Pokemon Singer Shares How Little Its Theme Song Paid Them
Pokemon is one of the biggest anime series to ever come from Japan, and if you ask people what they remember from the show, they might just sing its theme song. No matter the country, the anime's theme song became a hit with fans, but few can compare to the show's first season theme. But in a recent interview, its singer admitted they made very little to perform the track.
Recently, Matsumoto dished all about her work on the Pokemon theme song during an appearance on a variety show overseas. It was there she was asked what kind of royalties the popular theme song banks her each year. However, Matsumoto left everyone stunned when she revealed she wasn't allowed a royalties contract and earned just over $800 USD for recording the song.
For a theme song known to Japanese millennials everywhere, it is wild to hear how little the Pokemon theme song paid Matsumoto. And sadly, she is not the only singer who faced this problem. In the United States, singer Jason Paige underwent a similar issue after recording Pokemon's iconic English theme song. After suing a number of companies, Paige was awarded about $100,000 USD and continues to perform the track at events across the world.
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As for Matsumoto, the actress seems to hold no ill will over the flat fee. After all, she is still voicing Satoshi in the Pokemon anime to this day. After nearly 30 years with the character, Matsumoto has been paid generously for voicing the world's favorite trainer, and her legacy with Pokemon will only continue to grow.
What do you think about Matsumoto's revelation? Do you have a favorite Pokemon theme song...? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below or hit me up on Twitter @MeganPetersCB.