The Pokémon Company Celebrates Lunar New Year with Exclusive Artwork for China and Thailand Fans

The Pokémon Company, renowned for its role in the global success of the Pokémon franchise alongside developer Game Freak and publisher Nintendo, recently celebrated the Lunar New Year by releasing unique artwork for fans in China and Thailand.

This initiative underscores the company’s commitment to engaging its international audience and recognizing important cultural events within the Pokémon community.

On January 26, 2020, The Pokémon Company shared a series of festive illustrations tailored for Lunar New Year festivities.

In China, the spotlight was placed on beloved Mouse Pokémon—aptly chosen to align with the Year of the Rat—as well as Magikarp, a fan-favorite Water-type Pokémon known worldwide.

This artwork resonated with Chinese fans, blending the excitement of Pokémon with the significance of the Lunar New Year tradition, and further cemented the franchise’s local presence. Expanding their outreach to Southeast Asia, The Pokémon Company’s official Thai branch unveiled three distinct pieces of celebratory artwork on their dedicated Instagram account, @pokemonthailand.

Each illustration captured elements of Lunar New Year while weaving in popular Pokémon characters, creating a culturally resonant experience for the growing Pokémon fanbase in Thailand.

These posts garnered notable engagement, reflecting the franchise’s enduring popularity and adaptability across diverse markets. The Pokémon Company has a longstanding history of celebrating major holidays and milestones in innovative ways, from limited-edition releases on the Nintendo Switch and eShop to exclusive digital events within its acclaimed titles.

The company’s continued attention to regional festivities not only strengthens its brand loyalty but also highlights Pokémon’s universal appeal and adaptability—a strategy that has driven the franchise’s sales to over 380 million game units worldwide as of 2024. By leveraging social media and localized content, The Pokémon Company reiterates its commitment to players on a global scale.

These Lunar New Year initiatives build on the success of past celebrations, demonstrating the organizational agility that has made Pokémon one of the most cherished names in gaming.

For longtime fans and newcomers alike, the festive artwork offers another immersive touchpoint, enriching the overall Pokémon experience and fortifying the franchise’s relationship with its international audience.