28 Childhood Cartoons That Were More Controversial Than We Realized

In 1999, at the height of the Pokémon phenomenon, an episode of the anime triggered seizures in numerous Japanese children. The incident was attributed to a brief, four-second flashing clip within the episode, prompting swift action from authorities to remove it from circulation.

Despite the segment’s removal, the repercussions of what became known as ‘Pokémon shock’ continue to loom over the franchise. They serve as a cautionary tale regarding the potential dangers of animated content and the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of young viewers in the production and distribution of media.