Pikachu has been the mascot of the Pokémon franchise since the games launched in Japan in 1996, with the anime following in 1997, and its high-pitched voice has become one of the most recognisable sounds in pop culture. Short clips of the character singing, humming and chirping have circulated online for years as fan edits and anime vocal clips, shared in memes, reaction videos and cute compilations. Their appeal comes from nostalgia and contrast: a tiny, powerful creature delivering a cheerful performance, which keeps the sound popular with Pokémon fans and casual viewers alike.