Story perspectives

Pokémon Company Cancels Event Amid China Protests

2/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Pokémon Company canceled a planned card game event at Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine after protests from China.
Yasukuni Shrine honors Japan's war dead and is viewed negatively by countries affected by wartime actions.
Chinese state media criticized the decision, saying brands must acknowledge historical sensitivities.
The Pokémon Company apologized, saying the event was mistakenly promoted.
It pledged to avoid similar oversights in the future and to uphold social responsibility.

History

Historical Context

The Yasukuni Shrine, established in 1869, honors Japan's war dead, including 1,066 convicted war criminals. Its enshrinement of Class A war criminals in 1978 sparked regional tensions, particularly with China, which demands historical accountability. The Pokémon Company's recent cancellation of an event at the shrine highlights ongoing sensitivities regarding Japan's wartime actions and the need for corporate awareness of historical grievances.

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Story summary

The Pokémon Company canceled a planned card game event at Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine after protests from China.
Yasukuni Shrine honors Japan's war dead and is viewed negatively by countries affected by wartime actions.
Chinese state media criticized the decision, saying brands must acknowledge historical sensitivities.
The Pokémon Company apologized, saying the event was mistakenly promoted.
It pledged to avoid similar oversights in the future and to uphold social responsibility.

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