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

Biri-BiriYOASOBI

YOASOBI「Biri-Biri」 Official Music Video

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

Become an arrow!Matsumoto Rika

[HD] Pokémon – BW2 “Be an Arrow! Full (Yajirushi ni Natte! FULL)”

This is the second opening theme of Pokémon: Best Wishes.

It’s a song that expresses adventure and moving forward as an “arrow.” With its light tempo, it strongly conveys the feeling of pressing straight ahead no matter what.