The Pokémon anime series is set to ignite screens with a brand new opening theme song performed by the renowned Japanese musical duo, Yuzu. Titled “Get Back,” the song will debut with the anime’s new “Mega Voltage” arc premiering on April 11, 2025, injecting a fresh surge of energy into the long-running series.
Yuzu Returns to Anime After Seven-Year Hiatus
This collaboration marks Yuzu’s triumphant return to the world of anime theme songs after a seven-year absence. Their last contribution was in 2018, making this comeback a highly anticipated event for fans of both the duo and the Pokémon franchise. The news has sparked considerable excitement within the anime and music communities.
“Get Back”: A Song of Recovery and Nostalgia
“Get Back” is not just a catchy tune; it’s a song imbued with meaning. Yuzu’s Kitagawa Yuujin has emphasized that the song centers on themes of recovery and nostalgia, encapsulating sentiments of “taking back the lost future” and “returning to our starting point.” The lyrics, co-written by Kitagawa and Iwasawa Koji, incorporate Pokémon motifs and aim to resonate with listeners by addressing goals, dreams, and futures.
Lyrical Collaboration After Five Years
The co-writing of the lyrics by Kitagawa Yuujin and Iwasawa Koji also marks a significant milestone, representing their first collaborative lyrical effort in nearly five years, since their song “Koshi Kondou” in 2020. This reunion of their songwriting talents adds another layer of excitement to the release of “Get Back.”
A “Fateful Collaboration”
Kitagawa has expressed feeling honored to contribute to the Pokémon anime, a series beloved by people of all ages. He noted the serendipitous connection between Yuzu and Pokémon, as both debuted in 1997, describing the collaboration as a “fateful” one.
Yuzu’s Respect for Pokémon
Iwasawa Koji admitted his initial surprise at being offered the opportunity, acknowledging the high bar set by previous Pokémon theme songs. He expressed a desire for Yuzu’s unique style to blend seamlessly with the Pokémon universe and resonate with its dedicated fanbase. “Get Back” is filled with Yuzu’s respect for Pokémon.
The “Mega Voltage” Arc
“Get Back” will serve as the opening theme for the “Mega Voltage” arc, the latest chapter in Pokémon Horizons: The Series. The new arc sees Liko and Roy embark on a new adventure to uncover the truth about the Rising Volt Tacklers. Furthermore, Roy’s yellow Lucario achieves Mega Evolution. The “Mega Voltage” arc will premiere as a one-hour special on April 11.
Promotional Video
A promotional video showcasing a portion of “Get Back” has already been released, offering a glimpse of the song’s energy and the adventures that await Liko and Roy. The PV underscores the determination of protagonist Riko and her companions, setting a tone of excitement for the new adventures that lie ahead in the Pokémon universe.
Yuzu and TeddyLoid
Yuzu collaborated with music producer TeddyLoid to create “Get Back.” TeddyLoid is known for his work on previous hit songs by Yuzu. Together they blended traditional anime song structures with contemporary Japanese cultural elements. The complex song structure, likened to a suite, invites listeners into an immersed musical experience, capturing the energetic chemistry between Yuzu and the Pokémon universe. Yuujin explained, “We have infused our new sound with a variety of elements that pay homage to classic anime music while embracing today’s trends.”
About Yuzu
Yuzu is a popular Japanese musical duo that formed in 1996. The group primarily consists of Yujin Kitagawa and Koji Iwasawa. Known for their harmonious vocals and acoustic sound, Yuzu gained mainstream success in the late 1990s and has since released numerous albums and singles. Their music often blends folk, pop, and rock elements, appealing to a wide audience.
Pokémon Horizons: The Series
Pokémon Horizons: The Series premiered in Japan in April 2023 and follows dual protagonists named Liko and Roy. The anime has had multiple arcs including:
- “Terapagos no Kagayaki” (The Brilliance of Terapagos) – October 2023
- “Terastal Debut” (The Search for Laqua story) – April 2024
- “Rayquaza Rising” – October 2024
Netflix announced that the second part of Pokémon Horizons: The Series —The Search for Laqua, the second season of the anime, will begin streaming on April 25.
A Legacy of Pokémon Theme Songs
The Pokémon anime has a long and storied history of memorable theme songs. The original English theme song, often referred to as “Gotta Catch ‘Em All,” remains an iconic piece of 90s pop culture. Jason Paige performed the main vocals for the song that was written by John Seigler and John Loeffler. Over the years, numerous artists have contributed to the Pokémon musical landscape, creating a diverse and beloved collection of songs.
Other Pokémon Theme Songs
- “Only One Story” by ZEROBASEONE: This song was chosen as the opening theme for the Pokémon TV anime and released digitally on October 11, 2024.
- “1-2-3” by After the Rain: This served as a theme for the Pocket Monsters anime in Japan.
- “Diamond and Pearl”: The song served as the first theme song for the opening of the first season in the Sinnoh region.
The addition of “Get Back” to this impressive catalog promises to be another electrifying chapter in the Pokémon anime’s musical journey.
