In a recent interview, Tsunekazu Ishihara shared insights on the enduring success and challenges of the Pokémon franchise, as well as the company's commitment to connecting physical and digital worlds.
**Pokémon's Future Bright: CEO Predicts 50 Year Lifespan with Innovation**
**Pokémon's Future Bright: CEO Predicts 50 Year Lifespan with Innovation**
The Pokémon Company’s CEO envisions a bright future for the franchise, with longevity predicted through continuous innovation and expansion.
The Pokémon Company’s CEO, Tsunekazu Ishihara, recently expressed his confidence that the iconic franchise could thrive for another 50 years—possibly even 100—if it maintains its innovative approach. Since its introduction on the Nintendo Game Boy in 1996, Pokémon has blossomed from a gaming phenomenon into one of the world's largest media franchises, encompassing movies, television shows, and a wide array of merchandise.
Ishihara’s statements were made during a dialogue with BBC News as the company gears up for Pokémon Day, a celebration that showcases new releases and events for loyal fans. As excitement builds for information about the Nintendo Switch title, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Ishihara emphasized the goal of the Pokémon Company is to "enrich both the real world and the virtual world". The successful mobile game Pokémon GO is a prime example of this vision, utilizing GPS technology to bring Pokémon into the real-world environment for players.
Addressing the recent surge in popularity of the Pokémon trading card game, Ishihara acknowledged the challenges posed by scalpers and counterfeit products that have infiltrated the collectible marketplace. He noted that the secondary market’s profitability can impact the sales of new products, stating, “When the second-hand market becomes more valuable because of rarity, that is problematic because our business is affected.”
As fans express concerns over rare collectibles, some have suggested higher production volumes for sought-after items. However, Ishihara mentioned that the rarity aspect, seen as a driving factor for value, remains largely out of the company’s control. In contrast, the Pokémon Company aggressively protects its intellectual property rights, recently winning a legal battle against counterfeit products, including a mobile app that infringed on its patents.
At the heart of Pokémon's enduring appeal, Ishihara identified the franchise’s ability to foster connection among generations of fans. The company cultivates a diverse community, drawing in newcomers through anime series, trading cards, movies, and various other media. Recent events, such as the International Championships held in London, showcased this intergenerational community with participants sharing their love for Pokémon across various platforms.
Despite being a private entity, Ishihara asserts that this structure allows The Pokémon Company to focus solely on Pokémon, prioritizing investment back into its beloved franchise. This focus means company decisions do not waver based on shareholder pressures, with Ishihara humorously remarking, “We’ll go bust when Pokémon is no longer popular.”
As the franchise approaches its 30th anniversary, speculation abounds about potentially nostalgic projects like remakes of the original Game Boy titles. While Ishihara offered little in the way of revelations, he reaffirmed his commitment to bridging the real and digital realms, hoping that with continuous dedication, the franchise can celebrate its half-century—or even centennial—anniversary.
