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<div style="clear: right; float:right">__TOC__</div>
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There have been numerous '''controversies''' regarding the [[Pokémon]] franchise in its various forms and media.
There have been numerous '''controversies''' regarding the [[Pokémon]] franchise in its various forms and media.


==In the TCG==
==Pokémon Shock incident==
===Perceived Nazi imagery===
[[EP038|An episode]] of the [[Pokémon anime]] broadcast in December 1997 on Japanese television induced {{wp|Photosensitive epilepsy|photosensitive}} {{wp|epileptic seizure}}s in a substantial number of Japanese viewers, many of which required medical assistance. As a result, {{DL|Banned episodes|Banned episodes internationally|the episode was not broadcast overseas and never shown in Japan again}}, and the incident caused the anime to go into a temporary hiatus. Every Pokémon episode that aired until this episode, including [[Aim to Be a Pokémon Master|the opening]], was edited by lighting certain scenes, removing or changing fast-flashing scenes and more. The original version of the episodes have never been shown again, except for when the next episode preview for [[EP037]] was mistakenly retained on [[Hulu|Hulu Japan]]. For this, Pokémon currently holds the {{wp|Guinness World Records|Guinness Book World Record}} for the most photosensitive epileptic seizures caused by a TV show.
Members of the Jewish community accused [[Nintendo]] of using an offensive image in the Japanese version of {{TCG ID|Gym Challenge|Koga's Ninja Trick|115}}{{fact}}. The image in question features an omote manji, a left-facing version of the {{wp|swastika}}.


The Western world generally associates the swastika, or the ''Hakenkreuz'', with the {{wp|fascism|fascist}} and {{wp|racism|racist}} policies of {{wp|Nazi Germany}} during the course of {{wp|World War II}}, as well as hate, prejudice and {{wp|white supremacy}} in general. However, the swastika has its roots as a symbol of peace and good luck by many cultures. The earliest form of the swastika discovered was one used in Ancient India. It also was found in cultures that had no connection with India, such as Native American and First Nation cultures. It was because of its long and ancient history that {{wp|Adolf Hitler}} adopted it as the Nazi Party symbol, as he felt it to be—among other things—a connection to Aryan ancestors who lived in Ancient India.
==Violence==
 
===Animation===
Since World War II, however, its use has diminished, but it is still commonly used by other cultures who either didn't have any contact with the Nazis or who still identify the swastika more as a symbol of peace than as a symbol of hate. In India and its neighboring countries, the swastika represents love and mercy, as well as wealth and good fortune. In Asian countries, such as China, Japan, and South Korea, the swastika can be found on maps to represent Buddhist temples. In all of these nations, the swastika can also be found on all kinds of media, businesses, buildings, and clothing like any other symbol. However, this liberal use has led to international miscommunications, such as its use on the Japanese version of Koga's Ninja Trick.
 
<gallery>
Koga Ninja Trick Manji.png|Original Japanese print
KogaNinjaTrickGymChallenge115.jpg|International print
</gallery>
 
==In the anime==
===Perceived Nazi imagery===
In ''[[AG013|All Things Bright and Beautifly!]]'', a Team Rocket fantasy involved [[Jessie]], [[James]], {{MTR}}, and many {{tc|Team Rocket Grunt}}s raising their hands in a manner somewhat similar to the {{wp|Nazi salute|Hitler salute}}. It was edited out in the English dub of the {{pkmn|anime}}, with the Grunts no longer raising their hands. Despite this, {{MTR}}'s arm remains unedited in the dub.
 
<gallery>
File:AG013 original shot.png|Original Japanese version
File:AG013 dub shot.png|Dubbed English version
</gallery>
 
===Flashing lights===
[[EP038|An episode]] of the [[Pokémon anime]] broadcast in December 1997 on Japanese television induced {{wp|Photosensitive epilepsy|photosensitive}} {{wp|epileptic seizure}}s in a substantial number of Japanese viewers, many of which required medical assistance. As a result, {{DL|Banned episodes|Banned episodes internationally|the episode was not broadcast overseas and never shown in Japan again}}, and the incident caused the anime to go into a temporary hiatus. Every Pokémon episode that aired until this episode, including [[Aim to Be a Pokémon Master|the opening]], was edited by lighting certain scenes, removing or changing fast-flashing scenes and more. The original version of the episodes have never been shown again, except mistakenly on [[Hulu|Hulu Japan]]. For this, Pokémon currently holds the {{wp|Guinness World Records|Guinness Book World Record}} for the most photosensitive epileptic seizures caused by a TV show.
 
===Violence===
Although [[4Kids Entertainment|4Kids]] and [[TAJ Productions|TAJ]] allow for some cartoon violence in the anime, the following episodes contain scenes that were deemed to be "too violent", and thus were cut from the English broadcast:
Although [[4Kids Entertainment|4Kids]] and [[TAJ Productions|TAJ]] allow for some cartoon violence in the anime, the following episodes contain scenes that were deemed to be "too violent", and thus were cut from the English broadcast:
* ''[[EP001|Pokémon - I Choose You!]]'': {{an|Misty}} slapping {{Ash}} after he tells her he's okay, presumably because of his apparent lack of care for {{AP|Pikachu}}.
* ''[[EP001|Pokémon - I Choose You!]]'': {{an|Misty}} slapping {{Ash}} after he tells her he's okay, presumably because of his apparent lack of care for {{AP|Pikachu}}.
* ''[[EP003|Ash Catches a Pokémon]]'': Misty slapping Ash again due to his recklessness in sending out {{AP|Caterpie}} to battle a {{AP|Pidgeotto}}.
* ''[[EP003|Ash Catches a Pokémon]]'': Misty slapping Ash again due to his recklessness in sending out {{AP|Caterpie}} to battle a {{AP|Pidgeotto}}.
* ''[[EP009|The School of Hard Knocks]]'': Misty smashing {{an|Brock}} with a log because he says "To be continued..." rather than beginning the episode.
* ''[[EP009|The School of Hard Knocks]]'': Misty smashing {{an|Brock}} with a log because he says "To be continued..." rather than beginning the episode.
* [[EP035]]: Safari Zone Warden [[Kaiser]] repeatedly threatening Ash and the group with a revolver, and also firing at {{TRT}} when they trespass onto the {{safari|Kanto}} grounds, leading to the entire episode being [[banned episodes|banned]] outside of Asia.
* [[EP035]]: Safari Zone Warden [[Kaiser]] repeatedly threatening Ash and the group with a [[Weaponry in the Pokémon world|revolver]], and also firing at {{TRT}} when they trespass onto the {{safari|Kanto}} grounds, leading to the entire episode being [[banned episodes|banned]] outside of Asia.
* ''[[EP247|Outrageous Fortunes]]'': There are two separate shots of Poliwrath violently slapping Jessie; in one of those shots, she has red spots on her cheeks from Poliwrath's intense slapping. Both of these shots were deemed "too violent" and cut from the broadcast version and [[List of English language Master Quest home video releases (Region 1)#Box sets|first US home video release]] and replaced with an impact animation. The version streamed on Pokémon TV and the [[List of English language Master Quest home video releases (Region 1)#The Complete Collection|second US home video release]], however, leaves the shots in this episode intact.
* ''[[EP118|The Double Trouble Header]]'': Shots of Ash being struck by rapidly launched baseballs.
* ''[[AG003|There's No Place Like Hoenn]]'': Two separate scenes showing [[James]]'s head and Max on fire due to {{TP|May|Torchic}}'s Ember attack were cut from the dub for being too violent.
* ''[[EP247|Outrageous Fortunes]]'': There are two separate shots of Poliwrath violently slapping [[Jessie]]; in one of those shots, she has red spots on her cheeks from Poliwrath's intense slapping. Both of these shots were deemed "too violent" and cut from the broadcast version and [[List of English language Master Quest home video releases (Region 1)#Box sets|first US home video release]] and replaced with an impact animation. The version streamed on Pokémon TV and the [[List of English language Master Quest home video releases (Region 1)#The Complete Collection|second US home video release]], however, leaves the shots in this episode intact.
* ''[[AG003|There's No Place Like Hoenn]]'': Two separate scenes showing [[James]]'s head and Max on fire due to {{TP|May|Torchic}}'s {{m|Ember}} attack were cut from the dub for being too violent.
* ''[[AG024|A Corphish Out of Water]]'': A {{p|Carvanha}} hitting Ash in the back of the head.
* ''[[AG024|A Corphish Out of Water]]'': A {{p|Carvanha}} hitting Ash in the back of the head.
Scenes like these are common in Japanese animation, and are intended for comic relief purposes. They are similar to scenes in Western animation such as ''{{wp|Looney Tunes}}'' and ''{{wp|Tom and Jerry}}'', where characters get hit by extremely heavy objects and are completely fine afterwards.
Scenes like these are common in Japanese animation, and are intended for comic relief purposes. They are similar to scenes in Western animation such as ''{{wp|Looney Tunes}}'' and ''{{wp|Tom and Jerry}}'', where characters get hit by extremely heavy objects and are completely fine afterwards.
{{-}}
{{-}}


==In the games==
==Gambling==
===Perceived Nazi imagery===
In European releases of {{game|Diamond and Pearl|s}}, the sprite art for {{p|Registeel}} is altered slightly. In the Japanese, Korean, and English releases, Registeel's arm is extended. In non-English European versions an altered sprite is used, depicting it with both of its arms down, presumably due to the original pose's resemblance to the {{wp|Roman salute}}, infamously {{wp|Nazi salute|used}} by (and therefore commonly associated with) the German {{wp|Nazism|Nazi Party}}. In all versions of {{game|Platinum}} and {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}}, the revised sprite is used.
 
In {{g|Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl}}, if the player shows the Game Director at the [[Hotel Grand Lake]] a Pokémon [[game of origin|originating]] from Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, or Platinum, he gives them the [[Diploma|Time Travel Award]], featuring the Pokémon's original sprite from Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. Prior to v1.1.3, this award would use the original Japanese Pokémon Diamond and Pearl sprite for Registeel, although this award was not obtainable until [[Pokémon HOME]] support was added in v1.1.3 anyway; in v1.1.3, Registeel's sprite was replaced with the revised sprite used in Pokémon Platinum.<ref>https://twitter.com/mattyoukhana_/status/1473462097489104902</ref>
 
<gallery>
File:Spr 4d 379.png|International DP Registeel
File:Spr 4p 379.png|European DP/Worldwide PtHGSS Registeel
</gallery>
 
===Gambling===
[[File:HGSS Goldenrod Game Corner.png|thumb|right|The Goldenrod Game Corner in Western HeartGold and SoulSilver]]
[[File:HGSS Goldenrod Game Corner.png|thumb|right|The Goldenrod Game Corner in Western HeartGold and SoulSilver]]
Over the years, there has been a growing distaste towards gambling and the exposure of it to minors. Due to the unpredictable “risk-it-all” nature of the activity and the high impressionability of youths, more and more people have voiced their opposition towards allowing minors to partake in gambling and/or gambling-esque activities, with simulated gambling in video games falling under particular scrutiny. As a result, the Pan-European Game Information ({{wp|PEGI}}) organization implemented stricter guidelines that limited simulated gambling first to older-skewing video games, starting in 2009, then eventually to adult-oriented games, starting in 2020,<ref>[https://gameworldobserver.com/2021/09/01/new-pegi-rating-criteria-labels-all-games-that-teach-or-encourage-gambling-18 New PEGI rating criteria labels all games that teach or encourage gambling 18+ | Game World Observer]</ref> and all games released in Europe featuring simulated gambling mechanics have been rated accordingly. While such restrictions are absent in other territories, many nations (the United States in particular) perceive gambling mechanics in video games as socially unacceptable, leading to the ''Pokémon'' games slowly phasing the concept out from [[Generation III]] onwards.
Over the years, there has been a growing distaste towards gambling and the exposure of it to minors. Due to the unpredictable “risk-it-all” nature of the activity and the high impressionability of youths, more and more people have voiced their opposition towards allowing minors to partake in gambling and/or gambling-esque activities, with simulated gambling in video games falling under particular scrutiny. As a result, the Pan-European Game Information ({{wp|PEGI}}) organization implemented stricter guidelines that limited simulated gambling first to older-skewing video games, starting in 2009, then eventually to adult-oriented games, starting in 2020,<ref>[https://gameworldobserver.com/2021/09/01/new-pegi-rating-criteria-labels-all-games-that-teach-or-encourage-gambling-18 New PEGI rating criteria labels all games that teach or encourage gambling 18+ | Game World Observer]</ref> and all games released in Europe featuring simulated gambling mechanics have been rated accordingly. While such restrictions are absent in other territories, many nations (the United States in particular) perceive gambling mechanics in video games as socially unacceptable, leading to the ''Pokémon'' games slowly phasing the concept out from [[Generation III]] onwards.
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In the [[Virtual Console]] re-releases of the [[Generation I]] and {{gen|II}} games, however, the Game Corner was left completely untouched, although the games did receive the higher-than-usual age rating of twelve and up by PEGI (compared to all other contemporary main-series titles, which PEGI gave a rating of seven and up).
In the [[Virtual Console]] re-releases of the [[Generation I]] and {{gen|II}} games, however, the Game Corner was left completely untouched, although the games did receive the higher-than-usual age rating of twelve and up by PEGI (compared to all other contemporary main-series titles, which PEGI gave a rating of seven and up).


There are other gambling methods such as the [[Pokémon Lottery Corner]], the [[Cram-o-matic]] and the [[Item Printer]] that continue to exist through out the games. But the difference with the Cram-o-matic and the Item Printer versus other methods is the player will always be rewarded with random items or pokéballs.
There are other gambling methods that exist in later games, such as the [[Pokémon Lottery Corner]], the [[Cram-o-matic]], and the [[Item Printer]]. The difference is that these methods do not require any money to try out, and provide the player with items instead of money, the only luck-based factor being the rarity of the obtained item.


In {{wp|Saudi Arabia}}, the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game|TCG]] was blocked for a while<!--from when to when?--> because it “promoted gambling and Zionism”.{{fact}}
In {{wp|Saudi Arabia}}, the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game|TCG]] was blocked for a while<!--from when to when?--> because it “promoted gambling and Zionism”.{{fact}}
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{{pkmn|Egg}}s in [[Pokémon GO]] have been accused of being {{wp|loot boxes}}, which is a form of gambling.<ref>https://screenrant.com/pokemon-go-eggs-loot-boxes-gambling-money-incubator/</ref>
{{pkmn|Egg}}s in [[Pokémon GO]] have been accused of being {{wp|loot boxes}}, which is a form of gambling.<ref>https://screenrant.com/pokemon-go-eggs-loot-boxes-gambling-money-incubator/</ref>


==Media-specific controversies==
===Pokémon GO===
===Pokémon GO===
The sudden enormous popularity of [[Pokémon GO]] resulted in many controversies worldwide. Numerous organizations and companies complained about the spawning of Pokémon at places such as Holocaust and 9/11 memorials,<ref>[https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/news/2016/07/12/holocaust-museum-auschwitz-want-pokmon-go-hunts-stop-pokmon/86991810/ Holocaust Museum, Auschwitz want Pokémon Go hunts out]</ref><ref>[http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-07-12-holocaust-museum-pleads-stop-playing-pokemon-go-here Holocaust museum pleads: stop playing Pokémon Go here • Eurogamer.net]</ref> train rails,<ref>[http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/pokemon-go-dutch-rail-operator-tells-nintendo-change-game-after-players-wonder-onto-tracks-1570308 Pokemon Go players told to stay away from Amsterdam hospital and rail tracks]</ref> and while driving a car.<ref>[http://fortune.com/2016/09/18/pokemon-go-players-driving/ Tens of Thousands of People Are Driving While Playing Pokémon GO | Fortune]</ref> Several people worldwide have been killed or seriously injured in accidents related to playing the game.<ref>[http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-pokemon-go-encinitas-cliff-fall-2016jul13-story.html ‘Pokémon Go’ players fall off 90-foot ocean bluff — The San Diego Union-Tribune]</ref><ref>[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3699722/Pokemon-sees-death-Teenager-18-killed-cousin-injured-playing-game-Guatamala.html Pokemon Go player killed in Guatemala and cousin injured while playing game | Daily Mail Online]</ref><ref>[https://www.theverge.com/2016/8/25/12637878/pokemon-go-driver-kills-woman-japan Driver distracted by Pokémon Go kills woman in Japan — The Verge]</ref>
The sudden enormous popularity of [[Pokémon GO]] resulted in many controversies worldwide. Numerous organizations and companies complained about the spawning of Pokémon at places such as Holocaust and 9/11 memorials,<ref>[https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/news/2016/07/12/holocaust-museum-auschwitz-want-pokmon-go-hunts-stop-pokmon/86991810/ Holocaust Museum, Auschwitz want Pokémon Go hunts out]</ref><ref>[http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-07-12-holocaust-museum-pleads-stop-playing-pokemon-go-here Holocaust museum pleads: stop playing Pokémon Go here • Eurogamer.net]</ref> train rails,<ref>[http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/pokemon-go-dutch-rail-operator-tells-nintendo-change-game-after-players-wonder-onto-tracks-1570308 Pokemon Go players told to stay away from Amsterdam hospital and rail tracks]</ref> and while driving a car.<ref>[http://fortune.com/2016/09/18/pokemon-go-players-driving/ Tens of Thousands of People Are Driving While Playing Pokémon GO | Fortune]</ref> Several people worldwide have been killed or seriously injured in accidents related to playing the game.<ref>[http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-pokemon-go-encinitas-cliff-fall-2016jul13-story.html ‘Pokémon Go’ players fall off 90-foot ocean bluff — The San Diego Union-Tribune]</ref><ref>[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3699722/Pokemon-sees-death-Teenager-18-killed-cousin-injured-playing-game-Guatamala.html Pokemon Go player killed in Guatemala and cousin injured while playing game | Daily Mail Online]</ref><ref>[https://www.theverge.com/2016/8/25/12637878/pokemon-go-driver-kills-woman-japan Driver distracted by Pokémon Go kills woman in Japan — The Verge]</ref>
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In Russia, a 21-year-old video blogger received a suspended sentence for three and a half years in prison for charges of blasphemy after playing the game in a church.<ref>[https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2017/05/11/russian-blogger-ruslan-sokolovsky-convicted-playing-pokemon-go-church/101541958/ Pokemon Go: Russian blogger Ruslan Sokolovsky convicted]</ref> Like the Pokémon mania in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Pokémon GO caused strong reactions in the Islamic world, declaring fatwas against the game as it could lead to "haram" activities such as "gambling".<ref>[http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/08/06/asia-pacific/malaysian-islamic-leaders-say-no-pokemon-go/#.WU6jV46GM2w Malaysian Islamic leaders say no to 'Pokemon Go' | The Japan Times] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20170803110904/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/08/06/asia-pacific/malaysian-islamic-leaders-say-no-pokemon-go/ archived copy])</ref><ref>[http://www.gadgetsnow.com/tech-news/Fatwa-against-Pokemon-Go-in-India/articleshow/53563918.cms Fatwa against Pokemon Go in India | Gadgets Now]</ref><ref>[https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2016/07/20/top-saudi-clerics-ban-pokemon-go/87330916/ Fatwa No. 21,758: Saudi clerics ban Pokemon Go]</ref> The game was banned in Iran over security concerns.<ref>[http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-36989526 Pokemon Go banned by Iranian authorities over 'security' — BBC News]</ref> In New York, registered sex offenders on parole were banned from playing Pokémon GO.<ref>[http://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2016/08/02/488435018/new-york-bans-registered-sex-offenders-from-pok-mon-go New York Bans Registered Sex Offenders From Pokémon Go : All Tech Considered : NPR]</ref> In a Belgian town with 35 inhabitants, playing the game became forbidden at night because the small town was constantly flooded with players.<ref>[http://www.hln.be/hln/nl/4126/Games/article/detail/2888132/2016/09/26/De-Wever-verbiedt-nachtelijke-Pokemon-Go-in-Lillo.dhtml De Wever verbiedt nachtelijke Pokémon Go in Lillo | Nieuws | HLN]</ref>
In Russia, a 21-year-old video blogger received a suspended sentence for three and a half years in prison for charges of blasphemy after playing the game in a church.<ref>[https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2017/05/11/russian-blogger-ruslan-sokolovsky-convicted-playing-pokemon-go-church/101541958/ Pokemon Go: Russian blogger Ruslan Sokolovsky convicted]</ref> Like the Pokémon mania in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Pokémon GO caused strong reactions in the Islamic world, declaring fatwas against the game as it could lead to "haram" activities such as "gambling".<ref>[http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/08/06/asia-pacific/malaysian-islamic-leaders-say-no-pokemon-go/#.WU6jV46GM2w Malaysian Islamic leaders say no to 'Pokemon Go' | The Japan Times] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20170803110904/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/08/06/asia-pacific/malaysian-islamic-leaders-say-no-pokemon-go/ archived copy])</ref><ref>[http://www.gadgetsnow.com/tech-news/Fatwa-against-Pokemon-Go-in-India/articleshow/53563918.cms Fatwa against Pokemon Go in India | Gadgets Now]</ref><ref>[https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2016/07/20/top-saudi-clerics-ban-pokemon-go/87330916/ Fatwa No. 21,758: Saudi clerics ban Pokemon Go]</ref> The game was banned in Iran over security concerns.<ref>[http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-36989526 Pokemon Go banned by Iranian authorities over 'security' — BBC News]</ref> In New York, registered sex offenders on parole were banned from playing Pokémon GO.<ref>[http://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2016/08/02/488435018/new-york-bans-registered-sex-offenders-from-pok-mon-go New York Bans Registered Sex Offenders From Pokémon Go : All Tech Considered : NPR]</ref> In a Belgian town with 35 inhabitants, playing the game became forbidden at night because the small town was constantly flooded with players.<ref>[http://www.hln.be/hln/nl/4126/Games/article/detail/2888132/2016/09/26/De-Wever-verbiedt-nachtelijke-Pokemon-Go-in-Lillo.dhtml De Wever verbiedt nachtelijke Pokémon Go in Lillo | Nieuws | HLN]</ref>


===Sword and Shield Pokédex===
===Pokémon Sword and Shield Pokédex===
During the {{wp|Electronic Entertainment Expo|E3}} 2019 Nintendo Treehouse live stream on June 11, 2019,<ref>[https://youtu.be/TmWu-f6L0Mo Nintendo Treehouse: Live | E3 2019] - Youtube</ref> [[Junichi Masuda]] stated that some species of {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} (455 in total across [[Generation]]s {{gen|I}} to {{gen|VII}}) could not be transferred to {{g|Sword and Shield}}. After a massive amount of backlash from Pokémon fans (most of which involving the {{wp|hashtag}} #BringBackNationalDex), [[The Pokémon Company International]] posted a statement from Masuda in response on [[Pokémon.com]] in Japanese and English on June 28, 2019.<ref>[https://www.pokemon.com/us/a-message-for-pokemon-video-game-fans/ A Message for Pokémon Video Game Fans] - Pokémon.com</ref> Despite this reiterated statement, the fan backlash on social media continued, with many fans requesting that compatibility for all Pokémon be included in a post-launch patch. When asked about the possibility of a patch, Masuda stated that he had not yet finalized a decision on such a patch. The controversy became somewhat mitigated when the Expansion Pass was announced for the games, which added 221 of the missing Pokémon back in.
During the {{wp|Electronic Entertainment Expo|E3}} 2019 Nintendo Treehouse live stream on June 11, 2019,<ref>[https://youtu.be/TmWu-f6L0Mo Nintendo Treehouse: Live | E3 2019] - Youtube</ref> [[Junichi Masuda]] stated that some species of {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} (455 in total across [[Generation]]s {{gen|I}} to {{gen|VII}}) could not be transferred to {{g|Sword and Shield}}. After a massive amount of backlash from Pokémon fans (most of which involving the {{wp|hashtag}} #BringBackNationalDex), [[The Pokémon Company International]] posted a statement from Masuda in response on [[Pokémon.com]] in Japanese and English on June 28, 2019.<ref>[https://www.pokemon.com/us/a-message-for-pokemon-video-game-fans/ A Message for Pokémon Video Game Fans] - Pokémon.com</ref> Despite this reiterated statement, the fan backlash on social media continued, with many fans requesting that compatibility for all Pokémon be included in a post-launch patch. When asked about the possibility of a patch, Masuda stated that he had not yet finalized a decision on such a patch. The controversy became somewhat mitigated when the Expansion Pass was announced for the games, which added 221 of the missing Pokémon back in.


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===Pokémon UNITE===
===Pokémon UNITE===
When [[Pokémon UNITE]] was first announced, it quickly attracted controversy due to it being developed by a subsidiary of {{wp|Tencent}}, which was controversial due to its ties to the Chinese government. It also brought up a controversy that had been steadily growing about the use of {{wp|microtransactions}} in Pokémon games. As a result of these controversies, the Pokémon UNITE reveal quickly became the most disliked video on [[The Pokémon Company]]'s {{wp|YouTube}} channel.<ref>Oloman, Jordan (June 25, 2020). "[https://www.ign.com/articles/pokemon-unite-trailer-most-disliked-video Pokemon Unite Reveal Becomes The Pokemon Company's Most Disliked Video on YouTube]." ''IGN''.</ref>
When [[Pokémon UNITE]] was first announced, it quickly attracted controversy due to it being developed by a subsidiary of {{wp|Tencent}}, which was controversial due to its ties to the Chinese government. It also brought up a controversy that had been steadily growing about the use of {{wp|microtransactions}} in Pokémon games. As a result of these controversies, the Pokémon UNITE reveal quickly became the most disliked video on [[The Pokémon Company]]'s [[YouTube]] channel.<ref>Oloman, Jordan (June 25, 2020). "[https://www.ign.com/articles/pokemon-unite-trailer-most-disliked-video Pokemon Unite Reveal Becomes The Pokemon Company's Most Disliked Video on YouTube]." ''IGN''.</ref>
 
===Palworld===
[[File:Palworld.png|250px|thumb|The v0.1.0.0 title screen of ''Palworld'']]
On January 19th, 2024, a game known as ''{{wp|Palworld}},'' developed by ''{{wp|Pocketpair}}'', was released on {{wp|Xbox Game Pass}} and {{wp|Steam}} to immense sales figures, with the Steam release alone selling over 8 million copies in less than six days,<ref name=PalworldSales>[https://archive.is/bIHxn ''Palworld'' tweet claiming ''Palworld'' has sold over 8 million copies in less than six days.]</ref> eclipsing the first-week sales of [[Pokémon Legends: Arceus]],<ref name=LASales>[https://archive.is/Pimvb Nintendo of America tweet claiming Pokémon Legends Arceus sold 6.5 million in its first week.]</ref> a title in the Pokémon series that was frequently compared to ''Palworld'' due to the similarity of being an open-ended monster catching game with a focus on action,<ref name=PalworldLA>Tweets of users comparing ''Palworld'' and Pokémon Legends: Arceus. [https://archive.is/A6xKm (1)] [https://archive.is/wip/NCtSG (2)]</ref> in addition to being the 2nd highest all-time peak in Steam history at 1.85 million concurrent players.<ref name=PalworldConcurrent>[https://archive.is/VvPcS ''Palworld'' stating that the game is the 2nd highest all-time peak in Steam history at 1.85 million concurrent players.]</ref>
 
Upon its release, the game was put under intense scrutiny as members of social media accused the game of plagiarizing Pokémon's aesthetic, particularly regarding ''Palworld's'' list of 111 "Pal" creatures at the time of its early access release.<ref name=111ListComparisons>[https://archive.is/F66QC Thread by Cecilia Fae comparing the list of "Pals" in ''Palworld'' to Pokémon designs]</ref><ref name=>[https://archive.is/361Sg Post by Acerola_t about Palworld's impact on the larger industry as a whole, referring to it as an "asset flip game".]</ref> This included criticism towards ''Pocketpair's'' other releases; such as ''{{wp|Craftopia}}'' and its similarities to ''{{wp|The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild}};''<ref name=Craftopia>[https://archive.is/5lnwC Tweet criticizing the similarities between Craftopia and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.]</ref> ''{{wp|Never Grave: The Witch and The Curse}}'' and its similarities to ''{{wp|Hollow Knight}};'' and ''{{wp|AI: Art Imposter}}'' and its similarities to ''{{wp|Among Us}}'' and ''Gartic Phone,'' which came under increased fire as a result of the game's focus around generative AI artwork, due to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_intelligence_art#Criticism,_issues_and_controversy existing controversy surrounding the topic.]<ref name=>[https://casetext.com/case/andersen-v-stability-ai-ltd/case-details A 2023 lawsuit between Sarah Andersen, et al. v. Stability AI regarding the use of AI generative artwork.]</ref> This led to a response by large influencers that enjoyed ''Palworld'', causing increased debate about the title and its alleged morality regarding the artists behind the Pokémon series.<ref name=>[https://archive.is/MzpQu A thread criticizing ''Twitch'' streamer ''Asmongold'' for his opinions on AI generated artwork and the artists behind both ''Palworld'' and the Pokémon series.]</ref>
 
Several users pointed out similarities between the Pal models found in ''Palworld'' and the Pokémon models from games such as {{g|Sun and Moon}}, accusing ''Pocketpair'' of plagiarism. The Pal ''"Azurobe"'' came under particular scrutiny for appearing to be an edit of {{p|Serperior}} and {{p|Primarina}}.<ref name=PalworldAzurobe>[https://archive.is/zEcmm Comparison made between ''Palworld's'' ''"Azurobe"'' and Pokémon such as Serperior and Primarina.]</ref> One user comparing the models was accused of fabricating evidence due to uniformly scaling the model to make the comparison easier to see within a 3D modelling program,<ref name=PalworldAzurobeFabrication>[https://archive.is/PghBU A thread incorrectly accusing the fabrication of evidence due to uniformly scaling ''Azurobe'' and Serperior's models to be the same size.]</ref> though this accusation was chastised further by industry professionals as uniformly scaling a model does not edit the mesh in any way.<ref name=PalworldModelScale>[https://archive.is/9OMLq Post chastising those accusing fabrication by uniform model scaling.]</ref> Other industry professionals pointed out that ''Azurobe'' and Serperior shared certain bone chains that have the same amount, and using a program to move them to match the same positions resulted in a near identical topology.<ref name=PalworldModelTopology>[https://archive.is/VEJtH Post pointing out the identical amount of bone chains between Serperior and Azurobe.]</ref>
 
The release of ''Palworld'' stoked further controversy surrounding recent entries in the series such as {{g|Scarlet and Violet}}, which was frequently compared to the game, particularly regarding its visuals,<ref name=>[https://archive.is/geCqM Tweet from company OperaGX comparing the visuals of ''Palworld'' and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.]</ref> with some arguing that ''Palworld's'' sudden success could prompt better game design from GAME FREAK themselves by virtue of competition in the monster collection space.<ref name=>[https://archive.is/NSKoe Post by ''InfernoOmni'' arguing that Pokémon fans should want Palworld to be successful in order to force GAME FREAK to improve the quality of their games]</ref><ref name=>[https://archive.is/Mxmjb Post from ''YourRAGE'' about the "sickening" response that Pokémon fans have to modern Pokémon releases.]</ref><ref name=>[https://archive.is/wip/kClAL Post from ''The Act Man'' about hopes for ''Palworld's'' success to push GAME FREAK to release games that aren't a "complete embarrassment"]</ref> Additional criticism against ''Palworld'' was rebuked by those claiming that the game was intentionally a parody of Pokémon,<ref name=>[https://youtu.be/JxN2nnlI4-0?t=1482 Video by ''InfernoOmni'' erroneously commenting on how ''Palworld'' was a parody, and therefore legally immune.]</ref><ref name=>[https://archive.is/arjhw Post from a user claiming that ''Palworld's'' designs are an intentional parody of Pokémon's.]</ref><ref name=>[https://archive.is/VYwVr Post from YouTuber ''YourMovieSucks'' about confusion surrounding the plagiarism accusations and that Fair Use would protect the game from any legal trouble, even though the Fair Use doctrine does not exist in Japanese law]</ref> though interviews in 2021 from the game's director mention that any comparisons to Pokémon were "lucky" and that they "totally didn't intend it."<ref name=>[https://archive.is/3ZXZS Interview between Takuro Mizobe and TheGamer in 2021 about how any comparisons to Pokémon were totally unintentional.]</ref> Criticism against the game was met with memes chastising Pokémon fans for alleged brand loyalty.<ref name=PalworldBillionDollarCompany>[https://archive.is/WPSh1 Tweet from company OperaGX chastising Pokémon fans for seemingly defending a billion-dollar company.]</ref>
 
[[File:Takuro Mizobe.png|250px|left|thumb|Takuro Mizobe, the director of ''Palworld'']]
Additional scrutiny<ref name=MizobeAIScrutiny>[https://archive.is/o8kDN Evidence of scrutiny against Mizobe's use of ChatGPT.]</ref> was levied at game director Takuro Mizobe<ref name=PalworldCredits>[https://archive.is/HCmeJ The ''Palworld'' website, which showcases the credits for the game]</ref> for use of generative AI during the game's development,<ref name=MizobeAIDevelopment>[https://archive.is/dJXb5 Mizobe posting in 2023 about using ChatGPT to develop ''Palworld'' (Japanese: '''"パルワールドのオープニング デモの仕様、なんかいい感じ に作っておいて下さい!!"''' "Please make some good specifications for Palworld's opening demo!!")]</ref> as well as posts from the director's past praise of AI generative artwork to create [[Fake Pokémon|Fakemon]] in the style of [[Ken Sugimori]]'s artwork.<ref name=PalworldAISuigmori>[https://archive.is/hnkNY Article summarizing Takuro Mizobe's past tweets about AI generative artwork, including those about using AI to generate Pokémon]</ref> This was in addition to further posts by Mizobe about the use of generative AI being used to circumvent {{wp|copyright|copyright law}}, another concern held by those on social media.<ref name=PalworldAISuigmori></ref> Mizobe has also gone on record in an interview with {{wp|WIRED}} saying that his approach to game creation is founded on merging ideas together; not dissimilar "to that of a {{wp|mashup}}" in musical terms.<ref name=PalworldWIRED>[https://archive.is/5dCyw Interview between Takuro Mizobe and WIRED.]</ref> In an interview with Automaton Media, Mizobe mentioned that ''Palworld'' cleared legal reviews prior to its release with no objections<ref name=PalworldLegalReviews>[https://archive.is/m2mCu Interview between ''Palworld'' director Takuro Mizobe and Automaton about the game's legal reviews.]</ref> and that ''Palworld'' was not at all similar to Pokémon. This is contradicted by a different interview with the same publication, where Mizobe noted that the developers directly referenced Pokémon as a "great predecessor", further stating that he was impressed by games like Pokémon Legends: Arceus and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.<ref name=PalworldGreatPredecessor>[https://archive.is/tPIgh Interview between ''Palworld'' director Takuro Mizobe and Automaton about the game's relation to Pokémon]</ref>
 
The controversy was commented on by various professionals from all walks of the video game industry. VGC spoke to two anonymous experienced AAA game artists claiming that the model comparisons done by other users were effectively a smoking gun for a hypothetical legal battle between the companies that own the rights to Pokémon against ''Pocketpair,'' with a senior character artist adding that they would "stand in court to testify as an expert on this."<ref name=PalworldPlagiarismAccusations>[https://archive.is/hidNJ Interview by VGC talking about ''Palworld's'' plagiarism accusations]</ref> ''{{wp|Keitai Denjū Telefang}}'' and ''{{wp|Monster Crown}}'' designer [https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=68358 Saiko Takaki] wrote a thread commenting on the history of Pokémon plagiarism, where she claimed that her work on ''Telefang'' was designed to not be similar to Pokémon's, with ''Palworld's'' designs "clearly adding or subtracting" from existing ones, though noted that she had no comments to make on the actual gameplay, saying it "seemed fun, which is a shame."<ref name=SaikoTakaki>[https://archive.is/jEHdh Thread by ''Telefang'' and ''Monster Crown'' designer Saiko Takaki discussing ''Palworld''.]</ref> [[The Pokémon Company International]]'s Ex-Chief Legal Officer [[Dan McGowan]], who was the head of the company's legal team between 2008 to 2020, told ''GamesRadar'' that he was "surprised it got this far", and that it "looks like the usual ripoff nonsense that [he] would see a thousand times a year".<ref name=PalworldExTPCLegalOfficer>[https://archive.is/pEm7N Interview between ex-Pokémon CLO Dan McGowan and GamesRadar.]</ref>
 
On January 22nd, Mizobe claimed that the team behind ''Palworld'' were receiving threats of violence and claims of slander, calling for people to stop.<ref name=PalworldThreats>[https://archive.is/Ofa7Q Palworld director Takuro Mizobe's claims that the team were receiving threats of violence and slanderous claims.]</ref>
 
On January 23rd, a user that edited the models of ''Palworld'' to include various Pokémon, as well as characters such as [[Ash]], [[Misty (anime)|Misty]] and [[Brock (Masters)|Brock]] as part of a paid mod released on their Patreon,<ref name=PalworldModder>[https://archive.is/bnUVI IGN article on the person that modded Pokémon characters into ''Palworld.'']</ref> claimed that "Nintendo had come for me" less than 24 hours later, with his video of the mod on Twitter being disabled in response to a report by the copyright owner after garnering 11.5 million views.<ref name=PalworldModVideo>[https://archive.is/aMsM0 A now-disabled video showcasing Pokémon characters in Palworld.]</ref>
 
On the morning of January 25th, The Pokémon Company issued an official statement on their website<ref name=ThePokémonCompanyPalworldStatement>[https://archive.is/oT1L6 Post on The Pokémon Company website regarding Palworld.]</ref> in both Japanese and English, which read as the following:
 
<br>
 
'''''Inquiries Regarding Other Companies’ Games'''''
 
''"We have received many inquiries regarding another company’s game released in January 2024. We have not granted any permission for the use of Pokémon intellectual property or assets in that game. We intend to investigate and take appropriate measures to address any acts that infringe on intellectual property rights related to the Pokémon. We will continue to cherish and nurture each and every Pokémon and its world, and work to bring the world together through Pokémon in the future."''
 
''The Pokémon Company''
 
<br>
 
On February 1st, Japanese {{wp|tabloid}} magazine ''{{wp|Tokyo Sports}}'' received an alleged tip stating that professionals in the Japanese entertainment industry were actively told to not associate with Palworld.<ref name=PalworldTokyoSports>[https://archive.is/E7V9U Article from Japanese tabloid magazine ''Tokyo Sports.'']</ref> An anonymous senior executive told ''Tokyo Sports'' that they have told their talent "not to mention Palworld on SNS or in public" out of the concern that it could impact future collaborations with the Pokémon brand.
 
On February 6th, during [[Nintendo]]'s review of the previous fiscal year, company president [[Shuntaro Furukawa]] directly mentioned ''Pocketpair'', ''Palworld,'' and the game's similarity to the Pokémon series, stating; "We will take appropriate action against those that infringe on our intellectual property rights."<ref name=FurukawaPalworld>[https://archive.is/uvDiD Article reporting on Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa's statements regarding ''Pocketpair'' and ''Palworld.'']</ref>
 
Currently, there have been no legal measures taken against ''Pocketpair'' for the release of ''Palworld'', and no action has been taken by the company to make any changes to the game as a result of the controversy. Pals that are currently unobtainable in the game, though are fully functional with completed models, animations and parameters; such as ''"Boltmane"'' and ''"Dark Mutant"'' appear especially similar to existing Pokémon, such as {{p|Luxray}} and [[Mega Evolution|Mega]] {{p|Mewtwo}} Y.<ref name=PalworldBoltmane>[https://archive.is/GyJvO A page on the Pal "Boltmane", who appears similar to Luxray]</ref><ref name=PalworldDarkMutant>[https://archive.is/wip/jrVZP A post about the pal "Dark Mutant", who appears similar to Mega Mewtwo Y.]</ref>


==In multiple media==
==Racism==
===Racism===
===Jynx===
====Jynx====
[[File:124Jynx RB.png|thumb|left|x200px|Jynx's original design]]
[[File:124Jynx RB.png|thumb|left|x200px|Jynx's original design]]
[[File:0124Jynx.png|thumb|200px|Jynx's current design]]
[[File:0124Jynx.png|thumb|200px|Jynx's current design]]
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Weatherford's complaint caused many repercussions in the Pokémon franchise. The sprites of Jynx in the Western releases of {{game2|Gold|Silver|Crystal}} were edited, and all episodes featuring Jynx's original design were cut from international airings of the anime, including a sequence depicting Jynx in its original design in ''[[AG013|All Things Bright and Beautifly!]]''.
Weatherford's complaint caused many repercussions in the Pokémon franchise. The sprites of Jynx in the Western releases of {{game2|Gold|Silver|Crystal}} were edited, and all episodes featuring Jynx's original design were cut from international airings of the anime, including a sequence depicting Jynx in its original design in ''[[AG013|All Things Bright and Beautifly!]]''.


Jynx's design was officially revised by [[Game Freak]] to be purple rather than black, starting with the international releases of {{g|Gold and Silver}} and being included in all versions of the games from [[Generation III]]-onwards. This change was reflected in later [[core series]] games, including in Japan and South Korea, beginning with {{game|Ruby and Sapphire|s}}, and in the {{pkmn|anime}} starting in ''[[AG115|Mean With Envy]]''. Jynx has also been recolored in [[VIZ Media]]'s reissues of [[Pokémon Adventures]]. Although the manga is colored in black-and-white, Jynx appearing in the manga are recolored as a dark gray rather than a straight black, suggesting that they are purple instead of black. It is also recolored to purple on the back cover of the reissue of {{PAV|4}}. Jynx's skin was also recolored to purple when ''Holiday Hi-Jynx'' finally saw a re-airing in Japan in 2012; nevertheless, the episode is still banned in the US due to the implications of African American-esque characters being subservient to a powerful Caucasian figure. The [[Pokémon Pocket Monsters]] manga published between 2005 and 2006 in English by [[Chuang Yi]] didn't change her color, and thus her original black design appears.
Jynx's design was officially revised by [[Game Freak]] to be purple rather than black, starting with the international releases of {{g|Gold and Silver}} and being included in all versions of the games from [[Generation III]]-onwards. This change was reflected in later [[core series]] games, including in Japan and South Korea, beginning with {{game|Ruby and Sapphire|s}}, and in the {{pkmn|anime}} starting in ''[[AG115|Mean With Envy]]''. Jynx has also been recolored in [[VIZ Media]]'s reissues of [[Pokémon Adventures]]. Although the manga is colored in black-and-white, Jynx appearing in the manga are recolored as a dark gray rather than a straight black, suggesting that they are purple instead of black. It is also recolored to purple on the back cover of the reissue of {{PAV|4}}. Jynx's skin was also recolored to purple when ''Holiday Hi-Jynx'' finally saw a re-airing in Japan in 2012; nevertheless, the episode is still banned in the US due to the implications of African American-esque characters being subservient to a powerful white figure. The [[Pokémon Pocket Monsters]] manga published between 2005 and 2006 in English by [[Chuang Yi]] didn't change her color, and thus her original black design appears.


In recent years, some fans of Pokémon have noted that Jynx may be inspired by {{wp|ganguro}}, a Japanese fashion where women tan heavily, bleach their hair, and apply large amounts of makeup, instead of a black stereotype. This theory is mainly based on Jynx's long, straight, blonde hair, a common attribute of ganguro fashion. Another theory is that Jynx is based on the Nordic goddess {{wp|Hel}}, who was often depicted as having a face half white-half black and who ruled {{wp|Niflheim}}, primarily depicted as a land of primordial ice and cold. Some fans say this is supported by Jynx sharing traits with the iconic opera singing "{{wp|It ain't over 'til the fat lady sings|Fat Lady}}," who is pop-culturally portrayed dressed as the {{wp|valkyrie}} {{wp|Brünnhilde}}. It has also been stated that Jynx is based on {{wp|Yama-uba}}, the mountain Crone.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8X3l_Tt8VE Game Theory: Pokemon Racism, Jynx Justified]</ref>
In recent years, some fans of Pokémon have noted that Jynx may be inspired by {{wp|ganguro}}, a Japanese fashion where women tan heavily, bleach their hair, and apply large amounts of makeup, instead of a black stereotype. This theory is mainly based on Jynx's long, straight, blonde hair, a common attribute of ganguro fashion. Another theory is that Jynx is based on the Nordic goddess {{wp|Hel}}, who was often depicted as having a face half white-half black and who ruled {{wp|Niflheim}}, primarily depicted as a land of primordial ice and cold. Some fans say this is supported by Jynx sharing traits with the iconic opera singing "{{wp|It ain't over 'til the fat lady sings|Fat Lady}}," who is pop-culturally portrayed dressed as the {{wp|valkyrie}} {{wp|Brünnhilde}}. It has also been stated that Jynx is based on {{wp|Yama-uba}}, the mountain Crone.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8X3l_Tt8VE Game Theory: Pokemon Racism, Jynx Justified]</ref>


====Lenora====
===Lenora===
[[File:BW014 comparison.png|thumb|200px|The change in the anime]]
[[File:BW014 comparison.png|thumb|200px|The change in the anime]]
The [[Gym Leader]] of [[Nacrene City]] in {{game|Black and White|s}}, [[Lenora]], also brought up concerns of racism. Lenora's original artwork, as well as her in-game sprites, depict her wearing a large apron. Concerns arose that people outside of Japan would allude Lenora to the {{wp|Mammy stereotype}}. Similar to Lenora, the mammy is often depicted as a dark-skinned woman who wears a handkerchief on her head and an apron. Because of the similarity, Lenora's artwork was changed, from her wearing the apron to her having it slung over her shoulder like a cape. Despite this, Lenora's in-game sprites were not altered in the international releases of Pokémon Black and White or {{game|Black and White|s 2|Pokémon Black 2 and White 2}}.
The [[Gym Leader]] of [[Nacrene City]] in {{game|Black and White|s}}, [[Lenora]], also brought up concerns of racism. Lenora's original artwork, as well as her in-game sprites, depict her wearing a large apron. Concerns arose that people outside of Japan would allude Lenora to the {{wp|Mammy stereotype}}. Similar to Lenora, the mammy is often depicted as a dark-skinned woman who wears a handkerchief on her head and an apron. Because of the similarity, Lenora's artwork was changed, from her wearing the apron to her having it slung over her shoulder like a cape. Despite this, Lenora's in-game sprites were not altered in the international releases of Pokémon Black and White or {{game|Black and White|s 2|Pokémon Black 2 and White 2}}.
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In [[Pokémon Masters EX]], {{mas|Lenora}} is not depicted with an apron.
In [[Pokémon Masters EX]], {{mas|Lenora}} is not depicted with an apron.
{{-}}


===Animal cruelty===
==Animal cruelty==
In the past, several animal rights groups have tried to ban Pokémon, claiming that Pokémon battles closely resemble {{wp|cockfight}}s. This aspect of the controversy was actually touched upon in {{game|Black and White|s}}.
In the past, several animal rights groups have tried to ban Pokémon, claiming that Pokémon battles closely resemble {{wp|cockfight}}s. This aspect of the controversy was actually touched upon in {{game|Black and White|s}}.


Upon the release of {{game|Black and White|s 2|Pokémon Black 2 and White 2}}, {{wp|People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals|PETA}} released a mock game named ''Pokémon Black and Blue''. In the game, the player controls the Pokémon to attack the opposing human. PETA claims that the way the Pokémon are "stuffed" into the [[Poké Ball]] is similar to how circus elephants are chained inside railroad carts. Nintendo responded to this by simply stating, "Nintendo and The Pokémon Company take the inappropriate use of our products and intellectual property seriously."<ref>[http://o.canada.com/technology/gaming/nintendo-responds-to-petas-pokemon-attack Nintendo responds to PETA’s Pokemon attack | canada.com] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20180911211240/https://o.canada.com/technology/gaming/nintendo-responds-to-petas-pokemon-attack archived copy] )</ref> Around the release of [[Pokémon X and Y]], PETA released another mock game called ''Pokémon Red, White, and Blue'' that features Nintendo's claimed association with {{wp|McDonald's}} and also makes fun of the frequent release of sister games.
Upon the release of {{game|Black and White|s 2|Pokémon Black 2 and White 2}}, {{wp|People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals|PETA}} released a mock game named ''Pokémon Black and Blue''. In the game, the player controls the Pokémon to attack the opposing human. PETA claims that the way the Pokémon are "stuffed" into the [[Poké Ball]] is similar to how circus elephants are chained inside railroad carts. Nintendo responded to this by simply stating, "Nintendo and The Pokémon Company take the inappropriate use of our products and intellectual property seriously."<ref>[http://o.canada.com/technology/gaming/nintendo-responds-to-petas-pokemon-attack Nintendo responds to PETA’s Pokemon attack | canada.com] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20180911211240/https://o.canada.com/technology/gaming/nintendo-responds-to-petas-pokemon-attack archived copy] )</ref> Around the release of [[Pokémon X and Y]], PETA released another mock game called ''Pokémon Red, White, and Blue'' that features Nintendo's claimed association with {{wp|McDonald's}} and also makes fun of the frequent release of sister games.
===Materialism and gender inequality===
The franchise has been accused of promoting {{wp|Economic materialism|materialism}}, {{wp|consumerism}}, and {{wp|gender inequality}}.<ref>[http://www.popmatters.com/review/pokemon-the-movie-2000/ Pokemon The Movie 2000 (2000) | PopMatters] ([https://archive.is/h4Mpw archived copy])</ref>
==In official events and tournaments==
===2024 World Championships location announcement===
At the end of the [[2023 World Championships]] on August 13, 2023, it was announced that next year's [[Pokémon World Championships]] will be held in {{wp|Honolulu}}, {{wp|Hawaii}}; it will be the fourth World Championships to be held in the US state. As it was announced in the wake of {{wp|2023 Hawaii wildfires|wildfires happening throughout Hawaii}} beginning early August 2023, this announcement has been met with criticism, with people citing issues with announcing the news during an ongoing tragedy and the over-tourism in Hawaii causing problems to the state as it tries to meet the tourism demand.<ref>Nightingale, Ed (August 14, 2023). "[https://www.eurogamer.net/the-pokemon-company-donates-200k-to-hawaii-after-announcing-it-as-2024-tournament-location The Pokémon Company donates $200k to Hawaii after announcing it as 2024 tournament location]." ''Eurogamer''.</ref><ref>Bailey, Kat (August 15, 2023). "[https://www.ign.com/articles/pokemon-world-championships-hawaii Why the Pokémon World Championships Going to Hawaii Is Proving to be a Controversial Choice]." ''IGN''.</ref>
[[The Pokémon Company]] made a donation of $200,000 to the Hawaii Wildfire Relief Fund via the nonprofit GlobalGiving, which was announced on the [[Play! Pokémon]] Twitter account shortly after the 2024 World Championships location announcement.<ref>[https://twitter.com/playpokemon/status/1690638821468364800 @playpokemon on Twitter.] Posted on August 13, 2023.</ref>


==Religion==
==Religion==
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===Islam===
===Islam===
====Background====
[[File:Egyptian Newspaper Poké-fatwa smear-campaign.jpg|200x200px|thumb|The Poké-fatwa smear campaign reaching the headline page of an Egyptian newsparer on April 15, 2001. Title reads: It is forbidden for Muslims to interact with the Pokémon game.]]
[[File:Egyptian Newspaper Poké-fatwa smear-campaign.jpg|200x200px|thumb|The Poké-fatwa smear campaign reaching the headline page of an Egyptian newsparer on April 15, 2001. Title reads: It is forbidden for Muslims to interact with the Pokémon game.]]


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The following months would see those questionable claims get spread around by either word-of-mouth or anonymous printings of those very misleading rumors that originated off of that forum, which spiraled into a perplexing social smear campaign movement that succeeded in convincing a number of Arabic nations to outright ban and limit the presence of the Pokémon franchise, such as in {{wp|Egypt}}, where Mufti ''Nasser Fareed Wasel'' declared a ban on remotely interacting with any of its content on April 6, 2001.
The following months would see those questionable claims get spread around by either word-of-mouth or anonymous printings of those very misleading rumors that originated off of that forum, which spiraled into a perplexing social smear campaign movement that succeeded in convincing a number of Arabic nations to outright ban and limit the presence of the Pokémon franchise, such as in {{wp|Egypt}}, where Mufti ''Nasser Fareed Wasel'' declared a ban on remotely interacting with any of its content on April 6, 2001.


====Claims of Zionist Jewish plot====
Some outspoken, fundamentalist Muslims claimed that Pokémon is a Jewish conspiracy intended to get Muslim children to renounce their faith.<ref>[http://www.cairoscene.com/LifeStyle/10-Egyptian-Conspiracy-Theories 10 Egyptian Conspiracy Theories]</ref><ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/2001/apr/24/news/mn-54861 Arabs See Jewish Conspiracy in Pokemon - latimes]</ref><ref>[http://archive.adl.org/presrele/islme_62/3791_62.html ADL denounces claim by Muslim leaders that Pokemon game is “Jewish Conspiracy" - Press Release] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20160724034549/http://archive.adl.org/presrele/islme_62/3791_62.html archived copy])</ref><ref>[http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/saddam-hussein-tried-ban-pokemon-7732176 Saddam Hussein tried to ban POKEMON in Iraq for an utterly bizarre reason - Mirror Online]</ref> These same groups claimed that the word "Pokémon" means "I am Jewish", with the claimers and their followers generally unaware of the franchise's Japanese origin. The "Evolution vs. Creationism" conflict was also commonly brought up.<ref>[http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/691674/Saudi-Arabia-fatwa-Pokemon-GO-un-islamic-blasphemous-theory-of-natural-evolution Saudi Arabia issues fatwa against POKÉMON for being ‘un-Islamic’ and ‘blasphemous' | World | News | Express.co.uk]</ref><ref>[https://www.memri.org/tv/dubai-family-consultant-dr-khalifa-al-makhrazi-pok%C3%A9mon-go-prohibited-spreads-darwinism Dubai Family Consultant Dr. Khalifa Al-Makhrazi: Pokemon Go Is Prohibited, Spreads Darwinism | MEMRI]</ref><ref>[http://www.alifta.net/Fatawa/FatawaChapters.aspx?languagename=en&View=Page&PageID=10338&PageNo=1&BookID=7 Fatwas of the Permanent Committee]</ref>
Some outspoken, fundamentalist Muslims claimed that Pokémon is a Jewish conspiracy intended to get Muslim children to renounce their faith.<ref>[http://www.cairoscene.com/LifeStyle/10-Egyptian-Conspiracy-Theories 10 Egyptian Conspiracy Theories]</ref><ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/2001/apr/24/news/mn-54861 Arabs See Jewish Conspiracy in Pokemon - latimes]</ref><ref>[http://archive.adl.org/presrele/islme_62/3791_62.html ADL denounces claim by Muslim leaders that Pokemon game is “Jewish Conspiracy" - Press Release] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20160724034549/http://archive.adl.org/presrele/islme_62/3791_62.html archived copy])</ref><ref>[http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/saddam-hussein-tried-ban-pokemon-7732176 Saddam Hussein tried to ban POKEMON in Iraq for an utterly bizarre reason - Mirror Online]</ref> These same groups claimed that the word "Pokémon" means "I am Jewish", with the claimers and their followers generally unaware of the franchise's Japanese origin. The "Evolution vs. Creationism" conflict was also commonly brought up.<ref>[http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/691674/Saudi-Arabia-fatwa-Pokemon-GO-un-islamic-blasphemous-theory-of-natural-evolution Saudi Arabia issues fatwa against POKÉMON for being ‘un-Islamic’ and ‘blasphemous' | World | News | Express.co.uk]</ref><ref>[https://www.memri.org/tv/dubai-family-consultant-dr-khalifa-al-makhrazi-pok%C3%A9mon-go-prohibited-spreads-darwinism Dubai Family Consultant Dr. Khalifa Al-Makhrazi: Pokemon Go Is Prohibited, Spreads Darwinism | MEMRI]</ref><ref>[http://www.alifta.net/Fatawa/FatawaChapters.aspx?languagename=en&View=Page&PageID=10338&PageNo=1&BookID=7 Fatwas of the Permanent Committee]</ref>


Line 162: Line 159:
Despite the initial banning, which quickly wiped away [[Pokémon merchandise]], especially the card game, from markets in Saudi Arabia, Pokémon video games quickly returned to be sold normally, but under much less demand from local consumers. Some Pokémon merchandise, such as the {{OBP|Expedition Base Set|TCG}}, reappeared in certain stores a few years later, but newer sets were never brought. Games from [[Generation III]] on seem completely unaffected by the ban.
Despite the initial banning, which quickly wiped away [[Pokémon merchandise]], especially the card game, from markets in Saudi Arabia, Pokémon video games quickly returned to be sold normally, but under much less demand from local consumers. Some Pokémon merchandise, such as the {{OBP|Expedition Base Set|TCG}}, reappeared in certain stores a few years later, but newer sets were never brought. Games from [[Generation III]] on seem completely unaffected by the ban.


===Judaism===
===Judaism and perceived Nazi imagery===
In 1999, the Jewish civil rights group {{wp|Anti-Defamation League}} complained about [[Nintendo]]'s use of a {{wp|swastika}} (known as a ''manji'' in Japan, where it is used as a {{wp|Buddhism|Buddhist}} symbol) in the Japanese print of {{TCG ID|Gym Challenge|Koga's Ninja Trick|115}}, because of the symbol's strong association with the German Nazi Party in the {{wp|Western world}}. Nintendo ceased manufacturing the card, a decision that was positively received by the group, which also understood that the symbol was not intended to offend and acknowledged the sensitivity that Nintendo had shown by removing the product.<ref>[http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4525479.html `Swastika' Pokemon card dropped - Chicago Sun-Times | HighBeam Research] ([https://archive.is/cROTU archived copy])</ref>
====Animation====
In ''[[AG013|All Things Bright and Beautifly!]]'', a Team Rocket fantasy involved [[Jessie]], [[James]], {{MTR}}, and many {{tc|Team Rocket Grunt}}s raising their hands in a manner somewhat similar to the {{wp|Nazi salute|Hitler salute}}. It was edited out in the English dub of the {{pkmn|anime}}, with the Grunts no longer raising their hands. Despite this, {{MTR}}'s arm remains unedited in the dub.
 
<gallery>
File:AG013 original shot.png|Original Japanese version
File:AG013 dub shot.png|Dubbed English version
</gallery>
 
====Koga's Ninja Trick====
In 1999, the Jewish civil rights group {{wp|Anti-Defamation League}} took issue with [[Nintendo]]'s use of a {{wp|manji}} in the original Japanese print of {{TCG ID|Gym Challenge|Koga's Ninja Trick|115}} from Challenge from the Darkness, because of the symbol's strong association German Nazi Party insignia in the {{wp|Western world}}, which they appropriated from the manji in 1920.<ref name=KogaNinjaTrickSwastikaOrigin>[https://archive.is/Klauq Article from the Holocaust Encylopedia about the history of the Swastika.]</ref> This was a sentiment echoed by Jewish parent Myla Specht; "we thought there had to be something we could do because it can be terrible for children."<ref name=KogaNinjaTrickCBS>[https://archive.is/M25KR Article quoting the situation with Koga's Ninja Trick in the United States.]</ref>
 
<gallery>
Koga Ninja Trick Manji.png|Original Japanese print
KogaNinjaTrickGymChallenge115.jpg|International print
</gallery>
 
Response to criticism was mixed. Nintendo of America announced that the card featuring the artwork was to be discontinued in all territories<ref name=KogaNinjaTrickCBS></ref> even though no English language copies of the cards were printed, as the complaints originated from American children recieving the card in imported packs. They also recognized that there was no ill-intent behind the manji's inclusion from "the card's Japanese creators",<ref name=KogaNinjaTrickCBS></ref> though the original illustrator, [[Sumiyoshi Kizuki]], has never publicly commented on the topic.
 
Kenneth Jacobson, a spokesperson for the Anti-Defamation League, recognized Nintendo's sensitivity to the feelings of Jews and others to whom the swastika may offend. Conversely, Steve Weisman, who was upset after hearing that ten-year-old children were finding the cards from imported packs said that Nintendo should do more, saying; "maybe [including] a contribution to a Holocaust group. The whole premise of the game is kids having fun. This reminded people of 6 million deaths."<ref name=KogaNinjaTrickCBS></ref> Larry Rosensweig, a Jewish director at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach claimed that opposition to the manji symbol was "misplaced indignation", bringing up the fact that the manji had "been used throughout Asia for thousands of years and has nothing whatsoever to do with the Nazis or anti-Semitism", saying "there are plenty of things out there that people should be offended about."<ref name=KogaNinjaTrickCBS></ref>
 
In the resale market, the original print of Koga's Ninja Trick featuring the manji is often over twenty times more valuable when compared to its reprinted counterpart, even in Japanese markets.<ref name=KogaNinjaTrickPrice>[https://archive.is/4p4V6 Tweet showing a 20x price difference between both prints of Koga's Ninja Trick.]</ref> Other cards that directly reference Nazism, such as {{TCG ID|Gym Heroes|Secret Mission|118}}, drawn by [[Ken Sugimori]], which features the real-life map of German occupied Poland during World War II, have not been changed in a similar manner, despite the sensitive subject material. Today, although the manji has continued to be used as a symbol of peace throughout Asia, also continues to be co-opted by fascist {{wp|Neo-Nazism|Neo Nazi}} groups, including {{wp|National Socialist Japanese Workers' Party|those also in Japan.}}
 
====Registeel====
In European releases of {{game|Diamond and Pearl|s}}, the sprite art for {{p|Registeel}} is altered slightly. In the Japanese, Korean, and English releases, Registeel's arm is extended. In non-English European versions an altered sprite is used, depicting it with both of its arms down, presumably due to the original pose's resemblance to the {{wp|Roman salute}}, infamously {{wp|Nazi salute|used}} by (and therefore commonly associated with) the German {{wp|Nazism|Nazi Party}}. In all versions of {{game|Platinum}} and {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}}, the revised sprite is used.
 
In {{g|Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl}}, if the player shows the [[Yuichi Ueda|Game Director]] at the [[Hotel Grand Lake]] a Pokémon [[game of origin|originating]] from Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, or Platinum, he gives them the [[Diploma|Time Travel Award]], featuring the Pokémon's original sprite from Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. Prior to v1.1.3, this award would use the original Japanese Pokémon Diamond and Pearl sprite for Registeel, although this award was not obtainable until [[Pokémon HOME]] support was added in v1.1.3 anyway; in v1.1.3, Registeel's sprite was replaced with the revised sprite used in Pokémon Platinum.<ref>https://twitter.com/mattyoukhana_/status/1473462097489104902</ref>
 
<gallery>
File:Spr 4d 379.png|International DP Registeel
File:Spr 4p 379.png|European DP/Worldwide PtHGSS Registeel
</gallery>


==Legal issues==
==Legal issues==
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===Uri Geller===
===Uri Geller===
[[File:064Kadabra RG.png|thumb|200px|Kadabra's official core game artwork at the time]]
[[File:DarkKadabraTeamRocket39.jpg|thumb|200px|Dark Kadabra TCG card]]
On 2 November 2000<!-- The date when the BBC article about that was written -->, Israeli magician {{wp|Uri Geller}}, known for his attribution of his spoon-bending tricks to alleged {{wp|psychic}} abilities, tried to sue Nintendo for £60 million, claiming that {{p|Kadabra}}, known as ''Yungerer'' in Japan, was an unauthorized parody of himself.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1003454.stm BBC News | ENTERTAINMENT | Geller sues Nintendo over Pokémon] ([https://archive.today/AhjVR archived copy])</ref><ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/uk/1999/dec/29/2 Nintendo faces £60m writ from Uri Geller | UK News | The Guardian]</ref> Besides Kadabra's use of [[Twisted Spoon|bent spoons]] to enhance its {{t|psychic}} powers, the {{wp|katakana}} for its name (ユンゲラー) is visually similar to the transliteration of his own name into Japanese (ユリゲラー). Another claim was that Kadabra's design is {{wp|Antisemitism|antisemitic}} in nature due to the star on its forehead and the lightning bolts resembling the logo of the {{wp|Waffen-SS}}. He is quoted as saying "Nintendo turned me into an evil, occult Pokémon character. Nintendo stole my identity by using my name and my signature image." The symbols themselves are taken from those used on {{wp|Zener cards}}, which have been used to conduct research into supposed psychic abilities since the 1930s.
Israeli magician {{wp|Uri Geller}}, known for his attribution of his spoon-bending tricks to alleged {{wp|psychic}} abilities, sued Nintendo, alleging that {{p|Kadabra}} (known as ''Yungerer'' in Japan) was an unauthorized use of his name and likeness. Besides Kadabra's use of [[Twisted Spoon|bent spoons]] to enhance its {{t|psychic}} powers, the {{wp|katakana}} for its name (ユンゲラー) is visually similar to the transliteration of his own name into Japanese (ユリゲラー). In particular, he took issue with Kadabra cards in the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]], especially the existence of the card {{TCG ID|Team Rocket|Dark Kadabra|39}} (named "Evil Yungerer" in Japanese). Geller, who is Jewish, additionally argued that Kadabra's design is {{wp|Antisemitism|antisemitic}} due to the five-pointed star on its forehead and the lightning bolts resembling the logo of the {{wp|Waffen-SS}}.<ref name="BBC"/> He is quoted as saying "Nintendo turned me into an evil, occult Pokémon character. Nintendo stole my identity by using my name and my signature image."<ref name="BBC"/> The symbols themselves are taken from those used on {{wp|Zener cards}}, which have been used to conduct research into supposed psychic abilities since the 1930s, and Geller has personally used in some of his magic tricks.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbI8i17COJQ&t=341 The Man Who Stopped Game Freak from Using Kadabra - Uri Geller | Save Data | YouTube]</ref>


As a result, for almost 20 years, there had not been a Kadabra card in the {{pkmn|Trading Card Game}} since {{TCG|Skyridge}} in 2003, and Kadabra had not appeared in the Pokémon anime since ''[[AG146|Fear Factor Phony]]'' in 2006, perhaps as a precaution against Geller's history of lawsuits. This is further hinted at by [[Masamitsu Hidaka]]'s interview with PokéBeach in July 2008,<ref>[http://pokebeach.com/2008/07/second-pokemon-interview-with-masamitsu-hidaka-many-interesting-points Second Interview with Masamitsu Hidaka – Many Interesting Points! (July 4th, 2008) « Website News « PokéBeach] ([https://archive.today/ApNJu archived copy])</ref> where he claimed that usage of Kadabra on a card is not allowed until an agreement was reached and that the case would not be settled anytime soon.
Geller told news outlets that he first became aware of Kadabra and its similarities to him while he was Christmas shopping at a {{OBP|Pokémon Center|store}} store in Japan. According to Geller, the store manager "rushed out from his office continuously bowing," followed by "hundreds of children [thrusting] Pokemon cards at him to autograph while chanting what sounded like Uri Geller."<ref name="Guardian"/>


{{p|Abra}} and {{p|Alakazam}} cards have continued to be printed, despite the fact that this makes it impossible to play Alakazam cards in matches that prevent the use of older cards (without using cards that specifically allows Alakazam to be played directly without evolving it from Kadabra, such as {{TCG ID|EX Sandstorm|Rare Candy|88}}). However, the only {{TCG ID|Mysterious Treasures|Abra|69}} card released after {{tcg|Skyridge}}, in {{tcg|Mysterious Treasures}}, has an attack that allows it to evolve directly into Alakazam, skipping the Kadabra stage. Any {{TCG|Alakazam}} cards printed since were Basic Pokémon that didn't need to evolve from anything.
In December 1999, he told news outlets that he was planning to sue Nintendo. Geller retained lawyers in Tokyo and the United States, and told news outlets that he was pursuing legal action in "Europe, America, Latin America and Australasia". In the US, his lawyer said they were planning to sue for US$100 million. When reached for comment, Nintendo in Japan told news outlets they had not yet received the lawsuit.<ref name="Guardian">[https://www.theguardian.com/uk/1999/dec/29/2 Nintendo faces £60m writ from Uri Geller | UK News | The Guardian] ([https://archive.today/XkBzu archived copy])</ref> Nintendo told news outlets "None of the Pokémon characters is given a name based on the image of any particular person".<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070224021819/http://news.zdnet.co.uk/emergingtech/0,1000000183,2076058,00.htm Uri Geller sues Pokemon | ZDnet]</ref> When VICE investigated the case in 2018, they were unable to find any evidence of Geller ever filing a lawsuit in Japan, although they were unable to contact the Japanese lawyer who Geller had retained.<ref name="VICE">[https://www.vice.com/de/article/pa947m/uri-gellers-kampf-gegen-pokemon-kadabra-nintendo Uri Geller vs. Kadabra: Die bizarre Geschichte hinter der verschwundenen Pokémon-Karte | VICE] (in German)</ref>


In November 2020, Uri Geller declared that he had rescinded the "ban" on Kadabra's depiction in the TCG, citing fan outcry.<ref>[https://www.thegamer.com/uri-geller-nintendo-permission-kadabra-pokemon-cards/ Uri Geller rescinds the ban on Kadabra's depiction in the TCG]</ref><ref>[https://twitter.com/TheUriGeller/status/1332794451727691777 Uri Geller's tweet regarding Kadabra's now-released ban]</ref> About a year later, Kadabra made its first appearance in animation since ''Fear Factor Phony'' in the [[Pokémon Evolutions]] episode ''[[PE07|The Show]]''. The first {{TCG ID|151|Kadabra|64}} card printed since Skyridge is included in the Japanese {{TCG|Pokémon Card 151}} subset, released on June 16, 2023; and the English {{TCG|151}} expansion, releasing on September 22, 2023.
In November 2000, it was reported that Geller had begun legal action against Nintendo in Los Angeles federal court, for using his likeness (Kadabra) on Pokémon cards without authorization. It was reported that his lawsuit alleged he should receive substantial damages and that Nintendo cease producing cards containing his likeness.<ref name="BBC">[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1003454.stm BBC News | ENTERTAINMENT | Geller sues Nintendo over Pokémon] ([https://archive.today/AhjVR archived copy])</ref> When VICE researched the case in 2018, they were only able to find documents filed from 2001 to 2003.<ref name="VICE"/>
 
In 2001, Geller, along with Liechtenstein company Sambracal AG (who own the rights to Geller's name and likeness), sued Nintendo, arguing that the use of his likeness in Kadabra violated his rights under California's privacy laws. However, the judge ruled that as he was not a citizen or resident of the United States (he is a citizen of Israel and the United Kingdom who lived in the United Kingdom at the time), he was not eligible for protection under these privacy laws, so he could only sue under privacy laws in the United Kingdom, but no such laws existed that would protect him in this case; that part of the case was dismissed on August 16, 2001, but Geller continued to sue arguing that the cards violated the trademark rights to his own name. In November 2002, a judge dismissed Geller's trademark claims against Nintendo of America, ruling that there was insufficient evidence that Nintendo of America was involved in the distribution of Japanese language Kadabra cards in the United States (since only the Japanese language cards bore a similarity to Geller's name); since the Japanese language cards were only intended to be distributed in Japan, only Japanese trademark law could be applied, but Geller did not own a trademark on his name in Japan. On March 3, 2003, Geller's lawsuit was dismissed by the judge.<ref name="VICE"/>
 
Despite Geller losing his lawsuit, it seemed to have a {{wp|chilling effect}} on the usage of Kadabra in official Pokémon media. From 2003 to 2022, there were no new Kadabra cards released in the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]], with the last Kadabra card to be printed before the drought being in {{TCG|Skyridge}} in 2003. Kadabra had not appeared in the Pokémon anime since ''[[AG146|Fear Factor Phony]]'' in 2006. In a July 2008 interview with [[PokéBeach]], [[Masamitsu Hidaka]] stated that usage of Kadabra on a card is not allowed until an agreement was reached and that the case would not be settled anytime soon.<ref>[http://pokebeach.com/2008/07/second-pokemon-interview-with-masamitsu-hidaka-many-interesting-points Second Interview with Masamitsu Hidaka – Many Interesting Points! (July 4th, 2008) « Website News « PokéBeach] ([https://archive.today/ApNJu archived copy])</ref>
 
{{p|Abra}} and {{p|Alakazam}} cards have continued to be printed, despite the lack of Kadabra cards. In matches that prevent the use of older cards, this made it impossible to play Alakazam without using cards that allow Alakazam to be played directly without evolving it from Kadabra, such as {{TCG ID|EX Sandstorm|Rare Candy|88}}. The only {{TCG ID|Mysterious Treasures|Abra|69}} card released between {{TCG|Skyridge}} and 2023, in {{tcg|Mysterious Treasures}}, has an attack that allows it to evolve directly into Alakazam, skipping the Kadabra stage. Any {{TCG|Alakazam}} cards printed since were Basic Pokémon that did not need to evolve from anything.
 
On November 27, 2020, The Gamer published an article about the history of Geller and Kadabra.<ref>[https://www.thegamer.com/kadabra-pokemon-card/ Why There Hasn’t Been A Kadabra Pokemon Card For Almost 20 Years | The Gamer]</ref> The following day, after being contacted by a reader of The Gamer's article,<ref>[https://twitter.com/BristolBeadz/status/1332954024245678082 Tweet from the author of The Gamer's first article]</ref> Geller reached out to The Gamer, telling them that he had sent a letter to "the chairman of Nintendo giving them permission to relaunch the Uri Geller Kadabra/Yungeller worldwide", which they published in a follow-up article.<ref>[https://www.thegamer.com/uri-geller-nintendo-permission-kadabra-pokemon-cards/ Uri Geller Gives Nintendo Permission To Print Kadabra On Pokemon Cards Again | The Gamer]</ref> The next day, Geller tweeted that he was sorry about "what [he] did 20 years ago", and that he was rescinding the ban; the tweet included an image of The Gamer's second article and a link to his personal museum, which at the time was scheduled to open in December 2020 after its opening had been postponed by the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20201129015756/https://urigellermuseum.com/ Uri Geller Museum website] (archive)</ref>
 
In 2021, Kadabra made its first appearance in animation since 2006 in the [[Pokémon Evolutions]] episode ''[[PE07|The Show]]'' (debuting December 16, 2021). The first {{TCG ID|151|Kadabra|64}} card printed since Skyridge is included in the {{TCG|Pokémon Card 151}} subset in Japan (released June 16, 2023) and its counterpart {{TCG|151}} expansion in English (released September 22, 2023).


===Power Bouncer suffocation incident===
===Power Bouncer suffocation incident===
Line 188: Line 225:


==Other==
==Other==
===Yasukuni Shrine visit===
===Creatures, Inc. Yasukuni Shrine visit===
On January 7, 2019, [[Creatures, Inc.]] posted a [https://twitter.com/Creatures_Inc/status/1082163512795815936 tweet]{{dead link}} showing several employees visiting {{wp|Yasukuni Shrine}}, a {{wp|Controversies surrounding Yasukuni Shrine|controversial}} shrine located in Tokyo, Japan.<ref>[https://kotaku.com/pokemon-studio-criticized-after-visiting-controversial-1831601511 ''Pokémon'' Studio Criticized After Visiting Controversial Shrine | Kotaku]</ref><ref>[https://comicbook.com/gaming/2019/01/09/pokemon-creatures-inc-yasukuni-shrine-controversy/ Pokemon Studio Under Fire For Visiting Controversial Shrine | ComicBook.com]</ref><ref>[https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2019-01-10/pokemon-creatures-inc-in-hot-water-over-visit-to-controversial-yasukuni-shrine/.141891 Pokémon's Creatures, Inc. in Hot Water Over Visit to Controversial Yasukuni Shrine | Anime News Network]</ref> The shrine, said by ''Shinto'' practitioners to house the souls of fallen soldiers who fought for Japan, has been the subject of scrutiny over the years for including 1,068 military officials convicted of {{wp|Japanese_war_crimes|various war crimes}} by the 1946 International Military Tribunal for the Far East, including 14 convicted {{wp|Class A war criminals}}. Following social media backlash from fans in {{pmin|South Korea}} and {{pmin|Greater China|China}} (two regions Japan colonized before World War II and conducted war crimes in), the tweet was deleted later that day. An apology was posted on January 22, 2019 in [https://www.creatures.co.jp/ug/ Japanese], [https://data1.pokemonkorea.co.kr/2019/01/2019-01-22_16-15-49-12858-1548141349.jpg Korean], and [https://cn.portal-pokemon.com/topics/event/190122150000_creatures.html Mandarin] on the Creatures website and the official Korean and Chinese Pokémon websites.
On January 7, 2019, [[Creatures, Inc.]] posted a [https://twitter.com/Creatures_Inc/status/1082163512795815936 tweet]{{dead link}} showing several employees visiting {{wp|Yasukuni Shrine}}, a {{wp|Controversies surrounding Yasukuni Shrine|controversial}} shrine located in Tokyo, Japan.<ref>[https://kotaku.com/pokemon-studio-criticized-after-visiting-controversial-1831601511 ''Pokémon'' Studio Criticized After Visiting Controversial Shrine | Kotaku]</ref><ref>[https://comicbook.com/gaming/2019/01/09/pokemon-creatures-inc-yasukuni-shrine-controversy/ Pokemon Studio Under Fire For Visiting Controversial Shrine | ComicBook.com]</ref><ref>[https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2019-01-10/pokemon-creatures-inc-in-hot-water-over-visit-to-controversial-yasukuni-shrine/.141891 Pokémon's Creatures, Inc. in Hot Water Over Visit to Controversial Yasukuni Shrine | Anime News Network]</ref> The shrine, said by Shinto practitioners to house the souls of fallen soldiers who fought for Japan, has been the subject of scrutiny over the years for including 1,068 military officials convicted of {{wp|Japanese war crimes|various war crimes}} by the 1946 International Military Tribunal for the Far East, including 14 convicted {{wp|Class A war criminals}}. Following social media backlash from fans in {{pmin|South Korea}} and {{pmin|Greater China|China}} (two regions Japan colonized before World War II and conducted war crimes in), the tweet was deleted later that day. An apology was posted on January 22, 2019 in [https://www.creatures.co.jp/ug/ Japanese], [https://data1.pokemonkorea.co.kr/2019/01/2019-01-22_16-15-49-12858-1548141349.jpg Korean], and [https://cn.portal-pokemon.com/topics/event/190122150000_creatures.html Mandarin] on the Creatures website and the official Korean and Chinese Pokémon websites.
 
===2024 World Championships location announcement===
At the end of the [[2023 World Championships]] on August 13, 2023, it was announced that next year's [[Pokémon World Championships]] will be held in {{wp|Honolulu}}, {{wp|Hawaii}}; it will be the fourth World Championships to be held in the US state. As it was announced in the wake of {{wp|2023 Hawaii wildfires|wildfires happening throughout Hawaii}} beginning early August 2023, this announcement has been met with criticism, with people citing issues with announcing the news during an ongoing tragedy and the over-tourism in Hawaii causing problems to the state as it tries to meet the tourism demand.<ref>Nightingale, Ed (August 14, 2023). "[https://www.eurogamer.net/the-pokemon-company-donates-200k-to-hawaii-after-announcing-it-as-2024-tournament-location The Pokémon Company donates $200k to Hawaii after announcing it as 2024 tournament location]." ''Eurogamer''.</ref><ref>Bailey, Kat (August 15, 2023). "[https://www.ign.com/articles/pokemon-world-championships-hawaii Why the Pokémon World Championships Going to Hawaii Is Proving to be a Controversial Choice]." ''IGN''.</ref>
 
[[The Pokémon Company]] made a donation of $200,000 to the Hawaii Wildfire Relief Fund via the nonprofit GlobalGiving, which was announced on the [[Play! Pokémon]] Twitter account shortly after the [[2024 World Championships]] location announcement.<ref>[https://twitter.com/playpokemon/status/1690638821468364800 @playpokemon on Twitter.] Posted on August 13, 2023.</ref>


==References==
==References==
Retrieved from "https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Special:MobileDiff/3903996...3995741"