Across the globe in North America, the Fatal Fury tournament was in full swing.
Meanwhile, in Japan, a silent campaign had already been meticulously deployed.
Huge corrugated boxes, stamped with a simple "Pokémon" logo and a distinctive lightning-bolt tail silhouette, were quietly delivered by trucks to warehouses of Tokuma Shoten, San-X, and Mattel's Japan partners.
The sheer volume left seasoned warehouse managers stunned.
"So much stock… are they planning to hook every elementary school kid in Japan?" one muttered, eyeing the towering stacks.
The warehouse glowed bright as day, with forklift drivers navigating carefully, workers stacking heavy boxes neatly.
Simultaneously, a marketing blitz aimed at children wove a subtle yet pervasive web, infiltrating every corner of the city.
On TV, the golden-hour gaps between cartoons—once a cue for kids to rush to the bathroom or kitchen—became a moment of anticipation.
A vibrant, upbeat 30-second trailer began airing with startling frequency, promoting Tokyo TV's October lineup.
The screen showed a determined boy in a red cap, brimming with energy.
Then, a yellow creature with red cheek spots tilted its head, chirping "Pika!" in an adorable squeak.
A fire-breathing dragon, a goofy turtle, a mysterious psychic creature—fantastic beings flashed by, dazzling viewers.
"Pokémon! Gotta catch 'em all!"
A rousing male voiceover, paired with infectious, foot-tapping music, stirred excitement.
Anime shops' prime window displays overnight swapped to massive Pokémon posters.
Pikachu, the yellow electric mouse, grinned mischievously, its big eyes sparking at passing kids.
Other unique Pokémon formed a captivating backdrop.
Subway ads and train car posters featured them too.
Mysterious bookmarks, crafted like unseen badges, appeared in stationery stores near schools.
Given as freebies with purchases, they delighted kids.
The bookmarks showcased Pokémon silhouettes, badge shapes, or that iconic lightning tail.
The back read clearly: "October 4, Saturday, Tokyo TV, 8 AM, Premiere!"
"Look! I got a different one!"
"Is this… the water-spraying turtle's bookmark?"
Kids swapped these "secret badges" during breaks, after school, even between cram sessions, buzzing with excitement.
They debated the trailer's creatures, guessing names and powers.
"Can we really 'catch 'em all' like Ash in the show?"
"I'm gonna collect every badge, every Pokémon!"
A feverish anticipation and desire swelled in kids' hearts, like a volcano ready to erupt, awaiting that promised Saturday morning.
Even adults, passing toy store windows, lingered on the yellow electric mouse.
"This thing… kinda interesting."
October 4, Saturday.
Morning sunlight filtered through curtains, warming countless homes.
At the Honda household, a simple Japanese breakfast sat on the table.
Kyosuke, a third-grader, nibbled toast, idly flipping through TV channels.
"Kyosuke, eat up, we're visiting Grandma today," his mother called from the kitchen.
"Hai…" he replied listlessly, eyes scanning the screen.
As he munched, 8 AM struck.
Tokyo TV's logo flashed, and a new opening animation burst onto the screen.
Upbeat music blared, a vibrant voice singing, "Aim to be a Pokémon Master!"
Kyosuke's eyes widened slightly.
Episode one: Pokémon! I Choose You!
Onscreen, a boy named Ash overslept, missing the chance to pick his starter Pokémon.
Professor Oak, exasperated, gave him the last one available.
A Poké Ball opened.
"Pika!"
A small, yellow, pointy-eared creature with red electric cheek pouches appeared.
It was Pikachu.
At first, Pikachu ignored Ash's commands, refused its Poké Ball, and sassed him with expressive "Pika Pika" quips, melting viewers' hearts.
Kyosuke chuckled aloud.
This Pikachu had personality.
On their rocky journey, Ash provoked a flock of Spearow, which attacked both him and Pikachu, his Pokémon.
Guilt-ridden for getting Pikachu hurt, Ash shielded it, dodging Spearow attacks, even borrowing Misty's bike.
After crashing down a slope, Ash, voice breaking, urged Pikachu into its Poké Ball, standing protectively in front.
Pikachu, defying its earlier attitude, leaped out, unleashing a powerful electric shock, amplified by the rain, repelling the Spearow but collapsing exhausted.
The rain cleared.
Ash carried the weakened Pikachu toward a Pokémon Center.
Pikachu gently licked Ash's cheek, closing its eyes, seemingly at peace.
Kyosuke felt a tug at his heart.
He forgot the half-chewed toast in his mouth, eyes glued to the screen.
This yellow electric mouse wasn't just cute.
It had a temper, its own mind, even… emotions.
The ending theme played.
Kyosuke sat dazed, replaying Ash and Pikachu's battle.
His small face held the bittersweet pang of a great story's end.
Suddenly, the screen shifted.
A new ad appeared.
Trendy kids held palm-sized devices resembling game consoles.
On their black-and-white LCD screens, a pixelated Pikachu danced vividly, echoing the show's "Pika Pika" cries.
The kids spoke to the device, mimed feeding, and Pikachu responded—twisting its head or jumping.
A gentle female voiceover said, "Pokémon Electronic Pet—Pikachu, always by your side."