With annual National Pokémon Day arriving in BG and across the globe on Thursday, trainers are sharing their love for the cultural phenomenon online and on campus.
After the release of Pokémon GO in 2016, the app provided a uniting moment for society, as Twitter user @MYSTIC7 wrote, “Pokémon GO 2016 was the closest we’ve ever been to world peace.”
It’s up in the air whether Pokémon GO might be the answer to world peace, but Bucky Buchman, Popular Culture teaching assistant, said the barrier-breaking franchise draws in so many people because it offers something for everyone.
“It’s gone on to such a degree that there really is something for everyone,” Buchman said.
Since Pokémon’s creation in 1996, Millennials embraced the anime, games and cards as the first wave of fans of the phenomenon. Gen Z has put their own spin on it in the meantime, Buchman said.
TikTokers and YouTubers such as Poké Daxi and YunaverseTCG have collectively racked up millions of followers and made livelihoods off sharing Pokémon-specific content.
Earning money from fandoms isn’t a new concept since YouTubers rose to fame during the 2010s. The difference in 2025 is that Gen Z creators are venturing into a market they grew up interacting with, the Popular Culture teaching assistant said.
“Now Gen Z is like, ‘Oh yeah, I could do this, because I know this technology.’ Being able to go out and make a life built around Pokémon… and getting money from that.” Buchman said. “There’s that almost disconnect from the Millennial Gen Z divide of, ‘Oh yes, I’m gonna do this for fun.’ Versus, ‘I’m gonna do this to make a living out of it.’ Which I guess comes with the territory of growing up in a different world.”
That ‘world’ belongs to the Bowling Green Pokémon Scene on campus.
The club has put its own Pokémon-themed twist on beloved games such as Scattergories and trivia– along with hosting their annual Halloween costume contest. But most of all, it’s a space to get away from the stress of university worries and bond over Pokémon, Bowling Green Pokémon Scene President Amanda Campbell said.
“I love being in the club,” Campbell said. “It’s always been on Tuesday nights. That way, it’s a nice break in the week from all the school stress.”
With internet rumors of a new game announcement on the horizon, The Pokémon Company’s Pokémon Presents may have some surprises in store for fans this year—especially with the Nintendo Switch 2’s release this April.
“I’m always curious on what they’re gonna do next,” Marlise Stephens, Bowling Green Pokémon Scene member, said. “New Pokémon… the lore, mechanics, or mega evolutions.”
From engaging in battles to collecting plushes, it’s clearly Pokémon Day– every day.
