Pokémon's Future: CEO Sees Potential for Another Century of Adventure

Tsunekazu Ishihara, CEO of The Pokémon Company, is confident that the iconic franchise can thrive for another 50 to 100 years. By focusing on innovation and community engagement, Pokémon aims to combat challenges like scalping and counterfeit products while celebrating its ongoing evolution in the entertainment landscape.

The boss of The Pokémon Company, Tsunekazu Ishihara, has voiced a bold vision for the future of the franchise, suggesting it could last another 50 to 100 years if it maintains a focus on innovation and engagement. Since its inception in 1996 on Nintendo's Game Boy, Pokémon has grown into a multi-faceted media phenomenon encompassing films, TV shows, and toys, and is lauded as one of the highest-grossing franchises globally.

Ahead of Pokémon Day, an annual event showcasing upcoming releases, Ishihara hinted at exciting developments while emphasizing a mission to "enrich both the real world and the virtual world." The success of Pokémon GO, which utilizes GPS technology to immerse players in its universe, exemplifies this goal. "This is what I think is the biggest strength of Pokémon," he remarked, underscoring the importance of creative innovation in the franchise's ongoing success.

Collectors have recently raised concerns about scalpers and counterfeit products taking advantage of the Pokémon trading card game's rise in popularity. Ishihara acknowledged this issue, stating that when the secondary market for collectible cards eclipses the primary market, it adversely impacts sales. While fans have recommended producing more limited-edition items, he noted that there are limitations to how much the company can control resale dynamics. Instead, he emphasized rigorous legal efforts to fight against counterfeit goods, citing recent lawsuits against firms infringing on Pokémon’s copyrights.

Pokémon’s appeal has transcended age boundaries, attracting fans of all generations through diverse storytelling across various platforms. Ishihara emphasized that this powerful cultural phenomenon serves as a "tool of communication" and has catalyzed community-building, as exemplified by the 13,000 fans who gathered for a recent Pokémon International Championships event in London.

Unlike other companies in the gaming industry, The Pokémon Company’s private status allows it to remain focused exclusively on Pokémon without shareholder distractions. Ishihara is committed to this singular vision, stating that the company’s profits will always be reinvested back into the franchise.

As the series approaches its 30th anniversary, speculation about future releases, including remakes of the original Game Boy games, is mounting. While Ishihara remains tight-lipped about specific plans, he reiterated the importance of merging the real and virtual worlds. "If we continue focusing on our mission, Pokémon can probably continue to its 50th or 100th anniversary," he declared, cautioning against complacency and the risks it poses to the franchise's vitality.