In 1998, an animated series and its accompanying collectible card game took Japan by storm. That phenomenon was none other than "Pokémon." Created by Satoshi Tajiri, Pokémon introduced a world where trainers captured and trained creatures called Pokémon to battle against each other. The anime followed the adventures of protagonist Ash Ketchum and his Pikachu as they traveled through various regions, aiming to become Pokémon Masters.
The Pokémon franchise quickly captivated audiences with its vibrant animation, endearing characters, and imaginative world. The release of the Pokémon Trading Card Game further fueled the frenzy, allowing fans to collect and trade cards featuring their favorite Pokémon. The combination of engaging storytelling, memorable creatures like Pikachu and Charizard, and the addictive card game mechanics turned Pokémon into a cultural phenomenon in Japan and eventually gained global popularity. It sparked a franchise that expanded to include video games, movies, merchandise, and continues to thrive to this day.