On February 27, 2025, Pokémon fans around the world celebrated Pokémon Day with the release of the highly anticipated commemorative animation titled Kairyu to Yubin Yasan (Dragonite and the Postman). This new film, produced by renowned animation studio Comix Wave Films, showcases the adventures of Hana, a girl who idolizes the postal worker Dragonite. The adventure begins as Hana sets out to discover the sender of some undelivered letters, creating touching moments alongside various Pokémon.
This year's celebration is particularly special as it marks the anniversary of the Pokémon franchise, which originated with the release of the first games on February 27, 1996. To honor this legacy, fans are treated to not just the animation, but also the release of the theme song, titled Paper Airplane, performed by suis from the popular band Yorushika, with music crafted by the talented Evan Call, known for his work on other successful projects such as the NHK historical drama Kamakura-dono no 13-nin.
Lauded for its breathtaking visuals and storytelling, Kairyu to Yubin Yasan opens with flashbacks to Hana's childhood depicted in a nostalgic 4:3 aspect ratio. Contemporary storytelling is enriched by Evan Call's unique musical contributions, raising anticipation for the heartfelt narrative. Viewers are treated to dynamic scenes of Dragonite soaring through the skies and heartwarming interactions between Hana and the Pokémon set against stunningly rich backdrops.
Riko Fukumoto voices the central character Hana, and her expressive performance adds depth to the character's youthful innocence and excitement as she teams up with her Pokémon friends throughout her adventure. The synergy between Fukumoto’s voice work and the colorful animation exemplifies the high quality fans have come to expect from Comix Wave Films. The anime is directed by Taku Kimura, with character designs handled by Mahiro Aoki.
Seeking to engage the community, the excitement didn’t stop with the animation's release. The launch was accompanied by the Pokémon Presents event, which aired live at 11 PM JST, sharing various updates about Pokémon-related content, much to the delight of fans tuning in through the official Pokémon YouTube channel and social media platforms.
One of the standout elements of this animation is the theme song Paper Airplane, which encapsulates the spirit of adventure found within the film. The song intricately ties together themes of longing, friendship, and discovery, making it the perfect accompaniment to Hana’s quest. The music video for the song features stunning visuals from the animation, providing audiences with additional insights and nostalgia as they immerse themselves in the world of Pokémon.
Behind the scenes, the creation of the orchestral soundtrack was recorded remotely, with Evan Call participating from Berlin. This allowed for seamless communication with conductors, orchestras, and engineers, ensuring the music was carefully sculpted to complement the film's immersive experience. The soundtrack includes various instrumental pieces alongside the vocal theme song and emphasizes the emotional tones of Hana’s adventure.
Fans are encouraged to experience the magic of Kairyu to Yubin Yasan, and to explore its soundtrack, which is now available on streaming platforms. The release of both the animation and its accompanying music signifies not only the evolution of the Pokémon franchise but also the deep connections it continues to forge within its dedicated community.
The nostalgic storytelling combined with high-quality production values promises to leave audiences captivated, rekindling their love for Pokémon as they join Hana and Dragonite on their heartwarming adventure. A fitting tribute to the franchise, this year’s Pokémon Day has certainly added more layers to the beloved world of Pokémon, and many eagerly await what future innovations and stories lie ahead.