Pokemon Is Getting a Brand-New Anime From the Studio Behind Aggretsuko - Seriously

The Pokémon franchise is venturing into charming new territory with the announcement of the Monpoké web series, an adorable short anime series geared toward younger audiences. Produced by Fanworks, the animation studio behind Aggretsuko, the series will debut on Pokémon’s official Pokémon KidsTV YouTube channel starting early next year. The show is written by Yoshida Reiko and serves as an extension of Pokémon’s official baby brand, Monpoké. With its gentle tone and whimsical visuals, Monpoké promises to captivate the youngest Pokémon fans and nostalgic parents alike.

Pokémon has been a worldwide phenomenon since Red and Green debuted on the Game Boy in Japan in 1996. Since then, it has spawned sequels, spin-offs, numerous anime and movies, clothing, shoes and much more. The addition of an early childhood series to the franchise is no surprise, as it provides kids with an early entry point to Pokémon fandom before they’re ready to play the games. Monpoké looks to be the perfect blend of whimsy and fantasy to achieve that goal and usher in the next generation of Pokémon enthusiasts.

Pokémon's Baby Brand, Monpoké, Inspires a New Anime

Fanworks Animation Studio Will Produce the Short Series

Close

The Monpoké series takes viewers to the idyllic Monpoké Island, a paradise of lush forests and sparkling beaches. The beloved Pokémon mascot, Pikachu, arrives on the island to meet new friends, including Dedenne, Smeargle, Ludicolo, and Manectric. Each five-minute episode will follow their playful adventures and encounters with “first-timers,” showcasing moments of exploration, discovery, and teamwork, pillars of the Pokémon brand. With soft colors and delicately drawn backgrounds, the animation brings Monpoké Island to life, offering a more calming and joyful viewing experience than what is offered in the mainline anime.

With Fanworks animation studio at the helm of production, the art style is expected to carry the same playful creativity seen in their previous works, like Aggretsuko, Dinosaur Biyori, and Please Take My Brother Away! Known for blending charm and emotional depth, the studio’s approach is perfectly suited to capturing the innocence and wonder of Pokémon without the drama of battles. Combined with Yoshida Reiko’s expertise in crafting heartfelt stories, the series is positioned to become a standout addition to Pokémon’s growing multimedia portfolio. Monpoké is a testament to the franchise’s ability to adapt and reinvent itself.

Monpoké Will Be Available on the Pokémon KidsTV YouTube Channel

The First Two Episodes Premiere on February 19, 2025

Viewers can look forward to 10 episodes of Monpoké, with the first two debuting on February 19, 2025. Subsequent episodes will be released every Wednesday, keeping the excitement alive throughout its run and preventing binge-watching. The series focuses on friendship, fun, and exploration, presenting simple, heartwarming narratives designed to resonate with young children. The creators have prioritized gentle expressions and movements for the Pokémon characters, ensuring an engaging and soothing experience for viewers. This animated series follows the release of six Monpoké-themed shorts using physical puppets earlier in 2024.

Ahead of the series launch, the music video for the theme song, “Nice to Meet You, Let’s Collect Them,” has already been released. Featuring footage from the main series, the music video offers a sneak peek at the adorable antics and colorful world of Monpoké Island. The cheerful tune sets the tone for the series and emphasizes the themes of connection and curiosity that will define Pikachu’s adventures. February 2025 can’t come soon enough for fans ready to explore Monpoké’s softer take on the established world of Pokémon.

Source: natalie.mu