Pokémon is one of the biggest franchises in the world, and it’s gone from being a huge part of our childhoods to being a huge part of our lives even 23 years on.
Yes, Pokémon is officially 23 years old today, and the whole world is celebrating.
Over on Twitter, Pokémon master Junichi Masuda, embraced the celebration of what’s known as Pokémon Day by saying [translated]: “On February 27, 1996, 23 years ago, Pokemon was born today. Manga, animation, movies, products and spread, and spread further to the world from there. There is a day called today, supported by many people. Only thanks goes. We look forward to your continued support!
“# Pokemon 23th anniversary # Thank you everyone”
1996年2月27日、23年前の今日、ポケモンは生まれました。そこから漫画、アニメ、映画、商品と広がり、さらに世界に広がっていきました。多くの方々に支えられて今日という日があります。感謝しかありません。引き続き応援よろしくお願い致します！#ポケモン23周年 #みんなありがとう pic.twitter.com/6mayAhBL7O
— 増田順一@GAME FREAK inc. (@Junichi_Masuda) February 27, 2019
Celebrations are taking place all over the world today, and the proof is all over social media.
Pokémon day celebrations have just kicked off at Pokémon towers! A big team party to celebrate everything from our past whilst we prepare for the future! One of the birthday boys even showed up ? Happy birthday Pikachu and co ? pic.twitter.com/4wR154wAbW
— RichTea (@ImRichTea) February 27, 2019
Happy Pokémon Day, Trainers! ?
Today marks 23 years since the original Pokémon video games were released in Japan back in 1996. ?✨
Let us know how you’re celebrating by using #PokemonDay! pic.twitter.com/8Mst9aD4cm
— Pokémon UK (@PokemonNewsUK) February 27, 2019
This #PokemonDay remember:
You are as scary as Gengar
You are as soft as Clefairy
You are as strong as Onix
You are as talented as Jigglypuff
You are as loved as Pikachu
You are as full of potential as Eevee
You are as adaptable as Ditto
You are as wonderful as any Pokemon <3— ?Elle ? Gato? (@ellle_em) February 27, 2019
Along with the millions of birthday wishes for Pikachu and the gang, Nintendo kindly blessed us all with the first official reveal of the upcoming Pokémon games for the Nintendo Switch: Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield.
Check out the Nintendo Direct reveal below!
Have you been celebrating Pokémon Day?
Featured Image Credit: GameFreak/Nintendo