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

VYūsuke

Yusuke 'V'

This is the opening theme song for Pokémon XY, sung by Yusuke (Yusuke Kamiji), who is also active as an actor and TV personality.

The “V” in the title stands for “volt,” and the lyrics include words from the Pokémon series, making it a song crafted for the franchise.

Its fast-paced melody makes it an invigorating track.

Best wishes!Matsumoto Rika

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

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.

Can You Name All the Pokémon?Imakuni?

Pokemon Ierukana?

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?

Rival!Matsumoto Rika

Pokémon OP Rival - Rica Matsumoto

This is a song that captures the heat of Pokémon battles.

The lyrics are striking for listing move names, but don’t miss the lines in between! Phrases like “When the battle’s over, let’s shake hands and praise each other” and “We’re rivals, but our goals are the same” reveal a gentle, heartwarming tone.

Released in March 1999, it was used as the second opening theme for the anime Pokémon.

Sung by Rica Matsumoto, who voices the protagonist Ash in the anime, the song reached as high as No.

13 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

Even anime songs you’ve only listened to casually can reveal all sorts of discoveries when you revisit the lyrics.

XY&ZMatsumoto Rika

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

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.

High five!Matsumoto Rika, Toyoguchi Megumi

Pokémon DP OP2 High Touch

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.

Spurt!Matsumoto Rika

Pocket Monsters OP10 / AG OP5 – “Spurt!” (Creditless)

The opening theme for the latter half of Pokémon: Advanced Generation, the Battle Frontier arc, is sung by the familiar voice of the protagonist Ash, Rika Matsumoto.

As an OP leading into the climax, it’s a powerful track—just like the title suggests—that dashes forward toward the final stretch.