Satoshi Tajiri created the original Pokémon concept that became the franchise celebrating its 30th anniversary.
Tajiri grew up in Machida, Japan, where he enjoyed exploring nature and collecting insects. That childhood experience influenced the idea of catching creatures and trading them with other players through a cable-connected handheld console.
Before Pokémon, Tajiri published a video-game magazine called Game Freak. The magazine eventually evolved into the development company that created Pokémon with Nintendo's support. Tajiri worked with artist Ken Sugimori to turn the concept into a playable world.
Shigeru Miyamoto advised the project at Nintendo, while Junichi Masuda later became a major programmer, composer, director, and producer. These contributors are important to Pokémon's history, but Tajiri is credited as the franchise's creator.