by Fans of the original Pokémon Red and Green games have a reason to celebrate. Pokémon: The Origin, the special anime based directly on the classic Game Boy titles, will be broadcast on BS12 Twelvi as part of its popular Sunday Anime Theater programming block.
The special will air on August 2 at 7:00 PM (JST), giving longtime Pokémon fans and newcomers alike the opportunity to experience one of the franchise’s most faithful adaptations of the original games.
Pokémon: The Origin Brings the Original Games to Life
Originally broadcast in 2013 on the TV Tokyo network, Pokémon: The Origin is a four-episode anime special that follows the story of Red, the protagonist from the original Pokémon Red and Green games released in Japan in 1996.
Unlike the long-running Pokémon television series starring Ash Ketchum, Pokémon: The Origin closely follows the storyline of the original video games. It recreates the world of the Kanto region, featuring familiar locations, Gym Leaders, rivals, and legendary Pokémon that longtime players will instantly recognize.
The anime was created to celebrate the legacy of the original Pokémon games and remains one of the most beloved adaptations among fans.
A Nostalgic Adventure Through the Kanto Region
The story begins when Red receives his first Pokémon from Professor Oak and sets out on an unforgettable journey to complete the Pokédex and become the strongest Pokémon Trainer.
Throughout his adventure, Red faces numerous challenges, including:
- Rival battles against Green
- Gym battles against powerful leaders such as Brock
- Encounters with the villainous Team Rocket
- A confrontation with Giovanni, the leader of Team Rocket
- The search for rare and legendary Pokémon
- Intense Pokémon League battles
- A memorable encounter with the mysterious Mewtwo
Every episode faithfully recreates iconic moments from the original games while delivering modern animation and exciting battle sequences.
Why Pokémon: The Origin Is Different
One of the biggest reasons fans continue to praise Pokémon: The Origin is its faithfulness to the source material.
Instead of following the anime-original adventures of Ash, this special adapts the events of Pokémon Red and Green, making it feel much closer to the classic RPG experience. It also features a slightly more mature tone, strategic Pokémon battles, and several references that longtime fans of the games will appreciate.
For viewers who have never played the original games, the anime also serves as an excellent introduction to the history of the Pokémon franchise.
Voice Cast
The talented Japanese voice cast includes:
- Red – Junko Takeuchi
- Green – Takuya Eguchi
- Professor Oak – Koji Mori
- Brock (Takeshi) – Tomokazu Sugita
- Giovanni – Rikiya Koyama
- Reina – Yui Ishikawa
- Lance – Tokuyoshi Kawashima
- Mr. Fuji (Old Man Fuji) – Minoru Inaba
Their performances help bring the iconic characters of the Kanto region to life while remaining faithful to the spirit of the original games.
Broadcast Information
Title: Pokémon: The Origin
Broadcast Date: August 2
Time: 7:00 PM (JST)
Channel: BS12 Twelvi – Sunday Anime Theater
How to Watch:
- BS12 (BS Button + 12)
- Channel 222
Viewers are encouraged to check the official BS12 broadcast schedule for any programming updates before the airing.
Why Fans Should Watch
Whether you’re a longtime Pokémon Trainer who grew up playing Pokémon Red and Green or someone discovering the series for the first time, Pokémon: The Origin offers an exciting and faithful adaptation of one of gaming’s most influential titles.
Its high-quality animation, nostalgic atmosphere, memorable soundtrack, and faithful retelling of the original adventure make it a must-watch for Pokémon fans of all ages. With Red’s journey, classic Pokémon battles, and appearances from legendary characters, this special remains one of the franchise’s standout animated productions.
Don’t miss the chance to revisit the Kanto region when Pokémon: The Origin returns to television on August 2 at 7:00 PM on BS12 Twelvi’s Sunday Anime Theater.
Copyright: ©2013 Pokémon. ©1995–2013 Nintendo / Creatures Inc. / GAME FREAK inc.
