In 1997, a single flash of light in a Pokémon episode sent 600 children to the hospital
An explosive sequence in a 1997 Pokémon episode triggered a nationwide medical emergency in Japan, leading to strict new broadcasting regulations that still govern the global animation industry today.
On December 16, 1997, the episode 'Dennō Senshi Porygon' aired in Japan, featuring a sequence where Pikachu used a thunderbolt to explode virtual missiles. The scene utilized a rapid flickering of red and blue lights at a frequency of 12Hz for several seconds.
There's more to this story — open the app to keep reading.
Continue Reading in App
2 more paragraphs · plus a 3-question quiz