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

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.

POKÉDANCEnanahira

[Official] “POKÉDANCE” Dance Practice by ENHYPEN — featuring partner Pokémon from past generations dancing

A dance track that everyone from kids to adults can enjoy is here! Created to celebrate Pokémon Day, this piece features Nanahira’s adorable vocals and a catchy melody.

When it premiered on the official YouTube channel on February 27, 2024, it quickly became a hot topic.

A “dance practice” version by ENHYPEN’s members was also released, sending fans into a frenzy.

With lyrics themed around friendship and everyday fun, plus a poppy, energetic sound, it’s sure to put a smile on your face.

Perfect as BGM for school sports days and festivals, or for dance practice! Get everyone dancing, and you’re guaranteed to make great memories.

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.

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.

Dokimeki Diaryasmi feat. Chinozo

Dokimeki Diary – asmi feat. Chinozo (Official Music Video)

Like weaving together precious memories, this song is filled with uplifting messages brimming with hope and anticipation.

asmi’s clear, transparent vocals and Chinozo’s refined compositional sense blend beautifully, creating a pleasant sense of elation.

Portraying the courage and determination to take a new step forward while overcoming the anxieties and confusion of a journey of self-discovery, the track has been beloved as the opening theme for the Pokémon TV anime since April 2023.

It also received its first full-size performance during the special program “Anime Pokémon Music Festival,” broadcast on the TV Tokyo network on March 31.

It’s a powerful cheer song that gives you a supportive push at moments of new challenges—such as before events at sports days or athletic festivals.

Helloyama × bocchiboromaru

yama × Bocchi Boromaru “Hello” MV (TV anime “Pokémon” opening theme)

This heartwarming collaborative piece by yama and Bocchi Boromaru is filled with courage and hope for taking a step toward the future.

It carries a message of strong determination to move forward and the importance of staying true to yourself, gently encouraging those heading into new environments.

It has been broadcast as the opening theme for the Pokémon TV anime since October 2023, and a CD single was released in December 2023.

The transparent vocals and warm tones blend beautifully, resulting in a song that truly resonates with listeners.

It’s a highly recommended track for anyone feeling anxious about a new chapter in life or striving toward their dreams.

OK！Matsumoto Rika

OK! - Rica Matsumoto

Rica Matsumoto has now sung the opening theme for the third time in a row.

It’s a powerful song that strongly conveys the feeling of entering a new chapter, evoking an adventure that moves boldly forward.

The lyrics featuring “GOLDEN” and “SILVER” are also notable, tying into the part of the story that corresponds to Gold and Silver in the games.