Overview
- Pokémon retains its position as the leading media franchise, boasting an impressive estimated revenue of $100 billion as of 2021.
- The new Monpoke brand specifically caters to young children with its chibi-style Pokémon designs.
- A short anime series about Monpoke is scheduled to launch on February 19, 2025, featuring Pikachu on Monpoke Island.
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Pokémon continues to dominate as one of the highest-grossing entertainment franchises in history. According to Statista, the franchise achieved remarkable sales revenue of approximately $100 billion in 2021, outpacing competitors like Hello Kitty and various Disney franchises.
In the wake of its 25th anniversary in 2021, The Pokémon Company has significantly increased its investments across various platforms to further extend its reach. This includes the introduction of the Monpoke brand and unique collaborations, such as the partnership with Hatsune Miku, as well as the upcoming Pokémon Horizons series, which marks a notable shift as it does not feature the iconic character Ash Ketchum.
On December 18, it was announced that Monpoke will be adapted into a short anime series, launching on February 19, 2025, in Japan. An initial teaser video accompanied the announcement, showcasing the theme song titled “Hajimemashite, Atsumeyou”(translated as “Nice to Meet You, Let’s Hang Out Together”).
Plot, Schedule, and Staff
The series is set to comprise 10 five-minute episodes, which will be available for streaming on the Pokémon Kids TV Japan YouTube channel. Notably, Reiko Yoshida, the writer behind Pokémon Journeys: The Series, will be responsible for the scripts, while Fanworks (known for works like Aggretsuko) will handle the animation.
Centering on Pikachu, this anime promises to engage its young audience with whimsical tales set on Monpoke Island, a location abundant in forests and stunning beaches.
The Newly Established Monpoke Brand
The Monpoke brand is designed with a younger audience in mind, specifically toddlers and small children, while its charming aesthetics are sure to appeal to adults as well. Featuring chibi-style Pokémon reminiscent of beloved mascot-focused brands like Sanrio and San-X, Monpoke initially launched in Asia and has begun a broader expansion in 2023. Collaborations with French luxury brand Bonpoint and American publisher Scholastic underscore its growing footprint.
Alongside the brand’s expansion, the Pokémon YouTube channel unveiled a web series titled Fun Times on Monpoke Island, which is available for viewing:
While international release dates for the new series remain unconfirmed, the content on the Pokémon Kids TV Japan channel is not restricted by region.
Mark your calendars for the Monpoke short anime series debuting on February 19, 2025.
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