Pokémon Franchise's Future Looks Bright, CEO Predicts Possible 100-Year Run

Sun Oct 19 2025 20:30:47 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

**Pokémon Franchise's Future Looks Bright, CEO Predicts Possible 100-Year Run**

CEO Tsunekazu Ishihara envisions longevity for Pokémon if innovation continues.

The Pokémon franchise, which began in 1996 with the Game Boy, has grown into a cultural phenomenon. Ishihara highlights the importance of adapting and expanding both virtually and in real life to maintain its relevance among fans.

The Pokémon Company is basking in the glow of its massive success over the years, with CEO Tsunekazu Ishihara suggesting that the franchise could thrive for another 50 to 100 years if it continues to push boundaries in creativity and engagement. Since its debut on Nintendo's Game Boy in 1996, Pokémon has ventured into films, television series, merchandise, and more, solidifying its place as one of the most lucrative media franchises globally. Recent popularity surges in the trading card game, despite challenges posed by scalpers and counterfeit products, have kept fan excitement alive.

Ahead of Pokémon Day, an event that unveils upcoming releases and developments, Ishihara reflected on the series' enduring success and its mission to bridge real-world experiences with virtual ones. He cited Pokémon GO as a prime example of innovating the Pokémon experience to enhance fan engagement.

The resurgence of the trading card game has attracted unwanted attention from resellers, which Ishihara acknowledged affects the sales of new products. He expressed concerns over the secondary market’s impact on the industry but emphasized that it is not the company's role to dictate the market's dynamics regarding rarity and value. However, he affirmed the company's stringent stance against counterfeit items, which has led to various legal battles, including recent actions against copycat products.

The Pokémon International Championships recently drew a crowd of around 13,000 enthusiasts, showcasing the community's growth and the multifaceted ways fans connect to the franchise. Ishihara pointed out that Pokémon engages fans across generations, fostering a culture of camaraderie among players and collectors alike.

Interestingly, the company operates differently than its publicly traded counterparts like Nintendo, focusing exclusively on Pokémon without shareholder distractions. Ishihara maintained that profits are reinvested into the brand, ensuring continuous development and expansion.

As the franchise prepares for its 30th anniversary in 2024, speculation abounds about potential tributes to the original games and characters. Though Ishihara remains tight-lipped about future plans, he reiterated a commitment to blending the real and virtual worlds. He firmly believes that as long as they stay committed and innovative, Pokémon can celebrate many more anniversaries to come.