CEO of Pokémon Company Predicts Franchise’s 100th Anniversary Milestone

The head honcho of The Pokemon Company recently shared a thrilling vision for the iconic franchise’s future, suggesting that Pokemon might just celebrate its centennial. Riding the momentum of its recent Pokemon Day 2025, the company unveiled a slew of announcements and plans that promise to keep fans intrigued for years to come.

Pokemon has grown exponentially since its modest beginnings on the Game Boy in 1996 with Pokemon Red and Green’s Japanese release. Over time, it has evolved well beyond just a gaming series, blossoming into a massive franchise with nine mainline generations, countless spin-offs, and branches into anime, merchandise, and a host of other avenues. Even if you aren’t a gamer, chances are you know Pikachu’s face. Just after marking its 29th anniversary, The Pokemon Company expresses high hopes for continued prosperity.

In a chat with the BBC, Tsunekazu Ishihara, the CEO, expressed a hopeful outlook for Pokemon’s longevity. “With a focus on our mission, Pokemon has the potential to reach its 50th or even 100th year,” he mentioned. Given the enduring popularity and success of each new release, his confidence doesn’t seem misplaced. Although the mobile world reels in hits like Pokemon GO, Ishihara warned against complacency. Remaining innovative is key to evading stagnation.

The buzz around these comments coincided with a Pokemon Presents event that offered fans a glimpse into the franchise’s future. A ton of exciting news came out, from fresh content for beloved games like Pokemon GO and Pokemon TCG Pocket to announcing new episodes for the Netflix series Pokemon Concierge. They even teased gameplay from the much-anticipated Pokemon Legends: Z-A, including new starters. Adventurous players can also look forward to Pokemon Champions, a PvP game set to spice up battles.

To quote Ishihara, “If we stay true to our mission, Pokemon has every chance to continue its legacy for decades to come.” With fresh plans mapped out for 2025, The Pokemon Company shows no signs of easing up. Whether or not we see a 100th birthday celebration for Pokemon, it’s clear that exciting times are ahead, keeping fans on tenterhooks with opportunities for discovery and delight.