Summary:

Halo is the second opening theme for the Pocket Monsters 2023 anime and it replaced Thrillciting Diary. Outstanding creators yama and Botchi Boromaru, who have recently been getting really popular on the Internet, primarily on social media, have teamed up as the special unit "yama x Botchi Boromaru" in order to vigorously sing this fast-paced song!

The new opening theme "Halo" debuted on October 27th, 2023 with episode 26, "Terapagos' Adventure", and was first revealed during the trailer in episode 25.

Variants:

Variant 1: PM2023 26 to PM2023 31
Variant 2: Lucius' Laplace Scar added - PM2023 32

Interviews:

A comment from yama:
When I was little, I was particularly fond of the Pokémon movies, which moved me to tears as I kept watching them over and over. This wasn't because I was a particularly emotional child, but because I found the deep bond between Pokémon and humans, along with the music in these movies, to be so moving. I still play video games even as an adult, and Pokémon ones give me these therapeutic, warm and exciting memories. It's a genuine honor to be allowed to handle the theme song this time.
It will make me really happy if this song wil help ease its listeners' anxieties and insecurities and make them recall how cheerful and exciting their daily life can be, even if just a little. Botchi Boromaru-san and I poured our hearts and souls into this song, so I hope its message will reach as many people as possible.


A comment from Botchi Boromaru:
Pokémon has been there with me in some shape or form ever since I was little, not just as video games, but also as a card game, stickers included with sweets, and plushies. I was especially into the anime, taping it every week and watching the episodes over and over, and singing the opening and ending themes at karaoke competitions during grade school. I even used to draw manga starring Pikachu that I'd show to my friends.
But I never even dreamed that I'd one day get to sing a theme song for the Pokémon anime I loved so much! If I tried telling this to my past self that hadn't even started playing the guitar yet, it'd probably sound too ridiculous to believe. This is hands down the greatest thing that has ever happened to me, no exaggeration! yama-san and I took great care in creating this song as we remembered our past selves and thinking about our present selves at the same time. Please enjoy!!!

YouTube Clip - yama × BotchiBoromaru "halo" Music Video - TV Anime Pocket Monsters Opening theme

On December 13th, 2023, the official yama YouTube channel posted this music video and made it available in 4k.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtSqly4U2cA

YouTube Clip - Hello Lyrics Video

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kk-uRP2XZw4

Production Artwork:

Leading up to the airing of episode 26 on October 27th, 2023, the official Japanese AniPoke PR Twitter account posted production artwork to promote the new openings debut.

TV Tokyo 60th Festival! Music Festival 2023 - November 15th, 2023

yama x Botchi Boromaru performed the opening theme live on the TV Tokyo 60th Festival! Music Festival 2023 (テレ東60祭！ミュージックフェスティバル2023) which aired on November 15th, 2023. They were performance 24 of 100.

Oha Suta - December 22nd, 2023

yama x Botchi Boromaru performed the TV version of the opening live on Oha Suta on December 22nd, 2023. They stood in front of a green screen which had a CG version of the Brave Asagi in the background.

Pocket Monsters New Year's Special 2024

yama x Botchi Boromaru performed a special live version of the Pokémon anime opening "Halo" as part of the Pocket Monsters New Year's 2024 Special !

PokéDoko 91

Near the end of PokéDoko 91, yama x Botchi Boromaru performed Halo live with the PokéDoko hosts and other guest dancing along to the song on the sidelines!

Taiko no Tatsujin Rhythm Festival Music Pass

Taiko no Tatsujin Rhythm Festival added Halo to its Music Pass in an update on March 7th, 2024.
Source: https://dondafulfestival-20th.taiko-ch.net/music/musicpass_list.php

Episodes: