A thorough analysis of the charms of Pichu and Pikachu! Which one will capture your heart?

Pichu and Pikachu - PichutoPikachu

■ Public Media

theater

■ Original Media

game

■ Release date

July 8, 2000 - January 1, 2000

■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 2000 (Shogakukan, TV Tokyo, Nintendo, Media Factory, Tomy, Creatures, Game Freak, JR East Japan Planning, OLM, Shogakukan Productions)
Distributor: Toho

■Works

©Nintendo, Creatures, GAME FREAK, TV Tokyo, ShoPro, JR Kikaku ©Pokémon ©Pikachu Project 2000
©Nintendo, Creatures, GAME FREAK, TV Tokyo, ShoPro, JR Kikaku ©Pokémon

■ Story

Satoshi and his friends arrive in the big city of Millennium Town. There, Pikachu meets the mischievous Pichu (younger brother) and the quiet Pichu (older brother). The Pokemon are having a great time in the secret square of the Pokemon living in the city.

■Explanation

2000 release: Emperor Entei of the Crystal Tower

■Cast

・Pikachu / Ikue Otani ・Pichu (older brother) / Yumi Touma ・Pichu (younger brother) / Satomi Korogi ・Meowth / Inuko Inuyama ・Kodak / Rikako Aikawa ・Narrator / Noriko Sakai

■ Main staff

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

・Ending illustrations: Keiko Fukuyama

■ Theme songs and music

・Opening theme song / Pichupika♪Swing ・Lyrics / Shogo Toda ・Music / Hirokazu Tanaka ・Arrangement / Hirokazu Tanaka & Black Bottom Brass Band ・Singer / Neo Pockets

・Ending theme song／Tomodachi Kinenbi・Lyrics／Toda Shogo・Music／Tanaka Hirokazu・Arrangement／Shima Ken・Singer／Sakai Noriko & Takenaka Naoto

Pichu and Pikachu - Detailed review and recommendations for Pichu and Pikachu

Story and setting

"Pichu and Pikachu - Pichuto Pikachu" is a short animated film set in the world of Pokémon, released in 2000. The film features Pikachu, one of the most popular Pokémon, and its pre-evolution, Pichu, as the main characters. The story is set in the big city of Millennium Town, where Satoshi and his friends meet the Pichu Brothers along with Pikachu. The Pichu Brothers have contrasting personalities, a mischievous younger brother and a quiet older brother, and the film depicts their adventures and friendship.

The appeal of this work lies in its setting of a secret plaza for Pokemon in the city. The sight of Pokemon playing freely and going on adventures even in the city will give viewers a fresh surprise. In addition, through the interactions between Pikachu and the Pichu brothers, it depicts the importance of friendship and cooperation, making it a work that can be enjoyed by both children and adults.

character

Pikachu is an iconic character in the Pokémon series, beloved by many fans for its cuteness and bravery. This work depicts Pikachu meeting the Pichu brothers and going on an adventure together. The Pichu brothers have contrasting personalities - a mischievous younger brother and a quiet older brother - and each has their own unique charm. In particular, the mischievous younger brother Pichu is adventurous and brings smiles to viewers' faces. Meanwhile, the quiet older brother Pichu is impressive for showing leadership at times while following up on his younger brother's actions.

Other familiar Pokémon such as Meowth and Psyduck also make appearances to liven up the story. The gentle voice of narrator Noriko Sakai also adds to the atmosphere of the work.

Production and staff

This work is animated by OLM with the cooperation of Studio Cockpit. The general director is Kunihiko Yuyama, who has been working on the Pokémon series for many years, and his experience and skills support the quality of the work. The script is written by Hideki Sonoda, the storyboards and direction are by Yuji Asada, the character designs are by Sayuri Ichiishi and Norihiro Matsubara, the animation director is Akihiro Tamagawa, and the sound director is Masafumi Mima. This staff has worked together to bring out the best in Pokémon.

The animation for the ending was done by Keiko Fukuyama, and the warm images will stay in the viewers' hearts. The theme songs and music are also important elements that liven up the atmosphere of the work, and the opening theme "Pichupika♪Swing" and the ending theme "Tomodachi Kinenbi" are masterpieces that resonate in the hearts of viewers.

Music and theme song

The opening theme, "Pichupika♪Swing," is a song by Neo★Pockets, and its bright and lively melody brings out the adventurous spirit of the work. The lyrics were written by Shogo Toda, and the music and arrangement were done by Hirokazu Tanaka and the Black Bottom Brass Band, making it a perfect song for the Pokémon worldview.

The ending theme, "Tomodachi Kinenbi" (Friend's Anniversary), is a duet between Noriko Sakai and Naoto Takenaka, and is a touching song about the importance of friendship. The lyrics were written by Shogo Toda, the music was composed by Hirokazu Tanaka, and the arrangement was by Ken Shima, and it expresses the theme of the work well. These songs help the viewer to immerse themselves deeply in the world of the work.

Visual appeal

"Pichu and Pikachu - Pichuto Pikachu" features visuals that combine the cuteness of Pokémon with the dynamic scenery of a city. The depiction of Millennium Town is realistic, as if it were modeled after a real city, but still firmly expresses the world of Pokémon. In the secret plaza scene, Pokémon are depicted playing freely, providing visual enjoyment.

Character design by Sayuri Ichiishi and Norihiro Matsubara brings out the best in Pikachu and the Pichu brothers. The facial expressions and movements of the Pichu brothers are particularly captivating to viewers. Additionally, the techniques of animation director Akihiro Tamagawa enhance the quality of the work, with smooth movements and attention to detail.

Sound and voice acting

Under the direction of sound director Masafumi Mima, the voices of the Pokémon and the ambient sounds have been realistically reproduced. The voice actors, Ikue Otani as Pikachu, Yumi Touma as Pichu (older brother), and Satomi Koorogi as Pichu (younger brother), have each expressed the individuality of their characters well. In particular, the voices of the Pichu brothers have a gentleness and energy that warms the hearts of viewers. Inuyama Inuko as Meowth, Aikawa Rikako as Kodak, and Sakai Noriko as the narrator also play important roles in enhancing the atmosphere of the work.

Recommendations and ratings

"Pichu and Pikachu - Pichuto Pikachu" is recommended not only for Pokemon fans, but also as a work that the whole family can enjoy. The story of adventure and friendship between Pikachu and the Pichu brothers gives children dreams and hope, and also provides nostalgia and emotion to adults. The setting of a secret square for Pokemon in the city provides visual enjoyment and fresh surprises, and has the power to draw viewers in. The theme songs and music also enhance the atmosphere of the work and resonate deeply in the hearts of viewers.

This film is a condensed version of the charm of the Pokemon series, and is a must-see for anyone who wants to enjoy the world of Pokemon. It is especially a must-see for fans of Pikachu and Pichu. In addition, the story, which depicts the importance of friendship and cooperation, will have a positive impact on children. Please enjoy this film with your family and friends.

Additional Information and Recommended Content

"Pichu and Pikachu - Pichuto Pikachu" is a short animated film released in 2000, but the Pokemon series has produced many works since then. In particular, works featuring Pikachu and Pichu are very popular among fans. Below are some recommended works featuring Pikachu and Pichu.

1. Pokémon Movie Series

A new Pokémon movie is released every year, depicting the adventures of Pikachu and other Pokémon. In particular, films in which Pikachu plays the lead role and episodes in which Pichu appears are not to be missed by fans. For example, "Pikachu's Summer Vacation" and "Pikachu's Winter Vacation" are heartwarming films depicting Pikachu's daily life, perfect for the whole family to enjoy. Also, "Pokémon the Movie XY: Hoopa and the Clash of Clans" has many scenes in which Pikachu plays an active role, making it a worthwhile film to watch.

2. Pokémon anime series

The Pokémon anime series has been on the air for many years, and there are many episodes in which Pikachu and Pichu appear. Episodes depicting the adventures of Satoshi and Pikachu are particularly popular among fans. Also, episodes featuring Pichu capture the hearts of viewers with their cuteness and adventurous spirit. For example, in "Pokémon Sun & Moon," Pikachu goes on a new adventure, entertaining viewers.

3. Pokémon Game Series

Many of the Pokémon game series feature Pikachu and Pichu, making them content that fans can't miss. In particular, Pokémon: Pikachu and Pokémon: Sword and Shield play important roles, entertaining players. In addition, Pokémon: Let's Go: Pikachu allows players to enjoy adventures with Pikachu, making it a special work for fans.

4. Pokémon-related books

Pokemon books are full of information about Pikachu and Pichu and are must-reads for fans. In particular, official Pokemon guidebooks and character books contain detailed information about Pikachu and Pichu, helping fans deepen their knowledge. In addition, Pokemon manga and novels feature stories in which Pikachu and Pichu play an active role, entertaining viewers.

5. Pokémon merchandise

Many Pokemon-related goods are related to Pikachu and Pichu, and are collections for fans. Figures and stuffed toys with Pikachu and Pichu designs are particularly popular and have become a hot topic among fans. In addition, many Pokemon trading cards and game software products feature Pikachu and Pichu, making them content that fans cannot miss.

Conclusion

"Pichu and Pikachu - Pichuto Pikachu" is a work that condenses the charm of Pokemon, and is a must-see for fans. The story of adventure and friendship between Pikachu and the Pichu brothers is enjoyable for both children and adults, and resonates deeply with viewers. In addition, the setting of a secret square for Pokemon in the city provides visual enjoyment and fresh surprises, and has the power to draw viewers in. Please enjoy this work with your family and friends. In addition, other works and related content featuring Pikachu and Pichu are also not to be missed by fans. Check out these works and content to enjoy the world of Pokemon even more deeply.