Ash Ketchum from the anime

Ash Ketchum (Japanese: サトシ Satoshi, French: Sacha, German: Ash Ketchum, Korean: Jiu) is the main character of both series of the Pokémon anime and the manga The Electric Tale of Pikachu. His Japanese voice actress is 松本梨香 Rica Matsumoto, and his English voice actress is Veronica Taylor.

Ash is apparently based on the main character of Pokémon Red and Blue, Red. He shares his name with the creator of the Pokémon franchise, Satoshi Tajiri. His Japanese name can be taken to mean "wisdom" or "reason" (智), and his English name has many meanings. His English last name is a pun on the original English Pokémon motto, "Gotta Catch 'em All!"

In the anime

Character

Ash's goal, as described in the first episode, Pikachu! I Choose You!, is to be the world's greatest Pokémon Master. Ash began his journey as a warm-hearted but stubborn and unskilled Pokémon trainer. He was forced to accept the irreverent Pikachu from Professor Oak as his starter Pokémon because he carelessly broke his alarm clock and woke up late on the day he was set to get his first Pokémon. Many of his first Gym Badges were given to him out of pity or gratitude rather than the result of his winning Pokémon battles with the Gym Leaders.

Ash has changed a great deal over the course of the series, but his earnesty and determination have remained. Never straying from his goal, he has remained loyal to his friends, his family, and his supporters, but most of all his Pokémon. Ash became a great trainer by learning to find and use the inner strength of each of his Pokémon. For example, he uses his Pikachu's speed to outmaneuver larger foes. Additionally, whereas Ash, in the first season of the series, trained not to further himself, but instead to catch more Pokémon than his childhood rival, Gary Oak. He later slowed his pace, which allowed him to focus on the individual traits of each Pokémon. At the Johto League Silver Conference, with great humility and maturity, Ash finally won a battle against his old rival, signifying a great milestone in his history.

In nearly every episode of the anime, Ash befriends someone who will influence him and cause him to strive to become a better trainer. Although he is not a dependent individual, he is still young and has learned to make his way relying on his friends. His true friends have joined him on his Pokémon journey through the years: Misty, Brock, Tracey, May, and Max.

He has traversed much of the Pokémon World and has thusfar participated in four Pokémon League regional competitions, but he is still learning new things about Pokémon.

Ash apparently has a close connection with Legendary Pokémon, especially Ho-oh. In the second movie, he was revealed to be "The Chosen One"- the one who would bring balance back to the world.

Family

Ash lived with his mother, Delia Ketchum, until he left for his Pokémon journey at the age of ten.

His father is never introduced. The anime suggests that his father was once a Pokémon trainer, but it is unclear whether he is still living. There is great controversy as to whom Ash's father really is, but the writers have chosen to not focus on this aspect of Ash's life.

Ash is an only child, breaking from the tradition of several other main characters whose siblings are often a foil or focal point in their lives.

Pokémon

On hand

With Professor Oak

In Training

Charmander → Charmeleon → Charizard
Squirtle

Released

Traded or temporarily owned

Beedrill
Haunter (befriended but never formally caught)
Raticate
Seaking
Larvitar (Again, never formally caught)

Badges obtained

Indigo League

Orange League

Johto League

Hoenn League

Battle Frontier

In the manga

The manga version of Ash Ketchum is based on the anime version, but there are many differences after both versions took different directions. For example, while anime Ash is indifferent to romance or members of the opposite (or same, some may argue) sex, manga Ash has a big crush on Gary's sister, May Oak. Template:Mangastub

Ash Ketchum

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