Pokémon Episode Induces Seizures

Date: December 16, 1997 • Location: Tokyo, Japan

"Dennō Senshi Porygon", an episode of the Japanese television series Pokémon, induced epileptic seizures in 685 children.

"Dennō Senshi Porygon" is the 38th episode of the Pokémon anime's first season. During its sole broadcast in Japan on December 16, 1997, multiple scenes with flashing lights induced photosensitive epileptic seizures in children across the country. Over 600 people, mostly children, were taken to hospitals; many others experienced milder symptoms that did not necessitate hospitalization. Furthermore, it is estimated that the total number of children who were affected in some way, even if they were not taken to the hospital, reached several thousand. The incident is referred to in Japan as the "Pokémon Shock" .