View source for Pokémon controversy

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There have been numerous '''controversies''' regarding the [[Pokémon]] franchise in its various forms and media.

==In the TCG==
===Perceived Nazi imagery===
Members of the Jewish community accused [[Nintendo]] of using an offensive image in the Japanese version of {{TCG ID|Gym Challenge|Koga's Ninja Trick|115}}. The image in question features an omote manji, a left-facing version of the {{wp|swastika}}.

The Western world generally associates the swastika, or the ''Hakenkreuz'', with the {{wp|fascism|fascist}} and {{wp|racism|racist}} policies of {{wp|Nazi Germany}} during the course of {{wp|World War II}}, as well as hate, prejudice and {{wp|white supremacy}} in general. However, the swastika has its roots as a symbol of peace and good luck by many cultures. The earliest form of the swastika discovered was one used in Ancient India. It also was found in cultures that had no connection with India, such as Native American and First Nation cultures. It was because of its long and ancient history that {{wp|Adolf Hitler}} adopted it as the Nazi Party symbol, as he felt it to be—among other things—a connection to Aryan ancestors who lived in Ancient India.

Since World War II, however, its use has diminished, but it is still commonly used by other cultures who either didn't have any contact with the Nazis or who still identify the swastika more as a symbol of peace than as a symbol of hate. In India and its neighboring countries, the swastika represents love and mercy, as well as wealth and good fortune. In Asian countries, such as China, Japan, and South Korea, the swastika can be found on maps to represent Buddhist temples. In all of these nations, the swastika can also be found on all kinds of media, businesses, buildings, and clothing like any other symbol. However, this liberal use has led to international miscommunications, such as its use on the Japanese version of Koga's Ninja Trick.

<gallery>
Koga Ninja Trick Manji.png|Original Japanese print
KogaNinjaTrickGymChallenge115.jpg|International print
</gallery>

==In the anime==
===Perceived Nazi imagery===
In ''[[AG013|All Things Bright and Beautifly!]]'', a Team Rocket fantasy involved [[Jessie]], [[James]], {{MTR}}, and many {{tc|Team Rocket Grunt}}s raising their hands in a manner somewhat similar to the {{wp|Nazi salute|Hitler salute}}. It was edited out in the English dub of the {{pkmn|anime}}, with the Grunts no longer raising their hands. Despite this, {{MTR}}'s arm remains unedited in the dub.

<gallery>
File:AG013 original shot.png|Original Japanese version
File:AG013 dub shot.png|Dubbed English version
</gallery>

===Flashing lights===
[[EP038|An episode]] of the [[Pokémon anime]] broadcast in December 1997 on Japanese television induced {{wp|Photosensitive epilepsy|photosensitive}} {{wp|epileptic seizure}}s in a substantial number of Japanese viewers, many of which required medical assistance. As a result, {{DL|Banned episodes|Banned episodes internationally|the episode was not broadcast overseas and never shown in Japan again}}, and the incident caused the anime to go into a temporary hiatus. Every Pokémon episode that aired until this episode, including [[Aim to Be a Pokémon Master|the opening]], was edited by lighting certain scenes, removing or changing fast-flashing scenes and more. The original version of the episodes have never been shown again, except mistakenly on [[Hulu|Hulu Japan]]. For this, Pokémon currently holds the {{wp|Guinness World Records|Guinness Book World Record}} for the most photosensitive epileptic seizures caused by a TV show.

===Violence===
Although [[4Kids Entertainment|4Kids]] and [[TAJ Productions|TAJ]] allow for some cartoon violence in the anime, the following episodes contain scenes that were deemed to be "too violent", and thus were cut from the English broadcast:
* ''[[EP001|Pokémon - I Choose You!]]'': {{an|Misty}} slapping {{Ash}} after he tells her he's okay, presumably because of his apparent lack of care for {{AP|Pikachu}}.
* ''[[EP003|Ash Catches a Pokémon]]'': Misty slapping Ash again due to his recklessness in sending out {{AP|Caterpie}} to battle a {{AP|Pidgeotto}}.
* ''[[EP009|The School of Hard Knocks]]'': Misty smashing {{an|Brock}} with a log because he says "To be continued..." rather than beginning the episode.
* [[EP035]]: Safari Zone Warden [[Kaiser]] repeatedly threatening Ash and the group with a revolver, and also firing at {{TRT}} when they trespass onto the {{safari|Kanto}} grounds, leading to the entire episode being [[banned episodes|banned]] outside of Asia.
* ''[[EP247|Outrageous Fortunes]]'': There are two separate shots of Poliwrath violently slapping Jessie; in one of those shots, she has red spots on her cheeks from Poliwrath's intense slapping. Both of these shots were deemed "too violent" and cut from the broadcast version and [[List of English language Master Quest home video releases (Region 1)#Box sets|first US home video release]] and replaced with an impact animation. The version streamed on Pokémon TV and the [[List of English language Master Quest home video releases (Region 1)#The Complete Collection|second US home video release]], however, leaves the shots in this episode intact.
* ''[[AG003|There's No Place Like Hoenn]]'': Two separate scenes showing [[James]]'s head and Max on fire due to {{TP|May|Torchic}}'s Ember attack were cut from the dub for being too violent.
* ''[[AG024|A Corphish Out of Water]]'': A {{p|Carvanha}} hitting Ash in the back of the head.
Scenes like these are common in Japanese animation, and are intended for comic relief purposes. They are similar to scenes in Western animation such as ''{{wp|Looney Tunes}}'' and ''{{wp|Tom and Jerry}}'', where characters get hit by extremely heavy objects and are completely fine afterwards.
{{-}}

==In the games==
===Perceived Nazi imagery===
In European releases of {{game|Diamond and Pearl|s}}, the sprite art for {{p|Registeel}} is altered slightly. In the Japanese, Korean, and English releases, Registeel's arm is extended. In non-English European versions an altered sprite is used, depicting it with both of its arms down, presumably due to the original pose's resemblance to the {{wp|Roman salute}}, infamously {{wp|Nazi salute|used}} by (and therefore commonly associated with) the German {{wp|Nazism|Nazi Party}}. In all versions of {{game|Platinum}} and {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}}, the revised sprite is used.
<gallery>
File:Spr 4d 379.png|International DP Registeel
File:Spr 4p 379.png|European DP/Worldwide PtHGSS Registeel
</gallery>

===Gambling===
[[File:HGSS Goldenrod Game Corner.png|thumb|right|The Goldenrod Game Corner in Western HeartGold and SoulSilver]]
Over the years, there has been a growing distaste towards gambling and the exposure of it to minors. Due to the unpredictable “risk-it-all” nature of the activity and the high impressionability of youths, more and more people have voiced their opposition towards allowing minors to partake in gambling and/or gambling-esque activities, with simulated gambling in video games falling under particular scrutiny. As a result, the Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) organization implemented stricter guidelines that limited simulated gambling first to older-skewing video games, starting in 2009, then eventually to adult-oriented games, starting in 2020<ref>[https://gameworldobserver.com/2021/09/01/new-pegi-rating-criteria-labels-all-games-that-teach-or-encourage-gambling-18 New PEGI rating criteria labels all games that teach or encourage gambling 18+ | Game World Observer]</ref>, and all games released in Europe featuring simulated gambling mechanics have been rated accordingly. While such restrictions are absent in other territories, many nations (the United States in particular) perceive gambling mechanics in video games as socially unacceptable, leading to the ''Pokémon'' games slowly phasing the concept out from [[Generation III]] onwards.

English releases of {{game|FireRed and LeafGreen|s}} renamed the Gambler Trainer class to '''{{tc|PI|Gamer}}''' and removed gambling references from their dialogue. The English versions of the [[Generation IV]] games renamed Gamblers once more but to '''{{wp|Private investigator|PI}}''' instead; however, the references to gambling were kept.

In South Korea, the releases of {{game2|Diamond|Pearl|Platinum}} replaced the [[slot machine]]s in the [[Veilstone Game Corner]] with non-playable [[Slot machine#Korean Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum / European Platinum|game machines]]. These changes were later copied to the releases of Pokémon Platinum in Europe as a result of changes in the classification standards at {{wp|Pan European Game Information|PEGI}}.<ref>[http://www.gamesradar.com/european-pokemon-platinums-missing-game-corner-explained/ European Pokemon Platinum's missing Game Corner explained | GamesRadar] ([https://archive.today/mRcAt archived copy])</ref> This change has been greatly criticized by European players, who felt that it completely defeated the purpose and concept of the Game Corner.

All non-Japanese releases of {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}} replace the slot machines of the two Game Corners in [[Goldenrod City]] and [[Celadon City]] with a new game called [[Voltorb Flip]]. In this minigame, [[coin]]s are not wagered against a win or a loss but instead given out for completing a level. While many people find the game to be entertaining, the change removed the ability to buy coins, making Voltorb Flip the only way to obtain them.

All [[core series]] games since {{game|Black and White|s}} have not featured a Game Corner, remakes included. In {{g|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire}}, the [[Mauville Game Corner]] has been closed down; the owner will instead provide the player with three dolls. In {{g|Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl}}, the [[Veilstone Game Corner]] was also removed, and is replaced by the Metronome Style Shop, a clothing store that serves as a means for the player character to change outfits and hairstyles; though, a remix of the Veilstone Game Corner’s background music plays in the Style Shop.

In the [[Virtual Console]] re-releases of the [[Generation I]] and {{gen|II}} games, however, the Game Corner was left completely untouched, although the games did receive the higher-than-usual age rating of twelve and up by PEGI (compared to all other contemporary main-series titles, which PEGI gave a rating of seven and up).
{{-}}

In {{wp|Saudi Arabia}}, the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game|TCG]] was blocked for a while because it “promoted gambling and Zionism”.

[[Egg]]s in [[Pokémon GO]] have been accused of being {{wp|loot boxes}}, which is a form of gambling.<ref>https://screenrant.com/pokemon-go-eggs-loot-boxes-gambling-money-incubator/</ref>

===Pokémon GO===
The sudden enormous popularity of [[Pokémon GO]] resulted in many controversies worldwide. Numerous organizations and companies complained about the spawning of Pokémon at places such as Holocaust and 9/11 memorials,<ref>[https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/news/2016/07/12/holocaust-museum-auschwitz-want-pokmon-go-hunts-stop-pokmon/86991810/ Holocaust Museum, Auschwitz want Pokémon Go hunts out]</ref><ref>[http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-07-12-holocaust-museum-pleads-stop-playing-pokemon-go-here Holocaust museum pleads: stop playing Pokémon Go here • Eurogamer.net]</ref> train rails,<ref>[http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/pokemon-go-dutch-rail-operator-tells-nintendo-change-game-after-players-wonder-onto-tracks-1570308 Pokemon Go players told to stay away from Amsterdam hospital and rail tracks]</ref> and while driving a car.<ref>[http://fortune.com/2016/09/18/pokemon-go-players-driving/ Tens of Thousands of People Are Driving While Playing Pokémon GO | Fortune]</ref> Several people worldwide have been killed or seriously injured in accidents related to playing the game.<ref>[http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-pokemon-go-encinitas-cliff-fall-2016jul13-story.html ‘Pokémon Go’ players fall off 90-foot ocean bluff — The San Diego Union-Tribune]</ref><ref>[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3699722/Pokemon-sees-death-Teenager-18-killed-cousin-injured-playing-game-Guatamala.html Pokemon Go player killed in Guatemala and cousin injured while playing game | Daily Mail Online]</ref><ref>[https://www.theverge.com/2016/8/25/12637878/pokemon-go-driver-kills-woman-japan Driver distracted by Pokémon Go kills woman in Japan — The Verge]</ref>

In Russia, a 21-year-old video blogger received a suspended sentence for three and a half years in prison for charges of blasphemy after playing the game in a church.<ref>[https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2017/05/11/russian-blogger-ruslan-sokolovsky-convicted-playing-pokemon-go-church/101541958/ Pokemon Go: Russian blogger Ruslan Sokolovsky convicted]</ref> Like the Pokémon mania in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Pokémon GO caused strong reactions in the Islamic world, declaring fatwas against the game as it could lead to "haram" activities such as "gambling".<ref>[http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/08/06/asia-pacific/malaysian-islamic-leaders-say-no-pokemon-go/#.WU6jV46GM2w Malaysian Islamic leaders say no to 'Pokemon Go' | The Japan Times] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20170803110904/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/08/06/asia-pacific/malaysian-islamic-leaders-say-no-pokemon-go/ archived copy])</ref><ref>[http://www.gadgetsnow.com/tech-news/Fatwa-against-Pokemon-Go-in-India/articleshow/53563918.cms Fatwa against Pokemon Go in India | Gadgets Now]</ref><ref>[https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2016/07/20/top-saudi-clerics-ban-pokemon-go/87330916/ Fatwa No. 21,758: Saudi clerics ban Pokemon Go]</ref> The game was banned in Iran over security concerns.<ref>[http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-36989526 Pokemon Go banned by Iranian authorities over 'security' — BBC News]</ref> In New York, registered sex offenders on parole were banned from playing Pokémon GO.<ref>[http://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2016/08/02/488435018/new-york-bans-registered-sex-offenders-from-pok-mon-go New York Bans Registered Sex Offenders From Pokémon Go : All Tech Considered : NPR]</ref> In a Belgian town with 35 inhabitants, playing the game became forbidden at night because the small town was constantly flooded with players.<ref>[http://www.hln.be/hln/nl/4126/Games/article/detail/2888132/2016/09/26/De-Wever-verbiedt-nachtelijke-Pokemon-Go-in-Lillo.dhtml De Wever verbiedt nachtelijke Pokémon Go in Lillo | Nieuws | HLN]</ref>

===Sword and Shield Pokédex===
During the {{wp|Electronic Entertainment Expo|E3}} 2019 Nintendo Treehouse live stream on June 11, 2019,<ref>[https://youtu.be/TmWu-f6L0Mo Nintendo Treehouse: Live | E3 2019] - Youtube</ref> [[Junichi Masuda]] stated that some species of {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} could not be transferred to {{g|Sword and Shield}}. After a massive amount of backlash from Pokémon fans (most of which involving the {{wp|hashtag}} #BringBackNationalDex), [[The Pokémon Company International]] posted a statement from Masuda in response on [[Pokémon.com]] in Japanese and English on June 28, 2019.<ref>[https://www.pokemon.com/us/a-message-for-pokemon-video-game-fans/ A Message for Pokémon Video Game Fans] - Pokémon.com</ref> Despite this reiterated statement, the fan backlash on social media still continued, with many fans requesting that compatibility for all Pokémon be included in a post-launch patch. When asked about the possibility of a patch, Masuda stated that he had not yet finalized a decision on such a patch. The controversy became somewhat mitigated when the Expansion Pass was announced for the games, which added 221 of the missing Pokémon back in.

===Pokémon UNITE===
When [[Pokémon UNITE]] was first announced, it quickly attracted controversy due to it being developed by a subsidiary of {{wp|Tencent}}, which was controversial due to its ties to the Chinese government. It also brought up a controversy that had been steadily growing about the use of {{wp|microtransactions}} in Pokémon games. As a result of these controversies, the Pokémon UNITE reveal quickly became the most disliked video on [[The Pokémon Company]]'s {{wp|YouTube}} channel.<ref>https://www.ign.com/articles/pokemon-unite-trailer-most-disliked-video</ref>

==In multiple media==
===Racism===
====Jynx====
[[File:124Jynx OS anime.png|thumb|left|x200px|Jynx's original design]]
[[File:124Jynx.png|thumb|200px|Jynx's current design]]
Following the American airing of ''[[Holiday Hi-Jynx]]'' in 1999, {{wp|Carole Boston Weatherford}}, an African-American cultural critic, claimed that {{p|Jynx}} was a negative racial stereotype of African-Americans, due to the Pokémon's black skin, and oversized facial features, which were typical in minstrel shows. She chiefly compared Jynx to the racist characters in the children's book ''{{wp|The Story of Little Black Sambo}}'', as well as calling Jynx "a dead ringer for an obese {{wp|Drag Queen}}", and further compared Jynx to {{wp|Mr. Popo}} of the {{wp|Dragon Ball}} franchise, another character who is also potentially offensive in his design.

Weatherford's complaint caused many repercussions in the Pokémon franchise. The sprites of Jynx in the Western releases of {{game2|Gold|Silver|Crystal}} were edited, and all episodes featuring Jynx's original design were cut from international airings of the anime, including a sequence depicting Jynx in its original design in ''[[AG013|All Things Bright and Beautifly!]]''.

Jynx's design was officially revised by [[Game Freak]] to be purple rather than black, starting with the international releases of {{g|Gold and Silver}} and being included in all versions of the games from [[Generation III]]-onwards. This change was reflected in later [[core series]] games, including in Japan and South Korea, beginning with {{game|Ruby and Sapphire|s}}, and in the {{pkmn|anime}} starting in ''[[AG115|Mean With Envy]]''. Jynx has also been recolored in [[VIZ Media]]'s reissues of [[Pokémon Adventures]]. Although the manga is colored in black-and-white, Jynx appearing in the manga are recolored as a dark gray rather than a straight black, suggesting that they are purple instead of black. It is also recolored to purple on the back cover of the reissue of {{PAV|4}}. Jynx's skin was also recolored to purple when ''Holiday Hi-Jynx'' finally saw a re-airing in Japan in 2012; nevertheless, the episode is still banned in the US due to the implications of African American-esque characters being subservient to a powerful Caucasian figure. The [[Pokémon Pocket Monsters]] manga published between 2005 and 2006 in English by [[Chuang Yi]] didn't change her color, and thus her original black design appears.

In recent years, some fans of Pokémon have noted that Jynx may be inspired by {{wp|ganguro}}, a Japanese fashion where women tan heavily, bleach their hair, and apply large amounts of makeup, instead of a black stereotype. This theory is mainly based on Jynx's long, straight, blonde hair, a common attribute of ganguro fashion. Another theory is that Jynx is based on the Nordic goddess {{wp|Hel}}, who was often depicted as having a face half white-half black and who ruled {{wp|Niflheim}}, primarily depicted as a land of primordial ice and cold. Some fans say this is supported by Jynx sharing traits with the iconic opera singing "{{wp|It ain't over 'til the fat lady sings|Fat Lady}}," who is pop-culturally portrayed dressed as the {{wp|valkyrie}} {{wp|Brünnhilde}}. It has also been stated that Jynx is based on {{wp|Yama-uba}}, the mountain Crone.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8X3l_Tt8VE Game Theory: Pokemon Racism, Jynx Justified]</ref>

====Lenora====
[[File:BW014 comparison.png|thumb|200px|The change in the anime]]
The [[Gym Leader]] of [[Nacrene City]] in {{game|Black and White|s}}, [[Lenora]], also brought up concerns of racism. Lenora's original artwork, as well as her in-game sprites, depict her wearing a large apron. Concerns arose that people outside of Japan would allude Lenora to the {{wp|Mammy stereotype}}. Similar to Lenora, the mammy is often depicted as a dark-skinned woman who wears a handkerchief on her head and an apron. Because of the similarity, Lenora's artwork was changed, from her wearing the apron to her having it slung over her shoulder like a cape. Despite this, Lenora's in-game sprites were not altered in the international releases of Pokémon Black and White or {{game|Black and White|s 2|Pokémon Black 2 and White 2}}.

In the original version of ''[[BW014|A Night in the Nacrene City Museum!]]'', Lenora was depicted wearing her apron. When the English dub aired, her apron was removed completely.

In [[Pokémon Adventures]], Lenora is depicted with the apron over her shoulder in the first panel she appears in and she is not shown with it after that. In {{OBP|Pocket Monsters BW|Kosaku Anakubo}}, she is not depicted with an apron at all.

====Reshiram, Zekrom, and Kyurem====

The box art legendaries in {{game|Black and White|s}} brought up concerns of racism due to it's design being close to a Ku Klux Klan Night Hawk or Ku Klux Klan Kleagle. [[Zekrom]] is a black dragon with a long lighting bolt shape head, and patterns such as the stripes on it's tail, and a tip on it's head; some perceived it as a Klansmen Night Hawk as a dragon. [[Reshiram]] is a white dragon with some of the same features, and it as also been included as well as [[White Kyurem]] and [[Black Kyurem]]. So far, it is not confirmed that these characters were based off of the Ku Klux Klan, but the controversy is mildly prevalent.

https://consumercomplaintscourt.com/ku-klux-klan-pokemon-not-for-kids/

===Animal cruelty===
In the past, several animal rights groups have tried to ban Pokémon, claiming that Pokémon battles closely resemble {{wp|cockfight}}s. This aspect of the controversy was actually touched upon in {{game|Black and White|s}}.

Upon the release of {{game|Black and White|s 2|Pokémon Black 2 and White 2}}, {{wp|People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals|PETA}} released a mock game named ''Pokémon Black and Blue''. In the game, the player controls the Pokémon to attack the opposing human. PETA claims that the way the Pokémon are "stuffed" into the [[Poké Ball]] is similar to how circus elephants are chained inside railroad carts. Nintendo responded to this by simply stating, "Nintendo and The Pokémon Company take the inappropriate use of our products and intellectual property seriously."<ref>[http://o.canada.com/technology/gaming/nintendo-responds-to-petas-pokemon-attack Nintendo responds to PETA’s Pokemon attack | canada.com] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20180911211240/https://o.canada.com/technology/gaming/nintendo-responds-to-petas-pokemon-attack archived copy] )</ref> Around the release of [[Pokémon X and Y]], PETA released another mock game called ''Pokémon Red, White, and Blue'' that features Nintendo's claimed association with {{wp|McDonald's}} and also makes fun of the frequent release of sister games.

===Materialism and gender inequality===
The franchise has been accused of promoting {{wp|Economic materialism|materialism}}, {{wp|consumerism}}, and {{wp|gender inequality}}.<ref>[http://www.popmatters.com/review/pokemon-the-movie-2000/ Pokemon The Movie 2000 (2000) | PopMatters] ([https://archive.is/h4Mpw archived copy])</ref>
{{-}}

==Religion==
===Christianity===
====Satanism====
Some {{wp|Christian fundamentalism|fundamentalist Christian}} groups have accused Pokémon as being linked to {{wp|Satanism}}. The following is a summarized and possibly incomplete list of their claims for this accusation:
*Pokémon are like demons. They are captured and must be called upon to perform tasks.<ref name="SToP">[http://www.withoneaccord.org/assets/images/freedownloads/StraightTalkonPokemon.pdf Straight Talk on Pokemon - StraightTalkonPokemon.pdf]</ref><ref>[https://gizmodo.com/isis-will-use-pokemon-go-to-murder-innocent-christians-1783680507 ISIS Will Use Pokémon Go to Murder Innocent Christians and Spawn Demons (Says Radio Host Pastor)]</ref>
*Magical talismans (supposedly a reference to [[Badge|Gym Badges]]) are needed to control them.<ref>[http://www.studytoanswer.net/contemporary/pokemon.html POKEMON] on studytoanswer.net ([https://web.archive.org/web/20040104121746/http://www.studytoanswer.net/contemporary/pokemon.html archived copy])</ref>
*Pokémon [[evolution]] has often been criticized due to sharing the name with the {{wp|Evolution|scientific theory of evolution}} which fundamentalist creationists usually reject, although the phenomenon in Pokémon is closer to {{wp|metamorphosis}}.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=o7bsCwAAQBAJ&pg=PT38#v=onepage&q&f=false Sociology of Religion for Generations X and Y - Adam Possamai - Google Books]</ref>
**Certain Pokémon evolutions require [[Evolution stone]]s, which are often seen as magical.<ref name="SToP" />
*Many Pokémon have extraordinary paranormal powers, notably {{type|Psychic}}s and {{type|Ghost}}s.<ref>[http://www.christiananswers.net/spotlight/games/2000/pokemon.html POKÉMON | a game review from Christian Spotlight]</ref><ref>[https://www.probe.org/pokemon/ Pokemon - A Christian Assessment]</ref><ref>[http://www1.cbn.com/onlinediscipleship/pok%26eacute%3Bmon%2C-harry-potter%2C-and-the-magic-of-story Pokémon, Harry Potter, and the Magic of Story | CBN.com]</ref>
*Many Pokémon inherently involve East Asian spiritualism or mysticism, due to the franchise originating in Japan. Some Christian groups denounce these as pagan rituals.<ref>[http://wildhunt.org/2016/07/pokemon-and-the-great-occult-scare.html Pokémon and the Great Occult Scare | The Wild Hunt]</ref><ref>[http://sureword.faithweb.com/pokemon.html Pokemon - Just Another Fad?]</ref>
<!--DO NOT REMOVE OR REWORD WITHOUT DISCUSSION-->
*Some claimed that if one were to {{wp|backmasking|play backwards}} the [[Kanto Pokérap]], "[[Gotta Catch 'em All!]]" can be heard as "I love you, Satan".<ref>[https://kotaku.com/the-time-they-thought-pokemon-was-satanic-1670792676 The Time They Thought Pokémon Was Satanic] on Kotaku</ref><sup>[''inadequate source'']</sup>
**This has been referenced in a somewhat-known 1998 trivia game.
<!--DO NOT REMOVE OR REWORD WITHOUT DISCUSSION-->
*Pokémon causes homosexuality; the close relationship between the characters Ash and Brock was "a sign of the cartoon’s gay agenda".<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/progressivesecularhumanist/2015/04/televangelist-creflo-dollar-claims-pokemon-causes-homosexuality/ Televangelist Creflo Dollar claims Pokemon causes homosexuality]</ref><ref>[http://www.gaynz.com/articles/publish/2/article_16696.php GayNZ.com Pokemon 'turned teens gay' - preacher] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20150709051450/http://www.gaynz.com/articles/publish/2/article_16696.php archived copy])</ref>

In response to these claims, the {{wp|Vatican City}}-based {{wp|TV2000|Sat 2000}} broadcast public approval of Pokémon in April 2000, stating that the games did not have "any harmful moral side effects" and was based on "ties of intense friendship".<ref>[http://nypost.com/2000/04/21/pokemon-earns-papal-blessing/ POKEMON EARNS PAPAL BLESSING | New York Post] ([https://archive.today/5AVJL archived copy])</ref>

===Islam===
====Claims of Zionist Jewish plot====
Some outspoken, fundamentalist Muslims claimed that Pokémon is a Jewish conspiracy intended to get Muslim children to renounce their faith.<ref>[http://www.cairoscene.com/LifeStyle/10-Egyptian-Conspiracy-Theories 10 Egyptian Conspiracy Theories]</ref><ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/2001/apr/24/news/mn-54861 Arabs See Jewish Conspiracy in Pokemon - latimes]</ref><ref>[http://archive.adl.org/presrele/islme_62/3791_62.html ADL denounces claim by Muslim leaders that Pokemon game is “Jewish Conspiracy" - Press Release] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20160724034549/http://archive.adl.org/presrele/islme_62/3791_62.html archived copy])</ref><ref>[http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/saddam-hussein-tried-ban-pokemon-7732176 Saddam Hussein tried to ban POKEMON in Iraq for an utterly bizarre reason - Mirror Online]</ref> These same groups claimed that the word "Pokémon" means "I am Jewish", with the claimers and their followers generally unaware of the franchise's Japanese origin. The "Evolution vs. Creationism" conflict was also commonly brought up.<ref>[http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/691674/Saudi-Arabia-fatwa-Pokemon-GO-un-islamic-blasphemous-theory-of-natural-evolution Saudi Arabia issues fatwa against POKÉMON for being ‘un-Islamic’ and ‘blasphemous' | World | News | Express.co.uk]</ref><ref>[https://www.memri.org/tv/dubai-family-consultant-dr-khalifa-al-makhrazi-pok%C3%A9mon-go-prohibited-spreads-darwinism Dubai Family Consultant Dr. Khalifa Al-Makhrazi: Pokemon Go Is Prohibited, Spreads Darwinism | MEMRI]</ref><ref>[http://www.alifta.net/Fatawa/FatawaChapters.aspx?languagename=en&View=Page&PageID=10338&PageNo=1&BookID=7 Fatwas of the Permanent Committee]</ref>

In 2001, the {{wp|Grand Mufti}} of {{wp|Saudi Arabia}}, who is the highest religious authority in the kingdom, issued a {{wp|fatwā}} banning the Pokémon franchise. It claimed that the franchise promoted {{wp|Zionism}} by displaying a six-pointed star that resembles the {{wp|Star of David}} as well as other religious symbols such as crosses they associated with {{wp|Christianity}} and triangles they associated with {{wp|Freemasonry}} in the TCG and encouraged gambling in the games due to the inclusion of gambling elements, which is in violation of {{wp|Islam|Muslim}} doctrine.<ref>[http://www.theescapist.com/pokemon13.htm The Escapist - Archive - Saudi Bans Pokemon] ([https://archive.is/wPWh6 archived copy])</ref><ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/1243307.stm BBC News | MIDDLE EAST | Saudi Arabia bans Pokemon] ([https://archive.is/9Hni1 archived copy])</ref>

High Muslim authorities in {{wp|Qatar}} and {{wp|Egypt}} then joined the ban. As this happened during the {{wp|second Intifada}}, a {{wp|Jordan}}ian newspaper printed a caricature of Israeli Prime Minister {{wp|Ariel Sharon}} sitting in a tank and laughing at an Arab man chasing a Pokémon. This is meant to convey that Arabs are distracted from their conflict with the Israelis by popular franchises, with Pokémon as an example of such "distractions."<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/1258633.stm BBC News | Middle East | Qatari religious leader bans Pokemon]</ref><ref>Peterson, Mark Allen. 'Anthropology & Mass Communication: Media and Myth in the New Millennium'. 2003. Print.</ref>

Despite the initial banning, which quickly wiped away [[Pokémon merchandise]], especially the card game, from markets in Saudi Arabia, Pokémon video games quickly returned to be sold normally, but under much less demand from local consumers. Some Pokémon merchandise, such as the {{OBP|Expedition Base Set|TCG}}, reappeared in certain stores a few years later, but newer sets were never brought. Games from [[Generation III]] on seem completely unaffected by the ban.

===Judaism===
In 1999, the Jewish civil rights group {{wp|Anti-Defamation League}} complained about [[Nintendo]]'s use of a {{wp|swastika}} (known as a ''manji'' in Japan, where it is used as a {{wp|Buddhism|Buddhist}} symbol) in the Japanese print of {{TCG ID|Gym Challenge|Koga's Ninja Trick|115}}, because of the symbol's strong association with the German Nazi Party in the {{wp|Western world}}. Nintendo ceased manufacturing the card, a decision that was positively received by the group, which also understood that the symbol was not intended to offend and acknowledged the sensitivity that Nintendo had shown by removing the product.<ref>[http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4525479.html `Swastika' Pokemon card dropped - Chicago Sun-Times | HighBeam Research] ([https://archive.is/cROTU archived copy])</ref>

==Lawsuits==
Various lawsuits have been filed against [[Nintendo]] and [[Game Freak]] regarding [[Pokémon]] or Pokémon characters.

===Uri Geller===
[[File:064Kadabra RG.png|thumb|200px|Kadabra's official core game artwork at the time]]
On 2 November 2000<!-- The date when the BBC article about that was written -->, Israeli magician {{wp|Uri Geller}}, known for his attribution of spoon-bending tricks to alleged {{wp|psychic}} abilities, tried to sue Nintendo for £60 million, claiming that {{p|Kadabra}}, known as ''Yungerer'' in Japan, was an unauthorized parody of himself.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1003454.stm BBC News | ENTERTAINMENT | Geller sues Nintendo over Pokémon] ([https://archive.today/AhjVR archived copy])</ref><ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/uk/1999/dec/29/2 Nintendo faces £60m writ from Uri Geller | UK News | The Guardian]</ref> Besides Kadabra's use of [[Twisted Spoon|bent spoons]] to enhance its {{t|psychic}} powers, the {{wp|katakana}} for its name (ユンゲラー) is visually similar to the transliteration of his own name into Japanese (ユリゲラー). Another claim was that Kadabra's design is {{wp|Antisemitism|antisemitic}} in nature due to the star on its forehead and the lightning bolts resembling the logo of the {{wp|Waffen-SS}}. He is quoted as saying "Nintendo turned me into an evil, occult Pokémon character. Nintendo stole my identity by using my name and my signature image." The symbols themselves are taken from those used on {{wp|Zener cards}}, which have been used to conduct research into supposed psychic abilities since the 1930's.

As a result, there has not been a Kadabra card in the {{pkmn|Trading Card Game}} since {{TCG|Skyridge}} in 2003, and Kadabra has not appeared in the Pokémon anime since ''[[AG146|Fear Factor Phony]]'', perhaps as a precaution against Geller's history of lawsuits. This is further hinted at by [[Masamitsu Hidaka]]'s interview with PokéBeach in July 2008,<ref>[http://pokebeach.com/2008/07/second-pokemon-interview-with-masamitsu-hidaka-many-interesting-points Second Interview with Masamitsu Hidaka – Many Interesting Points! (July 4th, 2008) « Website News « PokéBeach] ([https://archive.today/ApNJu archived copy])</ref> where he claims that usage of Kadabra on a card is not allowed until an agreement was reached and that the case would not be settled anytime soon.

{{p|Abra}} and {{p|Alakazam}} cards have continued to be printed, despite the fact that this makes it impossible to play Alakazam cards in matches that prevent the use of older cards without a card that specifically allows evolved Pokémon to be played or the use of the card {{TCG ID|EX Sandstorm|Rare Candy|88}}, which allows the player's [[Basic Pokémon]] in play to evolve into the Stage 2 form without the use of a Stage One Pokémon. However, the only {{TCG ID|Mysterious Treasures|Abra|69}} card released after {{tcg|Skyridge}}, in {{tcg|Mysterious Treasures}}, has an attack that allows it to evolve directly into Alakazam, skipping the Kadabra stage. Any {{TCG|Alakazam}} cards printed since were Basic Pokémon that didn't need to evolve from anything.

In November 2020, Uri Geller rescinded the "ban" on Kadabra's depiction in the TCG, citing fan outcry.<ref>[https://www.thegamer.com/uri-geller-nintendo-permission-kadabra-pokemon-cards/ Uri Geller rescinds the ban on Kadabra's depiction in the TCG]</ref><ref>[https://twitter.com/TheUriGeller/status/1332794451727691777?s=20 Uri Geller's tweet regarding Kadabra's now-released ban]</ref> About a year later, Kadabra made its first appearance in animation since ''Fear Factory Phony'' in the [[Pokémon Evolutions]] episode ''[[PE07|The Show]]''.

===Burger King===
In 1999, as a promotion for ''[[M01|Mewtwo Strikes Back]]'', {{wp|Burger King}} released a [[1999 Burger King promotional Pokémon toys|series of promotional toys]] in handheld [[Poké Ball]]s with their Kids' Meals. After a child suffocated because she had covered her mouth and nose with half of the Poké Ball, her parents set up a website named "Pokémon Kills".<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/581493.stm BBC News | AMERICAS | Burger King in Pokemon recall] ([https://archive.today/pffGd archived copy])</ref> In response to this, Burger King recalled the Poké Balls and exchanged them for food for a limited amount of time.

===Other lawsuits===
A parents' group attempted to sue manufacturers of collectible cards, including Nintendo and Wizards of the Coast, claiming that the cards' collectible nature and the random distribution of the cards in packs constitutes illegal gambling.<ref>[http://www.theguardian.com/uk/1999/dec/29/2 Nintendo faces £60m writ from Uri Geller | UK news | The Guardian] ([https://archive.today/XkBzu archived copy])</ref>

==Other==
===Yasukuni Shrine visit===
On January 7, 2019, [[Creatures, Inc.]] posted a [https://twitter.com/Creatures_Inc/status/1082163512795815936 tweet]{{dead link}} showing several employees visiting {{wp|Yasukuni Shrine}}, a {{wp|Controversies surrounding Yasukuni Shrine|controversial}} shrine located in Tokyo, Japan.<ref>[https://kotaku.com/pokemon-studio-criticized-after-visiting-controversial-1831601511 ''Pokémon'' Studio Criticized After Visiting Controversial Shrine | Kotaku]</ref><ref>[https://comicbook.com/gaming/2019/01/09/pokemon-creatures-inc-yasukuni-shrine-controversy/ Pokemon Studio Under Fire For Visiting Controversial Shrine | ComicBook.com]</ref><ref>[https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2019-01-10/pokemon-creatures-inc-in-hot-water-over-visit-to-controversial-yasukuni-shrine/.141891 Pokémon's Creatures, Inc. in Hot Water Over Visit to Controversial Yasukuni Shrine | Anime News Network]</ref> The shrine, said by ''Shinto'' practitioners to house the souls of fallen soldiers who fought for Japan, has been the subject of scrutiny over the years for including 1,068 military officials convicted of {{wp|Japanese_war_crimes|various war crimes}} by the 1946 International Military Tribunal for the Far East, including 14 convicted {{wp|Class A war criminals}}. Following social media backlash from fans in {{pmin|South Korea}} and {{pmin|Greater China|China}} (two regions Japan colonized before World War II and conducted war crimes in), the tweet was deleted later that day. An apology was posted on January 22, 2019 in [https://www.creatures.co.jp/ug/ Japanese], [https://data1.pokemonkorea.co.kr/2019/01/2019-01-22_16-15-49-12858-1548141349.jpg Korean], and [https://cn.portal-pokemon.com/topics/event/190122150000_creatures.html Mandarin] on the Creatures website and the official Korean and Chinese Pokémon websites.

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Pokémon meta]]

[[es:Controversia en Pokémon]]
[[it:Controversie sui Pokémon]]
[[ja:ポケモンに対する批判と対応措置]]