Pok mon began as a game and has exploded into a mass merchandising opportunity, she said. The game was picked up as a serialized comic, or manga. Next came an animated television show, a movie, trading cards and associated merchandise - everything from Pok mon toys to Pok mon curry. But rather than regard Pok mon with suspicion, the Japanese embrace the fad, Allison says. She calls the marketing of Pok mon brilliant, one that crosses media and products to create an interdependency.
Children watch the TV program to get hints on how to play the game, for example.
The pervasiveness of Pok mon does not seem to trigger concern, though. Allison can be reached by e-mail for additional comment. Contact the Web Editor .