**The Pokémon Company CEO Tsunekazu Ishihara shared insights into the franchise's potential growth and addressed challenges like scalping and counterfeiting before Pokémon Day.**
**Future of Pokémon: CEO Envisions 50-100 More Years of Success**
**Future of Pokémon: CEO Envisions 50-100 More Years of Success**
**Tsunekazu Ishihara believes innovation is key to longevity of the iconic franchise.**
In a recent interview with BBC News, Tsunekazu Ishihara, CEO of The Pokémon Company, expressed confidence in the franchise's ability to thrive for another 50 to 100 years. Since its inception in 1996 with the launch of the Game Boy game, Pokémon has transformed into one of the highest-grossing media franchises worldwide, diversifying into films, television, toys, and more. Following a resurgence in the popularity of its trading card game, which has led to issues with scalpers, Mr. Ishihara tackled various aspects of the brand's future.
Discussing the upcoming Pokémon Day, a day celebrating announcements related to the franchise, Ishihara hinted at ongoing innovations, emphasizing the importance of merging the real and virtual worlds. He lauded Pokémon GO, which overlays virtual creatures in real-world settings, as emblematic of this ethos, asserting, "This is the biggest strength of Pokémon."
The CEO also touched on the negative impact of scalpers on the collectible card market, stating that it hampers sales of new products. "When the second-hand market becomes more valuable due to rarity, it is problematic for our business," he explained. He addressed the counterfeit issue forthrightly, detailing how the company has legal teams working tirelessly against imitation products.
Reflecting on the franchise's broad appeal, Ishihara noted that Pokémon's success stems from being a medium of communication that resonates across generations. Recent events, such as the European International Championships, drew large crowds, showcasing the community's enthusiasm. He underscored Pokémon's unique position as a private company that focuses solely on its brand, stating, "Whatever profit we make from Pokémon gets reinvested in Pokémon."
As the franchise approaches its 30th anniversary, anticipation for potential remakes or commemorative events is building. When questioned about Ash Ketchum and Pikachu’s departure from the animated series, Ishihara shared that their journeys continue in the hearts of fans. He believes that if the company remains committed to innovation and connection with its audience, the Pokémon legacy can endure for the next century and beyond. "If we become complacent, though, that's when Pokémon will go downhill," he cautioned.
Discussing the upcoming Pokémon Day, a day celebrating announcements related to the franchise, Ishihara hinted at ongoing innovations, emphasizing the importance of merging the real and virtual worlds. He lauded Pokémon GO, which overlays virtual creatures in real-world settings, as emblematic of this ethos, asserting, "This is the biggest strength of Pokémon."
The CEO also touched on the negative impact of scalpers on the collectible card market, stating that it hampers sales of new products. "When the second-hand market becomes more valuable due to rarity, it is problematic for our business," he explained. He addressed the counterfeit issue forthrightly, detailing how the company has legal teams working tirelessly against imitation products.
Reflecting on the franchise's broad appeal, Ishihara noted that Pokémon's success stems from being a medium of communication that resonates across generations. Recent events, such as the European International Championships, drew large crowds, showcasing the community's enthusiasm. He underscored Pokémon's unique position as a private company that focuses solely on its brand, stating, "Whatever profit we make from Pokémon gets reinvested in Pokémon."
As the franchise approaches its 30th anniversary, anticipation for potential remakes or commemorative events is building. When questioned about Ash Ketchum and Pikachu’s departure from the animated series, Ishihara shared that their journeys continue in the hearts of fans. He believes that if the company remains committed to innovation and connection with its audience, the Pokémon legacy can endure for the next century and beyond. "If we become complacent, though, that's when Pokémon will go downhill," he cautioned.
