The official Japanese Pokémon PR X account posted a preview on December 18th, 2025.

In tomorrow's episode of the Pokémon anime, the mysteries of Friede's solo adventure will finally get revealed? We'll also get to see his encounter with Instructor Starmie as he aims for going to space! Check out the episode preview on the official Youtube channel!

明日のアニポケで、単独行動をしていたフリードの謎が明らかに？
宇宙をめざす中でスターミー教官との出会いも！
公式YouTubeチャンネルで予告編をチェックしよう！

The official Japanese Anime PR X account retweeted a Pokémon Anime Header Giveaway on December 21st, 2025.

Pokémon Anime Header Giveaway:
Friede made his reappearance in the show in episode 121, and despite plenty of complications, was able to successfully reunite with the Rising Volt Tacklers! Make sure to check out the Youtube upload of episode 122 as well, which tells the story of how he first met his new companion Instructor Starmie, and also features Mega Lizardon Y!

アニポケ ヘッダープレゼント
第121話でフリードが再登場！
トラブル続きでしたが、無事にライジングボルテッカーズと再会出来ました
新たな仲間・スターミー教官との出会いや
メガリザードンＹも登場する
第122話、見逃し配信も要チェックです！

The official Japanese Anime PR X account retweeted a post by the official Polkadot Stingray PR account on December 19th, 2025 to promote the release of the Nete mo samete mo Anime Version Music Video.

New Profile Picture
We're thrilled to announce that Polka's SNS icons have been specially drawn from scratch!
Vo&Gt. Shizuku (@HZshizuku)'s icon is also a complete original illustration.
Be sure to check both out!

新しいプロフィール画像
なんとこの度ポルカのSNSアイコンを特別に
描き下ろしていただきました
Vo&Gt.雫(@HZshizuku )のアイコンも完全描き下ろし
どちらも要チェックです

The official Japanese Anime PR X account retweeted a post by Shizuku on December 19th, 2025 to promote the release of the Nete mo samete mo Anime Version Music Video.

I changed my icon.
Can you believe it? The AniPoke team drew it for me...
Eh~!?, I'm so happy~!
Good things always happen!
I'll be sure to work hard.

アイコン変えました。
なんと、アニポケのチームが、描いてくれた……
え〜嬉しいよ〜
いいことあるもんやなぁ
仕事がんばろ

CoroCoro Comic's Official website posted an article about this episode just before the original airing on December 19th, 2025.


Finally, all the Rising Volt Tacklers have assembled! ...Or so we thought, as all of a sudden, they're facing disbandment!?

Broadcasting every week from 6:55 pm! The anime "Pocket Monsters" will start airing soon! In this article, we'll introduce you to the Pokémon and characters that will appear in today's episode, as well as comments from the voice actors and director, and other information you won't find anywhere else!


After completing his mission in space, Friede has finally returned to the Rising Volt Tacklers!

Facing Liko and the others, who have a mountain of questions and concerns, Friede begins to speak quietly. What happened to Friede as he fell from the skies above Rakua that day? His encounter with Instructor Starmie and the investigation in space. And... the new information about Rakulium he uncovered in space...!!


▲ How did he end up in space!? Friede keeps revealing shocking revelations!


▲ Is this something Friede brought back from space......? It looks like a Rakulium......!?

Liko and the others rejoice that Friede has returned. Roy, in particular, seems relieved that Friede, their leader, is back...

But seeing Roy like that, Friede proposes a Pokémon battle with him!! And if Roy loses, the Rising Volt Tacklers will disband!! What is going on!?


▲ Friede challenges Roy to a battle. And if Roy loses, the Rising Volt Tacklers will disband!?


▲ While Friede was away, Roy stepped up as leader to keep everyone together. Just when he thought Friede's return would lift the weight off his shoulders......!!


▲ Laudbon has been wishing since its Hogator days to become as strong as Lizardon, so this is a battle that is about to begin that it absolutely cannot lose!!

Check out AniPoke tonight at 6:55 PM to see how this fateful battle ends!!

【アニポケまであとちょっと！】ようやくライジングボルテッカーズ全員集合！ ……と思ったらいきなり解散の危機!?
ようやくライジングボルテッカーズ全員集合！……と思ったらいきなり解散の危機!?
毎週金曜よる6時55分から放送中！
アニメ「ポケットモンスター」まもなく放送開始!!
この記事はアニメ放送前に、今日の放送回に登場するポケモンやキャラクターの紹介、声優さんや監督からのコメントなどなど、ほかでは聞けないアニポケ情報をお届けするコーナーだ!!
宇宙でのミッションを終えて、ようやくフリードがライジングボルテッカーズのもとへ帰ってきた！
気になることや聞きたいことが山ほどあるリコたちを前に、フリードは静かに語り始める。あの日、ラクアの上空から落下したフリードに何があったのか。スターミー教官との出会いと宇宙での調査の話。そして…宇宙でつかんだラクリウムの新情報について……!!
▲そもそもどうやって、どうして宇宙に!?　次々にフリードの口から飛び出す衝撃の事実！
▲これはフリードが宇宙から持ち帰ったもの……？　ラクリウムのように見えるが……!?
フリードの帰還を喜ぶリコたち。特にロイはみんなのリーダーであるフリードが戻ったことに安心した様子だが……。
そんなロイを見たフリードが申し出たのはロイとのポケモンバトルだった!!　さらにロイが負けたらライジングボルテッカーズは解散だという!!　いったいどういうこと!?
▲ロイとのバトルを申し出るフリード。しかもロイが負けたらライジングボルテッカーズは解散!?
▲フリードがいないあいだ、リーダーとしてみんなをまとめてきたロイ。フリードが帰ってきて肩の荷が下りると思いきや……!!
▲ホゲータの頃からリザードンみたいに強くなりたいと願い続けてきたラウドボーンにとっても、絶対に負けられないバトルが始まる!!
この運命のバトルの結末は
今日よる6時55分からのアニポケをチェックしてね!!

On December 19th, 2025, the official Japanese AniPoke X account reminded that this episode was available to watch on the official Japanese YouTube channel. The video was region locked. It was available from December 19th, 2025 to January 9th, 2026. This episode was specifically labeled as a missed-program webcast (見逃し配信).

The episode was also available on the TV Tokyo YouTube channel and the Official Corocoro Channel and were labeled as limited-time delivery (期間限定配信) and were region locked. The TV Tokyo version included the series trailer at the end of the episode where as the Corocoro version had beginning and ending bumpers promoting Corocoro.

AniPoke Episode 122 Red-Hot Wings! Roy VS Friede
How was the final AniPoke episode of the year?
Laudbon was singing and battling with joy and a flame ignited in Roy's heart.
After seeing that, we were relieved.
As for Friede and Lizardon...
Check the missed stream!
The next broadcast is Friday, January 9th, 2026!

アニポケ 第122話「灼熱の翼！ロイＶＳフリード」
年内最後のアニポケはいかがでしたか？
歌い、楽しんでバトルする ラウドボーン
ロイの心にも炎が灯りました
その姿を見て安心した
フリードとリザードン は…
見逃し配信でチェック！
次回の放送は2026年1月9日(金)です！

On December 19th, 2025, the official Japanese AniPoke X account posted an episode airing reminder.

As he was falling from the Brave Asagi, something caught Friede's eye! And after going to the Houen region to research the composition of the Rakulium, he seems to have realized its connection to space?! We'll also learn how he first met Instructor Starmie here in the final Pokémon episode of 2025, coming up soon at 6:55pm!

アニポケ 第122話「灼熱の翼！ロイＶＳフリード」
ブレイブアサギ号から落下する最中、あることに気づいたというフリード
ラクリウムの成分について
ホウエン地方で調査し宇宙との関係に気づいたようで!?
スターミー教官との出会いも分かる！
2025年最後のアニポケはよる6時55分から

On December 19th, 2025, the official Japanese AniPoke X account posted a Pokémon Anime Day promotional message.

Friday is Pokémon Anime Day! Roy feels relieved that Friede has returned as the leader of the Rising Volt Tacklers... but then Friede proposes a battle, and if Roy loses... they'll disband?! Roy and Laudbon now take on Friede and Lizardon, whose examples they've been trying to follow. How will this battle go...?!

金曜日はアニポケの日
ライジングボルテッカーズのリーダーとしてフリードが帰ってきて安心…というロイにフリードはバトルを提案
しかもロイが負けたら…解散!?
追い続けてきたフリード、リザードン に挑むロイとラウドボーン
果たしてバトルの行方は…!?

The official Japanese Anime PR X account informed viewers on December 19th, 2025, that a new anime version ending theme of Nete mo samete mo was available to watch on YouTube.

An anime version music video for the ending theme "Nete mo samete mo" by Polkadot Stingray is now available! The animation conveys the path Liko, Roy and the others have taken on their adventure together with their Pokémon! Make sure to check it out!

アニポケライジングアゲイン
ポルカドットスティングレイさんによる(@POLKA_fukuoka)
エンディングテーマ「ねてもさめても」
アニメ版のミュージックビデオが公開されました
リコ、ロイたちとポケモンたちの冒険の軌跡が
伝わってくる映像です！
ぜひご覧ください

YouTube Clip - Anime Version Music Video

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVyKHNdV8SU

The title for this episode Red-Hot Wings! Roy VS Friede (灼熱の翼！ロイVSフリード) was first revealed in TV station (テレビステーション) on December 3rd, 2025.

The official Japanese Anime PR X account posted pictures from the interview with Taku Yashiro (八代拓) on December 18th, 2025.

In the next episode of the Pokénon anime, Roy and Friede are going to battle. We present some candid photos of Friede's voice actor Taku Yashiro-san. He talked about the battle against Roy in the comment video. Make absolutely sure to watch the episode airing Friday December 19th, okay?

次回、ロイとフリードがバトル！
フリード役の八代拓さんのオフショットを公開
ロイとのバトルについて、コメント動画で語ってくれています
12月19日(金)の放送、絶対見てね

The official Japanese Anime PR X account posted a Next Episode Featured Points on December 19th, 2025.

This is Friede's new companion Mega Starmie, which he refers to as "Instructor Starmie"! How did the two of them bond and head off into space together? Well... Wait and see!

アニポケ 次回注目ポイント
フリードが「スターミー教官」と呼ぶ新たな仲間・メガスターミー！
いかにしてキズナを結び、一緒に宇宙に飛び立ったのか…
ご注目ください

The official Japanese Anime PR X account posted a Pokémon Anime Outfit Presentation of Friede on December 17th, 2025.

Pokémon Anime Outfit Presentation:
In the Pokémon anime episode airing Friday, December 19th, 2025, Friede will switch from wearing a space suit to wearing ordinary clothes! Please watch as he turns back into his old proactive self again! (airdate and airtime may vary depending on region)

アニポケ 衣装紹介
12/19(金)放送のアニポケでは宇宙服姿からフリードが私服姿に！
以前のようにアクティブに動くフリードの姿、ぜひご注目ください
※一部地域では放送日時が異なります

The official Japanese Anime PR X account posted a Next Episode Featured Points on December 17th, 2025.

After the decisive battle in Rakua, Friede fell from the Brave Asagi and went missing. He's actually been investigating the Rakulium, but... why did he go to space?! We'll also reveal how he met his new companion Instructor Starmie, as well as what new information he's gathered!

アニポケ 次回注目ポイント
ラクアでの決戦の後、ブレイブアサギ号から落下して
行方不明だったフリード
実は、ラクリウムに関する調査をしていたようなのですが…
なぜ宇宙に!?
さらに、新たな仲間・スターミー教官との出会いや
新たに掴んだ情報も明らかに！

The official Japanese Pokémon PR X account posted a look back at Roy's Laudbon and Friede's Lizardon on December 17th, 2025.

In episode 122 of the Pokémon anime, airing Friday December 19th, 2025, we'll get a battle between Roy's Laudbon and Friede's Lizardon. Hogator had always looked up to Lizardon, and Lizardon seemed really happy every time it evolved. And now that it's evolved into an Achigator, then further into a Laudbon, it's finally time for the two of them to lock horns in a battle!

アニポケ 12/19(金)放送の第122話では、ロイのラウドボーン VS フリードのリザードン がバトル
リザードンにずっと憧れていたホゲータ
リザードンは、進化するたびにうれしそうでした
アチゲータそしてラウドボーンに進化し
ついにバトルでぶつかり合います！

The official Japanese Pokémon PR X account posted a preview on December 17th, 2025.

The Pokémon anime episode airing Friday December 19th is... episode 122, "Red-Hot Wings! Roy VS Friede"! Roy and Friede end up having a battle! If Roy loses... the Rising Volt Tacklers will be disbanded?! Laudbon and Lizardon are fired up as well.

アニポケ 12/19(金)の放送は第122話「灼熱の翼！ロイＶＳフリード」
ロイとフリードがバトルすることに！
ロイが負けたら…ライジングボルテッカーズは解散!?
ラウドボーン と #リザードン も燃えています

The official Japanese Anime PR X account posted a Pokémon Anime Facial Expression Illustration Presentation of Friede on December 15th, 2025.

Pokémon Anime Concept Art Presentation:
We present the concept art of Friede's new design from when he returned in episode 121! This concept art was done by Tomomi Kaneko-san from Game Freak! Friede will be playing a major role in the next episode as well, where you might even get to see him in a more casual outfit, so make sure to check it out, okay?

アニポケ 原案イラスト公開
121話にて再登場したフリードの新たな姿の原案イラストを大公開
手がけたのは、ゲームフリークの金子智美さんです！
次回もフリードが活躍！
ちょっとカジュアルになった服装も見られるかも
ぜひチェックしてね！

The official Japanese Anime PR X account posted a production illustration of Instructor Starmie on December 13th, 2025.

Friede's new companion, the Mega Evolved Instructor Starmie, appeared in episode 121 of the Pokémon anime! It's currently shrouded in mystery, but... episode 122 is going to reveal how Friede and Instructor Starmie met and bonded! Look forward to it!

アニポケ 第121話でフリードの新たな仲間
メガシンカしたスターミー教官 が登場！
謎に包まれた存在ですが…
122話で、スターミー教官とフリードが
どのように出会い、キズナを結んだのか明らかに！
お楽しみに！

The official Japanese Anime PR X account posted a calendar wallpaper on December 13th, 2025 by #もじゃクッキー @mojacookie.

Pokémon Anime Mobile Wallpaper Calendar:
We bring you a Full Group Version for both December and January combined! Friede and Lizardon have come back from space, something Captain Pikachu looks really happy about as well! Friede's new companion, the Mega Evolved Starmie, is also rather intriguing...?!
(by Mojacookie)

アニポケ壁紙カレンダー
12月・1月合併版、集結バージョンをお届け！
宇宙から帰還したフリードとリザードン。
キャプテンピカチュウ もうれしそうです！
フリードの新たな仲間・メガシンカしたスターミー も気になるところですが…!?
（by #もじゃクッキー @mojacookie）

The official Japanese Anime PR X account posted a Pokémon Anime Facial Expression Illustration Presentation of Friede on December 12th, 2025.

Pokémon Anime Facial Expression Illustration Presentation:
We present the space suit Friede was wearing when he made his return in episode 121, which aired yesterday! Next episode will reveal what he was doing in space!

アニポケ 表情イラスト公開
昨日放送の121話にて再登場したフリードの宇宙服を公開！
次回、宇宙で何をしていた

CoroCoro Comic January 2026 Issue (月刊コロコロコミック 2026年01月号) was published by Shogakukan on December 12th, 2025. There was a page dedicated to the anime.

POCKET MONSTERS RISING AGAIN KEEPS GETTING MORE POWERFUL!!! ONE EVOLUTION AFTER ANOTHER!
The adventure in the anime is really hitting its stride now as well! Don't avert your eyes from the Pokémon evolutions!!

THE TIME HAS COME FOR ROY AND THE OTHERS' POKÉMON TO EVOLVE FURTHER!! Roy and the others' training at Blueberry Academy is bearing fruit. Their Partner Pokémon are gaining new power!

DOT'S COLLECUREI HAS EVOLVED!
*It's obtained the 1,000th coin needed for said evolution to take place!
SURFUGO:
Species: Treasure Pokémon
Type: Steel/Ghost
Height: 1.2m
Weight: 30.0kg

ROY'S ACHIGATOR HAS EVOLVED!
*It attained its second evolution through its training with Kakitsubata!
LAUDBON:
Species: Singer Pokémon
Type: Fire/Ghost
Height: 1.6m
Weight: 326.5kg

LIKO'S TEBRIM HAS EVOLVED!
*It evolved through it and Liko seeing eye to eye!
BRIMUON:

Species: Silent Pokémon Type: Psychic/Fairy
Height: 2.1m
Weight: 5.1kg
*The bond between this Trainer and her Pokémon will tug on your heartstrings!

WE'VE OBTAINED SOME TOP SECRET NEWS AS WELL!
FRIEDE IS FINALLY...?!
The missing Friede is coming back?! Not only that, but he's going to have a confrontation with Roy...?! The episode airing December 19th comes highly recommended!
WATCH THIS EVENT ON TV WITH YOUR OWN EYES!!
*So far we've only heard his voice, but now he's appearing in person?!

THIS EPISODE IS A MUST WATCH!!
Scheduled for December 19th: "Red-Hot Wings! Roy VS Friede"

ガッツな笑いとド迫力！　小学生男子の最強バイブル！
日本一売れてる激強月刊コミック誌！ 最新のホビー・ゲーム情報と熱血ストーリー漫画・爆笑ギャグ漫画がブ厚い誌面に超ギッシリ！ ドラえもん、ポケモン、ベイブレード、でんぢゃらすじーさん。いつの時代も、子供たちの遊びをリードする雑誌、それがコロコロコミックです。

〈 目次 〉
・ ［ふろく］ポケモンカードゲーム　ＭＥＧＡ　カードボックス　コロコロバージョン
・ ［ふろく］ポケモンフレンダスペシャルフレンダピック「ミュウツー」
・ ◆ポケットモンスター特報

Source: https://www.shogakukan.co.jp/magazines/0380901126

The official Japanese Anime PR X account announced on December 21st, 2025, that the opening theme Iolite changed to feature Friede, Lizardon and Instructor Starmie.

There have been changes to the Pokémon anime opening animation! In the Pokémon anime opening theme Iolite by Eve-san, Friede, Lizardon and Instructor Starmie the Mega Starmie have been added to the animation now that they've come back from space! Make sure to check it out in the Youtube upload of the new episode too, okay?

アニポケ オープニング映像に変化が！
Eveさんによるアニポケのオープニングテーマ「アイオライト」
宇宙から帰還したフリード、リザードンとメガスターミーのスターミー教官が
映像に加わりました
ぜひ、見逃し配信でもチェックしてね！

On December 18th, 2025, the official Japanese Anime PR X account posted a tweet with concept art featuring Laudbon and Lizardon.

We present key frames of Laudbon VS Lizardon from episode 122. Make sure to pay attention to the heated Pokémon battle where these two very close Pokémon duke it out...

12:53 - Laudbon
15:37 - Lizardon

アニポケ マニア
第122話よりラウドボーンVSリザードン原画をご紹介
関係の深い2匹がぶつかる
熱いポケモンバトル、ご注目ください…

Animator Yusuke Oshida (忍田雄介) posted a comment on the official AniPoke X PR's post indicating the scenes he worked on.

Thank you for watching! Following last episode's Volt Tackle, I was in charge of the animation for this episode's Torch Song.

ご視聴ありがとうございました！
前回話数のボルテッカーに引き続き、本日の話数にてこちらのフレアソングの作画を担当しました

AniPoke Highlights
"Torch Song"

アニポケ ハイライト
『フレアソング』

The original airing on TV Tokyo on December 19th, 2025, had a message above "To Be Continued" which said: After the commercials, "Mega Evolution Showdown"! (CMのあと、「メガシンカ大決戦」！)