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

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.

ChallengerMatsumoto Rika

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!!Matsumoto Rika/Ootani Ikue

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!Tamura Naomi

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.

Battle FrontierTakaya Akina

Pocket Monsters Advanced Generation – OP 4 “Battle Frontier” | v2 (Creditless) [LQ]

This is a track that truly resonates, featuring Akina Takaya’s powerful vocals that opened the anime Pokémon: Advanced Generation.

It’s not just relentlessly upbeat; the lyrics convey a sense of resolve to face any hardship, carrying the oath shared with friends close to heart.

The warped guitar sound in the intro and the rhythmic phrasing that heightens the excitement of battles are especially striking! Released in July 2005, the song accompanied episodes 135 through 165 of the anime and was also tied in with the movie Lucario and the Mystery of Mew.

It vividly brings to mind intense showdowns with rivals and the protagonists charging toward their goals.

Perfect for times when you want to fire yourself up.

Aim to Be a Pokémon Master – 20th Anniversary –Matsumoto Rika

Aim to Be a Pokémon Master -20th Anniversary-

This is the 20th-anniversary version of the original opening theme from the anime Pokémon.

It’s sung by Rica Matsumoto, who voices the protagonist Ash, and her powerful vocals are as strong as ever.

On top of the original’s momentum, the live-instrument performance gives the sound an extra boost that’s enough to get your heart racing just by listening.

The music vividly conveys the excitement of the beginning of an adventure chasing dreams with your friends, as depicted in the lyrics.

Marking twenty years since the original song’s 1997 release, this version was used as the theme song for the movie Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You! Incidentally, at a commemorative event in December 2017, about a thousand fans gathered and the venue was filled with a sense of unity.

It’s an uplifting track that I think gives a push to anyone taking on a challenge.

I’m a popular kid.nohara shinnosuke

Crayon Shin-chan Theme Song OP3: I’m a Popular Guy (Ora wa Ninkimono)

The voice actor for the protagonist Shinnosuke, Akiko Yajima, sings this song.

It was included on her debut single released in July 1993 and was used as the third opening theme for the TV anime.

With bold lyrics proclaiming herself a star, it feels like the song perfectly captures Shin-chan’s relentlessly cheerful personality.

Just listening to it brings to mind Shin-chan’s powerful, laid-back daily life.

This track became the first character-name single to break into the Oricon Top 10.

Give it a listen when you want to lift your mood, or when you want to feel energized without sweating the small stuff—just like Shin-chan.

It might also be fun to sing along together as a parent and child.