecessor of The Pokémon Company?

Nintendo, Creatures, and Game Freak established Pokémon Center Co., Ltd., the predecessor of The Pokémon Company.

The joint venture was founded on April 23, 1998, to manage specialized Pokémon Center merchandise stores in Japan. Its formation reflected the franchise’s rapid expansion beyond video games into cards, animation, films, licensing, and physical products.

The company initially focused on Pokémon Center retail operations. In October 2000, it broadened its responsibilities and adopted the name The Pokémon Company, becoming the organization responsible for brand management, licensing, marketing, and other franchise-wide activities.

The three companies are often described by their different roles. Nintendo published the original games, Game Freak developed them, and Creatures became a major Pokémon partner involved in production and the trading card game. Together, they form the core ownership and management structure behind the franchise.