London, United Kingdom – February 15, 2023 – On February 27, 1996, the first Pokémon video games, Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green, launched in Japan and introduced players to the concept of battling and trading Pokémon by connecting their Gameboy devices. This heralded the start of what would grow to be one of the world’s most beloved entertainment franchises with a community of global fans known as “Trainers.” Since then, Trainers around the world come together to celebrate their love for the brand on February 27, better known as Pokémon Day. This year, The Pokémon Company International is celebrating the original and enduring spirit of connectivity which began with those first games by inviting Trainers to “Pokémon Together” throughout 2023. A special trailer illustrating the concept of the program launched today and can be seen here.
To kick off the “Pokémon Together” campaign, The Pokémon Company International is inviting Trainers to “Celebrate Pokémon Together” this Pokémon Day. Beginning today, fans around the world are invited to post photos and videos showcasing their love for the franchise and sharing favorite memories to social media. Posts tagged with #PokemonTogether will have the chance to be aggregated into a mosaic in the style of the iconic Poké Ball that will be revealed on Pokémon Day. The official @PokemonNewsUK social media channels will also be featuring #PokemonTogether testimonials from members of the global fan community to inspire Trainers for their own submissions and to exhibit what Pokémon means to so many around the world.
“Since its beginning, Pokémon has had the unique ability of physically and virtually bringing people together,” said Andy Hartpence, senior director of brand marketing at The Pokémon Company International. “In 2023, we look forward to recognizing this aspect of the brand and inviting its remarkable community of fans to experience the many ways they can connect and ‘Pokémon Together’ across the franchise. We welcome Trainers to Play-, Discover-, Watch-, Collect-, Trade-, and beginning this Pokémon Day, Celebrate Pokémon Together.”
To see the Poké Ball mosaic reveal, fans can visit the online hub which launched today at Pokemon.co.uk/Together. Fans are also invited to stay tuned for more Pokémon Day celebration details and join the conversation with #PokemonTogether.
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About Pokémon
The Pokémon Company International, a subsidiary of The Pokémon Company in Japan, manages the property outside of Asia and is responsible for brand management, licensing, marketing, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, the animated TV series, home entertainment and the official Pokémon website. Pokémon was launched in Japan in 1996 and today is one of the most popular children’s entertainment properties in the world. For more information, please visit www.pokemon.co.uk.