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POKÉMON DAY

4 min. read
February 19, 2025 6:01 am CST

POKÉMON DAY

February 27 is officially Pokémon Day on the National Day Calendar. We are taking you on a journey through the world of Pokémon to learn why the Pokémon brand has reached the hearts of millions of kids, adults and fans across the globe. 

#PokemonDay

At its core, Pokémon games focus on collecting as many Pokémon as possible and training them to battle other Pokémon — all while celebrating themes like teamwork, perseverance, friendship, and good sportsmanship. Each Pokémon has unique characteristics and abilities, and with more than 1,000 Pokémon discovered to date, there’s something for all types of Trainers to love and call their favorite Pokémon. 

Pokémon Day commemorates the launch of the first Pokémon video games, Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green, in Japan on February 27, 1996, kicking off a global phenomenon that catapulted Pokémon into one of the most popular and successful entertainment properties in the world. Since then, the community of global Pokémon fans — known as Trainers — come together to celebrate their love for the brand on Pokémon Day.

The widespread popularity of Pokémon is more than children trading cards in schoolyards or watching an animation on television. It's about bringing generations of fans together to collect, trade, and play with fellow Trainers. Due to its enduring fandom around the world, Pokémon has had a significant impact on pop culture and entertainment with a unique ability to connect people across different cultures and backgrounds. In addition, the brand is always introducing innovative ways to engage with Pokémon, such as the release of Pokémon GO in 2016, which has allowed fans to encounter and catch digital Pokémon in real-world locations through augmented reality.

5 Popular Pokémon

    1. Pikachu immediately discharges the energy stored in the pouches in its cheeks when angered.

    2. Bulbasaur uses the nutrients that are packed into the seed on its back in order to grow.

    3. Charmander has a flame on its tail that shows the strength of its life-force. If Charmander is weak, the flame also burns weakly.

    4. Squirtle sprays a potent foam from its mouth, and after birth, its back swells and hardens into a shell.

    5. Eevee has the ability to evolve into many forms that allow it to adapt smoothly and perfectly to any environment.

    Few franchises have stood the test of time quite like Pokémon. Since its debut in 1996, Pokémon has evolved into a robust franchise spanning video games, mobile apps, the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG), animated television series, animated and live-action movies, consumer merchandise, and more. To date, Pokémon TCG has released in 93 countries and regions across 15 languages, and Pokémon animated TV shows have aired in 192 countries and regions.

    5 WAYS TO CELEBRATE POKÉMON DAY

    1. Host a Pokémon game night by inviting family and friends to explore, battle, and trade in the Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet video games.

    2. Organize or attend a Pokémon TCG event. Trade Pokémon cards to complete your collection, play with other fans in your community at local Play! Pokémon events, or connect with long-distance friends with digital offerings like Pokémon TCG Pocket and Pokémon TCG Live.

    3. Go on a Pokémon GO adventure! Walk with friends and see who can catch the rarest Pokémon or organize a Pokémon GO Raid Battle in a local park.

    4. Throw a Pokémon themed watch party, inviting family and friends to enjoy Pokémon-inspired snacks and watch the latest episodes of the animated series, Pokémon Horizons: The Series

    5. Share all things Pokémon on social media using the hashtag #PokemonDay.

    HISTORY BEHIND POKÉMON DAY

    Pokémon Day was approved by the Registrar at National Day Calendar in 2024. Beginning in 2025, Pokémon Day will be celebrated each year on February 27 to celebrates the global community that comes together for positive themes and engaging play through friendship, teamwork and perseverance.

    About the Founder

    Pokémon was launched in Japan in 1996 and today is one of the most popular and successful popular children’s entertainment properties in the world. The Pokémon Company International, a subsidiary of The Pokémon Company in Japan, manages the property outside of Asia and is responsible for brand management, licensing and marketing, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, the animated television TV series, home entertainment, and the official Pokémon website.