Business Daily Business Daily meets: Pokémon Company president Tsunekazu Ishihara
Feb 27, 2025
Tsunekazu Ishihara, the President of the Pokémon Company, shares insights on the franchise's nearly 30-year journey from a Game Boy game to a billion-dollar global phenomenon. He addresses the unique challenges of counterfeits and brand protection, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in this vast market. Ishihara also reflects on the cultural impact of 'Pokemania,' the decision to keep the company private, and the innovative strategies that drove Pokémon's evolution, especially with successful ventures like Pokémon Go.
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Pokémon's Unexpected Success
- Pokémon's unexpected global popularity surprised its creators.
- Initially called "Capsule Monsters," the game's trading aspect fueled its success.
Social Element of Pokémon
- Pokémon's trading aspect, allowing players to connect and communicate, is key to its success.
- This social element transformed gaming from an introverted activity to a shared experience.
Pikachu's Unexpected Backlash
- The Pokémon anime's popularity caused medical emergencies in Japan due to flashing lights.
- News headlines exaggerated the incident, claiming, "Pikachu attacks children."