What is the title of the first episode of the Pokémon anime, marking an early milestone before the 30th anniversary?

The first episode of the Pokémon anime is titled Pokémon, I Choose You!

The episode introduces Ash Ketchum, who begins his journey as a Pokémon Trainer after receiving a Pikachu from Professor Oak. Pikachu initially refuses to cooperate and will not remain inside its Poké Ball, establishing the unusual partnership at the center of the early series.

Ash and Pikachu become closer after a flock of Spearow attacks them. Ash protects Pikachu, and Pikachu responds by using an electrical attack to drive the Spearow away. The episode ends with the pair setting out together, creating the relationship that defined much of the anime’s original run.

The episode was first broadcast in Japan on 1 April 1997 on TV Tokyo. It is sometimes remembered mainly as Ash’s first episode, but its title is also a direct reference to the franchise’s choice-based starter Pokémon tradition.