Iffa Jayyana
Tokyo, Japan – June 19, 2024 – The vibrant world of the "Pokémon Horizons: The Series" anime is set to welcome a new, charismatic presence as Toshiya Miyata, a prominent member of the popular Japanese boy band Kis-My-Ft2 and a seasoned voice actor, has been confirmed to lend his voice to a pivotal character. Miyata will portray the leader of the "Shining Oceans," an idol team featured in the upcoming 141st episode of the anime, slated for broadcast on June 19. This significant episode is themed around "Pokémon Unite," the acclaimed team-based battle game developed by TiMi Studio Group, a subsidiary of Tencent, in collaboration with The Pokémon Company International.
The announcement, made by the "Pokémon Horizons" anime staff on Wednesday, has sent ripples of excitement through the fandom, particularly given Miyata’s established reputation as both a musical artist and a dedicated Pokémon enthusiast. His involvement signifies a unique convergence of the anime’s narrative with the ever-expanding universe of Pokémon gaming. The character Miyata will voice is slated to have a Sirfetch’d as his partner Pokémon, a strategic choice that hints at potential gameplay-inspired elements within the episode’s storyline.
This "Pokémon Unite" themed episode is part of a larger narrative arc within "Pokémon Horizons," known as the "Wonder Voyage" arc, which premiered on May 22. The visual associated with this arc has already offered a glimpse into its thematic breadth, featuring imagery inspired by other popular Pokémon spinoff titles such as "Pokémon GO" and "Pokémon Sleep." The inclusion of "Pokémon Unite" further underscores the anime’s commitment to exploring diverse facets of the Pokémon franchise and engaging with its multifaceted global community.
A Deeper Dive into the "Wonder Voyage" Arc and its Thematic Inspirations
The "Wonder Voyage" arc represents a significant chapter in the ongoing saga of "Pokémon Horizons," introducing new characters and plotlines that expand the horizons of the series. The visual released for this arc has been a source of considerable speculation among fans, showcasing a vibrant tapestry of elements drawn from various Pokémon game experiences. Alongside the prominent inclusion of "Pokémon Unite," the visual has also hinted at connections to "Pokémon GO," the augmented reality sensation, and "Pokémon Sleep," the innovative title focused on sleep tracking. This cross-pollination of themes suggests an arc that celebrates the interconnectedness of the Pokémon world and its diverse applications in modern entertainment and technology.
One of the intriguing introductions within the "Wonder Voyage" arc is Navi, a young girl hailing from Lumiose City. Her narrative journey is intertwined with a Ditto, encountered on an airship, hinting at unexpected alliances and adventures that will unfold throughout the arc. The presence of these familiar yet distinct elements from the Pokémon universe promises a rich and engaging viewing experience for both long-time fans and newcomers alike.
The musical landscape of "Pokémon Horizons" has also seen a refresh with the "Wonder Voyage" arc. The protagonists, Liko and Roy, voiced by Minori Suzuki and Yuka Terasaki respectively, perform the new opening theme song, "Sekai Tsunagare." This track is a collaborative effort, produced by the renowned HoneyWorks, a music creator unit known for their engaging and popular songs. Complementing the opening theme, the ending theme song, "Cute na Kyōtai," is performed by CUTIE STREET, adding another layer of auditory appeal to the series. These musical additions not only enhance the anime’s emotional resonance but also highlight the collaborative spirit that defines the modern Pokémon franchise.
The Evolving Narrative of "Pokémon Horizons"
"Pokémon Horizons: The Series" embarked on its journey in April 2023 with a captivating one-hour premiere, introducing a fresh narrative with entirely new protagonists, Liko and Roy. This departure from previous Pokémon anime series, which often followed Ash Ketchum, marked a significant shift, allowing for a new generation of trainers and adventures to take center stage. The anime airs on Fridays at 6:55 p.m. JST in Japan, captivating audiences with its evolving storylines and visually stunning animation.
The series has been structured into distinct arcs, each building upon the previous one and introducing new challenges and discoveries. The second arc, titled "Terapagos no Kagayaki" (The Brilliance of Terapagos), commenced with its 29th episode in October 2023, delving deeper into the mysteries surrounding the Legendary Pokémon Terapagos. This was followed by the "Terastal Debut" arc in April 2024, which explored the fascinating Terastal phenomenon introduced in the "Pokémon Scarlet" and "Pokémon Violet" video games. Most recently, the fourth arc, which began in Japan in October 2024, ventured into the region of Kitakami, a location familiar to players of "The Teal Mask," the first DLC expansion for "Pokémon Scarlet" and "Pokémon Violet."
The narrative of "Pokémon Horizons" centers around Liko and Roy, who are accompanied by a diverse cast of characters, including the Pokémon Professor Friede and his partner, Captain Pikachu. Their adventures involve a mix of beloved Pokémon from the "Pokémon Scarlet" and "Pokémon Violet" games, such as Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly, as well as the formidable Shiny form of the Legendary Pokémon Rayquaza. This deliberate integration of elements from the latest mainline games ensures that the anime remains relevant and engaging for a contemporary audience.
The production of "Pokémon Horizons" is helmed by a talented team of animators and directors. Saori Den, known for her work on "Mirage Queen Prefers Circus," serves as the director. Daiki Tomiyasu, who has a notable history with the Pokémon anime, including "Pokémon Sun & Moon" and "Pocket Monster Mezase Pokémon Master," acts as the creative director. Dai Satō, a celebrated screenwriter with credits on iconic anime such as "Eureka Seven," "Wolf’s Rain," "Samurai Champloo," and "Cowboy Bebop," oversees the series scripts. The animation is further enhanced by the expertise of Tetsuo Yajima as action director, Rei Yamazaki as character designer, and Kyōko Itō as sub-character designer. The auditory experience is meticulously crafted by sound director Masafumi Mima and composer Conisch, ensuring a rich and immersive presentation.
Global Reach and Distribution of "Pokémon Horizons"
The international debut of "Pokémon Horizons: The Series" has been a significant undertaking, with The Pokémon Company initially announcing a U.S. release on Netflix in February 2024. However, the series ultimately premiered on the streaming giant in March 2024, following the release of an English trailer that confirmed the revised debut date. This slight adjustment in release timing did not diminish the anticipation surrounding the anime’s arrival in Western markets.
Further expanding its global presence, Netflix premiered the second season of the anime, "Pokémon Horizons: The Series – The Search for Laqua," in February 2025. This continued commitment from Netflix highlights the growing popularity and reach of the "Pokémon Horizons" narrative beyond its initial Japanese broadcast.
The Foundation: "Pokémon Scarlet" and "Pokémon Violet"
The narrative foundation of "Pokémon Horizons" is intrinsically linked to the "Pokémon Scarlet" and "Pokémon Violet" video games, which launched for the Nintendo Switch worldwide in November 2022. These mainline titles introduced the Paldea region and a wealth of new Pokémon, setting the stage for the anime’s fresh start. The games’ downloadable content (DLC) has also played a crucial role in shaping the anime’s arcs. "The Teal Mask," the first DLC expansion, launched in September 2023, and its setting in Kitakami was subsequently explored in the anime’s fourth arc. "The Indigo Disk," the second part of the DLC, arrived in December 2023, further enriching the lore and potential plotlines that the anime could draw upon.
The "Pokémon" franchise continues to innovate with upcoming titles such as "Pokémon Legends Z-A," slated for release on Switch and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. The anticipation for this new installment further solidifies the franchise’s commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring new gameplay experiences.
The integration of "Pokémon Unite" into "Pokémon Horizons" through the character voiced by Toshiya Miyata is a testament to the franchise’s dynamic approach to storytelling. By weaving in elements from its various gaming platforms, "Pokémon Horizons" not only appeals to a broad spectrum of fans but also reinforces the cohesive and interconnected nature of the Pokémon universe. The inclusion of a popular idol like Miyata further amplifies the excitement, promising an episode that is both narratively significant and a treat for fans of music and Pokémon alike.
Nana Muazin
Siti Muinah
