Big Business Behind Adorable Pikachu

Posted on July 6, 2006

Pikachu is cute, yellow and totally innocent looking. Behind the innocent Pikachu is an extremely lucrative business. Pokemon generates over $25 billion in worldwide retail sales. The photo on the right was taken when Jakks Pacific obtained an exclusive Master Toy License from Pokemon USA.

Joining Picachu in the picture is Jakks Pacific Chairman Jack Friedman on the left with Pokemon USA President Akira Chiba (middle) and Jakks' President Stephen Berman (right). Stephen Berman's son, Logan, is also in the picture. Pokemon is celebrating a ten year anniversary this year. The celebration includes mall tours and other activities which can be found on the official website. You would be celebrating too if you were worth $25 billion.