Who published the original Pokémon Trading Card Game in Japan?

Media Factory published the original Pokémon Trading Card Game in Japan.

The Pokémon TCG was first published in Japan in October 1996, shortly after the launch of the original Game Boy games. Media Factory handled the Japanese release, while the cards were designed around the Pokémon franchise's creatures, moves, types, and battle concepts.

The game later reached the United States in 1998 through Wizards of the Coast, the company known for publishing Magic: The Gathering. That international publishing history often causes people to identify Wizards of the Coast as the original publisher, but its role began with the English-language release rather than the Japanese debut.

The Pokémon TCG uses 60-card decks containing Pokémon, Energy, and Trainer cards. Players attach Energy to power attacks and take Prize cards as they defeat opposing Pokémon. The Pokémon Company eventually assumed worldwide publishing responsibility, but Media Factory remains the answer for the original Japanese publication.