What was the English title of the Pokémon anime’s debut episode?

The English title of the Pokémon anime’s debut episode is “Pokémon, I Choose You!”

The episode introduces Ash Ketchum, his hometown of Pallet Town and his first partner, Pikachu. Ash arrives late to Professor Oak’s laboratory and receives Pikachu instead of one of the three traditional starter Pokémon.

Pikachu initially refuses to cooperate, but the pair begin forming their friendship during a dangerous journey. The episode ends with Ash witnessing a mysterious legendary bird Pokémon, an image that became one of the anime’s most memorable early moments.

The episode first aired in Japan on April 1, 1997, and later premiered in the United States in September 1998. Its English title is sometimes shortened informally, but “Pokémon, I Choose You!” is the canonical title used for the debut episode.