Who is credited as the director of Pokémon, I Choose You!, the anime’s first episode?

Masamitsu Hidaka directed “Pokémon, I Choose You!”, the first episode of the Pokémon anime.

The episode first aired in Japan on April 1, 1997, introducing Ash Ketchum’s journey and his initially reluctant partner, Pikachu. Ash arrives late to Professor Oak’s laboratory and receives Pikachu after the three traditional starter Pokémon have already been chosen.

The story establishes several features that became central to the television series: Ash’s determination, Pikachu’s independence, Pokémon battles, and the bond between a Trainer and a Pokémon. A flock of Spearow also drives the episode’s climactic chase.

Masamitsu Hidaka directed the episode, while Takeshi Shudo wrote it. Kunihiko Yuyama served as the anime’s chief director and later directed many Pokémon films, which is why his name is also strongly associated with the early series. Ikue Ōtani is the Japanese voice of Pikachu, not the episode’s director.