>>37264352>The league is the government, though.Nope, it's just a powerful, multi-national sports league with dominating cultural, economic, and political influence, like FIFA. Because governmental and political structures aren't relevant to your Pokémon journey, they happen off-screen; but, presumably, there's still an emperor, a prime minister, some kind of regional governors, etc. in the Japanese regions. Professor Oak's reference to the "country" of presumably Japan means there isn't just one global state with a global government. In fact, it seems like most political decisions are devolved to local mayors and town councils, or equivalents, so it's like American federalism on speed.
>a million dollars for a bike fucking whatOne million yen, or about $9000. Still greatly inflated, but come on, man, don't be intentionally stupid.
>it almost seems as if prices are locked for essentialsBecause one company and its "competitors" (or subsidiaries/shell companies, if you see it that way instead) all set those prices that way.
>and people will happily engage in barteringYou mean like in any localized market economy?
>Is there a single beggar, a single struggling family, is there even a single failed buisness?Aside from what you mentioned, how about everyone in Team Skull? "Team Skull, represent! We can't pay the rent! Had a lot of fun, but our youth was misspent!"
