National Pokemon Day
February 27, 2027
About National Pokemon Day
National Pokemon Day is celebrated annually on 27 February, marking the anniversary of the release of the very first Pokemon video games in Japan in 1996. In 2027, the day falls on a Saturday. It honours a franchise that has grown from a pair of Game Boy titles into one of the highest-grossing entertainment properties in history.
What is National Pokemon Day?
National Pokemon Day, also known simply as Pokemon Day, commemorates the launch of Pocket Monsters Red and Pocket Monsters Green for the Nintendo Game Boy on 27 February 1996 in Japan. The day celebrates the global community of fans, players, and collectors who have kept the franchise thriving for over three decades. It is recognised by The Pokemon Company, which typically announces new games, products, or events to coincide with the anniversary.
When is National Pokemon Day?
National Pokemon Day takes place on 27 February every year. In 2027, it falls on Saturday, 27 February. The date is fixed, marking the exact anniversary of the original game release.
The Story Behind National Pokemon Day
The Pokemon phenomenon began in the mind of Satoshi Tajiri, a Japanese game designer who was inspired by his childhood hobby of collecting insects. Tajiri founded Game Freak with artist Ken Sugimori, and the pair spent six years developing the concept of a game where players could capture, train, and battle fantasy creatures. Nintendo published the result — Pocket Monsters Red and Pocket Monsters Green — on 27 February 1996. The games introduced 151 original Pokemon and a gameplay loop that was immediately addictive: explore, catch, battle, trade.
The games were a sensation in Japan, and in 1998, localised versions titled Pokemon Red and Pokemon Blue launched in North America. An animated television series premiered in 1997, following the adventures of Ash Ketchum and his partner Pikachu, and it quickly became one of the most-watched children’s programmes worldwide. The Pokemon Trading Card Game debuted that same era, sparking a collecting craze that rivalled anything seen before. By the late 1990s, Pokemon was a full-blown cultural phenomenon — a wave that journalists dubbed “Pokemania.”
Pokemon Day was formally approved by the Registrar at National Day Calendar in 2024, with official celebrations beginning in 2025. However, The Pokemon Company and fans had been marking 27 February informally for years prior, using the anniversary to make major announcements and host community events. Each year, The Pokemon Company uses the day to reveal new games, distribute special in-game items, or launch promotional merchandise. The franchise has now sold over 480 million video games, and the broader Pokemon brand has generated estimated revenue exceeding $150 billion, making it the highest-grossing media franchise in history.
How to Celebrate National Pokemon Day
Whether you are a lifelong trainer or a newcomer, there are countless ways to celebrate:
- Play a Pokemon game — Dust off a classic title or dive into the latest release. From the original Game Boy games to modern entries like Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, there is a game for every generation.
- Organise a Pokemon card trading session — Gather friends and swap cards. The Trading Card Game remains hugely popular, with rare vintage cards fetching thousands at auction.
- Watch the animated series — Revisit the original anime or explore newer seasons. With over 1,200 episodes produced, there is no shortage of adventures to enjoy.
- Take a Pokemon GO walk — The augmented reality mobile game, released in 2016, encourages players to explore their surroundings to find and catch Pokemon. Special in-game events often coincide with Pokemon Day.
- Draw or craft your favourite Pokemon — Get creative with art, crafts, or baking. Pikachu-themed cupcakes and handmade plush toys are popular projects.
- Host a Pokemon movie marathon — The franchise has produced over 20 animated films and a live-action movie, Detective Pikachu (2019). Pick your favourites and settle in.
- Share your Pokemon memories on social media — Post your first Pokemon game, your favourite creature, or your rarest card using the event hashtags.
Fun Facts About Pokemon
- The Pokemon franchise has generated an estimated $150 billion in total revenue since 1996, making it the highest-grossing media franchise in the world, surpassing Star Wars and Marvel.
- Pikachu, the franchise’s mascot, was not originally intended to be the star. The anime’s creators chose Pikachu over the starter Pokemon because a yellow, mouse-like creature was more visually distinctive and appealing to audiences.
- The original 151 Pokemon were designed by a small team led by artist Ken Sugimori. As of 2025, the total number of Pokemon species exceeds 1,000.
- Pokemon GO, the augmented reality mobile game released in July 2016, was downloaded over 500 million times within its first two months and generated over $6 billion in revenue by 2023.
- A first-edition holographic Charizard card from 1999 sold for $420,000 at auction in 2022, making it one of the most valuable trading cards ever sold.
- The name “Pokemon” is a contraction of the Japanese words Poketto Monsuta (Pocket Monsters).
Why National Pokemon Day Matters
Pokemon has transcended its origins as a video game to become a cultural touchstone spanning generations. It promotes creativity, strategic thinking, and social connection through trading, battling, and cooperative play. The franchise has also driven real-world benefits through Pokemon GO, which has been credited with encouraging physical activity and outdoor exploration among millions of players worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Pokemon Day?
National Pokemon Day is an annual celebration on 27 February marking the anniversary of the first Pokemon games, released in Japan in 1996. It celebrates the global Pokemon community and franchise.
When is National Pokemon Day in 2027?
National Pokemon Day 2027 falls on Saturday, 27 February.
Why is Pokemon Day on 27 February?
The date commemorates the Japanese release of Pocket Monsters Red and Pocket Monsters Green on 27 February 1996, the games that launched the entire franchise.
Spread the Word
Join the celebration and share your favourite Pokemon memories on social media with #PokemonDay and #PokemonDay2027. Tag your friends and challenge them to name all 151 original Pokemon!
Related Awareness Days
- National Puzzle Day — Celebrated on 29 January, a day for puzzle enthusiasts and strategic thinkers of all kinds.
- National Backwards Day — Observed on 31 January, a quirky celebration of doing things in reverse — perfect for fans of fun, unconventional days.
- International Book Giving Day — Held on 14 February, encouraging the sharing of stories and imagination across cultures.
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