The Pokémon Company is looking toward a future that could see the beloved franchise flourish for the next 50 to 100 years, according to CEO Tsunekazu Ishihara. Since its debut on the Nintendo Game Boy in 1996, Pokémon has transcended its gaming roots, evolving into a multi-faceted media powerhouse encompassing films, television series, toys, and more. Ishihara attributes the enduring popularity of Pokémon to its commitment to innovation and community, stating that the objective is to "enrich both the real world and the virtual world" through engaging experiences like the mobile app Pokémon GO.
As part of the upcoming Pokémon Day — an annual event for fan announcements and new releases — excitement builds around anticipated titles and developments within the trading card game, which has recently experienced an unexpected surge in popularity. This rise has, however, led to complications with scalpers buying up stock to exploit the collectible market. Ishihara acknowledges the challenges presented by the second-hand market, which can detract from new product sales. He recognizes that “when the second hand market becomes more valuable because of rarity, that is problematic.”
While some fans suggest that introducing more limited-edition items might mitigate the scalper issue, Ishihara maintains that controlling the resale market is beyond the company's reach. He highlights that rarity itself contributes to value, making it difficult to curb the demand for hard-to-find items. When it comes to counterfeits, the company doesn't take things lightly and has actively pursued legal action against companies infringing on their intellectual property, as exemplified by a recent case involving the mobile app Palworld.
Part of what sets Pokémon apart is its ability to attract new fans across generations. Ishihara believes that Pokémon serves as a vital communication tool, bringing people together through shared interests in various media forms. This accessibility was evidenced last weekend during the European leg of the International Championships in London, where thousands of fans gathered to celebrate and compete.
Addressing the company's unique position as a private entity, Ishihara emphasizes that Pokémon is the sole focus of their efforts, allowing for a clear vision and reinvestment strategy without the distractions of shareholder interests. He shares that their slogan holds true: "We'll go bust when Pokémon is no longer popular."
With Ash Ketchum and Pikachu having left the animated series in 2023, fans find themselves pondering the future of these iconic characters. Ishihara noted that Ash's journey continues off-screen, hinting at excitement for the impending 30th-anniversary celebrations in 2024. While speculation abounds regarding remakes of classic games, Ishihara remains committed to the vision of intertwining the real and virtual worlds, stressing that innovation and adaptability will be key to the series' longevity. "If we continue focusing on our mission," he concludes, "Pokémon can probably continue to its 50th or 100th anniversary."
