Who created the Pokémon franchise?

Satoshi Tajiri created the Pokémon franchise.

Tajiri grew up collecting insects around Machida, Japan, and later imagined a video game that would let players capture and exchange creatures. The Game Boy’s link cable helped shape the idea, because it allowed two players to connect their systems and trade Pokémon.

Tajiri founded Game Freak with illustrator Ken Sugimori. He directed the development of the original Pokémon games, while Sugimori handled much of the artwork and character design. Nintendo producer Shigeru Miyamoto also advised the project during development.

A common mix-up is crediting Sugimori as the sole creator because his artwork is closely associated with Pokémon. Sugimori was crucial to the visual identity, but Tajiri originated the franchise concept and led the game’s creation. Tajiri’s childhood interest in collecting is one reason Pokémon combines exploration, cataloguing, competition, and exchange.