[Nostalgic] A special feature on legendary anime theme songs: revisiting those classic tracks

TogetherFumie Akiyoshi

Pocket Monsters Diamond & Pearl – OP1 V1 “Together” | English Subbed

Fumie Akiyoshi’s lively vocals make this a pop tune that hints at the start of an adventure.

Its powerful message—that you can overcome any hardship as long as you’re with your friends—comes through clearly.

Fans will also love the clever touch of weaving familiar game moves and item names into the lyrics.

Released in November 2006, this song served as the opening theme for the anime Pokémon Diamond & Pearl and was beloved by fans for an impressive 94 episodes.

Its sound lifts your spirits and gives a push to anyone about to take on a new challenge.

It’s the kind of energetic track you’ll want to hear when setting off on a journey or when you want to feel the bonds with your friends.

Psycho Every Day!Fumie Akiyoshi

Pocket Monsters OP13 / DP OP3 (V1) – “The Greatest – Everyday!” (RAW)

It’s a pop tune that really resonates, featuring Fumie Akiyoshi’s soaring vocals—she also contributed to the lyrics.

The passionate feelings nurtured through adventures with Pokémon—friendship, love, grit, and growth—are delivered straight to the heart on a driving, exhilarating melody.

It’s an energetic piece that makes you feel empowered just by listening.

Released as a single in February 2010, the song became the opening theme for the anime “Pokémon Diamond & Pearl” starting with episode 158.

The switch to the BAND VERSION partway through was also memorable.

It’s a track that will give you a push when you’re taking on a challenge or need one more burst of effort.

A hill where summer begins to showDaisuke

Pocket Monsters Best Wishes Season 2: Da! – Opening Theme “Summerly Slope” (English Sub)

This is a refreshing, fast-paced song by singer-songwriter Daisuke that feels wonderfully pleasant to listen to.

It combines the excitement of the start of summer with a fleeting sense of poignancy that appears in quiet moments.

The lyrics paint scenes of sloping streets, sunsets, and fireworks that spring vividly to mind, almost like your own memories.

Released in July 2013 as his seventh single, the track served as the opening theme for the anime Pokémon: Best Wishes! Season 2: Decolora Adventure and the movie Genesect and the Legend Awakened.

Even now, its heart-thumping melody line is unforgettable.

It’s a song you’ll want to play on a summer drive or on a night when you want to sink into a slightly sentimental mood.

Your AdventureOkazaki Taiiku

Your Adventure

This is the theme song for the anime Pokémon Sun & Moon by singer-songwriter Taiiku Okazaki.

It was used as the opening theme starting in October 2018, and Okazaki also performed the ending theme, which drew a lot of attention.

The classic, high-energy pop tune pairs perfectly with his familiar, easy-to-listen-to vocals.

The lyrics affirm that gaining experience—even getting sunburned or dirtying your clothes—becomes part of who you are, and they give you the courage to step into the unknown.

It’s a track brimming with positive energy that powerfully cheers on those who keep chasing their dreams, even if they’re clumsy or awkward.

It’s a hugely popular anime song that will surely give you a push when you’re starting a new challenge or feeling a bit down.

ChallengerRika Matsumoto

Pocket Monsters OP07 / AG OP2 – “Challenger!!” (Creditless w/ Lyrics)

This is the song that was used as the opening theme for the anime Pokémon Advanced Generation from April 2004 through episode 104.

Sung by Rika Matsumoto, who also voices the protagonist Ash (Satoshi), her powerful vocals perfectly herald the start of an adventure.

The lyrics convey a challenger’s spirit—never giving up no matter the hardship and pushing forward to the very end.

It’s a track brimming with positive energy that faces down the wall in front of you without fear.

Incidentally, it’s also included on the acclaimed 2023 release BEST OF BEST OF BEST 1997–2023.

If you listen to it when you’re starting something new, it’s sure to give you a push.

Alola!!Rica Matsumoto/Ikue Ōtani

Pokemon Sun & Moon Opening 3 Pocket Monsters Sun & Moon OP3

It’s an endlessly cheerful and energetic track that evokes a sun-drenched tropical paradise.

The powerful vocals of Rika Matsumoto as the protagonist Satoshi and the adorable interjections by Ikue Otani as Pikachu are a perfect match, making it a song that instantly lifts your spirits just by listening! From the very opening lines, you’re drawn straight into the story’s world.

You can feel the boundlessly bright energy of charging full speed toward your dreams.

The song was included on a single released in April 2017 and became well-loved as the opening theme for the TV anime Pokémon Sun & Moon.

Put it on when you want to boost your mood, and you’ll be at maximum high tension in no time.

Ready Go!Naomi Tamura

Pokémon OP5 'Ready Go!' Naomi Tamura

This is the opening theme that marked the finale of the original series of the anime Pokémon.

Naomi Tamura’s energetic vocals instantly heighten the sense of anticipation for the grand adventure to come.

You can almost see a hopeful scene of racing across the sunlit earth and heading beyond the rainbow.

It conveys the protagonist’s pure excitement as they step toward new encounters and unseen worlds.

Released as a single in March 2002, the song was used in the anime from Episode 239 through the final episode.

It’s a track that gives you a powerful push when you want to start a new challenge or take that last step toward your dream.

Truly a perfect send-off song for setting out on a journey.