Ash Ketchum

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Ash redirects here. For the item attached to Ho-Oh, see Sacred Ash. For the ash found at the foot of Mt. Chimney, see volcanic ash.

Ash Ketchum
サトシ Satoshi
Ash BW.png
Art from the Best Wishes series
Age 10 (as of BW001)
Gender Male
Eye color Brown
Hair color Black
Hometown Pallet Town
Region Kanto
Relatives Delia, Unknown father (EP002), Unknown grandfather (EP002) (Japanese only) (anime)
Mom (manga)
Trainer class Trainer
Game counterpart Red
Animated debut Pokémon - I Choose You!
English voice actor Veronica Taylor (4Kids)
Sarah Natochenny (TPCI)
Japanese voice actor Rica Matsumoto

Ash Ketchum (Japanese: サトシ Satoshi) is the main character of both the Pokémon anime and the Electric Tale of Pikachu manga, and is believed to be based on the protagonist of the first generation Pokémon games.

He shares his Japanese name—which can be taken to mean "wisdom" or "reason" (智)—with the creator of the Pokémon franchise, Satoshi Tajiri. His English surname is a pun of the original English motto, "Gotta Catch 'em All!."

201
Spoiler warning: this article may contain major plot or ending details.
201

In the anime

Character

Ash's main goal in life, as described in the first episode, is to be the world's greatest Pokémon Master. Ash began his journey at the age of 10 as a warm-hearted and well-intentioned but stubborn, rash and amateurish Pokémon Trainer. He was forced to accept the cheeky Pikachu from Professor Oak as his starter Pokémon because he carelessly broke his alarm clock in his sleep 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 Pikachu saw that he was willing to compromise his own safety to keep it safe he formed a strong bond of friendship with Pikachu. This would set his course for the future.

File:Ash fleeing spearow.png
Ash trying to keep Pikachu safe

However, from that point, Ash still had a lot to learn about becoming a Trainer. The first Pokémon he caught, was caught by luck, as he knew absolutely nothing about battling, and was hesitant to admit it whenever he was wrong. Many of his first Gym badges were given to him merely out of gratitude for his assistance rather than claiming an actual victory in battle over the Gym Leaders; of his first five gym battles, only his victory over Lt. Surge was an actual victory. Every time he thought he was doing well, he would somehow cross paths with his childhood rival, Gary Oak. He always reminded Ash that he was always a step or seven behind, with Gary catching around forty-five Pokémon by the time Ash had only caught his seventh. This hampered matters further when, owing to his inexperience, his Charizard, his most powerful Pokémon, refused to listen to him until Ash could prove himself to the powerful Fire-type.

Over time, Ash's dedication to his goal paid off. After earning his first eight badges he went on to compete in the Indigo League, advancing to the fifth round - one further than Gary, and ending up in the top 16. After recovering from his defeat, he continued on to improve his skills; take on new challenges; and compete in more Pokémon League competitions - triumphing in the Orange League and the Battle Frontier.

Ash has changed a great deal over the course of the series, particularly in regards to his skill at Pokémon training, but his earnestness, rashness, 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. For example, when he received a banner filled with prints from his Pokémon in The Unbeatable Lightness of Seeing!, he knew which Pokémon placed specific prints, showing his close bond with them. He also learns 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. In another instance, his Charizard defeated Gary's Blastoise by causing the field to overheat before mounting a close-quarters attack while Blastoise was blinded by the steam. He also prefers to train a Pokémon to be the best it can without forcing it to evolve, as evidenced by his treatment of Gligar in Fighting Fear With Fear!. He is happy when his Pokémon evolve but lets them choose whether or not they want to evolve instead of forcing them.

Ash using Aura inside the Tree of Beginning

Early on, Ash originally trained not to further himself but instead to catch more Pokémon than 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. This is shown when a Mankey stole his hat in Primeape Goes Bananas, he screamed and yelled at it, even climbing trees just to get his hat back, but when an Aipom did the same in Slaking Kong, he stated merely that he would feel strange without a hat. When Aipom stole his hat again in Setting the World on its Buneary, however, while it was under his ownership, he chased after it in the same manner as before.

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 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 Gotta Catch Ya Later as well as May and Max in Battling the Enemy Within.

He has traversed much of the Pokémon world and has thus far participated in four Pokémon League regional competitions, but he is still learning new things about Pokémon all the time.

Ash has gained a close connection with many legendary Pokémon, including Mewtwo, Ho-Oh, Lugia, Latias, Azelf, Shaymin, Giratina and Arceus. In the English dub of the second movie, he was revealed to be "The Chosen One" - the one who would bring balance back to the world when it was disrupted. 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 The Keystone Pops!, who also had a partner Pikachu. Later, in Pokémon Ranger and the Kidnapped Riolu! Parts 1 and 2, Ash uses aura again to locate a lost Riolu and read Riolu's mind as well.

Ash has also participated in contests. 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 carries half of a broken Poké Ball with him everywhere, while Gary has the other half, as a symbol of their ongoing, but now friendly, rivalry; Misty's special lure, which she sent to him as a gift; and half of a ribbon he received in a contest against May before she left the group to compete in Johto. Ash also participated in the Wallace Cup on the suggestion of Wallace but he lost in the third round.

Ash soon obtained all of the Sinnoh gym badges. During his battles in the Lily of the Valley Conference, he managed to advance to the Top 4, during which time he defeated his long-time Sinnoh rival Paul, and fought against Tobias, becoming the only Trainer to defeat his Darkrai. Though he lost later on in the battle, he seems to be okay with losing, as he has become closer to his Pokémon than ever before.

Ash is now currently in his venture to Unova, bringing along only his Pikachu as he did in Hoenn and planned to in Sinnoh.

Family

A young Ash

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

His father was never introduced. The anime suggests that his father was once a Pokémon Trainer who began his journey in Pallet Town, and that he is still living. An interview with the series' storyboarder confirmed Ash's father is a Trainer on his own journey. According to the same storyboarder, Ash's father may or may not be introduced in the series, depending on its necessity to Ash's further maturity and development as a Trainer.

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

Pokémon

Ash's Party prior to BW018.

As a Trainer, Ash has captured and befriended a sizable number of Pokémon over the course of the anime. His philosophy on training is that Pokémon are individuals and that a combination of trust, friendship and hard work are needed to overcome adversity. He seems to battle best with Pokémon that are similar to Pikachu: ones that are speedy and maneuverable, yet able to perform high-powered attacks; however, he is willing to work with any Pokémon that comes into his care. Ash's battle style is generally spontaneous and fairly unorthodox, and his Pokémon often reflect these traits.

On hand

This section is based on the Pokémon with Ash in the most recent episode to air in Japan.

Ash Pikachu.png
Pikachu
Ash Oshawott.png
Oshawott
Ash Tepig.png
Tepig
Ash Snivy.png
Snivy
File:Ash Zuruggu2.png
Egg → Zuruggu
Ash Sewaddle.png
Sewaddle

With Professor Juniper

This section shows the Pokémon that Ash has left with Professor Juniper.

Ash Pidove.png
Pidove

With Professor Oak

This section shows the Pokémon that Ash keeps at Professor Oak's laboratory.

Ash Bulbasaur.png
Bulbasaur
Ash Kingler.png
Krabby → Kingler
Ash Muk.png
Muk
Ash Tauros.png
Tauros (x30)
Ash Snorlax.png
Snorlax
Ash Heracross.png
Heracross
Ash Bayleef.png
Chikorita → Bayleef
Ash Quilava.png
Cyndaquil → Quilava
Ash Totodile.png
Totodile
Ash Noctowl.png
Noctowl File:ShinyGSStars.png
Ash Donphan.png
Egg → Phanpy → Donphan
Ash Swellow.png
Taillow → Swellow
Ash Sceptile.png
Treecko → Grovyle → Sceptile
Ash Corphish.png
Corphish
Ash Torkoal.png
Torkoal
Ash Glalie.png
Snorunt → Glalie
Ash Staraptor.png
Starly → Staravia → Staraptor
Ash Torterra.png
Turtwig → Grotle → Torterra
Ash Infernape.png
Chimchar → Monferno → Infernape
Ash Buizel.png
Buizel
Ash Gible.png
Gible

In training

This section is for the Pokémon that Ash still owns but are in the care of another Trainer. Some can be called upon at any time if needed.

Ash Primeape.png
Primeape
Ash Charizard.png
Charmander → Charmeleon → Charizard
Ash Squirtle.png
Squirtle

Status unknown

This section is for Ash's Pokémon whose current whereabouts are unknown.

Ash Gliscor.png
Gligar → Gliscor

Released

This section is for the Pokémon that Ash formally released back into the wild.

Ash Butterfree.png
Caterpie → Metapod → Butterfree
Ash Pidgeot.png
Pidgeotto → Pidgeot
Ash Lapras.png
Lapras

Traded away

This section is for the Pokémon that Ash traded away.

Ash Raticate.png
Raticate
File:AshAipom.png
Aipom

Given away

This section is for the Pokémon that Ash gave to another Trainer to keep for themselves.

Casey Beedrill.png
Beedrill

Unofficial

This section is for the Pokémon that Ash had bonded with but never officially caught.

EP024.png
Haunter
EP262.png
Egg → Larvitar

Temporary

This section is for the Pokémon that Ash temporarily used. Many of which were rented and belong to another Trainer.

Rapidash
Lara Laramie's Rapidash

Ash borrowed Rapidash from Lara Laramie when it was a Ponyta after she was injured and could not ride it in the race. It evolved into Rapidash when it was racing against Dario's Dodrio. Ash was able to win the race.

Porygon
Dr. Akihabara's Porygon
Debut EP038

Porygon was lent to Ash by Dr. Akihabara to help stop Team Rocket from stealing Pokémon from the Pokémon Center's PC system. After they got out of the computer world, it was returned to Akihabara.

Porygon's known moves are Conversion, Tackle and Sharpen.

Arbok
Pokémon League entrance exam instructor's Arbok

The Pokémon League entrance exam instructor gave Ash an Arbok by having him choose his own set of Poké Balls provided by the instructor. It was used during a Pokémon League exam by battling the Instructor's Jolteon and lost.

Arbok's known moves are Glare and Wrap.

Weezing
Pokémon League entrance exam instructor's Weezing

The Pokémon League entrance exam instructor gave Ash a Weezing by having him choose his own set of Poké Balls provided by the instructor. It was used during the Pokémon League exam by battling the Instructor's Flareon and won.

Weezing's known moves are Smog, SmokeScreen, Tackle and Explosion.

Meowth
Pokémon League entrance exam instructor's Meowth

Meowth was the final Pokémon used by Ash during the Pokémon League exam. It was up against the Instructor's Vaporeon in which Vaporeon froze the Meowth causing Team Rocket's Meowth to interfere with the battle by kicking the frozen one free. It was accidentally blasted off along with Team Rocket. The temporary switch was fixed in the next episode.

Meowth's only known move is Fury Swipes.

Hoothoot
Hagatha's Hoothoot

Ash, Brock and Misty borrowed Hoothoot from Hagatha in order to navigate the haunted forest. It was returned to her sister, Nagatha after they were able to get to the exit.

Hoothoot's known moves are Foresight and Peck.

Staryu
Misty's Staryu
Main article: Misty's Staryu

Ash borrowed Staryu from Misty for the Fire and Rescue Grand Prix in The Fire-ing Squad. However, he did not win the contest and returned Staryu to her around the end of the episode.

Psyduck
Misty's Psyduck
Debut Hypno's Naptime
Voice actors
Japanese Rikako Aikawa
English Michael Haigney
Main article: Misty's Psyduck

Ash borrowed Psyduck from Misty for the Fire and Rescue Grand Prix in The Fire-ing Squad. However, he did not win the contest and returned Psyduck to her around the end of the episode.

Seaking
Ash's Seaking

Ash caught a Seaking during the contest. It was released under park rules.

Hitmonlee
Master Hamm's Hitmonlee

Ash borrowed Hitmonlee from Master Hamm to battle May with Hitmonchan after Master Hamm was having problems.

Hitmonlee's known moves are Rolling Kick, Hi Jump Kick, Jump Kick and Focus Punch.

Raichu
Ash's Raichu

During the first day of the summer school academy, Ash was given a Raichu to train. It was called to battle Angie's Monferno and was able to put up a great fight. It had a very timid personality.

Raichu's known moves are Dig, Thunderbolt, Focus Punch and Double Team.

Spoink
Ash's Spoink

Ash was given a Spoink in the first leg of the Pokémon triathlon. He returned it after he was done with the first part of the race.

Mantyke
Ash's Mantyke

Ash was given a Mantyke for the second leg of the Pokémon triathlon to ride across the lake. It was returned after the event was done.

Badges obtained

Spr 1g 006.png The picture used in this section is unsatisfactory.
Please feel free to replace it so it conforms to Bulbapedia conventions.
Reason: there are words in the Unova picture
Ash's eight badges from Kanto

Indigo League

Ash's four Orange League badges

Orange League

Ash's eight badges from Johto

Johto League

Ash's eight badges from Hoenn

Hoenn League

Ash's seven Frontier Symbols

Battle Frontier

Ash's eight badges from Sinnoh

Sinnoh League

Unova League


Pokémon Competitions

Pokémon League ranking

Ash placed in the Pokémon League competitions listed below.

Pokémon Championship battles

Ash challenged the following Pokémon championships as well:

Miscellaneous Competitions

Ash has also participated in the following competitions:

Voice actors

Language Voice actor
Japanese 松本梨香 Rica Matsumoto
English Veronica Taylor (4Kids dub)
Sarah Natochenny (TPCI dub)
Kayzie Rogers (a/k/a Jamie Peacock; Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon only)
Arabic بثينة شيا Buthaina Shia
Catalan Enric Puig
Mandarin Chinese 賀世芳 Hè Shìfāng
李明幸 Li Míngxìng
汪世瑋 Wāng Shìwěi
Croatian Saša Buneta
Marko Torjanac
Czech Radek Škvor
Danish Mathias Klenske
Dutch Christa Lips
Filipino Klariz Magboo
Finnish Sari Moilanen (EP001-EP142)
Hanna Savikko (EP158-present)
Jami Kantola (movies 5, 6, and 7)
French Canada Sébastien Reding
Europe Aurélien Ringelheim
German Caroline Combrinck (EP001-EP157, DP105-present)
Veronika Neugebauer (EP158-DP104)
Hebrew יהונתן מגון Yonatan Magon
דניאל מגון Daniel Magon
Hungarian Szvetlov Balázs
Ungvári Gergely
Indonesian Ahmad Zulkifli Lubis
Italian Davide Garbolino
Korean 최덕희 Choi Deok-Hyi
이선호 Lee Seon-Ho
안현서 An Hyeon-Seo
Norwegian Nils-Martin Crawfurd
Polish Hanna Kinder-Kiss (EP001-AG040, DP053-present, all movies)
Grzegorz Drojewski (DP001-DP052)
Portuguese Brazil Fábio Lucindo
Portugal Maria João Luís (EP001-EP031), movies 1 and 2
Sandra Faleiro (EP032-EP094)
Sandra de Castro (EP095-EP128, EP158-EP209, AG093-AG177, DP001-DP052, Pokémon Live)
Alexandra Sedas (EP129-EP157)
Cristina Carvalhal (movies 3 and 4)
Bárbara Lourenço (EP210-AG040)
Raquel Ferreira (AG041-AG092)
Ana Madureira (AG178-AG192)
Raquel Rosmaninho (DP053-present), movie 10
Russian Анна Левченко Anna Levchenko (EP001-EP105)
Spanish Latin America Gabriel Ramos (EP001-DP090, DP105-DP157)
Irwin Daayán (DP091-DP104)
Mireya Mendoza (young, DP138)
Miguel Ángel Leal (DP158-present)
Pablo Gandolfo (movies 6 and 7)
Alan Fernando Velázquez (movie 12)
Spain Adolfo Moreno
Rafael Alonso Naranjo Jr. (movie 3 and Mewtwo Returns)
Swedish Dick Eriksson
Thai ฉันทนา ธาราจันทร์ Chanthana Tharachan
Turkish Ahmet Taşar


In the manga

In the Ash and Pikachu manga

Ash is a starring character in Ash and Pikachu, a manga series based on the Johto saga of the Pokémon anime.

In The Electric Tale of Pikachu manga

Ash Ketchum is a starring character in The Electric Tale of Pikachu, a manga series based on the anime. Ash's journey in The Electric Tale of Pikachu follows roughly the same plot as in the anime: first traveling the Kanto region to participate in the Pokémon League, before embarking on a journey around the Orange Archipelago.

While there are many similarities between the anime and manga versions of Ash, there are several differences as well. For example, while the anime version of Ash appears to be indifferent to love and romance, the manga version of Ash has a huge crush on Gary's sister, May Oak. He is also prone to quickly falling in love just like Brock, but to a much more subtle or less extreme degree.

Ash's appearance differs in the manga as well. He wears a red jacket, much like Red's, instead of the blue he wears in the anime. Also, for the duration of the first volume, he wears a different hat, which is solid red with a "PM" on the front. Beginning in The Human Race and the Pokémon Race, his hat is changed to match the one he wears in the anime.

Ash owns many of the same Pokémon as in the anime, with a few exceptions: he captures a Fearow and an Oddish. He also captures a Mankey, which he trades to a shady salesman for a map of Mt. Moon, and a giant Slowpoke, which he trades to Gary Oak.

Pokémon

Ash Pikachu EToP.png
Pikachu
Ash Fearow EToP.png
Fearow
Ash Pidgeotto EToP.png
Pidgeotto
Ash Butterfree EToP.png
Caterpie → Metapod → Butterfree
File:Ash Charizard manga.png
Charmander → Charmeleon → Charizard
Ash Bulbasaur EToP.png
Bulbasaur
Ash Squirtle EToP.png
Squirtle
Ash Oddish EToP.png
Oddish
Ash Beedrill EToP.png
Beedrill
File:Ash Kingler manga.png
Kingler
File:Ash Muk manga.png
Muk
File:Ash Tauros manga.png
Tauros
File:Ash Lapras manga.png
Lapras
File:Ash Snorlax manga.png
Snorlax
Traded away
Mankey
Ash's Mankey

Ash gave Mankey away for a map of Mt. Moon with false directions to find a Clefairy.

Slowpoke
Ash's Slowpoke
Debut Ash vs. Gary

Ash gave this giant Slowpoke away to Gary for May Oak's photo.

In the Magical Pokémon Journey manga

Ash and Brock in Magical Pokémon Journey

Ash, along with Misty and Brock, make cameo appearances in bonus chapters of the Magical Pokémon Journey manga. In the bonus chapters, Ash and co. have mistakenly wandered into the world Magical Pokémon Journey is set in. The bonus chapters chronicle their attempts to return to their own world (of the anime) and their encounters with various aspects of the Magical Pokémon Journey canon which differ from the anime's canon (such as the use of Poké Balls).

In the TCG

This listing is of cards mentioning or featuring Ash or his Pokémon in the Pokémon Trading Card Game.

Name Type Level Rarity Set Set no.
Ash's Torkoal Fighting - - 7th Movie Half Deck (no English release) 009/019
Ash's Grovyle Grass - - 8th Movie Half Deck (no English release) 001/020
Ash's Phanpy Fighting - - 8th Movie Half Deck (no English release) 004/020
Ash's Swellow Colorless - - 8th Movie Half Deck (no English release) 007/020
Ash's Aipom Colorless - - 9th Movie Half Deck (no English release) 010/019
Ash's Treecko Grass - - ADV-P Promotional cards (no English release) 036/ADV-P
Pikachu M Lightning 45 - Movie Commemoration Random Pack (no English release) 012/022
Staraptor M Colorless 41 - Movie Commemoration Random Pack (no English release) 018/022
Pikachu M LV.X Lightning X - DPt-P Promotional cards (no English release) 043/DPt-P

Trivia

Pokémon

Ash after catching a Pokémon

Challenge/Gym related

Miscellaneous

Ash cross-dressing for the third time
Ash's new eye style in Best Wishes
  • The date of Ash's birth, according to Takeshi Shudo's anime novelizations, is 10 years, 10 months, and 10 days exactly prior to the day he began his Pokémon journey. Being that the same novelization declares that Pokémon Trainers obtain their first Pokémon in April of the year following their 10th birthday, and the anime itself began broadcast on the first of that month in 1997 in Japan, Ash's birthday, if April 1 was the first day of his journey, would be May 22.
  • Lines similar to lightning bolts are found on Ash's cheeks, as well as in his hair. This may be a reference to Ash's starter Pokémon, Pikachu, who also has electric cheeks.
  • Ash has cross-dressed three times. The first time he did this was in Pokémon Scent-sation!, in the original series. He cross-dressed a second time in Love at First Flight, in the Advanced Generation series. Tanks for the Memories! marked the third time he cross-dressed, in the Diamond & Pearl series. Each time Ash has cross-dressed, he was never willing to do so and was coerced or forced into it in some way.
  • Several of the variety of ash trees, from which his name could be derived, are related to Kanto in some way: not only are there trees known as the "red ash", "green ash", and "blue ash", for the first three games, but also the "indigo ash", for the Indigo Plateau.
  • Arnold and Travis are both doppelgängers of Ash. His first meeting with both of their mothers was being mistaken for them and embraced in a hug as the boys were away from home at the time.
Ash's drawing of a Dewgong
  • When Veronica Taylor was interviewed in the documentary "Adventures in Voice Acting", she stated that during her audition for the role of Ash, he was known as Casey at the time. This name would later be given to a recurring character from Johto.
  • In Ash's Unova design, his eye irises are larger to match most other people in the anime, like artwork of Red from Generation III. Excluding clothing, this is Ash's first physical change since his debut in Pokémon - I Choose You!.
  • Ash has shown to possess some drawing abilities which were shown in Up Close and Personable! where he drew a Dewgong.
  • Ash is the only one in his current traveling group not to have a bow-like article of clothing. Iris has a bow on her skirt and Cilan has a bow tie.


Names

Language Name Origin
Japanese サトシ Satoshi Can be taken to mean 智 (wisdom; reason); named after Satoshi Tajiri.
English, German Ash Ketchum Ketchum sounds similar to catch 'em. First name can be found in Japanese name, Satoshi. Also, Ash is a default name for Red in Pokémon Red and Blue. Ash trees are suggested as another explanation as well.
French Sacha Ketchum Similar to Ash.
Korean 한지우
Han Jiu
지 is from 智 satoshi. Alternatively, 지우 can mean "close friend".
Chinese (Mandarin) 小智
Xiǎo Zhì
智 is from 智 satoshi. Can mean "young wisdom" or "little knowledge".
Chinese (Cantonese) 小智
Síu Ji
Same as Mandarin name.
Indonesian Ali (Kanto saga)
Satoshi (Johto saga - present)
Originally from Arabic names that mean "high" or "exalted". Slightly similar to Ash.
Based on his Japanese name.
Thai ซาโตชิ
Satoshi
Based on Japanese name.


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