Digimon was still in its infancy when I was in Japan. I was aware of it and there were ads and stuff, but Pokémon and Tamagotchi were WAAAY more popular. I think Digimon gained more momentum in the following year, by which time I was already back in Australia. I never got into Digimon, but I have heard that it does actually have a better and character-driven story with an ongoing story arc.

Sydney Pokémon Go Players held at gunpoint in a skate park while others are issued fines and demerit points for driving and using their phones