The appeal and reviews of Pikachu Explorer: A world of adventure that can be enjoyed by both children and adults

Pikachu Explorers - A fascinating Pokémon adventure

■ Public Media

theater

■ Original Media

game

■ Release date

July 17, 1999 - January 1, 0000

■Distribution company

Toho

■Frequencies

23 min

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■Original Story

Original story: Satoshi Tajiri, Junichi Masuda, Ken Sugimori

■ Director

・General Director: Kunihiko Yuyama

■ Production

Animation Production: OLM Animation Cooperation: Studio Cockpit Production: Shogakukan Productions Production: Pikachu Project 99 (Shogakukan, TV Tokyo, Media Factory, Nintendo, Tomy, Creatures, Game Freak, JR East Japan Planning, Shogakukan Productions)
Distributor: Toho

■Works

©Nintendo, Creatures, GAME FREAK, TV Tokyo, ShoPro, JR Kikaku ©Pokémon ©Pikachu Project 99
©Nintendo, Creatures, GAME FREAK, TV Tokyo, ShoPro, JR Kikaku ©Pokémon

■ Story

Pikachu and his friends get lost in "Pokemon Valley," a place where only Pokemon live. Togepi disappears, and now they're in trouble! They all start an expedition to find Togepi.

■Explanation

"Pikachu Explorers," released in 1999, is a short animated film set in the world of Pokemon. This work is centered around Pikachu, a popular character in the Pokemon series, and became a huge hit with children. Along with "The Birth of the Mythical Pokemon Lugia," which was screened at the same time, it captivated many fans.

"Pikachu Exploration Team" is an adventure story about Pokemon working together to find Togepi, and it depicts the importance of friendship and unity. The cute appearance of the Pokemon and the humorous story are appealing. In addition, the beautiful backgrounds that faithfully reproduce the world of Pokemon and the movements of the characters are also one of the highlights.

■Cast

・Pikachu/Ikue Otani ・Togepi/Koorigi Satomi ・Squirtle/Rikako Aikawa ・Bulbasaur/Megumi Hayashibara ・Marill/Mika Kanai ・Meowth/Inuko Inuyama ・Arbok/Koichi Sakaguchi ・Narrator/Tamao Sato

■ Main staff

・Screenplay/Hideki Sonoda ・Character design/Sayuri Isishi, Norihiro Matsubara ・Storyboard/Yuji Asada ・Direction/Yuji Asada ・Chief animation director/Akihiro Tamagawa ・Sound director/Masafumi Mima

・Ending illustrations: Keiko Fukuyama

■ Theme songs and music

・OP
・Create an exploration team!
Lyrics: Shogo Toda; Composition: Hirokazu Tanaka; Arrangement: Hirokazu Tanaka; Song: Pokemon Kids; Ending theme
・Flying Pokemon Kids・Lyrics by Shogo Toda・Composition by Hirokazu Tanaka・Arrangement by Hirokazu Tanaka・Vocals by Becky・Chorus by Pokemon Kids

■Detailed evaluation

"Pikachu Explorers" is a work that fans who love the world of Pokemon cannot miss. In particular, the cute appearance of Pikachu and other Pokemon, and the humorous story are attractive. Below, we will explain the appeal of the work in more detail.

The appeal of the story

The story of "Pikachu Exploration Team" is an adventure story about Pokemon working together to find Togepi. Watching the Pokemon work together to overcome difficulties teaches children the importance of friendship and unity. In addition, you can enjoy the humorous exchanges between the Pokemon and the interactions with the various Pokemon you meet during your adventure.

In particular, the scene where Pikachu shows leadership and inspires his friends is very moving. Pikachu's courage and kindness enhance the story as a whole. Also, the sight of Pikachu and his friends coming together to act after Togepi is gone is very moving to the viewers.

Character Appeal

"Pikachu's Adventure" portrays the unique personalities of Pikachu and the other Pokémon. Pikachu shows leadership and guides his teammates, but he also shows some silly behavior at times. Togepi is adorable and at the center of Pikachu and his friends' adventure.

Various Pokémon such as Squirtle, Bulbasaur, Marill, Meowth, and Arbok appear, and each has their own unique personality. In particular, the personalities of the Pokémon, such as Squirtle's cool attitude, Bulbasaur's kindness, Marill's energy, Meowth's humor, and Arbok's strength, enrich the story.

The appeal of video

The highlights of the "Pikachu Exploration Team" video are the beautiful backgrounds that faithfully recreate the world of Pokemon, and the movements of the characters. The beautiful nature of Pokemon Valley and the adorable movements of the Pokemon draw the viewer in. In addition, the Pokemon's facial expressions and movements are drawn in detail, and the realistic expression that conveys their emotions is appealing.

In particular, in the scenes where Pikachu and his friends go on an adventure, the movements of the Pokemon are depicted dynamically, making the viewer excited. Also, in the scenes where the Pokemon work together to overcome difficulties, the visual expression conveys the unity of the Pokemon.

The appeal of music

The music of "Pikachu's Exploration Team" is an important element in livening up the worldview of the Pokemon series. The opening theme "Let's Make an Exploration Team!" is impressive with the lively singing voices of the Pokemon Kids and the bright melody composed and arranged by Hirokazu Tanaka. This song is perfect for livening up Pikachu and his friends' adventure.

The ending theme "Flying Pokémon Kids" features Becky's singing voice and the Pokémon Kids' chorus, enhancing the moving story. This song, written by Shogo Toda and composed and arranged by Hirokazu Tanaka, gives the impression of gently wrapping up the end of the Pokémon's adventure.

■Recommendation details

"Pikachu Explorers" is a must-watch for fans of the world of Pokemon. Its charms lie in the adorable appearance of Pikachu and the other Pokemon, and the humorous story. Another highlight is the touching story that depicts the importance of friendship and unity among Pokemon.

This work is enjoyable not only for children but also for adults. It is recommended not only for fans of the Pokemon series, but also for those who are interested in Pokemon. It is also a perfect work for those who want to enjoy the cute appearance of Pokemon and a humorous story.

"Pikachu Exploration Team" is a work that is attractive for its beautiful images that faithfully reproduce the world of the Pokemon series, the characters that shine with the individuality of the Pokemon, and the touching story. If you want to enjoy the world of Pokemon, be sure to check out this work.