Aim to Be a Pokémon Master (Japanese: めざせポケモンマスター Mezase Pokémon Master) is the first Japanese opening theme of the original series, with a cover by Whiteberry being the fourth. An arrangement made to commemorate the anime's 20th anniversary replaced Alola!! as the second opening theme of . Another arrangement made to commemorate the anime's 25th anniversary titled Aim to Be a Pokémon Master -with my friends- (Japanese: めざせポケモンマスター -with my friends- Mezase Pokémon Master -with my friends-) replaced One, Two, Three as the second and final opening theme of Pokémon Journeys: The Series.
Aim to Be a Pokémon Master is the most re-used theme song in the Pokémon anime's history, having no fewer than ten versions including the original:
The type symbols appear in a circle, and the series logo appears on the screen. The three fully-evolved Kanto first partner Pokémon, Pikachu, Ash, and an unnamed Lass are seen. This is followed by three scenes showing random Generation I Pokémon.
Ash is then seen with a Poké Ball. After that, he is riding on the back of a Lapras with Pikachu while a Gyarados and Dragonair are seen jumping out and in the water. Next, Ash and Pikachu are looking at Pallet Town. It cuts to a scene with them walking, and then Ash throws a Poké Ball with a Pidgeot inside. The Pokémon then begins battling with a Fearow.
Ash appears looking at the screen, when Misty and Brock appear on either side of him. This is followed by Jessie and James rising up in front of them. Koffing, Meowth and Ekans jump up next, followed by Gary holding a Poké Ball. Ash and his friends are seen running from the rain. This is followed by a short clip of Nurse Joy, Professor Oak, Officer Jenny and Delia Ketchum.
The next scene shows Ash and his friends in Viridian Forest. Then, Ash and Pikachu are seen running with an Arcanine and a Rapidash. The latter Pokémon jumps up, and the three legendary birds are seen flying in the sky. A clip of Mewtwo and Mew in space is shown, followed by Ash in a stadium holding a Poké Ball. His friends appear with him.
Ash is holding a Poké Ball towards the screen. The logo appears, followed by Pikachu fighting a Tyranitar and using Thunderbolt. Ash and his friends are then seen jumping into the water. There, a Mantine, Lanturn, Lapras, and Lugia swim alongside them. Ash turns his hat and faces left.
This is followed by Ash and Pikachu running with Ho-Oh flying in the background. The Trainer looks at a stadium and clips of his Pokémon appear on the screen. A scene then follows, showing Ash and the others looking at a city in which the Legendary beasts, Celebi, Mewtwo and Mew are seen.
Ash and the others are then shown walking into a cave where Misdreavus and Crobat appear. Ash and the others stood at a bridge. Then, the Pichu Brothers are under it. After that, Ash tried to chase after his Pokémon. Then, Team Rocket chased after Ash and his friends. Finally, Ash and his friends chased after Team Rocket with Togepi in front of them.
Four Pokémon and five people are on top and Larvitar stood in front of them. Ash and Pikachu ran up a flight of stairs together with the legendary birds and reached the Plateau. Ash and Pikachu stood in front of many Pokémon. Ash, Misty, Brock and Ash's Pokémon stood together.
The lyrics for all versions of the song are identical with the exception of formatting, backup singers, and the ad-libs shown in parentheses below.
| Japanese | English |
|---|---|
| （ポケモン ゲットだぜーッ！） たとえ 火の中 水の中 草の中 森の中 なかなか なかなか マサラタウンに さよならバイバイ いつもいつでも うまくゆくなんて たとえ 火の中 水の中 草の中 森の中 なかなか なかなか たたかいつかれて おやすみグッナイ きのうの敵は 今日の友って ああ あこがれの ポケモンマスターに ユメは いつか ホントになるって いつもいつでも うまくゆくなんて ああ あこがれの ポケモンマスターに ああ あこがれの ポケモンマスターに | (I'll get you, Pokémon!) Even if in fire, in water, in grass, in forests It's very, very, Farewell, bye-bye, Masara Town Always and forever doing well Even if in fire, in water, in grass, in forests It's very, very, Tired from battling, good night, good night An enemy yesterday is a friend today Ah! I aim to be a Pokémon Master Dreams will someday become reality Always and forever doing well Ah! I aim to be a Pokémon Master Ah! I aim to be a Pokémon Master |
