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

Rival!Rika Matsumoto

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.

Best wishes!Rika Matsumoto

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.

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.

Become an arrow!Rika Matsumoto

[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.

Helloyama × Bocchi Boromaru

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.

XY&ZRika Matsumoto

[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.

Willive

[Official] Anime “Pokémon: Terastal Debut” Opening Theme “Will”

This is the opening theme that plays in the new chapter “Terastal Debut” of the TV anime Pokémon.

It’s performed by the globally popular group IVE.

Wow—the positive, energetic vibe with themes of friendship and adventure is irresistible! The song conveys a strong will to move forward into the future with the bonds you share with your friends close to your heart.

Released in April 2024, this marks IVE’s first-ever anime tie-in.

The members have reportedly loved Pokémon since they were young, and that pure affection shines through in the sparkling sound and vocals.

If you listen to it when taking a new step or working toward a goal with your companions, it’ll surely give you a powerful push forward.

Later included on the mini-album “ALIVE,” it’s a perfect track for the start of an adventure!