What is the title of episode 1 of the original Pokémon anime series?

Episode 1 of the original Pokémon anime series is titled “Pokémon, I Choose You!”.

The episode follows Ash Ketchum on his tenth birthday, when he is scheduled to receive his first Pokémon from Professor Oak. Because he oversleeps, the usual starter Pokémon are already gone, leaving him with Pikachu, a stubborn Electric-type Pokémon.

Pikachu refuses to enter its Poké Ball and initially resists Ash’s instructions. Their relationship changes after Ash risks himself to protect Pikachu from wild Spearow. Pikachu then uses its electricity to defend Ash, beginning the partnership that anchors the television franchise.

The title is a variation on the phrase used when a Trainer sends a Pokémon into battle. It also became a recurring expression in the anime and later appeared in the title of a 2017 animated film. The episode’s Japanese broadcast date was April 1, 1997, although international releases came later.