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

Mega VYūsuke

Pokemon XY OP2 FULL SONG – Mega V (Volt) by Yusuke

It’s a rousing track sung by Yusuke, who’s also well known as an actor and TV personality.

Centered on themes of friendship and the courage to chase your dreams, it’s packed with elements that heat up your heart just by listening.

The lyrics, which rhythmically list Pokémon types, are very unique and amplify the excitement for the battles to come.

Released as a single in June 2014, the song served as the opening for the anime Pokémon XY and the film Pokémon the Movie: XY — Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction.

Its structure—adding new lyrics to a previous theme song—also conveys a sense of the story’s evolution.

It’s the kind of song that gives you a powerful boost when you’re about to take on a new challenge.

I Won’t Lose! ~Haruka’s Theme~KAORI

Pokémon AG Ending: I Won’t Lose! ~May’s Theme~

It’s the main heroine Haruka’s theme song in the Advanced Generation, and it serves as the ending theme for the Battle Frontier arc.

It’s performed by KAORI, Haruka’s voice actress.

As a theme song, it expresses the character’s goals and her attitude toward pursuing them.

one hundred fifty-oneIshizuka Unshō

Pokemon ED: 151

This is the first ending theme sung by Unshō Ishizuka, who played Professor Oak.

It’s a pop, very easy-to-understand song that stays true to the Pokémon concept carried over from the games—gathering companions.

151 was the total number of Pokémon at the time, but now we’ve gained many more friends.

Aim to Be a Pokémon Master – 20th Anniversary –Matsumoto Rika

Aim to Be a Pokémon Master -20th Anniversary-

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.

GET BACKyuzu

GET BACK

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.

Summer Vacation Fan ClubPokemon kizzu, Pikachu (Ohtani Ikue)

Natsuyatsumi Fan Club

This is a song where you can fully enjoy the fun of summer together with Pikachu and the other Pokémon.

It’s packed with exciting summer vacation memories, like watermelon seed-spitting and playing with beach balls.

Included on the single “Pikapika Massai Chu,” released in July 1998, it was also used as the opening theme for the short animated film “Pikachu’s Summer Vacation.” The lively voices of children and Pikachu’s adorable cries weave a harmony that makes your heart dance just by listening.

Perfect as BGM for summer leisure and family trips! This song is sure to bring back joyful summer vacation memories and put a smile on everyone’s face.

Pokemon OndoKobayashi Sachiko

Pokemon Ondo

It’s a cheerful and delightful song that blends traditional Ondo style with the world of Pokémon.

Sachiko Kobayashi’s powerful vocals draw listeners into a Bon Odori atmosphere.

Sung by Ms.

Kobayashi, who performed the theme song for the 1998 film “Pokémon the Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back,” it was also used as the fourth ending theme for the Pokémon anime.

With lyrics that playfully highlight the characteristics of various Pokémon and a lively rhythm, it’s perfect for summer festivals and family events.

This work has been loved across generations, and listening to it is sure to bring a smile to your face.