In a recent interview, Tsunekazu Ishihara, the CEO of The Pokémon Company, expressed confidence that the beloved franchise can thrive for another 50 to 100 years. Since its debut on Nintendo's Game Boy in 1996, Pokémon has burgeoned into one of the world's most lucrative media properties, expanding into films, television series, and merchandise. As the demand for Pokémon trading cards continues to soar, the community faces challenges, including scalping and counterfeit products.
Ishihara, who has led the company since 1998, shared insights ahead of Pokémon Day, an annual event that unveils exciting updates and developments. While remaining coy on specifics, he underscored the company's mission to "enrich both the real world and the virtual world," highlighting the success of the Pokémon GO app, which integrates augmented reality with gameplay.
The recent resurgence of Pokémon cards has attracted the attention of scalpers, particularly after high-profile purchases like YouTuber Logan Paul's acquisition of a $5.3 million Pokémon card. When addressing this issue, Ishihara lamented that the thriving resale market complicates the sales of new Pokémon products. Despite fan suggestions to produce more limited items, he firmly stated, "It is not our place to say they are not valuable,” acknowledging the unique value collectors place on rarity.
In combating counterfeit merchandise, The Pokémon Company has been assertive in legal actions against counterfeiters, recently winning a case against a copycat mobile app and taking legal action against the developers of Palworld, a game perceived as a Pokémon imitator.
Ishihara emphasized Pokémon's appeal, attributing its success to serving as a universal "tool of communication" across generations. Events like the recent International Championships in London illustrate this, attracting thousands of fans who cherish the opportunity to connect through their shared love for Pokémon.
With The Pokémon Company being privately held, Ishihara noted that this structure allows for undivided focus on Pokémon. "Whatever profit we make gets reinvested in Pokémon," he asserted. He jokingly remarked that their only “get out of jail free” card is if the franchise's popularity wanes.
As the franchise gears up to celebrate its 30th anniversary next year, speculation looms over potential remakes of classic games. Ishihara, while withholding details, reiterated the pursuit of a connection between the real and virtual worlds. “If we continue focusing on our mission, Pokémon can probably continue to its 50th or 100th anniversary,” he said. However, he cautioned that complacency could jeopardize its future success.
Ishihara, who has led the company since 1998, shared insights ahead of Pokémon Day, an annual event that unveils exciting updates and developments. While remaining coy on specifics, he underscored the company's mission to "enrich both the real world and the virtual world," highlighting the success of the Pokémon GO app, which integrates augmented reality with gameplay.
The recent resurgence of Pokémon cards has attracted the attention of scalpers, particularly after high-profile purchases like YouTuber Logan Paul's acquisition of a $5.3 million Pokémon card. When addressing this issue, Ishihara lamented that the thriving resale market complicates the sales of new Pokémon products. Despite fan suggestions to produce more limited items, he firmly stated, "It is not our place to say they are not valuable,” acknowledging the unique value collectors place on rarity.
In combating counterfeit merchandise, The Pokémon Company has been assertive in legal actions against counterfeiters, recently winning a case against a copycat mobile app and taking legal action against the developers of Palworld, a game perceived as a Pokémon imitator.
Ishihara emphasized Pokémon's appeal, attributing its success to serving as a universal "tool of communication" across generations. Events like the recent International Championships in London illustrate this, attracting thousands of fans who cherish the opportunity to connect through their shared love for Pokémon.
With The Pokémon Company being privately held, Ishihara noted that this structure allows for undivided focus on Pokémon. "Whatever profit we make gets reinvested in Pokémon," he asserted. He jokingly remarked that their only “get out of jail free” card is if the franchise's popularity wanes.
As the franchise gears up to celebrate its 30th anniversary next year, speculation looms over potential remakes of classic games. Ishihara, while withholding details, reiterated the pursuit of a connection between the real and virtual worlds. “If we continue focusing on our mission, Pokémon can probably continue to its 50th or 100th anniversary,” he said. However, he cautioned that complacency could jeopardize its future success.
