ThePokémonfranchise is venturing into charming new territory withthe announcement of theMonpokéweb series, an adorable short anime series geared toward younger audiences.Produced by Fanworks, the animation studio behindAggretsuko, the series will debut on Pokémon’s officialPokémon KidsTVYouTube channel starting early next year. The show is written by Yoshida Reiko and serves as an extension ofPokémon’s official baby brand,Monpoké. With its gentle tone and whimsical visuals,Monpoképromises to captivate the youngestPokémonfans and nostalgic parents alike.
Pokémonhas been a worldwide phenomenon sinceRedandGreendebuted on the Game Boy in Japan in 1996. Since then, it has spawned sequels, spin-offs,numerous animeand movies, clothing, shoes and much more. The addition of an early childhood series to the franchise is no surprise, asit provides kids with an early entry point toPokémonfandombefore they’re ready to play the games.Monpokélooks to be the perfect blend of whimsy and fantasy to achieve that goal and usher in the next generation ofPokémonenthusiasts.
Pokémon’s Baby Brand, Monpoké, Inspires a New Anime
Fanworks Animation Studio Will Produce the Short Series
TheMonpokéseries takes viewers to the idyllic Monpoké Island, a paradise of lush forests and sparkling beaches. The belovedPokémonmascot, 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 thePokémonbrand. 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.
WithFanworks animation studio at the helm of production, the art style is expected to carry the same playful creativity seen in their previous works, likeAggretsuko,Dinosaur Biyori, andPlease Take My Brother Away!Known for blending charm and emotional depth, the studio’s approach is perfectly suited to capturing the innocence and wonder ofPokémonwithout the drama of battles. Combined with Yoshida Reiko’s expertise in crafting heartfelt stories, the series is positioned to become a standout addition toPokémon’s growing multimedia portfolio.Monpokéis a testament to the franchise’s ability toadapt and reinvent itself.
Monpoké Will Be Available on the Pokémon KidsTV YouTube Channel
The First Two Episodes Premiere on August 23, 2025
Viewers can look forward to 10 episodes ofMonpoké, with the first twodebuting on August 07, 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 sixMonpoké-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 exploreMonpoké’s softer take on the established world ofPokémon.
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Pokémon follows Ash Ketchum on his journey to become a Pokémon Master, accompanied by his loyal Pikachu. Released in 1997, the series explores Ash’s travels through various regions, where he encounters new friends and challenges, underscoring the themes of adventure and teamwork.
