Ash Ketchum's Voice Actors Share Heartfelt Messages As He Leaves Pokemon

Several of Ash Ketchum's voice actors have shared heartfelt messages following the news that he and Pikachu are no longer going to be the protagonists of the Pokemon anime.

Yesterday, the Pokemon world was turned upside down when it was announced that Ash and Pikachu would be leaving the series early next year and be replaced with two new protagonists for a series introducing Gen 9 Pokemon. It's been speculated for some time that Ash and Pikachu would be leaving the series after they achieved their goal of becoming the Pokemon World Champion, but the confirmation has still hit pretty hard.

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To make things even more emotional, several of Ash Ketchum's voice actors have shared messages on Twitter following the news that everyone's favourite ten-year-old will be leaving the series. First up was the voice actor who played Ash from 1997 to 2006, Veronica Taylor.

Taylor retweeted the video announcing that Ash and Pikachu would be leaving, saying, "This announcement has really surprised me. I am filled with so much emotion…I guess I’d never considered Ash’s journey ending. I need a minute to process… (This new beginning looks lovely.)"

Sarah Natochenny, who has voiced Ash from 2006 to 2022, also shared her own message on Twitter, saying, "It’s been an extraordinary privilege to have been the English voice of Ash Ketchum for what will be 17 years. No matter what lies beyond his final chapter, he’ll live forever in the hearts of many generations to come. I'll keep him present for all of us in every way I can."

Finally, Rica Matsumoto, who has been the primary Japanese voice for Ash Ketchum ever since the series began, shared a more Mysterious message when saying goodbye to Ash. In a tweet, she said, "Satoshi is still close to everyone's hearts, just like when they left Masala Town. will be close to everyone's heart. Promise... I'll always be with you! Satoshi's adventure will continue... If it continues, it continues...".

Whether that's teasing that Ash might continue to appear in Pokemon outside of the main anime, or just a nice message that says that Ash will be with us no matter what, it's sure to get Pokemon fans feeling a little bit emotional.

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