View source for Ash Ketchum

:{{redirect|Ash|the item attached to Ho-Oh|Sacred Ash}} ''For the ash found at the foot of Mt. Chimney, see [[volcanic ash]].''
----
{{FAC notice}}
{{CharacterInfobox|
name=Ash Ketchum|
jname=サトシ |
tmname=Satoshi |
slogan=no |
image=[[Image:SatoshiDP.png|150px]] |
caption=Art from Diamond/Pearl anime |
age=yes |
years=10 (as of [[EP001|debut]])  |
colors=yes|
eyes=Brown |
hair=Black |
gender=Male |
hometown=[[Pallet Town]] |
region=[[Kanto]] |
relatives={{Delia}}, Unknown father ([[EP002]]), Unknown grandfather ([[EP002]]) (Japanese only) ({{pkmn|anime}})<br>[[Mom]] ([[Electric Tale of Pikachu|manga]])
|trainer=yes |
trainerclass={{pkmn|Trainer}} |
game=counterpart|
counterpart={{ga|Red}}|
leader=no |
team=no |
brain=no |
anime=yes |
epnum=EP001 |
epname=Pokémon - I Choose You! |
enva=[[Veronica Taylor]] ({{4Kids}})<br>[[Sarah Natochenny]] ({{PUSA}}) |
java=[[Rica Matsumoto]] |
}}

'''Ash Ketchum''' (Japanese: '''サトシ''' ''Satoshi'') is the main character of both the [[Pokémon anime]] and the manga [[The Electric Tale of Pikachu]]. His Japanese voice actress is 松本梨香 ''[[Rica Matsumoto]]'', his English voice actresses are [[Veronica Taylor]] ([[4Kids Entertainment]] dub) and [[Sarah Natochenny]] ([[Pokémon USA]] dub). Internationally, he is played by [[Fábio Lucindo]] in Brazilian, [[Davide Garbolino]] in Italian, and [[Adolfo Moreno]] (Spain) and [[Gabriel Ramos]] (Latin America) in Spanish. In the first dub of [[The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon]] he was voiced by [[Kayzie Rogers|Jamie Peacock]]. 

Ash is apparently based on the main character of [[Pokémon Red and Blue Versions]], {{ga|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!]]".  As for his first name, some note that "Ash" has the same letters found in ''S'''a'''to'''sh'''i''.

{{spoilers}}

==In the anime==
===<u>Character</u>===
[[Image:Anime Ash.png|thumb|Ash Ketchum in the original series]]
Ash's main goal in life, as described in the first episode, ''[[EP001|Pokémon - I Choose You!]]'', is to be the world's greatest {{g|Master}}. Ash began his journey at the age of 10 as a warm-hearted and well-intentioned but stubborn and unskilled {{g|Trainer}}. He was forced to accept the irreverent {{AP|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. He was determined to achieve his goal, however, and when he showed his willingness to give up his own safety to keep Pikachu safe, he formed a strong bond of friendship with his Pokémon which would set his course for the future.

However, from that point, Ash still had a lot to learn about becoming a Trainer. He [[captured Pokémon|caught]] his {{AP|Butterfree}} as {{p|Caterpie}} by luck, knew nothing about {{g|battle|battling}}, and showed a reluctance to admit when he was wrong. Many of his first [[Gym]] [[badge]]s were given to him merely out of gratitude for his assistance rather than claiming a victory in battle over the [[Gym Leader]]s. Every time he thought he was doing well, he would somehow cross paths with his childhood [[rival]], [[Gary Oak]], who always reminded Ash that he was always a step or seven behind.

Ash's dedication to his goal paid off over time, and after earning his first eight badges, he competed in the [[Indigo League]], and advanced further in the rounds than Gary. After recovering from his defeat, he continued on to improve his skill, take on new challenges, and compete in more {{g|League}} competitions.

Ash has changed a great deal over the course of the series, particularly in regards to his skill at {{g|training}}, but his earnestness 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 by bonding with them and learning where their hidden abilities lie, as well as resorting to unorthodox strategies when fighting particularly challenging opponents. For example, he uses his Pikachu's speed to outmaneuver larger foes and attack, and defeated [[Gary's Blastoise]] with his {{AP|Charizard}} by causing the field to overheat and have Charizard mount a close-range attack while Blastoise was blinded by the steam. He also prefers to train a Pokémon to be the best it can without making it evolve, and he is hesitant to let his Pokémon evolve to get stronger, as evidenced by his treatment of {{AP|Gligar}} in ''[[DP085|Fighting Fear With Fear!]]''.

[[Image:SatoshiAG.png|thumb|left|Ash in the Advanced Generation series]]
Additionally, during the first season of the series, while Ash originally trained not to further himself but instead to catch more Pokémon than his rival, Gary. 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. His maturity has also increased in his dealings with Pokémon, as when [[Ash's Primeape|a Mankey]] stole his {{AP|hat}} in ''[[EP025|Primeape Goes Bananas]]'', he screamed and yelled at it, even climbing trees just to get his hat back, but when [[Dawn's Ambipom|an Aipom]] did the same in ''[[AG179|Slaking Kong]]'', he stated merely that he would feel strange without a hat.

In most episodes of the anime, especially those during the Johto League saga, 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 {{AP|friends}}, particularly the maternal skills of [[Brock]]. The honor of "best friend" is usually reserved for Pikachu but Ash has come to see his closest human friends in the same light over time; using the term for [[Misty]] and [[Brock]] in ''[[EP273|Gotta Catch Ya Later]]'' as well as {{an|May}} and [[Max]] in ''[[AG178|Battling the Enemy Within]]''.

He has traversed much of the {{g|world}} and has thus far participated in four [[Pokémon League#Championship competitions|Pokémon League regional competitions]], but he is still learning new things about Pokémon all the time.

[[Image:AshAura.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Ash using Aura inside the [[Tree of Beginning]]]]
Ash apparently has a close connection with [[Legendary Pokémon]], especially {{p|Ho-Oh}}, {{p|Lugia}}, and {{p|Shaymin}}. In the English dub of the [[The Power of One|second movie]], he was revealed to be "The Chosen One" - the one who would bring balance back to the world. Although viewed as a normal human, Ash does have some special abilities as he is said to have the same [[aura]] as [[Sir Aaron]], a legendary hero, and is theoretically able to manipulate it in much the same way. However, he has not received any training in this field, opting to continue his Pokémon journey instead. He has also been likened to an ancient [[aura]] guardian in ''[[DP056|The Keystone Pops!]]'', who also had a partner {{p|Pikachu}}. Later, in ''[[DP071|Pokémon Ranger and the Kidnapped Riolu! Parts 1]]'' and ''[[DP072|2]]'', Ash uses [[aura]] again to locate a lost {{p|Riolu}} and read Riolu's mind as well. However, these were one time deals, as Riolu had an unnaturally powerful aura.

He has a [[Contest Pass]] for the [[Sinnoh]] region, though he has stated that the contest he got it for was the only one he intends on entering. He also has one for the Hoenn region as it was required to watch one of the contests held there. Ash also carries around a broken [[Poké Ball]], of which the other half belongs to Gary and is a symbol of their ongoing, but now friendly, rivalry, as well as [[Misty's special lure]], which she sent to him as a gift, and also half of a ribbon he received in a contest against May before she left the group to compete in Johto.
<br clear="left">

===<u>Family</u>===
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 has been much discussion in the fandom as to the identity of Ash's father, though the writers have chosen to not focus on this aspect of Ash's life. Common characters put forward by fans for the role are [[Giovanni]], [[Professor Oak]] and {{an|Silver}}. In {{g|Live!}}, Delia told Ash that Giovanni had once been her boyfriend, and that he was Ash's father. However, this has never been officially acknowledged.

An interview with the series' storyborder confirmed Ash's father is a trainer in journey. According the same storyborder, Ash's dad might or might not be introduced at the series, depending the necessity of turning Ash more mature.

Ash is an only child, breaking from the tradition of several other main characters, with the exception of {{an|Dawn}} and possibly {{Tracey}}, whose siblings are often a foil or focal point in their lives.

===Pokémon===
As a trainer, Ash has captured and befriended a sizeable number of Pokémon over the course of the anime's run. His philosophy on training is that Pokémon are individuals and that a combination of trust, friendship and hard work are needed to overcome the toughest of challenges. He seems to battle best with Pokémon that are similar to Pikachu: ones that are speedy and maneuverable, yet able to preform high-powered attacks, but he is willing to work with any Pokémon that comes into his care.

====On hand====
<!--Don't touch the tables if you don't know what you're doing. And do not change the alternative sprites back if you can't make a better one.-->
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=300px cellspacing="0"
| align=center | [[Image:025.png]]<br>{{AP|Pikachu}}
| align=center | [[Image:396.png]]&rarr;[[Image:397.png]]<br>[[Ash's Staravia|Starly &rarr; Staravia]]
|-
| align=center | [[Image:390.png]]<br>{{AP|Chimchar}}
| align=center | [[Image:387.png]]&rarr;[[Image:388.png]]<br>[[Ash's Grotle|Turtwig &rarr; Grotle]]
|-
| align=center | [[Image:418.png]]<br>{{AP|Buizel}}
| align=center | [[Image:207.png]]&rarr;[[Image:472.png]]<br>[[Ash's Gliscor|Gligar &rarr; Gliscor]]
|}

====With Professor Oak====
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=400px cellspacing="0"
|-
| align=center | [[Image:001.png]]<br>{{AP|Bulbasaur}}
| align=center colspan=2 | [[Image:098.png]] &rarr; [[Image:099.png]]<br>[[Ash's Kingler|Krabby &rarr; Kingler]]
| align=center | [[Image:089.png]]<br>{{AP|Muk}}
|-
| align=center | [[Image:128.png]]<br>{{AP|Tauros}}<br>(×30)
| align=center | [[Image:143.png]]<br>{{AP|Snorlax}}
| align=center | [[Image:214.png]]<br>{{AP|Heracross}}
| align=center | [[Image:155.png]]<br>{{AP|Cyndaquil}}
|-
| align=center colspan=2 | [[Image:152.png]] &rarr; [[Image:153.png]]<br>[[Ash's Bayleef|Chikorita &rarr; Bayleef]]
| align=center | [[Image:158.png]]<br>{{AP|Totodile}}
| align=center | [[Image:164 s.png]]<br>{{AP|Noctowl}}<br>({{shiny2}})
|-
| align=center colspan=3 | [[Image:Ash's Phanpy Egg.png]] &rarr; [[Image:231.png]] &rarr; [[Image:232.png]]<br>[[Ash's Donphan|Egg &rarr; Phanpy &rarr; Donphan]]
| align=center | [[Image:341.png]]<br>{{AP|Corphish}}
|-
| align=center colspan=3 | [[Image:Ash's Treecko.png]] &rarr; [[Image:Ash's Grovyle.png]] &rarr; [[Image:Ash's Sceptile2.png]]<br>[[Ash's Sceptile|Treecko &rarr; Grovyle &rarr; Sceptile]]
| align=center | [[Image:324.png]]<br>{{AP|Torkoal}}
|-
| align=center colspan=2 | [[Image:276.png]] &rarr; [[Image:277.png]]<br>[[Ash's Swellow|Taillow &rarr; Swellow]]
| align=center colspan=2 | [[Image:361.png]] &rarr; [[Image:362.png]]<br>[[Ash's Glalie|Snorunt &rarr; Glalie]]
|}

====In training====
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=300px cellspacing="0"
|-
| align=center | [[Image:057.png]]<br>{{AP|Primeape}}
| align=center | [[Image:Ash's Squirtle2.png]]<br>{{AP|Squirtle}}
|-
| align=center colspan=2 | [[Image:004.png]] &rarr; [[Image:005.png]] &rarr; [[Image:006.png]]<br>[[Ash's Charizard|Charmander &rarr; Charmeleon &rarr; Charizard]]
|}

* '''Primeape''': in training with {{ka|Anthony}}.
* '''Squirtle''': returned to [[Squirtle Squad]] but can be called upon at any time.
* '''Charizard''': left at [[Charicific Valley]] but can be called upon at any time.

====Released====

{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=300px cellspacing="0"
|-
| align=center colspan=3 | [[Image:010.png]] &rarr; [[Image:011.png]] &rarr; [[Image:Ash's Butterfree.png]]<br>[[Ash's Butterfree|Caterpie &rarr; Metapod &rarr; Butterfree]]
|-
| align=center | [[Image:017.png]] &rarr; [[Image:018.png]]<br>[[Ash's Pidgeot|Pidgeotto &rarr; Pidgeot]]
| align=center | [[Image:131.png]]<br>{{AP|Lapras}}
|}
* '''Butterfree''': released to mate and breed with the [[pink Butterfree]].
* '''Pidgeot''': released to protect various {{p|Pidgey}} and {{p|Pidgeotto}} from {{p|Spearow}} and a {{p|Fearow}}.
* '''Lapras''': released to be with its family.

====Traded away====
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=200px cellspacing="0"
|-
| align=center | [[Image:020.png]]<br>{{AP|Raticate}} 
| align=center | [[Image:190 f.png]]<br>[[Dawn's Ambipom|Aipom]]
|}

* '''Raticate:''' Received from [[Gentleman]] for Butterfree and back again.
* '''Aipom:''' Traded to {{an|Dawn}} for {{AP|Buizel}}

====Temporary====
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=400px cellspacing="0"
|-
| align=center colspan=2 | [[Image:077.png]] → [[Image:078.png]]<br>{{p|Ponyta}} → {{p|Rapidash}}
| align=center colspan=2 | [[Image:110.png]]<br>{{p|Weezing}}
|-
| align=center | [[Image:052.png]]<br>{{p|Meowth}}
| align=center | [[Image:024.png]]<br>{{p|Arbok}}
| align=center | [[Image:163.png]]<br>{{p|Hoothoot}}
| align=center | [[Image:119.png]]<br>{{p|Seaking}}
|-
| align=center | [[Image:106.png]]<br>{{p|Hitmonlee}}
| align=center | [[Image:026.png]]<br>{{p|Raichu}} 
| align=center | [[Image:325.png]]<br>{{p|Spoink}}
| align=center | [[Image:458.png]]<br>{{p|Mantyke}}
|}

* '''Ponyta/Rapidash''': borrowed from [[Lara Laramie]] after she was injured and couldn't ride Ponyta in the race in ''[[EP033|The Flame Pokémon-athon]]''. It evolved into Rapidash during the race and earned Ash the win.
* '''Arbok, Weezing, and Meowth:''' used during a Pokémon League exam in ''[[EP056|The Ultimate Test]]''
* '''Hoothoot:''' Borrowed (with [[Brock]] and [[Misty]]) from [[Hagatha]] in order to navigate the haunted forest in ''[[EP121|Illusion Confusion]]''.
* '''Seaking:''' caught and released during the contest in ''[[EP168|Hook, Line, and Stinker]]''
* '''Hitmonlee:''' borrowed from [[Master Hamm]] in ''[[AG145|Pasta La Vista]]'' to battle May with a {{p|Hitmonchan}}
* '''Raichu:''' trained during [[DP088]]
* '''Spoink''' and '''Mantyke:''' used in the Pokémon triathlon in [[DP091]].

====Given away====
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=200px cellspacing="0"
|-
| align=center | [[Image:Misty's Togetic Egg.png]]<br>[[Misty's Togetic|Egg]]<br>(hatched in [[Misty|Misty's]] arms)
| align=center | [[Image:015.png]]<br>{{TP|Casey|Beedrill}}<br>(given to {{an|Casey}})
|}

====Unofficial====
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=300px cellspacing="0"
|-
| align=center | [[Image:093.png]]<br>{{TP|Sabrina|Haunter}} <br>(given to [[Sabrina]])
| align=center colspan=2| [[Image:Ash's Larvitar Egg.png]] &rarr; [[Image:246.png]]<br>{{pkmn|Egg}} &rarr; {{AP|Larvitar}} 
|} 

===<u>Badges obtained</u>===
====Indigo League====
[[Image:Asheightkanto.jpg|thumb|right|Ash's eight [[badge]]s of [[Kanto]]]]
* {{badge|Boulder}}  ([[EP005]])
* {{badge|Cascade}}  ([[EP007]])
* {{badge|Thunder}}  ([[EP014]])
* {{badge|Marsh}}    ([[EP024]])
* {{badge|Rainbow}}  ([[EP026]])
* {{badge|Soul}}     ([[EP032]])
* {{badge|Volcano}}  ([[EP059]])
* {{badge|Earth}}    ([[EP063]])

====Orange League====
* {{badge|Coral-Eye}}   ([[EP085]])
* {{badge|Sea Ruby}}    ([[EP093]])
* {{badge|Spike Shell}} ([[EP103]])
* {{badge|Jade Star}}   ([[EP108]])
====Johto League====
* {{badge|Zephyr}}  ([[EP131]])
* {{badge|Hive}}    ([[EP144]])
* {{badge|Plain}}   ([[EP159]])
* {{badge|Fog}}     ([[EP182]])
* {{badge|Storm}}   ([[EP209]])
* {{badge|Mineral}} ([[EP224]])
* {{badge|Glacier}} ([[EP238]])
* {{badge|Rising}}  ([[EP254]])
====Hoenn League====
[[Image:Ashs hoenn badges.jpg|thumb|right|Ash's eight badges from Hoenn.]]
* {{badge|Stone}}     ([[AG016]])
* {{badge|Knuckle}}   ([[AG031]])
* {{badge|Dynamo}}    ([[AG040]])
* {{badge|Heat}}      ([[AG056]])
* {{badge|Balance}}   ([[AG070]])
* {{badge|Feather}}   ([[AG085]])
* {{badge|Mind}}      ([[AG100]])
* {{badge|Rain}}      ([[AG111]])

====Battle Frontier====
* [[Factory Head Noland|Knowledge Symbol]]  ([[AG136]])
* [[Arena Tycoon Greta|Guts Symbol]]        ([[AG149]])
* [[Dome Ace Tucker|Tactics Symbol]]        ([[AG153]])
* [[Pike Queen Lucy|Luck Symbol]]           ([[AG158]])
* [[Palace Maven Spenser|Spirits Symbol]]   ([[AG164]])
* [[Salon Maiden Anabel|Ability Symbol]]    ([[AG170]])
* [[Pyramid King Brandon|Brave Symbol]]     ([[AG190]])
====Sinnoh League====
* {{badge|Coal}}     ([[DP018]])
* {{badge|Forest}}   ([[DP037]])
* {{badge|Cobble}}   ([[DP068]])
* {{badge|Fen}}      ([[DP083]])
* {{badge|Relic}}    ([[DP102]])
<!--* {{badge|Mine}}
<!--* {{badge|Icicle}}
<!--* {{badge|Beacon}}-->
<!--A note to future editors: Follow the form below when Ash and the others enter a new region/league, so that there's no unnecessary typing. We know the eight badges beforehand, why not type them when we know them instead of waiting?-->
<!--====Region League====
* {{badge|1}}
<!--* {{badge|2}}
<!--* {{badge|3}}
<!--* {{badge|4}}
<!--* {{badge|5}}
<!--* {{badge|6}}
<!--* {{badge|7}}
<!--* {{badge|8}}-->

===<u>Pokémon Competitions</u>===
====Pokémon League ranking====
Ash placed in the {{g|League}} [[Pokémon League Conference|competitions]] listed below.

{|class="expandable"
|-
!align="left"|List of competitions (heavy spoiler)
|-
|
* [[Indigo Plateau Conference]] (Top 16)
* [[Silver Conference]] (Top 8)
* [[Ever Grande Conference]] (Top 8)
|}
====Pokémon Championship battles====
Ash challenged the following Pokémon championships as well:

{|class="expandable"
|-
!align="left"|List of battles (heavy spoiler)
|-
|
* [[Orange League]] (Champion)
* [[Hoenn Battle Frontier|Kanto Battle Frontier]] (Champion)
|}

====Miscellaneous Competitions====
Ash has also participated in the following competitions:

{|class="expandable"
|-
!align="left"|List of competitions (heavy spoiler)
|-
|
* [[Bug-Catching Contest]] (Champion)
* [[Extreme Pokémon Race|Extreme Pokémon]] (Champion)
* [[Fire and Rescue Grand Prix]]
* [[Grass Tournament]]
* [[Hearthome Collection]] (Runner-up)
* [[P1 Grand Prix]] (Champion)
* [[Pokémon Balloon Race]] (Champion)
*[[Pokémon Contest]]s
**{{to|Terracotta}} Contest (unofficial) (Winner - Tied with {{an|May}})
**{{ci|Jubilife}} Contest
** [[Wallace Cup]] (Top 8)
* [[Pokémon Orienteering]]
* [[Pokémon Swap Meet]] Tauros-battling competition (Winner)
* [[PokéRinger]] (Champion)
* [[Seaking Catching Day]]
* [[Sinnoh Double Battle Tournament]] <!--Specific name would be nice--> (Champion - with [[Paul]])
* [[Sumo Conference]] (Champion)
* [[Whirl Cup]] (Top 16)
* [[Pokémon Cosplay|Pokémon Cosplay Contest]] Runner up
* [[DP091|Summer School Triathalon]] Winner
* [[Alto Mare]] Canal Race
* [[Rota]] Tournament (Champion)
|}

==In the manga==
{{mangastub}}
The [[Electric Tale of Pikachu|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 gender (or same gender, some may argue), manga Ash has a big crush on Gary's sister, [[May Oak]]. He's also prone to quickly falling in love like Brock, but to a much less extreme degree.
===Pokémon===
[[Image:Satoshidengeki.PNG|thumb|right|Ash in [[Electric Tale of Pikachu]] manga.]]
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=300px cellspacing="0"
|-
| align=center | [[Image:025.png]]<br>{{AP|Pikachu}}
| align=center | [[Image:022.png]]<br>{{AP|Fearow}}
| align=center | [[Image:017.png]]<br>[[Ash's Pidgeot|Pidgeotto]]
|-
| align=center colspan=3 | [[Image:010.png]] &rarr; [[Image:011.png]] &rarr; [[Image:012.png]]<br>[[Ash's Butterfree|Caterpie &rarr; Metapod &rarr; Butterfree]]
|-
| align=center colspan=3 | [[Image:004.png]] &rarr; [[Image:005.png]] &rarr; [[Image:006.png]]<br>[[Ash's Charizard|Charmander &rarr; Charmeleon &rarr; Charizard]]
|-
| align=center | [[Image:001.png]]<br>{{AP|Bulbasaur}}
| align=center | [[Image:007.png]]<br>{{AP|Squirtle}}
| align=center | [[Image:043.png]]<br>{{p|Oddish}}
|-
| align=center | [[Image:015.png]]<br>{{TP|Casey|Beedrill}}
| align=center | [[Image:099.png]]<br>{{AP|Kingler}}
| align=center | [[Image:089.png]]<br>{{AP|Muk}}
|-
| align=center | [[Image:128.png]]<br>{{AP|Tauros}}
| align=center | [[Image:131.png]]<br>{{AP|Lapras}}
| align=center | [[Image:143.png]]<br>{{AP|Snorlax}}
|}

====Traded away====
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=150px cellspacing="0"
|-
| align=center | [[Image:056.png]]<br>{{p|Mankey}}
| align=center | [[Image:079.png]]<br>{{p|Slowpoke}} ([[Giant Pokémon|giant]])
|}
*'''Mankey''': Given away for a map, which turned out to be fake.
*'''Giant Slowpoke''': Given away to {{Gary}} for [[May Oak]]'s photo

==In the TCG==
This listing is of cards mentioning or featuring Ash or his Pokémon in the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]].

{| {{bluetable}} 
|- style="background: #DDDDFF;"
!Name
!Type
!Level
!Rarity
!Set
!Set no.
|-
| {{TCG ID|7th Movie Half Deck|Ash's Torkoal|9}} || {{e|Fighting}} || - || - || {{TCG|7th Movie Half Deck}} (no English release) || 9/19
|-
| {{TCG ID|8th Movie Half Deck|Ash's Grovyle|1}} || {{e|Grass}} || - || - || {{TCG|8th Movie Half Deck}} (no English release) || 1/20
|-
| {{TCG ID|8th Movie Half Deck|Ash's Phanpy|4}} || {{e|Fighting}} || - || - || {{TCG|8th Movie Half Deck}} (no English release) || 4/20
|-
| {{TCG ID|8th Movie Half Deck|Ash's Swellow|7}} || {{e|Colorless}} || - || - || {{TCG|8th Movie Half Deck}} (no English release) || 7/20
|-
| {{TCG ID|9th Movie Half Deck|Ash's Aipom|10}} || {{e|Colorless}} || - || - || {{TCG|9th Movie Half Deck}} (no English release) || 10/19
|-
| {{TCG ID|"ADV-P" Promo|Ash's Treecko|36}} || {{e|Grass}} || - || - || {{TCG|"ADV-P" Promotional cards}} (no English release) || 36/"ADV-P"
|}

==Trivia==

*In [[EP009|the ninth episode]] Ash mentioned that he had been a Pokémon trainer for 2 months. This time frame is further reinforced when Ash learns that the Pokémon League will begin in two months when he [[EP065|returns to Pallet Town]] after earning his eighth badge - he arrives at Indigo Stadium [[EP074|nine episodes later]]. If time continued at this rate, he would be at least 20 years old in the latest Japanese episode, something that's implied strongly by {{MTR}} in ''[[DP002|Two Degrees of Separation!]]''. However, given that some episodes take place directly after each other, this time frame is clearly not consistent. There is at least one point in each adventure that it is stated that it is another year since the beginning of the current adventure. So therefore if Ash ages 1 year after each adventure, then he would  be 15 now. 
* Ash has been mistaken to be the son of two women from [[Kanto]] and the [[Orange Islands]]. The first time was in ''[[EP027|Hypno's Naptime]]'' where he was mistaken for a boy named Arnold, while the second was in ''[[EP108|Pokémon Double Trouble]]'' when [[Luana]] mistook him for her son [[Travis]].
*Ash has caught 49 <!--Count good as of DP100: the evolution of Turtwig into Grotle-->different kinds of Pokémon, including evolutions and counting Larvitar, Seaking, Beedrill, Haunter, and Raticate, even though Larvitar and Haunter were not officially his, Beedrill was given away nearly immediately, and Seaking was released as part of contest rules. The original tagline for the dub was "[[Gotta Catch 'em All!]]", but Ash has only caught 9.74% of the current number of Pokémon. This line was eventually dropped in 2003, when he only had 8.03% of the then total of 386.
*Ash has caught or received 64 different individual Pokémon, 30 of which are his Tauros.
*Ash's first choice of a starter was Squirtle. Later, it is revealed that Gary was the one who, in fact, chose Squirtle. Ash's second choice was Bulbasaur, while his third was Charmander.
*So far, every time Ash becomes the champion of something, he then battles and gets defeated by {{Gary}} a few episodes later, before heading off to a new region. This has happened after his championing of the [[Orange League]] and the Hoenn {{ho|Battle Frontier}}, which were both "filler seasons" before the start of even-numbered generations.
*In ''[[EP241|Hocus Pokémon]]'', Ash was transformed into a {{p|Pikachu}}. This transformed state is sometimes referred to as [[Ashachu]].
*Ash has captured each [[generation]]'s {{type2|Grass}} [[starter Pokémon]] (Bulbasaur, Chikorita, Treecko, Turtwig).
*In both the [[Timeline of events in the anime#Kanto|Kanto]] and [[Timeline of events in the anime#Johto|Johto]] story arcs, Ash managed to capture all three of the starter Pokémon for both regions. This trend was broken in the {{series|Advanced Generation}}, where he only captured {{AP|Treecko}}, while the other two were {{OP|May|Torchic}} and {{OP|Brock|Mudkip}}. However, it is possible that the trend will be reestablished in the {{series|Diamond & Pearl}} story arc, as Ash has already managed to capture both a {{AP|Turtwig}} and {{AP|Chimchar}}, two of the Sinnoh region's starter Pokémon. This is unlikely, however, as {{an|Dawn}} already has the third, {{TP|Dawn|Piplup}}.
**However, he did command Piplup during ''[[DP046|A-Maze-ing Race!]]'', and Chimchar during its last few minutes on Paul's team.
*Ash has captured one {{type2|Flying}} Pokémon from each series region that players can encounter early in different games: {{AP|Pidgeotto}}, {{AP|Noctowl}}, {{AP|Taillow}}, and {{AP|Starly}}.
*In each region (except for the Orange Islands), Ash always loses against at least one of the [[Gym Leader]]s before challenging them to a rematch.
*With the exception of Koga, Ash had to either do some sort of heroic deed or re-challenge all of the Kanto Gym Leaders to earn his badge. This, however, never applied to his Earth Badge, as he never battled against Giovanni himself, instead challenging the Team Rocket trio that had constantly followed him.
*So far, Ash always befriends someone shortly before the regional tournament. That person will beat Ash later on in the semifinals.
*Though not as touched on anymore, a running gag in the English version of the series involved [[Delia Ketchum|his mother]] making sure that Ash changed his underwear every single day.
*Ash's room, seen at the start of [[EP001|the first episode]], contains a lot of merchandise based off various Pokémon, including a bedspread with a [[Poké Ball]] pattern, a trash can with a {{p|Staryu}} on it, a big {{p|Snorlax}} [[Pokémon doll|doll]], a {{p|Poliwag}} pencil sharpener, a {{p|Clefairy}} bank, a {{p|Zubat}} mobile, a poster with {{p|Squirtle}}, {{p|Bulbasaur}} and {{p|Charmander}}, and a {{p|Voltorb}} alarm clock with a {{p|Pidgey}} inside it which he breaks in his sleep. He also has many books, a globe, a boombox, a television and a [[Bug Catcher]]'s net. Based on the slanting of the ceiling of his room, it is probably in the attic of his house.
*During his adventures in Kanto, Johto and the Orange Islands, Ash pinned his badges to the inside of his jacket. From Hoenn onwards, they have been kept in some form of case. It is unknown where the badges of Ash's previous journeys are, though it is assumed that they are kept somewhere in his house. Delia placed Ash's trophy from the Orange Islands on top of the television, though this was missing when Ash looked in his living room in ''[[AG192|Home is Where the Start Is]]''. Interestingly, the scene following it showed an identical trophy placed in Professor Oak's lab.
*Each time Ash successfully wins his eighth badge, all eight are stolen, though soon after returned. It is unknown if this will happen again in the {{series|Diamond & Pearl}}.
*The most badges Ash has ever gotten in the first thirty-five episodes were six badges in Kanto, which makes sense considering that Kanto was significantly shorter than any other saga (aside from the Orange Island saga and the Battle Frontier saga). In every other region thus far, he has only won two badges in the first thirty-five episodes.
*The only girl Ash has even shown a confirmed [[Shipping|interest]] is named [[Giselle]] whom appeared in ''[[EP009|The School of Hard Knocks]]''.
*Ash is the only {{ashfr|main character}} that has caught a {{shiny2}} Pokémon, which is his {{AP|Noctowl}}.
*Ash has two rivals that started off with turtle-like Pokémon. Gary started with {{TP|Gary|Squirtle}} and Paul started off with [[Paul's Torterra|Turtwig]].
*Ash also has two female friends that started off with bird-like Pokémon. May started off with {{TP|May|Torchic}} and Dawn started off with {{TP|Dawn|Piplup}}.
*The characters of the anime that share Ash's voice actress, both in English and in Japanese, are usually female or Pokémon.
*In the case of Ash's Fire-type Pokémon, he always somehow saves them before capturing them, either from an abusive trainer or from other Pokémon.
*Because Ash began wearing his AG clothes before leaving for Hoenn and did not change into his DP clothes until after he arrived in Sinnoh, Ash wore the AG clothes during episodes from all three series.
[[Image:Ash maid.jpg|200px|thumb|Ash crossdressed for a third time.]]
*Ash has crossdressed once in each anime series: ''[[EP026|Pokémon Scent-sation!]]'' was the first time, in the [[original series]], ''[[AG042|Love at First Flight]]'' was the second, in the {{series|Advanced Generation}}, and ''[[DP062|Tanks for the Memories!]]'' was the third, in the {{series|Diamond & Pearl}}. Each time Ash has crossdressed, he was never willing to do so and was coerced or forced into it in some fashion.
**In addition to dressing as a girl, Ash has dressed up as fruit on at least two occasions. The first time, he dressed as an apple in ''[[EP107|Pokémon Food Fight!]]'' while the second he dressed as an eggplant in ''[[AG104|Claydol Big and Tall]]''. On both occasions he was used to lure a large Pokémon.
**Ash has also had to dress up on numerous occasions as actual Pokémon to help out the [[characters of the day]]. He has so far been a Mr. Mime in ''[[EP064|It's Mr. Mime Time]]'', as an Octillery in ''[[EP215|Octillery the Outcast]]'' and as a Seviper in ''[[AG048|Zig Zag Zangoose!]]''.
*Ash has owned four Pokémon that have also been owned by [[Gym Leaders]]. [[Falkner]] ({{AP|Pidgeot}}), [[Flannery]] ({{AP|Torkoal}}), [[Winona]] ({{AP|Swellow}}), and [[Gardenia]] ({{AP|Turtwig}}). Coincidently, all of them either have bird or turtle-like Pokémon. Other Gym Leaders have owned Pokémon that happened to be either the evolved form or pre-evolved form of one of Ash's Pokémon. [[Lt. Surge's Raichu]] ({{AP|Pikachu}}), [[Cissy]]'s {{p|Blastoise}} ({{AP|Squirtle}}), [[Falkner]]'s {{p|Hoothoot}} ({{AP|Noctowl}}), [[Bugsy]]'s {{p|Metapod}} ({{AP|Butterfree}}), and [[Crasher Wake]]'s {{p|Floatzel}} ({{AP|Buizel}}). 
** A related coincidence is that three of the four female Gym Leaders listed above, own a turtle/tortoise-like Pokémon. 
*Ash last released a Pokémon during the original series. Since its end, he has been leaving his Pokémon at [[Professor Oak]]'s lab often, a [[EP061|habit]] he got from [[Misty]].
*All of Ash's primate-based Pokémon have been owned by two Trainers - [[Paul]] previously owned {{AP|Chimchar}}, {{ka|Anthony}} currently owns {{AP|Primeape}}, and Dawn currently owns Aipom which later evolved into {{TP|Dawn|Ambipom}}.
*Ash, along with May, owns the most Pokémon that have evolved twice since they were obtained, with three. Strangely, for both Trainers, they are the final form {{type2|Fire}} starter from [[Kanto|their own region]] ({{AP|Charizard}}), the final form {{type2|Grass}} starter from the [[Hoenn|other region]] that appeared in [[Generation III]]'s handheld games ({{AP|Sceptile}}), and the first Pokémon that they caught from the wild, their region's native butterfly ({{AP|Butterfree}}). These correspond to May's {{TP|May|Blaziken}}, {{TP|May|Venusaur}}, and {{TP|May|Beautifly}}.
*Ash has the most Pokémon that know moves that [[Anime move errors|they can't learn in the games]]: [[Ash's Butterfree|Caterpie]] with {{m|Counter}}, {{AP|Charizard}} with {{m|Tackle}}, {{AP|Bulbasaur}} with {{m|Tickle}} (debatable), {{m|Dig}}, and {{m|Whirlwind}}, {{AP|Raticate}} with {{m|Hi Jump Kick}}, {{AP|Staravia}} with {{m|Gust}}, and {{AP|Larvitar}} with {{m|Harden}}.
*Although Ash is the main character of the Pokémon anime, he has never been featured on an English TCG card.
*Ash has three turtle-like Pokémon: Squirtle, Torkoal and Grotle. Each corresponds to one of the three elemental types of the starter Pokémon, though Torkoal isn't a starter itself.
*Despite having two [[Soothe Bell]]s, Ash has yet to capture any Pokémon that evolve through happiness, while both Brock and Dawn have Pokémon on their team that undergo happiness evolutions at some stage ({{TP|Dawn|Buneary}} and {{TP|Brock|Happiny}}). 
*Ash has owned at least one Pokémon of each type except {{t|Dark}}, {{t|Dragon}}, {{t|Steel}}, and {{t|Psychic}}.
**All of these type belong to [[pseudo-legendary|pseudo-legendaries]] namely, {{p|Dragonite}}, {{p|Salamence}} and {{p|Garchomp}} who are part or all {{type2|Dragon}}. {{p|Tyranitar}} is a {{type2|Dark}} and {{p|Metagross}} is both {{t|Steel}} and {{t|Psychic}} type. However, he did temporarily own a {{p|Spoink}}, which is a Psychic-type, for an event.
*Discounting [[Koga]], who was a [[Gym Leader]] at the time of Ash's battle against him, Ash has so far battled three [[Elite Four]] members, namely [[Lorelei|Prima]], {{EF|Drake}} and [[Agatha]], losing to all three. He has met all four of Generation I Kanto's Elite Four, two of Generation II's, one of Hoenn's, and two of Sinnoh's. He has also met all five in-game champions (or their anime counterparts, at least).
*It is interesting to note that Ash's {{series|Diamond & Pearl}} outfit looks much like {{ga|Lucas}}'s. The biggest difference between the two is the fact that Lucas wears a scarf, and that Ash retains the {{wp|baseball cap}} style for his hat, while Lucas's is a {{wp|flat cap}}.
*Four of Ash's Pokémon have been introduced to moves by someone else:  {{AP|Pikachu}} and {{m|Iron Tail}}, {{AP|Swellow}} and {{m|Aerial Ace}}, {{AP|Turtwig}} and {{m|Energy Ball}}, and {{AP|Staravia}} and {{m|Brave Bird}}. Of these, three are [[TM]] moves in the games.
*Three of Ash's Pokémon were caught by him after first premiering in Pokémon movies: {{AP|Donphan}} (''[[Mewtwo Strikes Back]]''),  {{AP|Aipom}} (''[[Spell of the Unown]]''),  and {{AP|Buizel}} (''[[Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea]]'').
** Strangely, both Donphan and Aipom are {{cat|Generation II Pokémon}} and were both used in battle against him by an opponent during the opening credits of the movies.
*Altogether, if the movies are considered to be canon, Ash has seen at least twenty-seven different species of legendary Pokémon, and at least ten of them multiple times.
*Seven of Ash's Pokémon decided to join him without battling him (Gligar, Chimchar, Lapras, Chikorita, Charmander, Squirtle, and Torkoal), while another five accepted a challenge against them and were subsequently captured (Turtwig, Treecko, Bulbasaur, Snorunt and Aipom). All of the others he naturally encountered and captured.
*Ash so far in the DP series hasn't defeated Paul in a battle; the closest he got was a tie.
*In ''[[EP042|Showdown in Dark City]], Ash's alias is "Tom-Ayto" (AKA Tomato).

==Names==
{| border="1" style="border: 1px solid #88a; border-collapse: collapse;" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="2"
|- style="background: #ccf;"
! Language
! Name
! Origin
|- 
|Japanese
| サトシ ''Satoshi''
| Can be taken to mean 智 (wisdom; reason); named after [[Satoshi Tajiri]].
|-
|English
| Ash Ketchum
| Ketchum sounds similar to ''catch 'em''. First name can be found in Japanese name, S'''a'''to'''sh'''i. The Sat'''osh'''i in the Japanese name also sounds like Ash.
|-
|French
| Sacha
|  Contains the English name: S-Ash-A
|-
|German
| Ash
| Same as English name
|-
|Korean
| 한지우 ''Han Jiu''
| 지 is from 智 ''satoshi''.
|-
|Chinese
| 小智 ''Xiǎo Zhì''
| 智 is from 智 ''satoshi''.
|}
==Related articles==
* [[Ashley]]
* [[Ashachu]]
* {{cat|Episodes focusing on Ash}}

==External links==
*[http://kari.beautiful-beast.net/satoshi/ Poké Master], the fanlisting for Ash
*[http://pokeani.com/chara/r-satoshi.html Satoshi's Profile] on [[Pokeani]] (Japanese)
*[http://pokeani.com/poke/r_poke-satoshi1.html Satoshi's Pokémon pg. 1] on [[Pokeani]] (Japanese)
*[http://pokeani.com/poke/r_poke-satoshi2.html Satoshi's Pokémon pg. 2] on [[Pokeani]] (Japanese)
*[http://www.freewebs.com/satoshi-kun/ SPURT!], shrine to Satoshi.
*[http://ash-ketchum-fans.deviantart.com/ Ash-Ketchum-Fans] art collection on deviantART

==On Bulbagarden forums==
*[http://bmgf.bulbagarden.net/showthread.php?t=5254 Ash Club]
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{{Champions}}
{{Ash's Pokémon}}
{{Leaguetrainers}}
{{Animecharacters}}

[[Category:Anime characters]]
[[Category:Electric Tale of Pikachu characters]]
[[Category:Characters named after real people]]
[[Category:Champions]]
[[Category:Male characters]]
[[de:Ash Ketchum]]
[[fr:Sacha]]
[[ja:サトシ]]
[[pl:Ash Ketchum]]
[[pt:Ash Ketchum]]