Why was the Porygon episode banned?

The Porygon episode, also known as “Dennō Senshi Porygon“, was banned due to its repetitive visual effects that induced photosensitive epileptic seizures in a substantial number of Japanese viewers, with more than 600 children across Japan taken to hospitals. This episode, which aired only once on Japan’s TV Tokyo on December 16, 1997, features a series of rapidly alternating red and blue frames that provoked epileptic seizures in hundreds of children, leading to its global ban.

Related FAQs

General Information

1. What is the Porygon episode?: The Porygon episode is a banned episode of the Pokémon anime series that features a series of rapidly alternating red and blue frames that provoked epileptic seizures in hundreds of children.
2. Why is Porygon so rare?: Porygon is not rare because of the infamous episode from the television series, but because it always is, with the only way to get Porygon in the original games being to buy it in the game corner, which requires a lot of coins.
3. What is the story behind Porygon?: Porygon was created on purpose by humans in a lab, and its mystery lies in the fact that it was made using its Hisui Pokédex data as a blueprint.

Banned Episodes and Pokémon

4. Why is episode 35 of Pokémon banned?: Episode 35, also known as the Safari Zone episode, was banned due to its excessive use of guns and shooting, with the Warden pointing guns directly at the heads of some characters.
5. Why is Jynx banned?: Jynx, a controversial Pokémon with a design resembling racial stereotypes, caused several episodes of the anime to be banned, with its original design leading to accusations of racism.
6. Why is Kadabra banned?: Kadabra was banned due to a lawsuit filed by the Israeli-British illusionist/magician and self-proclaimed psychic, Uri Geller, who claimed that the use of his likeness for the Psychic-type Pokémon was unauthorized.

Pokémon Information

7. Does Porygon have a gender?: Porygon is a genderless Pokémon, with no distinct male or female characteristics.
8. Are Jynx all female?: Yes, Jynx is a female-only species, with all Jynx being female.
9. How do Jynx reproduce?: Jynx can breed with any male in its egg group, producing offspring that are also Jynx.

Pokémon and Humans

10. Why is Ash only 10?: According to a theory, Ash’s age remains at 10 because he made a wish to always be with Pokémon when he saw Ho-Oh, a Pokémon that grants wishes to those who see it.
11. Did Ash catch a Riolu?: Yes, Ash caught! a Riolu, which eventually became a part of his Pokémon family.
12. What is the rarest Pokémon of Ash?: Ash’s rarest Pokémon is Melmetal, which evolved from Meltan, a Pokémon not native to his world.

Pokémon and Society

13. Has Turkey banned Pokémon?: Yes, Turkey’s broadcasting watchdog ordered a TV channel to stop airing the Pokémon series after two children jumped from balconies believing they had superhuman powers.
14. In which country is Pokémon banned?: Pokémon is banned in Saudi Arabia, with the Grand Mufti issuing a fatwā banning the franchise due to its perceived promotion of gambling and Zionism.
15. What is the saddest Pokémon episode?: The saddest Pokémon episode is Seeking Shelter From The Storm, which features a Ghost-type Pokémon, Espurr, waiting for an old lady it developed a bond with to come home, making it one of the most emotional episodes in the series.