[Nostalgic & New] A Collection of Pokémon Songs That Resonate with the Heart
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.
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- Recommended anime theme songs for children: timeless anime song classics you should listen to at least once.
- [Latest & Timeless] Recommended Anime Songs for Women [All Genres]
- Anime songs recommended for college students: theme songs and insert songs from popular anime.
- Popular anime songs you often hear on YouTube Shorts
- [Nostalgic] A special feature on legendary anime theme songs: revisiting those classic tracks
- Rica Matsumoto Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- [Nostalgic Songs] A compilation of classic anime themes that hit home for those born in the Showa and Heisei eras
- Unforgettable Classics: Theme and Insert Songs from Doraemon Through the Ages
[Nostalgic & New] A Collection of Pokémon Masterpieces That Resonate with the Heart (21–30)
Aim to Be a Pokémon Master - 20th Anniversary -Rika Matsumoto
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.
Advance Adventuregarden
With the start of a new chapter, the title changed, and this is the first opening theme song of “Pokémon: Advanced Generation.” It’s a song made for the work that clearly focuses on the main theme of adventure while incorporating many place names and terms from the series.
The lack of complicated expressions also makes it a song that feels close to children.
[Nostalgic & New] A Selection of Pokémon’s Most Moving Songs (31–40)
Team Rocket ForeverTeam Rocket (Jessie, James, Meowth)
This is a song by Team Rocket, the popular characters from the Pokémon anime.
Despite being villains, its appeal lies in lyrics that sing of a positive attitude and indomitable spirit.
It was used as the anime’s 2nd and 5th ending themes and was released in December 1997.
The track is also included on the album “Shiroi Ashita da! Rocket-dan” (A White Tomorrow! Team Rocket).
The distinctive voices of Musashi (Jessie), Kojirō (James), and Nyarth (Meowth) leave a strong impression, making it irresistible for anime fans.
The paradoxical phrase “To protect the world from devastation” brims with their unique charm.
Conveying a determination to push forward after setbacks, this song is perfect when you want to do your best or need an energy boost.
Can You Name All the Pokémon? BWTakeshi Tsuruno
This is a mnemonic song performed by Takeshi Tsuruno, who is active in many fields, featuring all 153 Pokémon from the Unova region, the setting of the game versions Black and White.
The lyrics, which are the same as the original “La La La Ieru kana,” convey that the series’ tradition has been faithfully carried on.
OK！Rika 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.
GET BACKyuzu
As a Reiwa-era anime song, this ambitious work blends the Pokémon worldview with Yuzu’s pop sensibilities, mixed by TeddyLoid.
Released in May 2025 as the opening theme for the new chapter “Mega Voltage” of the anime Pokémon, the track conveys a powerful message about reclaiming a lost future, unfolding like a suite.
This marks the first co-written piece by Yujin Kitagawa and Koji Iwasawa in about five years, featuring lyrics sprinkled with Pokémon motifs and a sound that fuses modern Japanese culture—both highly appealing.
Yuzu’s first anime theme in roughly seven years, this song is recommended not only for anime fans but also for listeners seeking new expressions in pop music.
Meowth's SongInuyama Inuko
It’s the theme song of Meowth—the human-speaking Pokémon who exudes a unique presence in the series—and serves as the second ending theme.
Its melancholic atmosphere is distinctive and somehow lingers in your ears.
Meowth performing it in a stripped-down, singer-songwriter style in the ending sequence is also memorable.