How woke is The Pokemon Company?

Introduction

For decades, The Pokémon Company has been a household name, captivating audiences, young and old, with its beloved characters and adventurous storylines. But recently, the company seems to have shifted its focus from just catching them all to catching the attention of social justice advocates. 

In this review, we’ll examine The Pokémon Company’s financial contributions, DEI policies, mandatory training sessions, support for LGBTQ+ initiatives, and marketing strategy to see how it has embraced a woke corporate culture.

Financial Contributions to Progressive Causes

The Pokémon Company has pledged $25 million to support organizations focused on “improving the lives of children and supporting social equity.” That’s a big chunk of change aimed at making a social impact. While they’re certainly not alone in this trend, it’s clear that they are serious about using its financial clout to push for progressive causes.

Their  Report reads like a who’s who of woke initiatives, highlighting donations and partnerships with groups that prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion. They’re actively shaping the narrative, using their influence to support social justice.

Prioritization of DEI Policies

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion—those three words are becoming the cornerstone of corporate America, and The Pokémon Company is no exception. According to their Social Impact Report, they’re committed to creating a workplace that “reflects the diversity of our global audience.” Translation? They’re all-in on diversity quotas and ensuring their workforce looks as inclusive as possible.

Their LinkedIn page contains posts about how DEI isn’t just a policy—it’s a core value. They’re embedding these principles into their hiring practices and overall corporate strategy. 

Mandatory Training Sessions

It’s not just about who you hire; it’s also about what you teach them. The Pokémon Company does not mention mandatory unconscious bias and inclusion training sessions. Either they do not exist, or they have not been made public. However, their Play! Pokémon Tournament is one of their efforts to foster inclusiveness among diverse people through games.

Support for LGBTQ+ Initiatives

Their Inclusion Report proudly details their involvement in various programs and partnerships to promote LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. “We believe in creating a world where everyone can be their true selves,” they declare—a sentiment echoed in their active participation during Pride Month and similar events.

This commitment extends beyond external support. Internally, The Pokémon Company has policies in place to ensure that LGBTQ+ employees feel welcome and valued. These policies are well-documented and make it clear that equality and representation are top priorities. 

Marketing and Branding

Their marketing strategy centres on social equity and environmental sustainability themes, aiming to resonate with a global audience that values these principles. This approach is becoming the norm in the corporate world, where brands increasingly use their platforms to promote progressive ideologies. 

Conclusion

The Pokémon Company has positioned itself as a leader in corporate wokeness. From its substantial financial contributions to progressive causes to its prioritisation of DEI policies and support for LGBTQ+ initiatives, it’s all in.

But with great woke power comes great responsibility—or at least, great scrutiny. As they continue to navigate this path, it’ll be interesting to see how they balance their commitment to social justice with the diverse views of their global audience.