Rica Matsumoto Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

ChallengerMatsumoto Rika15rank/position

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.

I gotta catch ‘em all!Matsumoto Rika16rank/position

Aim to Be a Pokémon Master! - Rika Matsumoto

Rica Matsumoto’s “Gotta Catch ’Em All” is a very cute song that even lower-grade elementary school kids can sing, and singing it naturally lifts your spirits.

It’s bright and blows away sad feelings, and it makes me feel like I can get through tough times with this song.

It’s such a fun song that I definitely want to learn it and sing along together.

Alola!!Matsumoto Rika/Ootani Ikue17rank/position

Pokemon Sun & Moon Opening 3 Pocket Monsters Sun & Moon OP3

It’s an endlessly cheerful and energetic track that evokes a sun-drenched tropical paradise.

The powerful vocals of Rika Matsumoto as the protagonist Satoshi and the adorable interjections by Ikue Otani as Pikachu are a perfect match, making it a song that instantly lifts your spirits just by listening! From the very opening lines, you’re drawn straight into the story’s world.

You can feel the boundlessly bright energy of charging full speed toward your dreams.

The song was included on a single released in April 2017 and became well-loved as the opening theme for the TV anime Pokémon Sun & Moon.

Put it on when you want to boost your mood, and you’ll be at maximum high tension in no time.

Aim to Be a Pokémon Master – 20th Anniversary –Matsumoto Rika18rank/position

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.