（株）ポケモン

What （株）ポケモン does

The Pokémon Company (株式会社ポケモン) is a privately held Japanese joint venture founded in April 1998 by Nintendo, Creatures Inc., and Game Freak Inc. (renamed from Pokémon Center Co., Ltd. in October 2000) that manages the Pokémon intellectual property globally. The company serves a broad consumer base spanning children, families, competitive gamers, and nostalgic adult collectors, operating in markets across Japan, the Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and other regions through wholly owned subsidiaries in Tokyo, Singapore, Seoul, Taipei, Shanghai, and New York/London.

The company's portfolio spans video games developed primarily by Game Freak and published on Nintendo platforms (with cumulative software shipments exceeding 100 million copies), a physical and digital trading card game distributed in 10+ languages across 10+ countries, and a suite of mobile applications including Pokémon GO (Niantic), Pokémon UNITE, Pokémon Masters EX (DeNA), Pokémon Sleep, Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket, Pokémon Friends (Wonderfy), Pokémon HOME, and Pokémon Smile. Underlying technology includes cloud-based cross-platform Pokémon storage via Pokémon HOME, location-based AR gameplay, and freemium mobile-app infrastructure.

Monetization operates through six streams: video game publishing royalties, trading card sales, freemium mobile app revenue, merchandise and licensing royalties (across 22+ owned retail locations in Japan and a global licensed merchandise network), anime and film distribution, and theme park collaboration revenue. Distribution combines direct-to-consumer retail, licensed merchandise partners, Nintendo eShop, iOS and Android app stores, regional subsidiaries, and pop-up store activations. Strategic partnerships span technology (Niantic, DeNA, Wonderfy, Riddler), entertainment (Universal Studios Japan, Shima Spain Village), cultural institutions (Van Gogh Museum, National Crafts Museum), industrial brands (Toyota, Naturaglacé, NOUSAKU, Shichijo Kanshundo, Dior/Daniel Arsham), and regional governments under the Pokémon Local Acts program.

Name

（株）ポケモン

Legal name

株式会社ポケモン

Website

https://corporate.pokemon.co.jp

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Pokémon Company is a privately held Japanese joint venture founded in 1998 by Nintendo, Creatures Inc., and Game Freak Inc. that globally manages the Pokémon intellectual property across video games, mobile apps, trading cards, anime, merchandise, and licensed brand collaborations for a worldwide consumer base.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Character Entertainment and IP Licensing

NAICS

Hobby, Toy, and Game Retailers (45912)

SIC

Retail-Hobby, Toy & Game Shops (5945), Games, Toys & Children's Vehicles (No Dolls & Bicycles) (3944)

akta.pro primary industry

Non-Sports Trading Cards Retail (TCG/Entertainment) (CRALAGAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Mobile Game Publishing & App Game Stores (BPAMAKAB), Video Game Software (Physical & Digital Code) Retail (CRACAFAB), Gaming Collectibles, Merchandise & Toys Retail (CRACAFAI), Physical Game Distribution & Retail (Boxed Games, Wholesale, Merchandising) (MPAFABAC)

Keywords

• Intellectual property licensing
• Video game publishing
• Trading card games
• Brand merchandise licensing
• Mobile gaming applications

Headquarters

HQ city

Tokyo

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Video Games: Revenue from Pokémon video game series developed primarily by Game Freak, published by Nintendo. Includes main series games, spin-offs, and digital releases for Nintendo platforms.
2. Trading Card Game: Physical and digital trading card game generating revenue through card pack sales. Cards are sold in multiple languages across numerous countries and regions.
3. Mobile Applications: Revenue from smartphone apps including Pokémon GO (with Niantic), Pokémon UNITE, Pokémon Masters EX, Pokémon Sleep, Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket, Pokémon Friends, Pokémon HOME, and others.
4. Merchandise and Licensing: Licensing fees and merchandise sales through official Pokémon Centers, partner retailers, and licensed products including cosmetics, food, toys, apparel, and collaborative products with various brands.
5. Anime and Film: Revenue from television anime broadcast, movie theatrical releases, and streaming content distribution.
6. Theme Parks and Attractions: Collaboration revenue from attractions at Universal Studios Japan, Pokémon-themed experiences, pop-up stores, and temporary retail locations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Pokémon Company manages and monetizes the Pokémon intellectual property across multiple channels: video games published through Nintendo platforms (developed by Game Freak), the physical and digital Pokémon Trading Card Game, a portfolio of mobile applications (Pokémon GO, Pokémon Sleep, Pokémon UNITE, Pokémon TCG Pocket, Pokémon Friends, Pokémon HOME, Pokémon Masters EX, Pokémon Smile), licensed merchandise through 22+ Pokémon Center retail stores and global partners, anime and film production, and themed attractions such as collaborations with Universal Studios Japan.

Product overview

The Pokémon Company operates a diverse portfolio of video games, mobile applications, trading card products, and retail experiences. The core offerings include the main Pokémon video game series for Nintendo platforms, mobile apps such as Pokémon Sleep (sleep tracking), Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket (digital card game), Pokémon HOME (cloud Pokémon storage), Pokémon UNITE (team battle game), and Pokémon Masters EX (trainer-focused battles). The company also produces licensed merchandise through official Pokémon Center retail stores and temporary pop-up locations, while Pokémon Local Acts extends the brand into regional cultural promotion across Japan.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Pokémon Sleep A mobile sleep tracking application that measures user sleep patterns and collects Sleep Style Pokémon based on sleep data. Features events such as 'Good Sleep Day' during full moon periods to encourage healthy sleep habits among consumers worldwide.
• Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket Digital trading card game app offering 2 free card packs daily to users. Players can collect cards, decorate boards and files with favorite cards, exchange cards or battle with friends. Features 'Immersive Cards' that enable immersive card artwork experiences for card game enthusiasts.
• Pokémon HOME Cloud service for Nintendo Switch and smartphones that allows users to store and transfer Pokémon regardless of gaming platform. Also integrates with Pokémon GO, enabling users to transfer Pokémon caught in the mobile game to Nintendo Switch titles.
• Pokémon UNITE 5v5 team battle game where players control Pokémon to battle and shoot at opponent goals within a time limit. Features strategic team composition based on Pokémon play styles. Includes a competitive scene with high school championships and a World Championship tournament.
• Pokémon Masters EX Mobile game app focusing on Pokémon Trainers from various game titles. Trainers pair with Pokémon as buddies to compete in the World Pokémon Masters tournament. Features cross-title battles and interactions between characters from different Pokémon game series.
• Pokémon Friends Puzzle game app featuring over 1,200 puzzles designed to develop critical thinking skills. Players solve puzzles with Pokémon, collect yarn plush rewards, and decorate Plush Rooms. Supports 9 languages across US, Europe, and Asia markets and targets children and families.
• Pokémon Smile Free toothbrushing app where children battle cavity-causing bacteria with Pokémon. When teeth are cleaned, players can catch Pokémon. Available in 150+ countries in 12 languages for children and families, with high download numbers in Japan, US, Korea, France, Brazil, UK, and Mexico.
• Pokémon GO Location-based augmented reality mobile game developed by Niantic. Features route sharing, community day events with rare Pokémon spawns, and integration with Pokémon HOME for transferring Pokémon to Nintendo Switch games.
• Pokémon Café Mix (ようこそ！ポケモンカフェ～まぜまぜパズル～) Puzzle game where players serve as café manager, cooking dishes and drinks by swiping and connecting pieces. Partner Pokémon help run the café and level up through gameplay.
• Pokémon Center Original Merchandise Original merchandise collections sold exclusively at Pokémon Centers and Pokémon Stores. Features Pokémon that haven't had many product opportunities or incorporates niche concepts. Includes collections like 'Hyper Beam' focusing on specific moves and 'OTENKI TEAM' featuring weather-related Pokémon.
• Pokémon Wonder (Pokémon WONDER) Nature exploration adventure where participants act as Pokémon researchers exploring forests to find hidden Pokémon. Set in 4,500 square meter woodland areas, designed to connect children with nature through the Pokémon universe.
• Pokémon Local Acts Project dedicated to promoting Japanese regional culture alongside Pokémon both domestically and internationally. Collaborates with municipalities to create events highlighting regional attractions through Pokémon partnerships across 12 prefectures in Japan.
• Pokémon Center Temporary Stores Limited-time pop-up shop operations organized in partnership with various facilities across Japan. Brings Pokémon information and official shopping experiences to regions without permanent Pokémon Center locations. Features unique decorations and products tailored to local communities.
• Pokémon LEGENDS Z-A Nintendo Switch / Nintendo Switch 2 mainline Pokémon video game continuing the Pokémon Legends series, released October 2025.

Quantifiable outcome

• Pokémon Sleep users showed average sleep time increase of 1 hour 10 minutes after 3+ months of gameplay
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered major and core.

• Wonderfy Inc.majorTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2025Development partner for Pokémon Friends puzzle app. Wonderfy's expertise in educational content for the Think!Think! brain-training app provided the foundation for puzzle development.
• Van Gogh MuseummajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Art collaboration exhibition 'Pokémon at the Van Gogh Museum' celebrating the museum's 50th anniversary. Featured specially designed artworks and activities for children.
• Scout Association of JapanmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025The Scouts' 'Become a Pokémon Trainer!' program - joint project teaching outdoor skills through Pokémon themes. Operating across 1,600 scouting locations throughout Japan.
• Shima Spain VillagemajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Extracurricular Class experience recreating Paldea region landscapes with themed events, treasure hunts, and collaboration menus. Part of Shima Spain Village's 30th anniversary.
• National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Pokémon Observatory traveling exhibition partnering with NAOJ to teach children about astronomy through Pokémon ecology. Exploring concepts of diversity and pursuit of knowledge.
• Original Force (原力動画)majorTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2024China's largest 3D CG animation studio partnered for '日食記' Pokémon series. Original Force also provides CG to DreamWorks Pictures.
• Lotte (Korea)majorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2023Pokémon Town collaboration in Seoul featuring approximately 100 Ditto transforming into various Pokémon. Promotional partnership for regional marketing in Korea.
• Mumbai Indians (Cricket)majorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2023Official partner of Mumbai Indians cricket team in India. Marketing partnership to promote Pokémon brand in India's massive market of 1.4+ billion people.
• Toyota Engineering SocietymajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Joint project to build a life-sized Miraidon Pokémon as future mobility. The Toyota Engineering Society is a voluntary organization of Toyota Motor Corporation engineers. Project started with 30 members, grew to 300.
• Universal Studios JapanmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Theme park collaboration featuring 'NO LIMIT! Summer Splash Parade' with Water-type Pokémon, exclusive merchandise, and themed food and beverages. First collaboration began summer 2023.
• Crypton Future Media, INC. (Hatsune Miku)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Pokémon feat. Hatsune Miku Project VOLTAGE - 18 songs and music videos featuring Hatsune Miku performing tracks incorporating Pokémon game music. Celebrating the 18 Pokémon types.
• National Crafts Museum (formerly National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo's Crafts Gallery)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023POKÉMON × KOGEI exhibition featuring 20+ artists creating Pokémon-themed traditional Japanese crafts. Launched March 2023 at National Crafts Museum in Kanazawa, touring Japan and overseas.
• 寶可夢台灣股份有限公司 (Pokemon Taiwan)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Regional subsidiary established in 2022 to manage Taiwan market operations for Pokémon products and brand activities.
• Riddler, Inc.majorTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2021Pokémon Wonder forest adventure experience development. Riddler's expertise in mystery-solving experiences provided core ideas for the forest exploration concept.
• 宝可梦（上海）玩具有限公司 (Pokemon Shanghai)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Regional subsidiary established in 2020 to manage China market operations for Pokémon toys and merchandise.
• 7-Eleven TaiwanmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2020Themed convenience store collaboration in New Taipei City featuring Pokémon-decorated interior with giant Eternatus on ceiling. Hosted TCG and video game tournaments in the eat-in space.
• DeNA Co., Ltd.majorTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2019Joint development partner for Pokémon Masters EX mobile game. DeNA provided technical development expertise alongside The Pokémon Company's IP management.
• Pokemon Singapore Pte. Ltd.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2018Regional subsidiary established in May 2018 to manage Southeast Asian market operations for Pokémon products and brand management.
• Niantic, Inc.coreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2016Strategic partnership for Pokémon GO mobile game development. Niantic developed the location-based AR game using Pokémon IP, leveraging their experience with Ingress. Partnership has expanded to include Pokémon Sleep and other location-based experiences.
• Pokemon Korea, Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2006Regional subsidiary established in August 2006 to manage Korean market operations for Pokémon products.
• The Pokémon Company International, Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2001Subsidiary (formerly Pokémon USA, Inc.) managing North American, European, and international markets. Established in 2001 to handle global brand management outside Japan.
• Macy's (Thanksgiving Day Parade)majorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2000Participation in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City since 2000. Giant Pikachu and Eevee balloons on Poké Ball-themed sled participate in this iconic American holiday tradition.
• Nintendo / Nintendo Co., Ltd.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 1998Joint copyright holder of Pokémon IP alongside Creatures and Game Freak. Nintendo handles video game publishing and distribution through Nintendo platforms. The partnership was established when Pokémon Center Co., Ltd. was founded in April 1998 through joint investment from the three companies.
• Creatures Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 1998Joint copyright holder of Pokémon IP alongside Nintendo and Game Freak. Creatures handles trading card game and video game development, as well as CG model and motion development for the Pokémon series.
• Game Freak Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 1998Joint copyright holder of Pokémon IP alongside Nintendo and Creatures. Game Freak originated the Pokémon concept and develops the main video game series. Founded by Satoshi Tajiri, inspired by his childhood insect collecting hobby.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves14 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Funko: Pop culture collectibles manufacturer with broad character licensing across multiple IPs. Comparable in collectible merchandise, licensed character products, and consumer-focused collectible retail.
• Sanrio: Japanese character IP company (Hello Kitty) with a comparable licensing-driven business model spanning merchandise, retail stores, theme parks, mobile apps, and cross-industry collaborations. Most structurally similar peer to The Pokémon Company.
• Bandai Namco Entertainment: Japanese gaming and toy company combining video game publishing (Pac-Man, Tekken, Dragon Ball) with toy manufacturing and IP licensing. Comparable in mobile gaming, anime-tied IPs, and licensed merchandise.
• Hasbro: American toy and games conglomerate owning Wizards of the Coast (Magic: The Gathering, D&D). Comparable in collectible toys, TCG publishing, and family entertainment IP.
• SEGA Sammy Holdings: Japanese gaming and entertainment company combining console/mobile games (Sonic, Persona via Atlus) with pachinko/amusement operations. Comparable in mobile gaming and Japanese entertainment IP.
• Wizards of the Coast (Hasbro): Publisher of Magic: The Gathering, the largest direct competitor to Pokémon TCG. Operates both physical TCG products and digital adaptations (MTG Arena), and shares the collectible card game retail and tournament ecosystem with Pokémon.
• Square Enix: Japanese video game publisher with major franchise IPs (Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest) and mobile gaming operations. Comparable in mobile game publishing, global IP licensing, and console/multi-platform game distribution.
• Konami: Publisher of Yu-Gi-Oh!, the second-largest entertainment TCG globally. Comparable in TCG publishing, anime-linked IP, mobile game adaptations, and trading card tournament circuits.

Broad incumbents

• Nintendo: Joint copyright holder of Pokémon IP and publisher of all mainline Pokémon video games through Nintendo platforms. Comparable as a Japanese gaming giant with cross-platform IP, hardware-software integration, and family-friendly brand positioning.
• The Walt Disney Company: Operates the world's most diversified character IP portfolio across film, theme parks, consumer products, games, and streaming. Comparable as a global cross-media IP management company, though at vastly larger scale and more entertainment-centric than Pokémon.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/Pokemon_cojp
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/PokemonCoJp
• Instagraminstagram.com/pokemon_jpn
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/%EF%BC%88%E6%A0%AA%EF%BC%89%E3%83%9D%E3%82%B1%E3%83%A2%E3%83%B3

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about （株）ポケモン