The world of Pokémon is set to receive a significant infusion of star power as Toshiya Miyata, a prominent member of the Japanese boy band Kis-My-Ft2 and a seasoned voice actor, has been announced to lend his voice to a pivotal new character in the ongoing Pokémon Horizons: The Series anime. Miyata will portray the leader of the "Shining Oceans" Unite Battle idol team, making his debut in the 141st episode scheduled for broadcast on June 19. This highly anticipated appearance marks a notable crossover between the beloved Pokémon franchise and the burgeoning world of Pokémon Unite, the popular team-based battle game developed by TiMi Studio Group, a subsidiary of Tencent, in collaboration with The Pokémon Company International. The episode’s theme directly draws inspiration from the strategic gameplay and competitive spirit that has captivated millions of players worldwide across both the Nintendo Switch and smartphone platforms.
Miyata’s character will be accompanied by a Sirfetch’d, a formidable Pokémon known for its dignified demeanor and exceptional combat prowess, as his loyal partner. This choice of Pokémon suggests a character who values strategy, honor, and perhaps a touch of theatrical flair, aligning perfectly with the "idol team" concept. The inclusion of Miyata, a recognized figure in the entertainment industry with a dedicated fan base, is expected to generate considerable excitement among both long-time Pokémon enthusiasts and fans of his musical and acting endeavors.
A New Arc and Strategic Alliances
The introduction of Miyata’s character arrives amidst the "Wonder Voyage" arc of Pokémon Horizons, which premiered on May 22. This arc has been visually characterized by imagery that pays homage to a variety of Pokémon spinoff games, including the widely popular Pokémon GO, the strategic battle arena of Pokémon Unite, and the restful experience of Pokémon Sleep. This thematic approach underscores the anime’s commitment to exploring the diverse facets of the Pokémon universe and its expansive ecosystem of games and experiences. The "Wonder Voyage" arc also introduced Navi, a young girl hailing from Lumiose City, who encounters a unique Ditto that has embarked on its own journey via airship, hinting at the broader narrative themes of exploration and unexpected connections that define this new chapter of the series.
The voice actresses for the anime’s dual protagonists, Minori Suzuki as Liko and Yuka Terasaki as Roy, have contributed their talents to the new opening theme song, "Sekai Tsunagare." This track is produced by the acclaimed HoneyWorks, a music group known for their vibrant and emotionally resonant compositions. Complementing this is the new ending theme song, "Cute na Kyōtai," performed by CUTIE STREET, adding another layer of musical richness to the series’ evolving presentation. These musical additions are part of a broader trend in the anime to incorporate fresh and dynamic soundscapes that resonate with contemporary audiences while maintaining the franchise’s characteristic energy.
Evolution of Pokémon Horizons: A Chronological Overview
Pokémon Horizons: The Series first captivated audiences with its premiere in Japan in April 2023, launching with a special one-hour episode that immediately set a new direction for the franchise’s animated storytelling. The series airs every Friday at 6:55 p.m. JST, establishing a consistent presence in the weekly broadcast schedule.
The anime embarked on its second arc, titled "Terapagos no Kagayaki" (The Brilliance of Terapagos), with its 29th episode in October 2023. This arc delved deeper into the mysteries surrounding the legendary Pokémon Terapagos, a central figure in the narrative. Building on this momentum, the "Terastal Debut" arc commenced in April 2024, further expanding the lore and introducing new challenges and Pokémon evolutions, likely incorporating the Terastal phenomenon prominent in the recent mainline games.
The narrative continued its expansive journey with the commencement of its fourth arc in Japan in October 2024. This arc featured characters and locations inspired by the Kitakami region, a setting introduced in "The Teal Mask," the first downloadable content expansion for the Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet video games. This direct integration of game content into the anime series highlights the synergistic relationship between the Pokémon media properties.
Introducing New Protagonists and Legendary Encounters
Unlike previous iterations of the Pokémon anime, Pokémon Horizons distinguishes itself by featuring entirely new dual protagonists: Liko and Roy. This departure from following Ash Ketchum’s journey signifies a deliberate effort to forge a fresh narrative path and explore new thematic territories within the Pokémon world. The series prominently showcases starter Pokémon from the Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet video games, including Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly, alongside the awe-inspiring Shiny form of the Legendary Pokémon Rayquaza.
The introduction of Professor Friede and his partner, Captain Pikachu, further enriches the anime’s cast. This dynamic duo, consisting of an experienced Pokémon professor and his exceptionally capable Pikachu, serves as mentors and allies to Liko and Roy, providing guidance and engaging in thrilling battles alongside the young trainers. Their presence adds a layer of seasoned expertise and charm to the series.
A Visionary Production Team
The creative direction of Pokémon Horizons is spearheaded by a team of seasoned professionals within the animation industry. Saori Den, known for her work on Mirage Queen Prefers Circus, serves as the director, bringing a unique visual style and narrative sensibility to the series. Daiki Tomiyasu, who has contributed to Pokémon Sun & Moon and Pokémon Mezastar, holds the position of creative director, overseeing the overall artistic and thematic cohesion of the anime.
Dai Satō, a celebrated writer with an impressive portfolio including Eureka Seven, Wolf’s Rain, Samurai Champloo, and Cowboy Bebop, is responsible for overseeing the series scripts, ensuring a compelling and well-crafted narrative. The action sequences are meticulously choreographed by action director Tetsuo Yajima. The visual identity of the characters is shaped by character designer Rei Yamazaki and sub-character designer Kyōko Itō. Further enhancing the immersive experience, Masafumi Mima oversees the sound direction, while the evocative musical score is composed by Conisch, a composer renowned for his contributions to the Pokémon franchise.
Global Reach and Streaming Presence
The global distribution of Pokémon Horizons has been managed by The Pokémon Company, with initial announcements indicating a U.S. debut on Netflix in February 2024. However, the series ultimately premiered on the streaming giant in March 2024, a slight adjustment to the anticipated schedule. This staggered release allowed for localized marketing and anticipation to build in the U.S. market.
Subsequently, Netflix premiered Pokémon Horizons: The Series — The Search for Laqua, the anime’s second season, in February 2025. This continuation of Liko and Roy’s adventures further solidifies the series’ presence on major streaming platforms and its accessibility to a global audience.
The Foundation: Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
The narrative of Pokémon Horizons is intrinsically linked to the world established in the Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet video games. These titles launched for the Nintendo Switch worldwide in November 2022, introducing players to the Paldea region and a host of new Pokémon. The games’ ambitious open-world design and narrative structure laid the groundwork for the anime’s exploration of new regions and characters.
The downloadable content expansions for Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet have also played a significant role in shaping the anime’s progression. "The Teal Mask," the first DLC, released in September 2023, and "The Indigo Disk," the second part of the DLC, launched in December 2023. These expansions introduced new storylines, characters, and environments, elements of which have been directly incorporated into the Pokémon Horizons anime, creating a cohesive experience across different media.
Looking ahead, the upcoming release of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, slated for October 16 on Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, further signals The Pokémon Company’s commitment to expanding the franchise across various platforms and narrative formats. While not directly connected to the immediate arc of Pokémon Horizons, it represents the ongoing innovation and evolution within the Pokémon universe, ensuring a continuous stream of content for its dedicated fanbase. The strategic integration of game lore, character development, and star-powered voice acting in Pokémon Horizons demonstrates a sophisticated approach to franchise management, aiming to engage both existing fans and attract new audiences to the enduring world of Pokémon. The introduction of Toshiya Miyata as the leader of the "Shining Oceans" is a testament to this strategy, blending the excitement of competitive gameplay with the narrative depth of the anime.
