The official Japanese Pokémon Anime PR X account posted an episode preview on April 22nd, 2026.

The Pokémon anime episode airing Friday, April 24th, 2026 is... episode 135, "Awakening! The Rakulium Core of Doom"! The 18 Pokémon Terastallize through Pagogo (Terapagos)'s power! However, surely there's no way the Explorers, commanded by Spinel himself, are just going to stand there and watch...?!

アニポケ 4/24(金)放送
第135話「覚醒！滅びのラクリウム・コア」
パゴゴ(テラパゴス)の力で18匹のポケモンたちがテラスタル！
しかし、スピネル率いるエクスプローラーズが黙っているはずもなく…!?

Hiroaki Takagi (髙木啓明) posted a comment on May 1st, 2026.

For pkmn#135, it was a team of four Episode Directors, and the Key Animation was also divided amongst the team members.
Thank you all for your support, especially with the opening we worked on, which had minor changes through the chapter.

pkmn#135は四人チームで演出をやりつつ
原画もチームでパート取ったりでやってました。
マイナーチェンジを繰り返しずっと作っていたOPと併せて、皆様ありがとうございました

Editing company JAY FILM posted a comment on the official AniPoke X PR's post on April 24th, 2026, indicating Masashi Nogawa edited this episode.

[O.A. Info] Episode 135 of the Pocket Monsters anime, which airs today at 6:55 PM, was Edited by Nogawa from our company! Please tune in and pay attention to the editing as well.

【O.A.情報】弊社野川が編集を担当しましたアニメ『ポケットモンスター』第135話が本日18:55より放送されます！ぜひ編集にも注目してご覧ください

REC posted on their X account on April 27th, 2026 indicating they worked on this episode.

I had the opportunity to work on the Line Photography for Pocket Monsters anime episode 135!
It will be available for a limited time until around noon on Friday, May 1st, 2026!

【アニメ『ポケットモンスター』第135話】
線撮影でお手伝いさせて頂きました！
5月1日（金）正午ごろまで期間限定で配信中！

STUDIO MILKFISH posted genga frames on April 25th, 2026, the day after this episode originally aired in Japan, by Key Animation artists Pei Ling Yang (楊珮玲) and Pei Chen Xie (謝沛宸).

A1: 12:53
A2-1-1: 13:46
A3: 13:51
B2-1: 13:32
A2-2: 13:06
B2: 12:52
B3: 13:22
PMT08_135_0200_LO_e_ss_ge_A3: 13:00
PMT08_135_0201_LO_e_ss_ge_A1: 13:03
PMT08_135_0217_lo_e_ss_ga_E1: 13:55
FGH1: 13:56

Key Animation artist Mehdi Aouichaoui posted a comment on the official AniPoke X PR's post on April 27th, 2026, indicating they worked on this episode.

It was a great honor to be part of Pokémon Episode 135!
Here is footage of the shot I worked on.
It’s the scene where the flying bird [Armorga] is chased inside the crystal [Rakulium Core], and it includes 2D background animation.
Thank you for watching!

ポケモン第135話に参加できて、とても光栄でした！
こちらは私が担当したカットの原撮です。
飛ぶ鳥がクリスタルの中を追われるシーンで、2D背景アニメーションも含まれています。
ご覧いただきありがとうございます！

He also posted another comment on a different official AniPoke X PR's post.

Also, I was the in charge of the Key Animation for this second cut too!
Thank you for watching!

また、2つ目のカットも私が作画を担当しました！
ご覧いただきありがとうございます！

CoroCoro Comic's Official website posted an article about this episode just before the original airing on April 24th, 2026.


It's do-or-die! The Rakulium Core of Doom... Awakens!?

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!


Liko and her friends have finally reached the heart of Rakua. Empowered by Pagogo’s Stellar Form, Liko’s Pokémon and the Six Heroes Pokémon begin to Terastallize one after another!

With 18 Terastallized Pokémon now gathered before the Rakulium Core, preparations for the Rakulium's purification are complete!!


▲ As if in response to Pagogo’s transformation into its Stellar Form, the Six Heroes Pokémon rushed to the land of Rakua and have also Terastallized!!


▲ Finally, 18 Terastal Pokémon and their Trainers have gathered in Rakua. Now, it’s finally time to eliminate Rakulium!!

But the Explorers, determined not to let the Rakulium be eliminated, launch an all-out attack at Spinel’s signal!

The Explorers target the 18 Terastal Pokémon, who are immobilized during the Rakulium purification process. Not a single one of the 18 Terastal Pokémon needed for the purification can be lost...!! Liko and the others find themselves in an unexpected struggle!!


▲ At a signal from Spinel, who was waiting in the center of Rakua, an attack on the 18 Teras Type Pokémon begins.


▲ Liko and the others send out all their Pokémon to protect the 18 Teras Type Pokémon from the Explorers’ attacks. But...…!!


▲ The defending Pokémon are still suffering from the damage they sustained during the fierce battles they fought on their way to the center, and now they’re in trouble under the Explorers’ relentless assault...…!!


▲ And then, because of a "certain action" Spinel took, the Rakulium Core awakens......!?


▲ The ominous form…... Is this the awakened Rakulium Core!?

If you're wondering about what happens next, be sure to tune in to Pokémon anime starting at 6:55 p.m. tonight!!

【アニポケまであとちょっと！】絶体絶命！ 滅びのラクリウム・コア……覚醒!?
絶体絶命！滅びのラクリウム・コア……覚醒!?
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!!
ついにラクアの中心部にたどりついたリコたち。ステラフォルムになったパゴゴの力を受けて、リコたちのポケモン、そして六英雄ポケモンたちが次々にテラスタルする！
ついにラクリウム・コアの前に18テラスタイプのポケモンが集結し、ラクリウム浄化の準備は整った!!
▲ステラフォルムになったパゴゴに応えるようにラクアの地に駆けつけた六英雄ポケモンたちもテラスタル!!
▲ついに18テラスタルのポケモンとトレーナーがラクアに集う。今度こそラクリウムを消し去る時だ!!
しかしエクスプローラーズはラクリウムを消さすまいと、スピネルの合図を皮切りに総攻撃を仕掛けてくる！
ラクリウム浄化中は身動きが取れない18テラスタイプのポケモンたち目掛けて攻撃するエクスプローラーズ。浄化に必要な18テラスタイプのポケモンは1匹たりとも欠けるわけにはいかない……!!　リコたちは思わぬ苦戦を強いられることに!!
▲ラクアの中心部で待ち構えていたスピネルの合図で、18テラスタイプのポケモンに向けた攻撃が開始される
▲持てるポケモンをすべて繰り出してエクスプローラーズの攻撃から18テラスタイプのポケモン守ろうとするリコたち。しかし……!!
▲守るポケモンたちは中心部へ来るまで激しいバトルを乗り越えてきたダメージが残っていて、エクスプローラーズの猛攻によって大ピンチに……!!
▲さらにスピネルが取った「ある行動」によって、ラクリウム・コアが覚醒してしまう……!?
▲この禍々しい姿……これが覚醒したラクリウム・コアなのか!?
気になる続きは本日よる6時55分からスタートのアニポケをチェックしよう!!

Takeshi Morita (森田岳士) posted on his X account announcing he worked on this episode.

I had the opportunity to work on Key Animation for the Pocket Monsters anime.
アニポケ アニメポケットモンスター　原画で参加させて頂きました

Screenwriter Kureha Matsuzawa (松澤くれは) posted a comment on the official AniPoke X PR's post on April 24th, 2026, indicating he wrote the Screenplay for this episode.

I wrote the screenplay for Anipoke Episode 135!
We’ve made it this far.
Please tune in next week to see how it all plays out.

アニポケ第135話脚本担当しました。
ここまで来ました。
来週、どうか見届けてください。

Yusuke Oshida (忍田雄介) posted on his X account on April 24th, 2026 indicating he worked on this episode.

For today's Anipoke episode, I worked on the Action Part Storyboards, and also did Action Supervision, Key Animation and was an Animation Director!
I’ve was involved in many stages of production to ensure we can bring this intense final battle to life.
I was also able to enlist the help of some of my colleagues! Thank you so much!
Looking forward to next week as well!

本日のアニポケ
アクションパートコンテ、アクション監修、作監、原画にて参加しました！
熱い最終決戦が描けるように多くの工程で参加させていただいております。
繋がりのあるスタッフの方々にもお願いすることができました！本当にありがとうございました！
来週もよろしくお願いします

Tooru Takano posted a comment on an official Pocket Monsters anime post on April 24th, 2026.

I was able to work on a small part of Episode 135 of the Anipoke!!
Thank you very much!!!

アニポケ135話微力ながら参加させていただきました〜！！
ありがとうございました！！！

On April 24th, 2026, this episode was available to watch on the official Japanese YouTube channel. The video was region locked. It was available from April 24th, 2026 to May 1st, 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.

The official Japanese Pokémon Anime PR X account posted an episode airing reminder on April 24th, 2026.

The 18 Teras Type Pokémon are now assembled, and begin purifying the Rakulium Core! However, the core itself awakens and drives Liko and the others up against the wall... How will they take it on...?! The final battle in the Pokémon anime is coming up soon at 6:55pm, make sure to watch it with your own eyes!

アニポケ 第135話「覚醒！滅びのラクリウム・コア」
18テラスタイプのポケモンたちが勢ぞろいし
ラクリウム・コアの浄化を開始！
しかし、ついにラクリウム・コアが覚醒し
絶体絶命の状況に…
リコたちはどう立ち向かうのか…!?
このあとよる6時55分からのアニポケで決戦を見届けてください！

On April 24th, 2026, the official Japanese AniPoke X account posted a Pokémon Anime Day promotional message.

Friday is Pokémon Anime Day! As the Explorers continue attacking the 18 Teras Type Pokémon, Spinel takes an action that awakens the Rakulium Core itself, causing it to change shape! And when Roy's Yellow Lucario and Uruto's Yamirami attack the core, the core hits back...?!

金曜日はアニポケの日
エクスプローラーズによる18テラスタイプのポケモンへの攻撃が続く中、
スピネルの行動により、ラクリウム・コアが覚醒
形態が変わったラクリウム・コアに
ロイの黄色いルカリオ、ウルトのヤミラミ が立ち向かうと
ラクリウム・コアから反撃が…!?

The official Japanese Pokémon PR X account posted an episode preview on April 23rd, 2026.

In tomorrow's episode of the Pokémon anime, the 18 Teras Type Pokémon will play a major role as Pagogo gives them power! A fierce battle breaks out when the Rakulium Core awakens! Will Liko and the others manage to destroy it?!

明日のアニポケは、パゴゴの力を借りて18テラスタイプのポケモンたちが大集合！
ラクリウム・コアが覚醒し、激しいバトルに！
果たしてリコたちは破壊することができるのか!?

The official Japanese Anime PR X account posted a Pokémon Anime Spinel Recap on April 23rd, 2026.

Pokémon Anime Spinel Recap:
At one point, Spinel used Strong Spheres to make the Six Heroes run wild, leading to Rakua's fall... Afterwards, having now become the president of Exceed, he spread the rumor that the Rising Volt Tacklers were to blame for the destruction of the environment in Rakua, then pushed ahead with the development and release of the Strong Spheres. Will the true intent behind his schemes at last be revealed during the final battle next episode?!

アニポケ スピネルを振り返り！
スピネルはかつて、ストロングスフィアを使って六英雄を暴走させ、ラクアを崩壊状態に…
その後、エクシード社の社長となったスピネルは
ラクアの環境破壊をライジングボルテッカーズによるものと流布し、
自身はストロングスフィアの開発と発売を推し進めます
次回、最終決戦でスピネルの野望が明かされる!?

The official Japanese Anime PR X account posted a Pokémon Anime Quiz on April 23rd, 2026.

The "Pika tto Hikaru Pokémon Anime Quiz" presented by Pokédoko: Here is this week's question. Check tomorrow's episode of the Pokémon anime for the answer, okay?

Q: How does Spinel react when he sees the Rakulium tower?
A: He gets moved to tears
B: He gives the tower a big hug

ポケどこ で出題された ピカっとひかる！アニポケクイズ
今回の問題はこちら！
正解は明日のアニポケをチェックしてね

The official Japanese Anime PR X account posted a Spinel Header Giveaway on April 22nd, 2026.

Spinel Header Giveaway:
Spinel is the current president of Exceed and the leader of the Explorers. Despite being the one who dragged the Rising Volt Tacklers' reputation through the mud, he himself seems to be quite popular with the general public...?! Make sure not to miss what happens in the final battle in the Pokémon anime!

―◎スピネルのヘッダープレゼント◎―
現・エクシード社の社長であり、エクスプローラーズを率いているスピネル
ライジングボルテッカーズの悪名を広げた人物ですが世間では人気な様子…!?
アニポケ最終決戦で一体どうなるのか、ぜひお見逃しなく！

The official Japanese Anime PR X account posted a Pokémon Anime Spinel Recap on April 22nd, 2026.

Pokémon Anime Spinel Recap:
Spinel used to operate as an Explorers exec, and would constantly interfere with the Rising Volt Tacklers via surveillance and the manipulation of information, examples including altering Liko's memories and accusing Amethio of treason. And while it looked like he had sworn allegiance to Gibeon, the actual truth was...?!

アニポケ スピネルを振り返り！
かつては、エクスプローラーズの幹部として
動いていたスピネル
リコの記憶を操作したり
アメジオが裏切ったと告発したりと情報操作や監視によって
ライジングボルテッカーズを妨害し続けてきました
ギベオンに忠誠を誓っているように見えていたのですが…!?

The official Japanese Anime PR X account posted a Next Episode Featured Points on April 22nd, 2026.

On Spinel's orders, the Explorers start firing off moves at the 18 Teras Type Pokémon to prevent the Rakulium from getting eradicated! Driven up against the wall, Liko and the others fight on, refusing to give up as Spinel takes a "certain action" that awakens the Rakulium Core itself...?!

アニポケ 次回注目ポイント
ラクリウムを消させまいとするスピネルの指示で
18テラスタイプのポケモンたちに
わざを仕掛けるエクスプローラーズ
絶体絶命の状況で諦めず立ち向かうリコたちですが
スピネルが取った「ある行動」により
ラクリウム・コアが覚醒…!?

The title for this episode Awakening! The Rakulium Core of Doom (覚醒！滅びのラクリウム・コア) was first revealed on April 9th, 2026 in Animedia Anime Hunter Plus May 2026.

On April 23rd, 2026, the official Japanese Anime PR X account posted a key frame featuring Spinel.

We present a key frame of Spinel from episode 135. His arms are covered in Rakulium crystals... What kind of expression does he have here? One of ecstasy? Of despair? Or maybe...

アニポケ マニア
第135話よりスピネルの原画をご紹介
腕にはラクリウムの結晶が…
表情が意味するのは恍惚？絶望？それとも…？

On May 7th, 2026, the official Japanese Anime PR X account posted a key frame featuring White Zygarde Perfect Forme.

We reveal a key frame from episode 135, "Awakening! The Rakulium Core of Doom"! Cells gather in Rakua, making the White Zygarde turn into its Perfect Forme!

アニポケ マニア特別編
第135話「覚醒！滅びのラクリウム・コア」より原画を公開！
ラクアでセルが集結し、白いジガルデがパーフェクトフォルムに！

On May 9th, 2026, the official Japanese Anime PR X account posted a key frame featuring Friede.

We reveal a key frame from episode 135, "Awakening! The Rakulium Core of Doom"! This one lets you see the serious expression on Friede's face as he fights the Rakulium Core!

アニポケ マニア特別編
第135話「覚醒！滅びのラクリウム・コア」より原画を公開！
ラクリウム・コアに立ち向かうフリードの真剣な表情が見られます！

On May 10th, 2026, the official Japanese Anime PR X account posted a key frame featuring Captain Pikachu.

We reveal a key frame from episode 135, "Awakening! The Rakulium Core of Doom"! Captain Pikachu is caught off guard by the Rakulium Core as well...?!

アニポケ マニア特別編
第135話「覚醒！滅びのラクリウム・コア」より原画を公開！
キャプテンピカチュウもラクリウム・コアに一瞬を突かれて…!?