Pikachu's Summer Vacation: What's the appeal of Pokémon enjoying a summer vacation adventure?

Pikachu's Summer Vacation - A story of summer memories and friendship

■ Public Media

theater

■ Original Media

game

■ Release date

July 18, 1998 - January 1, 0000

■Distribution company

Distributor: 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 Production: Shogakukan Productions Production: Pikachu Project 98
Distributor: Toho

■Works

©1998 Pikachu Project 98 (Shogakukan, TV Tokyo, Media Factory, Nintendo, Tomy, Creatures, Game Freak, JR East Japan Planning, OLM, Shogakukan Productions)
©Nintendo, Creatures, GAME FREAK, TV Tokyo, ShoPro, JR Kikaku ©Pokémon

■ Story

Pokemon Square is a playground for Pokemon. When Pikachu and his friends come to play there, they end up fighting with the foursome of Raichu, Caracara, Blue, and Marill. The Pokemon get into a thrilling commotion. A musical fantasy filled with the friendship and cuteness of Pikachu and his friends.

■Explanation

"Pikachu's Summer Vacation," released in 1998 alongside "Mewtwo Strikes Back," is a short animated film set in the world of Pokemon. This is a heartwarming story about Pokemon on their summer vacation, and can be enjoyed by both children and adults. In particular, it depicts the friendship and adventures of the Pokemon, centered around Pikachu, making it a must-see for Pokemon fans.

■Cast

・Pikachu/Ikue Otani ・Togepi/Satomi Korogi ・Bulbasaur/Megumi Hayashibara ・Squirtle/Rikako Aikawa ・Charizard/Shinichiro Miki ・Meowth/Inuko Inuyama ・Arbok/Kouichi Sakaguchi ・Narration/Aiko Sato

■ Main staff

・Screenplay: Hideki Sonoda ・Storyboard and direction: Yuji Asada ・Chief animation director: Sayuri Ichiishi ・Animation director: Akihiro Tamagawa ・Sound director: Masafumi Mima ・Ending animation: Keiko Fukuyama

■ Theme songs and music

・OP
・Natsuyasumi Fan Club ・Lyrics by Shogo Toda ・Music by Hirokazu Tanaka ・Arrangement by Hirokazu Tanaka ・Singer by Pokemon Kids (+Pikachu)
・ED
・Pikapika Massai Chuu・Lyrics by Shogo Toda・Music by Hirokazu Tanaka・Arrangement by Hirokazu Tanaka・Singer by Pokémon Kids & Professor Oak (+Pikachu)

■Detailed evaluation and recommendation

■ The appeal of the story

"Pikachu's Summer Vacation" is a story of small adventures and friendships that occur while Pokemon enjoy their summer vacation. Pikachu and his friends gather at Pokemon Square and meet Raichu, Caracara, Blue, and Marill, and at first they get into a fight. However, the story depicts the process of them working together to solve the problem and deepen their friendship. This story is also a good educational material for teaching children the importance of friendship and cooperation. The cute movements and expressions of the Pokemon are also entertaining to watch.

■Charm of the characters

Pikachu, the central character of this work, is one of the most popular Pokemon characters. Ikue Otani's voice acting is excellent, and she expresses Pikachu's cuteness and bravery well. The other Pokemon also have their own unique personalities, and the cast is full of great voice actors, including Megumi Hayashibara as Bulbasaur and Rikako Aikawa as Squirtle. In particular, Inuyama Inuko's performance as Meowth is humorous and memorable.

■ The appeal of video and music

"Pikachu's Summer Vacation" features colorful and beautiful images. The background of the Pokémon Square and the movements of the Pokémon are depicted in detail, making it a fascinating film to watch. Music also plays an important role. The opening theme "Summer Vacation Fan Club" and the ending theme "Pikapika Massaichu" are a combination of the lively singing voices of the Pokémon Kids and the cute voice of Pikachu, and are very popular with children. The music by Hirokazu Tanaka, who composed and arranged the film, helps to liven up the atmosphere of the story.

■ Background and significance of production

"Pikachu's Summer Vacation" was released at the same time as "Mewtwo Strikes Back," which was released in 1998. While "Mewtwo Strikes Back" deals with a grand story and deep themes, "Pikachu's Summer Vacation" has a brighter, more fun content for children. The fact that these two films were shown at the same time allowed them to attract audiences of a wide age range. It also functions as a side story that gives a deeper understanding of the world of Pokemon, making it an essential work for Pokemon fans.

■ Recommendation points

"Pikachu's Summer Vacation" is a work that can be enjoyed by not only Pokemon fans, but also children and adults alike. In particular, the following points are recommended:

• A story of friendship and adventure : This story depicts the friendship and adventures of Pikachu and his friends, and will have a positive impact on children.
• Adorable characters : Enjoy the adorable movements and expressions of Pikachu and other Pokemon.
• Beautiful images and music : Enjoy colorful images and the lively singing voices of Pokémon Kids.
• The world of Pokemon : It can also be enjoyed as a side story to gain a deeper understanding of the world of Pokemon.

■ Related works and recommendations

If you enjoyed "Pikachu's Summer Vacation," we also recommend the following related works:

• Mewtwo Strikes Back : This film, which was shown at the same time, offers a grand Pokémon story and deep themes.
• Pikachu's Winter Vacation : This work depicts Pikachu and his friends' winter vacation, and also features a story of friendship and adventure.
• Pokémon the Movie XY & Z: Volcanion and the Mechanical Magearna : The latest Pokémon movie, with beautiful visuals and a moving story.

■ Summary

"Pikachu's Summer Vacation" is a heartwarming story about Pokemon's summer vacation. With themes of friendship and adventure, adorable characters, and beautiful visuals and music, this film is enjoyable not only for Pokemon fans, but for children and adults alike. Please come and experience the excitement of the film when it was first shown in theaters.