Lovely anime song

[Nostalgic & New] A Collection of Pokémon Songs That Resonate with the Heart

DancerFukkun:)Tatsuki Fukuda
Primarily active in Tokyo, I have experience as a backup dancer for artists, a music video dancer, and a commercial dancer. I continue to work as a dancer while also engaging in article production. After discovering Michael Jackson in junior high school, I began dancing in my second year of high school. Since starting dance, in addition to the J-Pop and Japanese rock I had been listening to, I began exploring Western R&B, rap, alternative music, and other tracks commonly used for dance. In elementary school, I spent three years in a choir, and because I love singing, I often go to karaoke for fun. These days, I enjoy a wide range of music, from Japanese rock and rap to K-pop.

Let us introduce the anime theme songs from the game software Pokémon (Pocket Monsters), which debuted in 1996 and became a social phenomenon at the time.

In the summer of 2016, Pokémon also drew huge attention with the smartphone app Pokémon GO, and it has always been a favorite among children—nowadays, many adults are Pokémon fans as well.

When it comes to Pokémon, Pikachu is probably the most famous monster, but there was also a time when the magazine CoroCoro Comic ran a manga featuring Clefairy.

Please enjoy this playlist packed with both nostalgic and new tracks.

[Nostalgic & New] A Collection of Heart-Touching Pokémon Masterpieces (1–10)

Biri-BiriYOASOBI

YOASOBI「Biri-Biri」 Official Music Video

Biri-BiriYOASOBI

A song by YOASOBI—known for their unique concept of turning novels into music—was created with the world of Pokémon as its motif.

Centered on the themes of encounters, adventure, and growth, this work paints a colorful world and rich emotions, offering listeners courage and hope.

It was released in November 2023 as an inspired song for the Nintendo Switch game “Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.” It’s a perfect track for those who want to take on something new or add excitement to their daily lives.

While enjoying the crackling tension and tingling thrill, the determination to keep moving forward even on the edge will give listeners a push.

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Can You Name All the Pokémon?Imakuni?

Pokemon Ierukana?

Can You Name All the Pokémon? Imakuni?

It’s a song for memorizing the original 151 Pokémon.

It became widely known, for example, through its use in Pokémon Trading Card Game commercials.

The lyrics are mostly just a list of Pokémon names, but the arrangement changes little by little so it stays engaging all the way to the end.

Kids learned the Pokémon while singing along.

For those who grew up listening to this song, it brings back a lot of nostalgia, doesn’t it?

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ChallengerRika Matsumoto

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

Challenger Rika Matsumoto

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.

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[Nostalgic & New] A Collection of Pokémon Songs That Resonate with the Heart (11–20)

Best wishes!Rika Matsumoto

Pokemon OP “Best Wishes!” Original Song FULL (with lyrics)

Best wishes! Rika Matsumoto

This is the opening theme song for the new chapter, Pokémon Best Wishes.

Among the Pokémon series’ openings, it’s said to have been on air the longest.

With very positive lyrics, it’s a song that paints an adventure and conveys the spirit of the work.

It portrays a protagonist who, despite the mixed anxieties of the journey, is still excited—making it a perfect fit for the Pokémon story.

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High five!Rica Matsumoto, Megumi Toyoguchi

Pokémon DP OP2 High Touch

High five! Rica Matsumoto, Megumi Toyoguchi

This is the opening theme song of Pokémon Diamond & Pearl.

It is sung by Rika Matsumoto, who plays Satoshi (Ash), and Megumi Toyoguchi, who plays the heroine Hikari (Dawn).

It’s a pop-style track with lyrics that stay true to the work’s content, sung by the two main characters.

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A hill where summer begins to showDaisuke

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

Summer-like sloping road, Daisuke

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.

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XY&ZRika Matsumoto

[Rica Matsumoto] XY&Z [Pokémon XY&Z OP FULL] with Japanese and Chinese subtitles

Rica Matsumoto - XY&Z

This is the opening theme song of Pokémon XY&Z.

It’s sung by Rica Matsumoto, who reliably brings the stability and reassurance of Ash’s voice.

The song drew attention for its powerful, fiery melody and vocals that evoke battles—a lineage going back to the very first series.

The lyrics about an undaunted heart and caring for your friends are a perfect fit for Pokémon, making it a wonderful track.

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