CEO of Pokémon Company Believes Franchise Will Celebrate 100th Anniversary

The CEO of The Pokemon Company has shared an optimistic vision for the franchise, suggesting that it could very well celebrate its 100th anniversary. These remarks coincide with the festivities of Pokemon Day 2025, where a slew of exciting announcements was presented, indicating a promising year ahead for the brand.

Having cemented itself as one of the globe’s favorite entertainment brands, Pokemon’s journey has been nothing short of phenomenal since its debut in 1996 with Pokemon Red and Green on the Game Boy. Since those early days, the franchise has mushroomed into a multimedia empire. The brand has spawned nine generations of core games, a plethora of spin-offs, popular anime series, and a treasure trove of merchandise. Today, even people who aren’t regular gamers are familiar with iconic characters like Pikachu. As we just celebrated the franchise’s 29th anniversary, the company seems to be shedding light on a bright future ahead.

In a conversation with the BBC, Tsunekazu Ishihara, who leads The Pokemon Company, spoke about the franchise’s potential longevity. Ishihara expressed his belief by saying, “If we continue focusing on our mission, Pokemon can probably continue to its 50th or 100th anniversary.” His confidence isn’t unfounded, given the franchise’s enduring popularity over the years. The main series titles sell by the millions, while mobile sensations like Pokemon GO and Pokemon TCG Pocket have captured the hearts of old and new fans alike. However, Ishihara cautioned against resting on their laurels and emphasized the need for ongoing innovation to avoid losing momentum.

This vision was shared during the recent Pokemon Presents showcase, where several major franchise updates were revealed. Fans learned about new content updates for existing games such as Pokemon GO, Pokemon TCG Pocket, and Pokemon Unite, along with the Netflix series, Pokemon Concierge, getting additional episodes. Moreover, a sneak peek of the anticipated Pokemon Legends: Z-A was given, showcasing gameplay and first glimpses at the starter Pokemon. Adding to the excitement, a brand new PvP game titled Pokemon Champions was announced, promising thrilling Pokemon battles.

With the roadmap for the remainder of 2025 mapped out, all eyes will be on The Pokemon Company to see how their plans unfold. While it remains to be seen if the franchise will indeed reach its centennial, it’s evident that the company has no plans to hit the brakes anytime soon. For Pokemon enthusiasts, the upcoming months promise plenty of magic and adventure.