Why is Porygon Banned in Anime? The “Pokémon Shock” Explained
Porygon, the virtual Pokémon, is banned from appearing in the Pokémon anime not because of anything inherently problematic about the creature itself, but due to a seizure-inducing incident during the broadcast of the episode “Dennō Senshi Porygon” (Electric Soldier Porygon) in Japan on December 16, 1997. This episode contained a scene with rapid flashing lights that triggered seizures in hundreds of viewers, mostly children. The backlash was immediate and significant, leading to Porygon’s permanent removal from the anime, along with its evolutions, Porygon2 and Porygon-Z. The incident, now infamously known as the “Pokémon Shock,” had a lasting impact on the anime industry and resulted in stricter guidelines regarding the use of flashing lights and visual effects in animated programming.
The Infamous “Dennō Senshi Porygon” Episode
The pivotal scene involved Pikachu using Thunderbolt to intercept missiles. The explosions created used a visual effect called “paka-paka,” alternating rapidly between red and blue flashing lights. This specific combination and frequency were determined to be the primary cause of the seizures. While Pikachu performed the attack, Porygon was in the background of the scene, as this incident did not involve it, Porygon was only a scapegoat due to the episode carrying its name.
The episode aired only once and was immediately pulled from broadcast schedules worldwide. To this day, it has never been re-aired or released on home video, and remains a cautionary tale in television production.
The Fallout and Industry Changes
The “Pokémon Shock” had profound consequences:
- Broadcasting Standards: TV networks and animation studios globally revised their broadcasting standards to minimize the risk of photosensitive epilepsy.
- Anime Production Changes: Anime production companies adopted stricter guidelines on the use of flashing lights, strobing effects, and rapid color changes. These guidelines continue to evolve.
- Public Perception: The incident significantly damaged the public perception of anime, particularly among parents.
- Porygon’s Involuntary Exile: Most devastatingly for the digital duck, Porygon and its evolutions were effectively erased from the anime series.
Porygon’s Legacy: A Digital Scapegoat
Despite being completely innocent in the matter, Porygon became an unintentional symbol of the incident. The association between the episode and the Pokémon was unavoidable due to the episode’s title. While Pikachu was the one firing the lightning bolt, Porygon was the one that was banned. The incident has followed Porygon throughout the Pokémon franchise, significantly impacting its popularity and visibility in the anime adaptation.
The incident, known as the “Pokemon Shock” lead the Games Learning Society, and similar communities and educators to explore the use of digital media in ways that are both engaging and safe, understanding the impact of visual stimuli on learning and development.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Porygon’s Anime Ban
1. What exactly caused the “Pokémon Shock”?
The primary culprit was the rapid alternation of red and blue flashing lights in a specific scene during the “Dennō Senshi Porygon” episode. The frequency and intensity of these flashes triggered seizures in susceptible individuals.
2. How many people were affected by the “Pokémon Shock”?
Reports suggest that over 685 people, predominantly children, experienced symptoms ranging from nausea and headaches to seizures. This number is based on reports gathered following the incident and may not represent the total number of affected individuals.
3. Was Pikachu also banned from the anime?
No, Pikachu was not banned. Despite being the Pokémon that initiated the attack with Thunderbolt that produced the flashing lights, Pikachu remained a central character in the Pokémon anime.
4. Will the “Dennō Senshi Porygon” episode ever be re-aired?
It is highly unlikely that the episode will ever be re-aired or officially released due to the risk of triggering seizures in viewers, and also because of the massive negative media backlash when it was originally aired.
5. Has anyone else been banned from Pokémon because of flashing lights?
Porygon is the only Pokemon in the anime franchise that was banned because of the flashing light incident.
6. Has Porygon appeared in any other Pokémon media since the ban?
Yes, Porygon has continued to appear in the Pokémon video games, trading card game, and manga series, where the visual risks associated with the anime are not present.
7. Have any similar incidents occurred in other anime or television shows?
While the “Pokémon Shock” was particularly severe and widely publicized, there have been other instances of flashing lights in media triggering seizures in susceptible individuals. After the incident with the “Pokémon Shock”, more safety precautions were taken when creating videos for the media.
8. What safety measures are now in place to prevent similar incidents?
Anime and television productions now adhere to strict guidelines regarding the use of flashing lights and visual effects, including limiting the frequency, intensity, and duration of flashes. These guidelines are regularly reviewed and updated.
9. Did the “Pokémon Shock” affect the Pokémon franchise’s overall popularity?
Despite the initial negative publicity, the Pokémon franchise ultimately recovered and continued to grow in popularity, fueled by the success of the video games and trading card game. The “Pokemon Shock” did raise awareness about the dangers of flashing lights in anime and video games.
10. What are the symptoms of photosensitive epilepsy?
Symptoms can vary but may include seizures, muscle twitching, altered vision, confusion, and loss of consciousness. It is important to consult a doctor if you suspect you may have photosensitive epilepsy.
11. Is it possible to have photosensitive epilepsy and not know it?
Yes, it is possible. Some individuals may be unaware of their photosensitivity until exposed to a specific trigger, such as flashing lights.
12. Why wasn’t Porygon’s evolutions ever included in any future anime episodes?
Following the widespread negative reaction to Porygon, both Porygon’s evolutions, Porygon2 and Porygon-Z, were banned from ever appearing in the anime, which was unfortunate for both Porygon and its evolutions.
13. Is it possible that Porygon will be unbanned someday?
While technically possible, it is highly unlikely. The association with the “Pokémon Shock” is deeply ingrained in the franchise’s history, and bringing Porygon back would risk reopening old wounds and potentially triggering negative reactions.
14. What lessons can be learned from the “Pokémon Shock”?
The incident highlights the importance of responsible media production, the potential risks associated with certain visual effects, and the need for ongoing research into photosensitive epilepsy. Furthermore, it shows the value of the Games Learning Society in understanding how media can both educate and inadvertently harm.
15. Where can I learn more about photosensitive epilepsy?
Consult with a medical professional or reputable organizations dedicated to epilepsy research and support. They can provide accurate information and resources.