Pokémon Side Story: A fascinating new adventure - review and impressions

Pokémon Side Story: A fascinating new adventure - review and impressions

Pokémon Side Stories - A fascinating world of side stories

The Pokémon series began as a game and has expanded into a wide range of media, including anime, movies, and manga. Among these, the "Pokémon Side Stories" are loved by many fans as works that have a slightly different appeal from the main series. In this article, we will introduce detailed information and the appeal of "Pokémon Side Stories," and also delve into their background and related works.

Overview

"Pokémon Side Story" is a TV special that began airing on TV Tokyo on October 15, 2002. It is based on the Pokémon video game series, and was originally conceived by three people: Tajiri Satoshi, Masuda Junichi, and Sugimori Ken. It is directed by Yuyama Kunihiko, animated by OLM, produced by Shogakukan Shueisha Productions, and produced by TV Tokyo, MEDIA NET, and Shogakukan Shueisha Productions. The copyright belongs to Nintendo, Creatures, GAME FREAK, TV Tokyo, ShoPro, and JR Kikaku, and it develops a new story while preserving the worldview of Pokémon.

Broadcast information

The series aired from October 15, 2002 to January 1, 2003, with a total of 18 episodes. The subtitles for each episode are as follows:

■Subtitle

Episode 1: Takeshi! Save the Nibi Gym!
・Episode 2: Cerulean Gym's Revenge Match!
・Episode 3: Go for it! The Positive Rocket Team ・Episode 4: Battle at Okido Mansion!!
Episode 5: Kasumi! Get the Blue Badge!
・Episode 6: Encounter in Millennium Town ・Episode 7: Meowth has a hard time with his part-time job!?
Episode 8: Pokémon Investigation Network! Find Professor Okido!
Episode 9: Mysterious Detective Meowth Arrives!
・Episode 10/Is Meikkoruriri a big nuisance?
Episode 11: Kasumi's serious fight! Will she risk her life?
・Episode 12 / Team Rocket: The Origin of Love and Youth ・Episode 13 / Another Legend of Celebi ・Episode 14 / Pallet Town, the Departure of the Pokémon Trainers ・Episode 15 / Pokémon Researcher Shigeru and the Resurrection of Aerodactyl ・Episode 16 / Kasumi and Lovecast! Love Battle!
Episode 17: Nanako and Charizard! Intense training under fire!
Episode 18: The Legend of Hiroshi and Fire!

Theme songs and music

The ending theme for each episode was chosen to match the character's personality and the story, leaving a deep impression on the viewers. Details of the ending theme are introduced below.

■ Theme songs and music

・Ending Theme 1/Takeshi's Paradise (Episode 1)
Lyrics: Shogo Toda; Music: Hirokazu Tanaka; Arrangement: Hirokazu Tanaka; Singer: Takeshi (Yuji Ueda)

・Ending Theme 2/Ride on Laplace (Episode 2, Episode 11, Episode 16)
Lyrics: Kunimi Kawamura; Composition: Hirokazu Tanaka; Arrangement: Hirokazu Tanaka; Singer: Kasumi (Masayumi Iizuka) and Laplace (Rikako Aikawa)

・Ending Theme 3/Mae-michi Rocket-dan! (Episode 3, Episode 12)
Lyrics: Shogo Toda; Music: Hirokazu Tanaka; Arrangement: Hirokazu Tanaka; Sung by Team Rocket (Musashi, Kojiro, Meowth)

・Ending Theme 4/Hyakugojuuichi (Episode 4, Episode 14)
Lyrics by Shogo Toda, Music by Hirokazu Tanaka, Arrangement by Cher Watanabe, Vocals by Professor Okido (Unsho Ishizuka) and the Pokémon Kids

・Ending Theme 5/Pockettari Monsteri (Episodes 5, 15, 17, and 18)
Lyrics: Shogo Toda; Music: Hirokazu Tanaka; Arrangement: Hirokazu Tanaka; Choreography: Miyoko Tsutami; Singer: Kana

・Ending Theme 6/Pokemon Ondo (Episode 8)
Lyrics: Shogo Toda; Music: Hirokazu Tanaka; Arrangement: Cher Watanabe; Vocals: Garura Kobayashi

・Ending Theme 7/To My Best Friend (Episode 13)
Lyrics: Kunimi Kawamura; Composition: Hirokazu Tanaka; Arrangement: Hirokazu Tanaka; Vocals: Hiromi Iwasaki

Story and Characters

"Pokémon Side Stories" are side stories featuring characters from the main series. Each episode is told from the perspective of a different character, giving you a glimpse of a new side of the characters that you won't see in the main series.

For example, in episode 1, "Takeshi! Save Nibi Gym!", Takeshi's struggle to protect Nibi Gym is depicted. Takeshi's leadership and love for Pokémon are emphasized, leaving viewers in awe. Also, in episode 2, "Cerulean Gym Revenge Match!", Kasumi is depicted taking on a revenge match at Cerulean Gym, showing her growth and determination.

The third episode, "Go Rocket! Be Positive," focuses on Team Rocket, highlighting their comedic side and their camaraderie, providing viewers with laughs. The twelfth episode, "Team Rocket: The Origin of Love and Youth," reveals Team Rocket's past and why they became part of an evil organization, leaving viewers with deep emotions.

In addition, episode 13, "Another Legend of Celebi," tells the story of the legendary Pokemon Celebi, giving a sense of the depth of the Pokemon worldview. Episode 15, "Pokemon Researcher Shigeru and the Resurrection of Aerodactyl," depicts Shigeru's efforts to revive Aerodactyl as a Pokemon researcher, highlighting his knowledge and passion.

Background and significance of the production

"Pokémon Side Story" aimed to provide viewers with fresh surprises and excitement by depicting new sides to the characters from the main series. Director Kunihiko Yuyama devised a way for viewers to empathize with the characters deeply by telling the story from a different character's perspective in each episode. OLM, in charge of animation production, provided viewers with a fresh visual experience by incorporating new visual expressions while faithfully recreating the world of Pokémon.

This work was widely accepted not only by Pokemon fans but also by general viewers. In particular, a different ending theme was prepared for each episode, and the music was selected to match the character's personality and story, which left a deep impression on viewers. In addition, a different subtitle was prepared for each episode, which made viewers look forward to the next broadcast.

Related works and recommendations

"Pokémon Side Story" is closely related to the main series "Pokémon", "Pokémon Advanced Generation", "Pokémon Diamond & Pearl", etc. By watching these works, you can gain a deeper understanding of the backgrounds and development of the characters in "Pokémon Side Story".

For viewers who enjoyed "Pokémon Side Story," we also recommend the following titles:

  • "Pokémon XY" - Introducing new regions and Pokémon, and featuring new adventures for the main character Satoshi.
  • "Pokémon Sun & Moon" - A new story set in the Alola region that depicts not only Pokémon battles but also school life and friendships.
  • "Pokémon: Become a Pokémon Master" - Satoshi's final chapter depicts his growth and journey to becoming a Pokémon Master.

By watching these works, you will be able to feel the charm of "Pokémon Side Story" even more deeply. You will also be able to understand the world of Pokémon more deeply and empathize more with the growth and friendship of the characters.

Conclusion

"Pokémon Side Story" is loved by many fans as a work with a different appeal from the main series. The story unfolds from the perspective of a different character in each episode, providing viewers with fresh surprises and excitement. In addition, a different ending theme was prepared for each episode, and the music was selected to match the character's personality and story, leaving a deep impression on viewers. By watching this work, you can gain a deeper understanding of the world of Pokémon and empathize more deeply with the characters' growth and friendship. Be sure to watch "Pokémon Side Story" and experience its charm.

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