Back in August 2017 a special magazine / book called Pokémon Pia ~ Pokémon The Movie 20th Titles Anniversary Book ~ was released in Japan to commemorate the release of the 20th Pocket Monsters movie, Pocket Monsters The Movie "I Choose You!" As part of the promotion for the new movie a number of interviews are posted with the film's stars as well as a few voices we hadn't heard from in a while...

What follows are translations of the many interviews found throughout. More will be added at a later date.

Rica Matsumoto (Satoshi)	Ikue Ohtani (Pikachu)	Kanata Hongou (Souji)
Shiori Satou (Makoto)	Kouichi Yamadera (Marshadow)	Shouko Nakagawa (Joy)
Arata Furuta (Bonji)	Kunihiko Yuyama (Director)	Megumi Hayashibara (Musashi)
Shin-ichiro Miki (Kojirou)	Inuko Inuyama (Nyarth)	Yuuji Ueda (Takeshi)
Mayumi Iizuka (Kasumi)		Unshou Ishizuka (Dr. Ookido)

Megumi Hayashibara (Musashi)

Musashi (played by Megumi Hayashibara) Profile:  Born March 30th, from the Kita Ward of Tokyo, belongs to the Woodpark Office talent agency. Her main works include playing Rei Ayanami in Neon Genesis Evangelion, among others. She's also working as a singer and has even performed songs produced by Ringo Shiina.

What did you think when you first read the script for “Pocket Monsters The Movie “I Choose You!”?

Hayashibara:  I saw that the Rocket trio have the same role as always. But I'm happy we got some lines at least.

This year's movie is going back to basics not just for Satoshi and Pikachu but for the Rocket-Dan as well, and so can you tell us what it was like to perform this material now that 20 years have passed?

Hayashibara:  Everything you love about them is still there. But they also aren't afraid to change it up every now and then.

How do you feel about the relationship between Satoshi and Pikachu?

Hayashibara:  Ugh, so annoying! The relationships we have with our partner Pokémon are just as strong as theirs!

Is there any part of Musashi that you feel has changed, or that you feel hasn't changed, from 20 years ago vs. today?

Hayashibara:  At first she was a more cool and evil presence but I think she became more of a gag character as time went on. Other than that, I think the balance between the members of the Rocket trio is very similar to the balance between the three actors who play them, but I want your readers to also understand that Musashi's actor is not as much of a roughneck as the character you see on the screen. Musashi acts without thinking. Kojirou thinks things through carefully. And Nyarth balances the two of them out with its intuition. Something like that. Well, that's what I think anyway.

Is there any part of your performance that you feel has changed, or that you've made a conscious effort to change, from 20 years ago vs. today?

Hayashibara:  I don't know if you can call this a performance change or just an idle thought or whatever, but I tend have more of a kneejerk reaction to things these days. But that didn't come to me right away; the Rocket-Dan wasn't built in a day, after all. No matter what any of us are doing, whether we're tossing or receiving -- or even if we fumble sometimes -- we'll pull all our power together to pick things up, have a laugh, worry about it as a group, and then figure it all out. I hope the fun we have in the studio translates to the screen.

What do the main characters Satoshi and Pikachu mean to you, Ms. Hayashibara?

Hayashibara:  One way or another we'll pull the two of them apart, and one way or another we'll make that Pikachu ours!

In the history of the Pokémon TV animation, including the movies, are there any stories that stand out to you?

Hayashibara:  For Pokémon movies, Mewtwo Strikes Back! was really astounding. For the TV series, it'd be the episode where Nyarth learns how to speak human language. The episode where Musashi worked to become a nurse at that Lucky school. The episode where she was in a bicycle gang with Kojirou. The episode where Musashi was randomly rich -- living in a house with a fireplace and everything -- when a Rougela came to visit, and how that clashes with that episode where she's so poor that she's having to eat sushi made out of snow. The episode with Kojirou's fiancée, Rumika. The ones where Musashi parts ways with her Pokémon...the Dokucale one was especially sad. And so on and so on. The unusual episodes are the ones that stick out.

As a performer, do you have any hopes or expectations for Pokémon moving forward?

Hayashibara:  The battles in the show are great and all, but the parts where the characters share their feelings in a way that kids can't get right away but that instead forces them to actually take a minute and really think about what's going on...these are the kinds of stories I want to see moving forward.

Do you have anything you want to say to Satoshi, Pikachu, and the Rocket-Dan with whom you've been with these last 20 years?

Hayashibara:  The journey's not over yet. Let's go here, there, and everywhere to seek out rare Pokémon.

Finally, please give us a message for all the fans out there who love Pokémon.

Hayashibara:  Satoshi has been aiming to be a Pokémon Master for the last 20 years, and the Rocket-Dan has been chasing after Pikachu for the last 20 years. Even though this is kind of a given within the world of the animated series, the fact that the Rocket-Dan hasn't really changed, regardless of what point you're watching, shows a certain type of conviction. So kids, be like Satoshi and don't give up! And adults, be like the Rocket-Dan and don't get discouraged!

Shin-ichiro Miki (Kojirou)

Kojirou (played by Shin-ichiro Miki) Profile:  Born March 18th, from Tokyo, member of the 81 Produce talent agency. His main works include playing the roles of Erich Rerugen in The Saga of Tanya the Evil and Jin Norizuki in King of Prism: Pride the Hero, among others. He also works on the Japanese dubs of Hollywood films and does narration work as well.

What did you think when you first read the script for “Pocket Monsters The Movie “I Choose You!”?

Miki:  It really took me back…it was a strange feeling.

This year's movie is going back to basics not just for Satoshi and Pikachu but for the Rocket-Dan as well, and so can you tell us what it was like to perform this material now that 20 years have passed?

Miki:  Everything that happens to me is fresh and new so I felt the same with this as I do with everything else.

How do you feel about the relationship between Satoshi and Pikachu?

Miki:  For us, it's annoying. Because we want to hurry up and be allowed to get Pikachu.

Please tell us what scene from Pocket Monsters The Movie "I Choose You!" stood out to you.

Miki:  The scene where Hitokage first appears.

Is there any part of Kojirou that you feel has changed, or that you feel hasn't changed, from 20 years ago vs. today?

Miki:  Kojirou's the same as ever.

Is there any part of your performance that you feel has changed, or that you've made a conscious effort to change, from 20 years ago vs. today?

Miki:  No, nothing in particular. It's the same as ever…

What do the main characters Satoshi and Pikachu mean to you, Mr. Miki?

Miki:  Pikachu's the one he wants to get, and Satoshi's the one keeping him from doing that.

In the history of the Pokémon TV animation, including the movies, are there any stories that stand out to you?

Miki:  There are just too many so it's hard to choose.

And in the history of the Pokémon TV animation, including the movies, are there any particularly memorable Pokémon, friends, or enemies to you?

Miki:  Of course it'd be our boss, Sakaki-sama!

As a performer, do you have any hopes or expectations for Pokémon moving forward?

Miki:  I don't know the answer to such a difficult question so I'll say that the Rocket-Dan will prosper!

Do you have anything you want to say to Satoshi, Pikachu, and the Rocket-Dan with whom you've been with these last 20 years?

Miki:  The Rocket-Dan are forever indestructible!!

Finally, please give us a message for all the fans out there who love Pokémon.

Miki:  We wouldn't be here without all of your support so I want to really thank you. Please continue to cheer us on in the future!

Inuko Inuyama (Nyarth)

Nyarth (played by Inuko Inuyama) Profile:  Born December 16th, from Tokyo, belongs to the Across Entertainment talent agency. Her main works include playing the roles of Manta Oyamada in Shaman King and Midori Makibao in Midori no Makibao, among others. She also works as an actress on stage plays, TV dramas, etc.

What did you think when you first read the script for “Pocket Monsters The Movie “I Choose You!””?

Inuyama:  It made me think of the first TV series and that made me excited.

This year's movie is going back to basics not just for Satoshi and Pikachu but for the Rocket-Dan as well, and so can you tell us what it was like to perform this material now that 20 years have passed?

Inuyama:  It really is a return to basics…and the Rocket-Dan were the same ol' Rocket-Dan!

How do you feel about the relationship between Satoshi and Pikachu?

Inuyama:  Well let's see, Nya. Their relationship is second best, after the Rocket-Dan's of course Nya

Please tell us what scene from Pocket Monsters The Movie "I Choose You!" stood out to you.

Inuyama:  I'd have to say the opening! It gets the movie off to a really strong start!

Is there any part of Nyarth that you feel has changed, or that you feel hasn't changed, from 20 years ago vs. today?

Inuyama:  He's as cool as ever Nya. And his disguises have gotten better Nya.

Is there any part of your performance that you feel has changed, or that you've made a conscious effort to change, from 20 years ago vs. today?

Inuyama:  It's a secret.

What do the main characters Satoshi and Pikachu mean to you, Ms. Inuyama?

Inuyama:  It's very special, in more ways than one.

In the history of the Pokémon TV animation, including the movies, are there any stories that stand out to you?

Inuyama:  "Nyarth's ABCs." If it wasn't for that episode then Nyarth couldn't speak human language.

In the history of the Pokémon TV animation, including the movies, are there any stories that stand out to you?

Inuyama:  There are a lot, but Runpappa was really astounding (laughs).

As a performer, do you have any hopes or expectations for Pokémon moving forward?

Inuyama:  Someday, I'd like to see the Rocket-Dan star in its own movie!... Heck, we'd even take starring in one of those pre-movie shorts…

Do you have anything you want to say to Satoshi, Pikachu, and the Rocket-Dan with whom you've been with these last 20 years?

Inuyama:  All of you have been really hanging in there over the years. You have my praise Nya ♥

Finally, please give us a message for all the fans out there who love Pokémon.

Inuyama:  Nothing but gratitude♪ And also, we hope the Rocket-Dan will become the focus again someday lol. Thanks Nya!

Yuuji Ueda (Takeshi)

Takeshi (played by Yuuji Ueda) Profile: Born on June 15th from Kita-Kyushu City in Fukuoka Prefecture, belongs to the PomaRancz talent agency. His main works include playing Sanosuke Sagara in Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Romantic Story and Kisuke in Ojarumaru, among others. He also does other voice work like narrations for commercials.

What stands out to you about Takeshi? And what kind of memories do you have from your time with him?

Ueda:  Takeshi is someone who has a lot of in-depth knowledge of Pokémon, has this stern and taciturn appearance, and is sort of the kind-hearted unsung hero of the show. But the show's animation producer back then was a huge fan of this other series I was working on at the time and so, little by little, Takeshi turned into someone a little more energetic and eccentric, just like that other character (laughs)

Something else that also sticks out to me about Takeshi is this character song I did with him as a special summertime ending theme. It seems like there were all these rumors going around the Internet that the song got pulled from the air because of complaints from various parents' groups but the truth is we had only ever planned for it to be used for a very limited time. I'm the one who sang the song so I want to be the one to set the record straight (laughs).


Around the time Diamond & Pearl was wrapping up (and Satoshi was heading to a region where Takeshi wasn't going to be) they wanted the show to conform a bit more so they had me "graduate" from the show after thirteen and a half years. In the end, I traveled together with Satoshi for a long, long time. I don't think anyone would have thought it'd have been weird if Takeshi had left the show at the same time Kasumi did but I was somehow lucky enough to stick around for three whole series. Thanks to this I was able to have so many grateful, happy, and lucky experiences as Satoshi's human (laughs) partner.

Is there any part of the TV series that you feel has changed, or maybe that you feel hasn't changed at all, from 20 years ago vs. today?

Ueda:  Every time we head into a new series the designs, stories, animation,  production...all of that is brought over to the next level. And even if the characters who appear in the show change, the glue who holds the TV series Pocket Monsters together continues to be the sound director Mr. Masafumi Mima. It's hard to over-emphasize just how much he does for the show. Every time we're in the studio he's always fine tuning things -- making sure the dialogue is correct, that the intention is understood, that everything flows together naturally -- to make sure that each performance has that special "Pokémon" feel to it

What do the main characters Satoshi and Pikachu mean to you, Mr. Ueda?

Ueda:  I'm still so close to the two of them that I haven't really had the chance to think about it too much. But I will say that Satoshi sees his Pikachu as a member of his family, so much so that if I were to ever think of Pikachu no longer being by Satoshi's side then I'm afraid it'd be even worse than if he had lost a childhood pet. I hope they never get to that point and that the two of them continue to be together as partners.

Out of all the things you've been able to do in "Pokémon" are there any parts that are seared into your memory?

Ueda:  I'm in charge of a lot of the Pokémon in the movies, even ones I'm not credited for, and so I'm always finding myself in situations where I'll be playing the Pokémon on both sides of a battle. Because of this, our Pikachu master (Ms. Ikue Ohtani) gave me the nickname "Poké-da Mon-ji" (ポケ田モン司). I'm extremely honored by this (laughs).


There's also the unforgettable song Minna de Arukou! performed by Satoshi, Kasumi, Takeshi, Kenji, and each of their partner Pokémon. Each performance exudes the characters' unique flavors, and even though we all must have recorded our parts separately we were still somehow able to strike a magnificent balance with our voices and so I'd like to applaud everyone for all their hard work. On top of that, you should really pay attention to the lyricist who wrote the song. It really is a fantastic piece of music.


As a performer, do you have any hopes or expectations for Pokémon moving forward?

Ueda:  Some people say that the Pokémon are the main characters of the show, after all, so I want to see those Pokémon depicted as full of life as they can so that the audience can get a peak of them in their natural habitat...I'd say that'd be the goal.

Do you have anything you want to say to Satoshi, Pikachu, and the Rocket-Dan who have been energetically traveling around these last 20 years?

Ueda:  Well I'm still with this wonderful cast and have been for pretty much all this time. I started out with Takeshi, traveled around with Satoshi for a bunch of years, played some of the ace Pokémon Satoshi would end up using in various battle tournaments, was one of the Isshu Gym Leaders, and have been one of the Rocket-Dan's Pokémon since the very first series. Takeshi may have "graduated" from the show but I'm still very much going to that school (laughs). Everything for me is still in the present progressive tense and so it's hard for me to really sum up how I feel.


Finally, please give us a message for all the fans out there who love Pokémon.

Ueda:  Satoshi's journey continues. Please continue to look after Satoshi as he interacts with, relates to, and deepens his bonds with various Pokémon. What else...I think we're all fascinated by how Pokémon are creatures that're different from humans. The thing that would make me the most happy, my number one wish, is for people to think of Pokémon not in terms of which actor's doing which voice, but to hear their expressive cries and to see them as real creatures living in the world of "Pocket Monsters."

Mayumi Iizuka (Kasumi)

Kasumi (played by Mayumi Iizuka) Profile: Born on January 3rd, from Tokyo, belongs to the Kenyu Office talent agency. Her main works include playing Makoto Sawatari in Kanon and Cleao in Sorcerous Stabber Orphen, among others. She also keeps busy working as a singer, stage actor, etc.

What was your impression of Kasumi back then? And what did you notice about her after playing her?

Iizuka:  The first time we meet Kasumi we're greeted with someone who's unbelievably frank and straightforward. Like when she's absolutely fuming as she has her bicycle flung over her shoulders (laughs). I'd say she's a girl who cannot lie, hates losing, and is true to herself. She even goes so far as to proclaim herself “The Beauty of the World!” (laughs). There's laughter, there's anger, and there are tears. And because she wears her heart on her sleeve she's actually very aware of what she herself is feeling at any given moment. These are the things I was thinking about when I was playing Kasumi. All while working to get myself in tune with her as a character.

What similarities and differences to you think you have with Kasumi?

Iizuka:  Oh, Kasumi's taught me so so much, more than I can even know. Maybe it's even gotten to the point where I can't tell where I end and she begins? (laughs) We're both always looking ahead and are pure and cheerful and true to ourselves, but we also have this side where we can be strong-minded tomboyish mermaids who know what we want and who are bugged by bugs (laughs)

Is there any part of the TV series that you feel has changed, or that you feel hasn't changed at all, from 20 years ago vs. today?

Iizuka: During Satoshi's and Pikachu's journey, I really feel like those encounters with the Pokémon and friends that make this such a unique show are like the spices that keep getting added to a pot. The bonds and love that come out of those relationships never fade and that's what I think makes this show so warm and endearing.

What do the main characters Satoshi and Pikachu mean to you, Ms. Iizuka?

Iizuka:  Satoshi sees Kasumi as the friend who was there since the very beginning of his long, long journey. And Kasumi sees Satoshi as someone she was furious with over her trashed bike but then later become good friends with (laughs). Kasumi hates to lose and Satoshi is very straightforward and so the two of them would sometimes butt heads, but at some point it just sort of became second nature for them to be together and share their laughter and tears. Kasumi has definitely became stronger and nicer because of Satoshi and Pikachu, don't you think? So I think of the two of them as my precious friends who taught me many important things.

In the history of the Pokémon TV animation, including the movies, are there any stories that stand out to you?

Iizuka:  For Kasumi, it's the growth she experienced in that one episode where she overcame the trauma she had with Gyarados that led to her eventually becoming good friends with it. And meanwhile I was over here like a mother looking at her child and going “I knew you could do it!” It's that flashback scene, especially, of a baby Kasumi laughing to herself as she mindlessly wanders into the gaping mouth of a Gyarados, gets spit out, and then starts bawling her eyes out. I wonder if that's when she started to become a tomboyish mermaid? (laughs)

And in the history of the Pokémon TV animation, including the movies, are there any particularly memorable Pokémon, friends, or enemies to you?

Iizuka:  This show's just overflowing with charming Pokémon and other characters so I really can't choose a “number one”...but you know...Kasumi does have that one partner...I guess...(laughs)

I can't stay mad at it even when I'm saying “Oh, come on! You let yourself out of your ball again!?” Of course I'm talking about Koduck!!

Do you have anything you want to say to Satoshi, Pikachu, and the Rocket-Dan who have been energetically traveling around these last 20 years?

Iizuka:  So many years have passed but my memories of those times are just as fresh as ever.

“I want to travel with you all again~!”

The smiles we experienced on the road, the hope of someday reuniting with the friends whose strength matches up with the number of times we cried......that's how Kasumi's spending her days now as well.

Finally, please give us a message for all the fans out there who love Pokémon.

Iizuka:  I'm thankful for all the fans whose hearts continue to overflow with love for the world of “Pokémon” and for those who share that love toward us here on the staff as well. I'll continue to take the Pokémon Power I've got in my heart and turn it into the energy needed to keep going, everyday. Please continue to “get” all sorts of smiles, together, from here on out!

Unshou Ishizuka (Dr. Ookido)

Dr. Ookido (played by Unshou Ishizuka) Profile: Born on May 16th, from Katsuyama City in the Fukui Prefecture, belongs to Aoni Production. Sponsors the “Unshou Ishizuka Reading Company.” His main works include playing Joseph Joestar in Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable, among others.

What did you think when you first read the script for Pocket Monsters The Movie “I Choose You!”?

Ishizuka:  I really made me reminisce about the good old days, of course, but that's not all. It also showed me just how much the Pokémon world's been evolving all this time.

How do you feel about the relationship between Satoshi and Pikachu?

Ishizuka:  I can feel that they really do have a deep bond with each other. And that they're true partners. I can feel how strong their friendship is due to them overcoming so many hardships together.

Is there any part of your performance that you feel has changed, or that you've made a conscious effort to change, from 20 years ago vs. today?

Ishizuka:  Personally, I don't feel like it's changed all that much. I think maybe my narration has become a little bit softer but that could just be because I'm getting old.

What do the main characters Satoshi and Pikachu mean to you, Mr. Ishizuka?

Ishizuka:  I'm a bit jealous of them, actually. I think they have a closeness with each other that you don't really see that much even among humans, much less with something like human and Pokémon.

In the history of the Pokémon TV animation, including the movies, are there any stories that stand out to you?

Ishizuka: “Celebi: A Timeless Encounter,” the movie that had Dr. Ookido as a young boy, has really stuck with me all these years.

And in the history of the Pokémon TV animation, including the movies, are there any particularly memorable Pokémon, friends, or enemies to you?

Ishizuka: The Koiking Salesman in the animated series stands out to me. He's an easygoing old man who tells tall tales but for some reason you can't help but be taken in by his charm. I hope we get to see him again someday.

As a performer, do you have any hopes or expectations for Pokémon moving forward?

Ishizuka: I want it to be a show filled with things like courage and hope. That's already the case now but I want it to be even more so in the future.

Do you have anything you want to say to Satoshi, Pikachu, and the Rocket-Dan with whom you've been with these last 20 years?

Ishizuka: I want you to tell them thank you for everything and for us to keep up the good work.

Finally, please give us a message for all the fans out there who love Pokémon.

Ishizuka: I hope you feel courage, energy, and, above all, a sense of friendship through the shows' many battles.

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