The U.S. as a "Center" of Pokémon

By its origins, Pokémon is a Japanese thing, and will always be renowned as such. Yet it also can't be denied that Pokémon is popular around the world, far beyond its place of origin. One of the places it's popular in is the United States or the U.S., which has its legion of fans. It also may be considered a "center" of Pokémon activities in many ways, even for activities that are closer to its home of the Land of the Rising Sun, and this becomes something fascinating for Pokémon itself.

For starters, its game publisher Nintendo has operations in the U.S., which is well-known beyond the scope of Pokémon with an extended history of its own. They helped bring over the first games - Red and Blue - in 1998, ahead of Europe's Nintendo operations, who received theirs one year later. Meanwhile, its popular mobile spinoff, Pokémon Go, also has its primary developer (Niantic) headquarters in the U.S., though now it has to serve fans around the world in similar ways that Pokémon itself is doing now. Either way, some things got their head start with the help of the U.S.

The English dub of the Pokémon anime is also made in the U.S. and possesses associations therein. The former and current dubs have American voice actors who naturally work there, like Sarah Natochenny, who is in fact a New York City native. It's also of a good quality, which is evidently why it's popular the world over; even in Asia, the English dub is shown for those who prefer and can consume it, though some countries still have theirs in a local language. A similar story goes for the Pokémon Adventures manga, which is localized by U.S.-based Viz Media but also re-licensed by Shogakukan Asia for its distribution. The enjoyment of both is obviously unhindered across regions.

Going back to New York City, it was famous two decades ago for hosting a Pokémon Center, though it only lasted for a few years before the store became a general Nintendo store. Still, its earlier history cannot be forgotten, and it has made its mark in that way. I had to bring this up, of course, because the topic really does pertain and it's the "center" that people (fans) think of when they think of Pokémon.

Something remarkable about Pokémon is that it is enjoyable wherever it may go, and the U.S. is a top location for that. It has pleased fans there over its long history and ought to continue to do so, and even the rest of the world benefits from that enjoyment. I for one owe so much to that enjoyment, and it has made me who I am today.

And not to forget, today is also the Fourth of July, its independence day. Have a glorious day to my American readers and friends.

One year ago: Searching for Myself... with U.S. Included

Two years ago: A Few Words about U.S. (Us)

Three years ago: Welcome to the Jungle

Four years ago: Metal Reversed Cap Pikachu Keychain

Five years ago: The Subdued Hometown Themes