Who directed the original Pokémon anime series?

Kunihiko Yuyama directed the original Pokémon anime series.

Yuyama served as the series' chief director from its 1997 beginning through much of its original run. He guided the anime's visual style, pacing, character presentation, and adaptation of the Pokémon game world for television. His work helped establish the long-running format centered on Ash, Pikachu, travel, battles, and encounters with new Pokémon.

Takeshi Shudo was the principal writer during the early years and created many of the series' story structures and recurring character dynamics. Masamitsu Hidaka directed the first episode, Pokémon, I Choose You!, but directing that premiere is not the same as being the chief director of the overall series. Satoshi Tajiri created the original game concept rather than directing the anime.

Yuyama also directed many Pokémon theatrical films, including Pokémon: The First Movie and later entries. In 2023, the television series moved from Ash and Pikachu's long-running story to a new central cast featuring Liko and Roy, marking a major change after decades of continuity.