Pokémon controversy
There have been numerous controversies over events, images, names, and other themes stemming from Pokémon. This is likely due to the game's extreme popularity elicting a backlash from some members of society.
Imagery, Religion, etc.
Swastika Image
Members of the Jewish community accused Nintendo of using an offensive image in a Japanese version of a trainer card (card pictured to the right).
While in the Western world the image of a Swastika brings thoughts of hatred due to the use of it by the Nazis in World War 2, the Swastika is actually an ancient symbol, often used in decorative patterns throughout the history (very commonly used in Ancient Greece), as well as being a symbol of good luck in various Native American cultures.
The usage of the symbol on this card was intended to be just that, a sign for luck, and not meant to offend at all. Regardless, Wizards of the Coast removed the symbol from the English version of the card.
Satanism
Some fundamentalist Christian groups have accused Pokémon of being linked to Satan and Satanism.
The following is a summarized and (possibly incomplete) list of their reasoning for this accusation:
- Pokémon are like daemons. They are captured and must be invoked to perform tasks.
- Magical talismans (gym badges) are necessary to control many of them.
- Magical stones are used to evolve certain Pokémon
- Pokémon evolve. The concept of evolution is denied entirely by the most extreme and fundamentalist versions of creationism. Therefore, some people have taken Pokémon to be satanic or otherwise anti-Biblical.
- Many Pokémon have paranormal or Psychic powers. These powers are not derived from God and therefore must stem from Satan.
- Many Pokémon embody or practise Asian spiritual and mystical concepts. For example, some practise martial arts, which some Christian groups denounce as Pagan. The game world also incorporates Asian traditions about elemental forces.
Jewish Plot
Some outspoken Muslims claim that Pokémon is actually some sort of Jewish conspiracy, as a method of brainwashing Islamic children to make them forego or otherwise renounce their faith.
They also claim that the word "Pokeman" is a phrase which means "I am Jewish" in Japanese. This is false.
Lawsuits
Various lawsuits have been filed against Nintendo and Game Freak regarding Pokémon or Pokémon characters.
Uri Geller
In November 2000, the Israeli psychic Uri Geller attempted to sue Nintendo for 100 million dollars, claiming that the Pokémon Kadabra was an unauthorized parody of himself.
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."
.. Uri Geller lost the lawsuit....
Gambling
A parents' group is suing manufacturers of collectible cards (including Nintendo and Wizard of the Coast) claiming that the collectible nature of randomly purchased cards constitutes illegal gambling.
"Pokémon Kills"
After their son choked to death on part of a Burger King plastic Pokémon toy, two parents set up a website entitled; "Pokémon Kills".
As a reaction to this, Burger King voluntarily recalled the toys, exchanging them for food items.