Ash Ketchum English VA shares message on character’s upcoming retirement

By now, you are probably aware of the news that Ash Ketchum and Pikachu’s adventure in the Pokemon anime will soon be coming to an end. You may also be aware that the final chapter of their journey will be seen through a special 11 episode series called “Aim to be a Pokémon Master”, which will begin airing in Japan on January 13th, 2023.

Well, Sarah Natochenny, who has voiced Ash since 2006, shared a message to fans earlier today. She says the role has “been an extraordinary privilege”, and that “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”. Her tweet about the matter is down below.

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. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/UZxPO4xD6E

— Sarah Natochenny (@sarahnatochenny)

9 thoughts on “Ash Ketchum English VA shares message on character’s upcoming retirement”

They both work hard and train hard and did it together at the end.

Man, So many years fly by. It was a wild ride. After seeing Ash Ketchum start his journey with his Pikachu, and just continues to go on other regions in the Pokemon universe. Thank you so much Sarah for voicing the character. This was a huge blast.

Now he’s gonna get a mundane job at a grocery store and waste away the rest of his life doing menial labor.

I don’t know what your referring to but ok.

Maybe Ash will be the next Larry like the Gym Leader/Elite Four Larry.

After over 25 years, they’re retiring the character?

Why? Is he finally turning 11?

Joke aside, props to the VA for holding onto the role for so long. I’m sure we’ll hear her again in a new venture.

I can’t wait for the first episode of the new anime to show Ash becoming dust after all these years and then blowing away in the wind

You could say something like that, but I’m still getting tired of him keep losing the Pokemon League. Maybe he will be in his 20s or early 30s when the new anime releases next year. I’m still on the Sun and Moon Chapter and in the middle of it.