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[[Image:The_Pokémon_Company_International_logo.png|right|thumb|The Pokémon Company International logo]]
[[Image:The_Pokémon_Company_International_logo.png|right|thumb|The Pokémon Company International logo]]
'''The Pokémon Company International''' (abbreviated to '''TPCi''')<ref>[http://www.grapevinejobs.pl/executive/executive_company_profile.asp?ClientCompanyId=1176 Company Profile]</ref> is  a subsidiary of [[The Pokémon Company]] in Japan, responsible for managing the Pokémon franchise outside of Asia and Australia. This includes licensing, marketing, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, the animated TV series, home entertainment, the official Pokémon website and former store in New York City (Pokémon Center New York, now known as Nintendo World). The company was formed in 2009, with the merger of Pokémon USA and Pokémon UK.
'''The Pokémon Company International''' (abbreviated to '''TPCi''') is  a subsidiary of '''[[The Pokémon Company]]''' in Japan, responsible for managing the [[Pokémon]] franchise outside of Asia.<ref>[http://www.pokemon.com/us/about/ About The Pokémon Company International | Pokemon.com]</ref> In Australia, the Pokémon franchise is managed by {{wp|Nintendo Australia}}. In South Korea, the franchise is managed by '''Pokémon Korea, Inc.''', which started operations in 2006 alongside Nintendo of Korea.
 
The company was formed in 2009 with the merger of '''Pokémon USA''' and '''Pokémon UK''' into a single international subsidiary.


==History==
==History==
[[Image:PUSA logo.png|right|thumb|Old Pokémon USA logo]]
[[Image:PUSA logo.png|right|thumb|Old Pokémon USA logo]]
===As Pokémon USA===
===As Pokémon USA===
Pokémon USA, Inc. (or PUSA) was founded in February 2001 to handle the licensing and marketing of Pokémon in all territories outside of Asia. The first President of PUSA was [[Tatsumi Kimishima]]. In 2002 he was replaced by [[Akira Chiba]], when Kimishima was promoted to President of [[Nintendo|Nintendo of America]] following Minoru Arakawa's retirement.
Pokémon USA, Inc. (or PUSA) was founded in February 2001 to handle the licensing and marketing of [[Pokémon]] in all territories outside of Asia. The first President of PUSA was [[Tatsumi Kimishima]]. In 2002, he was replaced by [[Akira Chiba]], when Kimishima was promoted to President of [[Nintendo]] of America following Minoru Arakawa's retirement.


In 2003, the distribution agreement with [[Wizards of the Coast]] for the Pokémon trading cards ended. After this, Pokémon USA took over as the manufacturer and distributor of the Pokémon TCG.  
In 2003, the distribution agreement with [[Wizards of the Coast]] for the Pokémon trading cards ended. After this, Pokémon USA took over as the manufacturer and distributor of the {{pkmn|Trading Card Game}}.  


In January 2005, an issue of the science magazine ''{{wp|Nature (journal)|Nature}}'' featured an article in which a group of researchers named a newly discovered {{wp|Zbtb7|cancer-causing gene}} "Pokémon". By September, Pokémon USA had promised to take legal action, causing the gene to be renamed.
In January 2006, the licensing and merchandising agreement between [[4Kids Entertainment]] and Pokémon USA expired. This agreement included the [[dub]]bing of the {{pkmn|anime}} so Pokémon USA switched to producing the English dub in association with [[TAJ Productions]] which had worked with 4Kids on [[season]]s [[S01|one]] through [[S05|five]]. The recasting of the main characters created [[Pokémon USA recasting controversy|a large controversy]]. In May of the same year, {{DL|Pokémon in the United States|Kids' WB!}} announced that it would be dropping all anime from its autumn lineup in its move to {{wp|The CW}}, which included the Pokémon anime. Pokémon USA went into negotiations with {{DL|Pokémon in the United States|Cartoon Network}} to air past and future episodes of Pokémon, which turned out successful. In June, a ''Master Toy'' licensing agreement was signed with {{wp|Jakks Pacific}}.


In January 2006, the licensing and merchandising agreement between [[4Kids Entertainment]] and Pokémon USA expired. This agreement included production of the anime so Pokémon USA switched to producing the English dub in association with [[TAJ Productions]] which had worked with 4Kids on seasons one through five of the previous dub. The recasting of the main characters created [[Pokémon USA recasting controversy|a large controversy]]. Later that year, in May, [[Kids' WB!|Kids' WB]] announced that it would be dropping all anime from its fall lineup in its move to {{wp|The CW}}, which included the Pokémon anime. Pokémon USA went into negotiations with [[Cartoon Network|Cartoon Network US]] to air past and future episodes of Pokémon, which turned out successful. In June, a Master Toy licensing agreement was signed with Jakks Pacific, Inc.
In 2007, [[Kenji Okubo]] became the President when Akira Chiba stepped down. In 2008, the production of the dub moved to [[DuArt Film & Video]].


In 2007, [[Kenji Okubo]] became the President when Akira Chiba stepped down. In 2008, the production of the dub moved to [[DuArt Film and Video]].
In February 2009, PUSA announced a deal with {{wp|Toys "R" Us}} in which stores would have a dedicated ''Pokémon Boutique''. A deal was also announced with [[Universal Studios Home Entertainment]], in which the company will be distributing the [[Pokémon movie]]s on {{wp|DVD-Video|DVD}}.
 
In February 2009, PUSA announced a deal with Toys R Us in which stores would have a dedicated ''Pokémon Boutique''. A deal was also announced [[Universal Studios Home Entertainment]] in which Universal will be distributing the Pokémon movies on DVD.


===As Pokémon UK===
===As Pokémon UK===
Pokémon UK was established in March 2003, to handle the licensing and marketing of Pokémon throughout the UK, Europe and Africa.  
Pokémon UK was established in March 2003, to handle the licensing and marketing of [[Pokémon]] throughout the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, and in Africa.  


In 2007, Red Central was commissioned by Pokémon UK to create a marketing style guide for Europe.
In 2007, Red Central was commissioned by Pokémon UK to create a {{wp|marketing}} style guide for Europe.


In 2008, a partnership with {{wp|Network DVD|Network}} was announced. Network will distribute the Pokémon movies and anime episodes on DVD. It was also announced Jetix Europe (now [[Disney XD]]) would air the next season of the Pokémon anime.
In 2008, a partnership with {{wp|Network Distributing|Network}} was announced. Network will distribute the [[Pokémon movie]]s and {{DL|List of anime episodes|anime episodes}} on {{wp|DVD-Video|DVD}}. It was also announced {{wp|Jetix#Jetix Europe|Jetix Europe}} (now {{wp|Disney XD}}) would air the next [[season]] of the [[Pokémon anime]].


===Merger===
===Merger===
Pokémon USA, Inc., merged with Pokémon UK in April 2009. The two companies now work under the name ''The Pokémon Company International'', which is responsible for the Pokémon franchise in all non-Asian countries. The company's president is Kenji Okubo, the former head of Pokémon USA. Okubo said the two companies had worked closely together on a day-to-day basis, and the change in name was done to reflect the connection between the two offices and ensure their worldwide reach.
{{bulbanews|Pokémon USA and Pokémon UK merge}}
Pokémon USA merged with Pokémon UK in April 2009. The two companies now work under the name ''The Pokémon Company International'', which is responsible for the [[Pokémon|Pokémon franchise]] in all territories outside of Asia. The company's president is [[Kenji Okubo]], the former head of Pokémon USA. Okubo said the two companies had worked closely together on a day-to-day basis and that the change in name was done to reflect the connection between the two offices and ensure their worldwide reach.
{{-}}
==Criticism==
===Voice actor controversy===
{{main|Pokémon USA recasting controversy}}
Pokémon USA received some complaints after the initial airing of ''[[The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon]]''. They were accused of lying about not being able to use the [[List of English voice actors|voice actors]] from [[4Kids Entertainment]] due to contract issues. This claim was denied by the voice actors themselves (with the exception of [[Stuart Zagnit]]), but never by 4Kids Entertainment.


== Criticisms ==
They also faced criticism in regards to [[Kayzie Rogers]] (credited as "Jamie Peacock") in voicing {{Ash|Ash Ketchum}}. Many fans complained about her portrayal of the character. In response, Pokémon USA announced that they would make a new [[dub]] of the ''The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon'' with improved voices. The new dub became available on the [[M08|eighth movie]] {{wp|DVD-Video|DVD}}, and was aired on October 28, 2006 on {{DL|Pokémon in the United States|Cartoon Network}}.
=== Mirage Special ===
Pokémon USA received some complaints after the initial airing of ''[[The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon]]''. They were accused of lying about not being able to use the [[4Kids Entertainment|4Kids]] voice actors due to contract issues. This claim was denied by the voice actors (with the exception of [[Stuart Zagnit]]), but never by [[4Kids Entertainment]].


They also faced criticism in regards to [[Kayzie Rogers]] (credited as "Jamie Peacock") voicing [[Ash Ketchum|Ash]]. Many fans complained about her portrayal of the character. In response, Pokémon USA announced that they would redub the Mirage Special with improved voices. The redub became available on the [[M08|eighth movie]] DVD, and was aired on October 28, 2006 on [[Cartoon Network]].
At {{wp|San Diego Comic-Con International|Comic-Con 2006}}, it was revealed that Ash's voice actor would change and that his new voice actress would be the then nineteen-year-old [[Sarah Natochenny]]. Although generally accepted as a talented actress with many non-animation credits to her name, some fans criticized the company and [[TAJ Productions]] for their decision to hire Sarah Natochenny, as she had no experience with {{wp|anime}} {{wp|voice-over}}s; they claimed that Sarah Natochenny was too inexperienced. Nonetheless, [[Veronica Taylor]], the first actress to voice Ash, was only twenty-years-old and had only started acting when she landed the role, although she had previously voiced anime roles prior to being cast as Ash.


=== Hiring of voice actors ===
===Game Corner censorship===
At {{wp|Comic-Con International|Comic Con 2006}}, it was revealed that Ash's voice actor would change, and his new voice actress would be the then nineteen-year-old [[Sarah Natochenny]]. Although generally accepted as a talented actress with many non-animation credits to her name, some fans criticized the company for their decision to hire Sarah, as she had no experience with anime voice overs. They claimed that Sarah was too inexperienced. However, [[Veronica Taylor]], the first actress to voice Ash, was only twenty and fresh out of acting school when she landed the role.
English releases of {{game|FireRed and LeafGreen|s}} renamed the {{tc|PI|Gambler}} Trainer class "Gamer" and altered their dialogue to remove references to gambling. The English versions of the [[Generation IV]] games renamed Gamblers to "{{wp|Private investigator|PI}}" instead; however, the references to gambling were kept.


===Removal of Game Corner slot machines===
In the European Union, the releases of {{game|Platinum}} replaced the [[slot machine]]s in [[Veilstone City]]'s [[Game Corner]] from {{game|Diamond and Pearl|s}} with non-playable [[Slot machine#European Platinum|game machines]] as a result of changes in the classification standards at {{wp|Pan European Game Information|PEGI}}.<ref>[http://www.gamesradar.com/european-pokemon-platinums-missing-game-corner-explained/ European Pokemon Platinum's missing Game Corner explained | GamesRadar] ([https://archive.today/mRcAt archived copy])</ref>
In {{game|Platinum}}, due to the strict anti-gambling laws in place in Europe, the [[Veilstone Game Corner]]'s slot machines were all replaced in European games (including the PAL English release) with [[game machine]]s which would randomly give out some coins if checked, but could not be played on.


This extended into {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}}, which removed the slot machines in all non-Japanese releases, replacing them with [[Voltorb Flip]], and disallowing the player from buying game coins. Criticism was focused more on the latter.
All non-Japanese releases of {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}} replace the slot machines of the two Game Corners in [[Goldenrod City]] and [[Celadon City]] with a new game called [[Voltorb Flip]]. In this minigame, [[coin]]s are not wagered against a win or a loss but instead given out for completing a level. While many find the game to be entertaining, the change removed the ability to buy coins, effectively making Voltorb Flip a requirement for obtaining them.


==Fake Twitter account==
All [[core series]] games released since, starting with {{game|Black and White|s}}, feature no Game Corner at all. In {{g|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire}}, the [[Mauville Game Corner]] has been explicitly closed down, referencing this fact.
On Wednesday, December 9, 2009, the user "PokemonCompany" tweeted vulgar comments, calling those users who had followed him in hopes that they would get exclusive Pokémon information "idiots", and then urged them to subscribe to his YouTube channel. Though the tweets linking the Twitter account to a YouTube user have since been deleted, several more vulgar tweets directed at those who remained following the account were made in the past hour.  


This came after a large amount of tweets which were made for the user's "Trainer Tuesday", in which he claimed questions would be answered in a manner similar to Pokémon.com's mailbag. Nintendo has been contacted about this user, but they have not yet responded.
===Pokémon.com misinformation===
{{main|Pokémon.com#Errors}}
Despite being the official site, [[Pokémon.com]]'s pages often have inaccuracies and errors. A notable example is claiming that players of {{game|Red and Blue|s}} can find {{p|Mew}} instead of {{p|Mewtwo}} in [[Cerulean Cave]].<ref>[http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-video-games/pokemon-red-version-and-pokemon-blue-version/ Pokémon Red Version and Pokémon Blue Version | Pokémon Video Games] ([https://archive.today/8GUgw archived copy])</ref>


==Trivia==
==Anime dub edits==
*The Pokémon Company International frequently checks out various {{cat|fan sites|Pokémon fansites}} and forums to get a general idea of what the fans feel.{{fact}}<!--That's right, we know you guys saw this edit.-->
Like [[4Kids Entertainment|4Kids]], TPCi makes changes while [[dub]]bing the {{pkmn|anime}}, but they are more limited in scope. Music edits are common and dialogue edits are usually done to obfuscate explicit religious or death references and match the {{wp|Audio to video synchronization|lip-flap}}. Paint edits, which 4Kids is infamous for, are rarely performed by TPCi. Also, in every episode TPCi has dubbed to date, the "To Be Continued" screen is extended by three seconds. The reasons for this are unknown.
*Many senior employees are required to play the game and complete their Pokédex as a part of their job.{{fact}}
*The rooms and offices in the building are filled with Pokémon posters, plush toys, figures, all of the rooms are even named after Pokémon (e.g., the Zapdos room).{{fact}}


==Reference==
==Litigation==
<references/>
{{incomplete|section}}
In January 2005, an issue of the science magazine ''{{wp|Nature (journal)|Nature}}'' featured an article in which a group of researchers named a newly discovered {{wp|Zbtb7|cancer-causing gene}} "Pokémon". Later that year, Pokémon USA had promised to take legal action, causing the gene to be renamed.


== Related articles ==
==External links==
{{bulbanews|Pokémon USA and Pokémon UK merge}}
===Official websites===
* [[Wizards of the Coast]]
* [http://www.pokemon.com/us Pokémon.com] (English)
* [[Pokémon USA recasting controversy]]
** [http://www.pokemon.com/us/country/ Country Selector]
* [http://www.pokemon.nl Pokémon.nl] (Dutch)
* [http://www.pokemon.fr Pokémon.fr] (French)
* [http://www.pokemon.com/de Pokémon.com/de] (German)
* [http://www.pokemon.it Pokémon.it] (Italian)
* [http://www.pokemon.com/pt Pokémon.com/pt] (Portuguese)
* [http://www.pokemon.com/es Pokémon.com/es] (Spanish)


== Links ==
===Official website accounts===
* [https://www.facebook.com/Pokemon The Pokémon Company International] on {{wp|Facebook}} (English/International)
* Twitter
** [https://www.twitter.com/Pokemon The Pokémon Company International] on {{wp|Twitter}} (English)
** [https://www.twitter.com/PokemonFR The Pokémon Company International] on {{wp|Twitter}} (French)
** [https://www.twitter.com/PokemonDEU The Pokémon Company International] on {{wp|Twitter}} (German)
** [https://www.twitter.com/PokemonIT The Pokémon Company International] on {{wp|Twitter}} (Italian)
** [https://www.twitter.com/Pokemon_ES_ESP The Pokémon Company International] on {{wp|Twitter}} (Spanish)
* YouTube
** [https://www.youtube.com/user/Pokemon The Pokémon Company International] on {{wp|YouTube}} (English)
** [https://www.youtube.com/user/PokemonOfficieel The Pokémon Company International] on {{wp|YouTube}} (Dutch)
** [https://www.youtube.com/user/PokemonOfficielFR The Pokémon Company International] on {{wp|YouTube}} (French)
** [https://www.youtube.com/user/Pokemonoffiziell The Pokémon Company International] on {{wp|YouTube}} (German)
** [https://www.youtube.com/user/PokemonUfficiale The Pokémon Company International] on {{wp|YouTube}} (Italian)
** [https://www.youtube.com/user/PokemonOficialPT The Pokémon Company International] on {{wp|YouTube}} (Portuguese)
** [https://www.youtube.com/user/PokemonOficialES The Pokémon Company International] on {{wp|YouTube}} (Spanish)


* [http://www.pokemon.com/us Pokémon.com]
==References==
{{reflist}}


[[Category:Anime]]
[[Category:Pokémon meta]]
[[Category:Pokémon meta]]
[[Category:Companies]]
[[Category:Companies]]
[[Category:English dub of the Pokémon anime]]
[[it:The Pokémon Company International]]

Revision as of 11:15, 4 May 2015

050Diglett.png This article is incomplete.
Please feel free to edit this article to add missing information and complete it.
Reason: Needs more (and reliable) sources; add more recent and relevant information, if available
The Pokémon Company International logo

The Pokémon Company International (abbreviated to TPCi) is a subsidiary of The Pokémon Company in Japan, responsible for managing the Pokémon franchise outside of Asia.[1] In Australia, the Pokémon franchise is managed by Nintendo Australia. In South Korea, the franchise is managed by Pokémon Korea, Inc., which started operations in 2006 alongside Nintendo of Korea.

The company was formed in 2009 with the merger of Pokémon USA and Pokémon UK into a single international subsidiary.

History

Old Pokémon USA logo

As Pokémon USA

Pokémon USA, Inc. (or PUSA) was founded in February 2001 to handle the licensing and marketing of Pokémon in all territories outside of Asia. The first President of PUSA was Tatsumi Kimishima. In 2002, he was replaced by Akira Chiba, when Kimishima was promoted to President of Nintendo of America following Minoru Arakawa's retirement.

In 2003, the distribution agreement with Wizards of the Coast for the Pokémon trading cards ended. After this, Pokémon USA took over as the manufacturer and distributor of the Trading Card Game.

In January 2006, the licensing and merchandising agreement between 4Kids Entertainment and Pokémon USA expired. This agreement included the dubbing of the anime so Pokémon USA switched to producing the English dub in association with TAJ Productions which had worked with 4Kids on seasons one through five. The recasting of the main characters created a large controversy. In May of the same year, Kids' WB! announced that it would be dropping all anime from its autumn lineup in its move to The CW, which included the Pokémon anime. Pokémon USA went into negotiations with Cartoon Network to air past and future episodes of Pokémon, which turned out successful. In June, a Master Toy licensing agreement was signed with Jakks Pacific.

In 2007, Kenji Okubo became the President when Akira Chiba stepped down. In 2008, the production of the dub moved to DuArt Film & Video.

In February 2009, PUSA announced a deal with Toys "R" Us in which stores would have a dedicated Pokémon Boutique. A deal was also announced with Universal Studios Home Entertainment, in which the company will be distributing the Pokémon movies on DVD.

As Pokémon UK

Pokémon UK was established in March 2003, to handle the licensing and marketing of Pokémon throughout the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, and in Africa.

In 2007, Red Central was commissioned by Pokémon UK to create a marketing style guide for Europe.

In 2008, a partnership with Network was announced. Network will distribute the Pokémon movies and anime episodes on DVD. It was also announced Jetix Europe (now Disney XD) would air the next season of the Pokémon anime.

Merger

Bulbanews
Bulbanews has an article related to this subject:

Pokémon USA merged with Pokémon UK in April 2009. The two companies now work under the name The Pokémon Company International, which is responsible for the Pokémon franchise in all territories outside of Asia. The company's president is Kenji Okubo, the former head of Pokémon USA. Okubo said the two companies had worked closely together on a day-to-day basis and that the change in name was done to reflect the connection between the two offices and ensure their worldwide reach.

Criticism

Voice actor controversy

Main article: Pokémon USA recasting controversy

Pokémon USA received some complaints after the initial airing of The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon. They were accused of lying about not being able to use the voice actors from 4Kids Entertainment due to contract issues. This claim was denied by the voice actors themselves (with the exception of Stuart Zagnit), but never by 4Kids Entertainment.

They also faced criticism in regards to Kayzie Rogers (credited as "Jamie Peacock") in voicing Ash Ketchum. Many fans complained about her portrayal of the character. In response, Pokémon USA announced that they would make a new dub of the The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon with improved voices. The new dub became available on the eighth movie DVD, and was aired on October 28, 2006 on Cartoon Network.

At Comic-Con 2006, it was revealed that Ash's voice actor would change and that his new voice actress would be the then nineteen-year-old Sarah Natochenny. Although generally accepted as a talented actress with many non-animation credits to her name, some fans criticized the company and TAJ Productions for their decision to hire Sarah Natochenny, as she had no experience with anime voice-overs; they claimed that Sarah Natochenny was too inexperienced. Nonetheless, Veronica Taylor, the first actress to voice Ash, was only twenty-years-old and had only started acting when she landed the role, although she had previously voiced anime roles prior to being cast as Ash.

Game Corner censorship

English releases of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen renamed the Gambler Trainer class "Gamer" and altered their dialogue to remove references to gambling. The English versions of the Generation IV games renamed Gamblers to "PI" instead; however, the references to gambling were kept.

In the European Union, the releases of Pokémon Platinum replaced the slot machines in Veilstone City's Game Corner from Pokémon Diamond and Pearl with non-playable game machines as a result of changes in the classification standards at PEGI.[2]

All non-Japanese releases of Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver replace the slot machines of the two Game Corners in Goldenrod City and Celadon City with a new game called Voltorb Flip. In this minigame, coins are not wagered against a win or a loss but instead given out for completing a level. While many find the game to be entertaining, the change removed the ability to buy coins, effectively making Voltorb Flip a requirement for obtaining them.

All core series games released since, starting with Pokémon Black and White, feature no Game Corner at all. In Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, the Mauville Game Corner has been explicitly closed down, referencing this fact.

Pokémon.com misinformation

Main article: Pokémon.com#Errors

Despite being the official site, Pokémon.com's pages often have inaccuracies and errors. A notable example is claiming that players of Pokémon Red and Blue can find Mew instead of Mewtwo in Cerulean Cave.[3]

Anime dub edits

Like 4Kids, TPCi makes changes while dubbing the anime, but they are more limited in scope. Music edits are common and dialogue edits are usually done to obfuscate explicit religious or death references and match the lip-flap. Paint edits, which 4Kids is infamous for, are rarely performed by TPCi. Also, in every episode TPCi has dubbed to date, the "To Be Continued" screen is extended by three seconds. The reasons for this are unknown.

Litigation

050Diglett.png This section is incomplete.
Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it.

In January 2005, an issue of the science magazine Nature featured an article in which a group of researchers named a newly discovered cancer-causing gene "Pokémon". Later that year, Pokémon USA had promised to take legal action, causing the gene to be renamed.

External links

Official websites

Official website accounts

References

  1. ↑ About The Pokémon Company International | Pokemon.com
  2. ↑ European Pokemon Platinum's missing Game Corner explained | GamesRadar (archived copy)
  3. ↑ Pokémon Red Version and Pokémon Blue Version | Pokémon Video Games (archived copy)
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