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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|thumb|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 [http://www.nintendoworldstore.com/ 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 the subsidiary of '''[[The Pokémon Company]]''' that manages the [[Pokémon]] franchise in the West.<ref>[http://www.pokemon.com/us/about/ About the Pokémon Company International | Pokemon.com]</ref>


==History==
==History==
[[Image:PUSA logo.png|right|thumb|Old Pokémon USA logo]]
{{Outdated|section}}
===As Pokémon USA===
[[Image:PUSA logo.png|thumb|Pokémon USA logo]]
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.
The Pokémon Company International was founded in February 2001 as '''Pokémon USA, Inc.'''<ref name="his">[http://www.pokemon.co.jp/corporate/en/history/ Company History | The Pokémon Company]</ref> (shortened to '''PUI''' and '''PUSA'''). It was later merged in 2009 with '''Pokémon UK'''<ref name="TPCi">[https://web.archive.org/web/20090413121437/http://worldscreen.com/articles/display/20547 ''Pokémon Merges North American, European Operations'' (WorldScreen.com news article from April 9, 2009)]</ref> (itself founded in March 2003<ref name="his"/>) to form the current international subsidiary. The company's president is [[Kenji Okubo]], the former head of Pokémon USA.<ref name="TPCi"/> 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.<ref name="TPCi"/>


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.  
===Early history===
{{Cleanup|section}}
The first president of Pokémon USA was [[Tatsumi Kimishima]].{{fact}} In 2002, he was replaced by [[Akira Chiba]], when Kimishima was promoted to President of [[Nintendo]] of America following Minoru Arakawa's retirement.{{fact}}


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 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}}.{{fact}}


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 January 2006, the licensing and merchandising agreement between [[4Kids Entertainment]] and Pokémon USA expired.{{fact}} 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]].{{fact}} 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.{{fact}} 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.{{fact}} In June, a ''Master Toy'' licensing agreement was signed with {{wp|Jakks Pacific}}.{{fact}}


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 2007, [[Kenji Okubo]] became the President when Akira Chiba stepped down.{{fact}} In 2008, the production of the dub moved to [[DuArt Film & Video]].{{fact}} Red Central was commissioned by Pokémon UK to create a {{wp|marketing}} style guide for Europe.{{fact}}


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


===As Pokémon UK===
In February 2009, PUSA announced a deal with {{wp|Toys "R" Us}} in which stores would have a dedicated ''Pokémon Boutique''.{{fact}} 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}}.{{fact}}
Pokémon UK was established in March 2003, to handle the licensing and marketing of Pokémon throughout the UK, Europe and Africa.  


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


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.
===Litigation===
{{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".´{{fact}} Later that year, Pokémon USA had promised to take legal action, causing the gene to be renamed.{{fact}}


===Merger===
===Voice actor controversy===
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.
{{main|Pokémon USA recasting controversy}}
The Pokémon Company International (as Pokémon USA) received criticism after the initial airing of ''[[The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon]]'' for the lack of transparency regarding the changes to the [[dub]] of the [[Pokémon anime]].


== Criticisms ==
==Anime dub edits==
=== Mirage Special ===
Like [[4Kids Entertainment|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 {{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.
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]].
==External links==
===Official websites===
* [http://www.pokemon.com/us/country/ Pokémon.com's Country Selector]
** [http://www.pokemon.com/us US website]


=== Hiring of voice actors ===
===Official social-media website accounts===
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.
* [https://www.facebook.com/Pokemon The Pokémon Company International] on {{wp|Facebook}} <small>(English/International)</small>
* [https://pokemon.tumblr.com The Pokémon Company International] on {{wp|Tumblr}} <small>(English/International)</small>
* Twitter
** [https://www.twitter.com/Pokemon The Pokémon Company International] on {{wp|Twitter}} <small>(English)</small>
** [https://www.twitter.com/PokemonFR The Pokémon Company International] on {{wp|Twitter}} <small>(French)</small>
** [https://www.twitter.com/PokemonDEU The Pokémon Company International] on {{wp|Twitter}} <small>(German)</small>
** [https://www.twitter.com/PokemonIT The Pokémon Company International] on {{wp|Twitter}} <small>(Italian)</small>
** [https://www.twitter.com/Pokemon_ES_ESP The Pokémon Company International] on {{wp|Twitter}} <small>(Spanish)</small>
* YouTube
** [https://www.youtube.com/user/Pokemon The Pokémon Company International] on {{wp|YouTube}} <small>(English)</small>
** [https://www.youtube.com/user/PokemonOfficieel The Pokémon Company International] on {{wp|YouTube}} <small>(Dutch)</small>
** [https://www.youtube.com/user/PokemonOfficielFR The Pokémon Company International] on {{wp|YouTube}} <small>(French)</small>
** [https://www.youtube.com/user/Pokemonoffiziell The Pokémon Company International] on {{wp|YouTube}} <small>(German)</small>
** [https://www.youtube.com/user/PokemonUfficiale The Pokémon Company International] on {{wp|YouTube}} <small>(Italian)</small>
** [https://www.youtube.com/user/PokemonOficialPT The Pokémon Company International] on {{wp|YouTube}} <small>(Portuguese)</small>
** [https://www.youtube.com/user/PokemonOficialES The Pokémon Company International] on {{wp|YouTube}} <small>(Spanish)</small>


===Removal of Game Corner slot machines===
==References==
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.
{{reflist}}


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.
==Fake Twitter account==
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.
==Trivia==
*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.-->
*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==
<references/>
== Related articles ==
{{bulbanews|Pokémon USA and Pokémon UK merge}}
* [[Wizards of the Coast]]
* [[Pokémon USA recasting controversy]]
== Links ==
* [http://www.pokemon.com/us Pokémon.com]
[[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 01:53, 15 January 2016

Logo

The Pokémon Company International (abbreviated to TPCi) is the subsidiary of The Pokémon Company that manages the Pokémon franchise in the West.[1]

History

140Kabuto.png This section contains old or outdated information, or has not been updated in a while.
Please check the content of this section and update it as required.
Pokémon USA logo

The Pokémon Company International was founded in February 2001 as Pokémon USA, Inc.[2] (shortened to PUI and PUSA). It was later merged in 2009 with Pokémon UK[3] (itself founded in March 2003[2]) to form the current international subsidiary. The company's president is Kenji Okubo, the former head of Pokémon USA.[3] 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.[3]

Early history

0572Minccino.png This section does not yet meet the quality standards of Bulbapedia. Please feel free to edit this section to make it conform to Bulbapedia norms and conventions.

The first president of Pokémon USA was Tatsumi Kimishima.[citation needed] In 2002, he was replaced by Akira Chiba, when Kimishima was promoted to President of Nintendo of America following Minoru Arakawa's retirement.[citation needed]

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.[citation needed]

In January 2006, the licensing and merchandising agreement between 4Kids Entertainment and Pokémon USA expired.[citation needed] 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.[citation needed] 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.[citation needed] Pokémon USA went into negotiations with Cartoon Network to air past and future episodes of Pokémon, which turned out successful.[citation needed] In June, a Master Toy licensing agreement was signed with Jakks Pacific.[citation needed]

In 2007, Kenji Okubo became the President when Akira Chiba stepped down.[citation needed] In 2008, the production of the dub moved to DuArt Film & Video.[citation needed] Red Central was commissioned by Pokémon UK to create a marketing style guide for Europe.[citation needed]

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

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

Criticism

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.[4]

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".´[citation needed] Later that year, Pokémon USA had promised to take legal action, causing the gene to be renamed.[citation needed]

Voice actor controversy

Main article: Pokémon USA recasting controversy

The Pokémon Company International (as Pokémon USA) received criticism after the initial airing of The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon for the lack of transparency regarding the changes to the dub of the Pokémon anime.

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.

External links

Official websites

Official social-media website accounts

References

  1. ↑ About the Pokémon Company International | Pokemon.com
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Company History | The Pokémon Company
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Pokémon Merges North American, European Operations (WorldScreen.com news article from April 9, 2009)
  4. ↑ Pokémon Red Version and Pokémon Blue Version | Pokémon Video Games (archived copy)
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