Pikachu's Summer Vacation

Aired: 1998

A short film released alongside the theatrical Pokemon feature. By boldly omitting human character faces and letting Pokemon speak only in their own language (with Meowth as the sole exception), the film captures Pikachu and friends enjoying a summer day through expression and action rather than dialogue. A minor dispute sparked by a crying Togepi is resolved through teamwork, conveying themes of imagination and empathy and setting the template for Pokemon theatrical shorts to come.