Pokémon is a Japanese media franchise created in 1996 by Satoshi Tajiri and Ken Sugimori. Managed by The Pokémon Company—a collaboration between Nintendo, Game Freak, and Creatures Inc.—the franchise encompasses video games, trading cards, an animated series, movies, and a vast array of merchandise. With over 1,000 unique creatures to catch and train, Pokémon has become a global phenomenon, inspiring generations of fans to embark on their own adventures.