About us
Pokémon is a popular media franchise that originated as a 1996 video game for the Nintendo Game Boy, where players act as “Pokémon Trainers”. The core concept involves catching, training, and battling creatures called Pokémon to become a “Pokémon master”. The franchise has since expanded into an anime, trading card game, movies, and merchandise, all built around themes of collection, training, friendship, and competition.
This video explains the basics of the Pokemon franchise:
- Video games: The series began with Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green in Japan and Red and Blue in the United States. Players explore a world filled with Pokémon, capture them with Poké Balls, and train them to battle other trainers.
- Anime: The anime series debuted in Japan in 1997 and follows Ash Ketchum (originally Satoshi) and his partner Pikachu on their journey to become Pokémon masters. The show has become one of the most successful animated series in history.
- Trading card game: The collectible trading card game involves players building a 60-card deck and battling with their Pokémon, with the goal of knocking out all of the opponent’s Pokémon to win.
Other media: Pokémon has been adapted into a wide variety of other media, including movies, mobile apps like Pokémon GO, and a vast amount of merchandise. - Core themes: A central theme of Pokémon is the friendship between trainers and their Pokémon, who become partners in adventure and battle. The franchise is also about exploration, discovery, and personal growth.
While Pokémon is a global phenomenon, it also focuses on being locally oriented, working with local communities in various countries and regions to hold events, collaborate with multiple brands and corporations, and serve as a bridge between cultures.
With a commitment to “Think Globally, Act Locally,” Pokémon continues to strive to become a vital part of each region’s local culture and provide entertainment and services to even more people in all parts of the world.
As an Anime and Media Presence
Not only has the Pokémon TV anime series been airing in Japan since 1997, but it has also since been aired in over 190 countries and regions, with over 1,000 episodes to date. There have also been multiple animated films, live-action films, and web series, providing enjoyment for fans, both new and old, all over the world.