ash last journey

After 25 Years, Ash's Pokemon Journey Has Finally Come To An End

After more than 25 years, Ash's journey has come to an end in the Pokemon Journeys finale.

The long-awaited Pokemon anime finale just aired in Japan, ending Ash's journey after more than 25 years. While the final few moments of the episode didn't give anything too wild, it was a fittingly poignant end to the story many of us have been following our whole lives.This rounds off the long, nostalgic farewell we'd been treated to over the past few weeks, bringing back some familiar faces before we start the new series next month. This will introduce us to a new protagonist , along with a new cast of characters. Related: New Zealand Is The World’s Worst Place To Play Pokemon Go Of course, saying goodbye to Ash means that his partner Pokemon, Pikachu, is bowing out as well. Having accomplished their dream of being the very best, like no one ever was, the two walk off down a crossroads, not knowing what the future will bring them.

It's expected that Ash will show his face in the new series, Pokemon Horizons, eventually, but with a whole new host of characters to introduce, he might have to wait his turn. He could also finally be much older when we see him again, as the end of his journey gives him the chance to make up for a few lost birthdays.

There's no sign of any such cameo in the first Pokemon Horizons trailer , however, which went live as soon as the finale aired. Instead, we're introduced to our new hero, Liko, and her partner Pokemon Sprigatito. In the trailer, we see a whole lot of other new Pokemon too, making the most of the new 'mon introduced in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet last year. But don't worry, there's a Pikachu here as well , because of course there is.

Next: The Rocket Launcher Is Resident Evil 4's Master Ball

Pokemon Ultimate Journeys Concludes Ash's Farewell Arc in the US on September 8

Ash and pikachu's grand finale has us crying already..

We've known for a while now that the Pokemon anime is about to say farewell to its protagonist of 25 years, Ash Ketchum, and his pal Pikachu. Their farewell has already been broadcast in Japan, but today at San Diego Comic Con we learned that the grand finale of his arc will debut in English on Netflix on September 8 of this year.

The date was revealed during a panel at SDCC today, which also showed a teaser trailer including clips from Ash's past such as him meeting Pikachu, saying goodbye to Butterfree, and other characters such as Lapras, Sceptile, Infernape, and others. We also got some quick looks at what's to come, including reunions with Brock and Misty, Gary Oak, the Squirtle Squad, and of course, Team Rocket. There's even an episode that will honor some of the Pokemon movies.

Awesome Things We Saw at SDCC 2023

Ash's journey has already been on its final leg on Netflix for a while now via Pokemon Ultimate Journeys: The Series, with parts 1-3 already available to watch. Part 4, which airs on September 8, will be the final segment, and has already aired in Japan. We wrote a little bit about how it goes here , if you want the tiniest of spoilers, but given that I'm tearing up while writing this, you might want to wait.

Pokemon isn't done as an anime, though. Pokemon Horizons is the brand new anime series that will follow Ash's 25-year journey. It stars protagonists Liko and Roy, who are partnered with a Sprigatito and a Fuecoco, and it also is set to include a new Pikachu - Captain Pikachu, to be precise . There's even a never-before-seen new Pokemon being teased .

We don't yet have a release date for Pokemon Horizons in the States, but it's likely to follow Ash's final curtain call sometime either late this year or early next. For more from San Diego Comic Con, we've got a roundup of everything being announced right here .

Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. You can find her on Twitter @duckvalentine .

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The next Pokémon anime will end Ash Ketchum's story, introduce new characters after 25 years

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Christian Holub is a writer covering comics and other geeky pop culture. He's still mad about 'Firefly' getting canceled.

Pokémon anime has been airing on TV since 1997 and has always focused on one character in particular: Ash Ketchum, who dreams of "catching them all" and becoming the ultimate Pokémon Master, eternally accompanied by his beloved companion Pikachu. But that's about to change.

After 25 years, Ash's story is finally coming to an end. In a recent episode, Ash finally won enough battles to achieve his longtime dream of becoming Pokémon World Champion. Now it's time to say goodbye.

A new Pokémon trailer released Friday revealed that Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series concludes with 11 episodes in early 2023 that will eventually bid farewell to Ash and Pikachu. Having finally achieved his goals, Ash's final installment will check in with old friends like Misty as viewers get a glimpse of what the future holds for Ash and Pikachu.

Then the next, as-yet-untitled Pokémon series will launch, introducing two brand-new protagonists: Liko and Roy. Viewers can see what they look like in the final moments of the new trailer.

They are accompanied by Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly, the starter Pokémon from the video games Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet , set in the new region of Paldea. We can only hope that Fidough, the new donut dog Pokémon , will also make an appearance.

"Across the wide world, a brand-new dream and adventure is about to begin," the trailer reveals.

Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series is streaming now on Netflix. Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet are now available for purchase for anyone who wants to learn the ins and outs of the Paldea region before the new animated series explores it further.

Sign up for Entertainment Weekly 's free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more.

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Netflix gets closer to Ash’s finale, with part 3 of Pokémon Ultimate Journeys hitting in June

English-language viewers will get 15 more dubbed episodes, continuing Ash Ketchum’s final Pokémon battles

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Share All sharing options for: Netflix gets closer to Ash’s finale, with part 3 of Pokémon Ultimate Journeys hitting in June

This spring, Japanese viewers got to see Ash Ketchum finally achieve his dream of becoming a Pokémon master — and English-language audiences are creeping ever closer to their chance, too. The Pokémon Company has announced that a third batch of episodes from Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series , the show that eventually wraps up Ash’s story, will premiere on Netflix on June 23.

It’s a bittersweet time for Pokémon fans, as Ash battles his way through the World Coronation Series and the Masters Eight Tournament, set in the Galar region of Pokémon Sword and Shield . So far, Netflix has released the final 51-episode season in two 12-episode chunks, with the previous one hitting the service this February. Part 3 is slightly larger and will consist of 15 episodes.

From the season’s Japanese release in March, we already know that the final episodes of this season will call back to Ash’s quarter-of-a-century history as the main character of the franchise’s anime adaptations, with appearances from classic characters. Ultimately, it will send the eternally 10-year-old trainer off with a bang. The rest of the franchise is preparing for what comes next, as Ash’s voice actors say goodbye to an international fandom, and a new set of main trainers steps up.

Polygon covered the Japanese release of Ash’s story finale here , but if you’ve been steering clear of any spoilers at all, godspeed. You’ll get a little bit closer in June.

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Here’s What Happens in Ash’s Final Pokémon Episode

Spoilers for the final episode of the Pokémon Journeys anime follow:

As it turns out, much of Ash and Pikachu’s final episode, “Rainbow and the Pokémon Master!” doesn’t feel particularly conclusive as far as wrapping up their story. Rather, it’s more a confirmation that the two will continue on their own path, but it’s one we can’t follow.

The episode begins with Ash saying goodbye to Misty and Brock, who accompanied him throughout the special farewell episodes Pokémon used to send off the character. While Ash has had many travelling companions over the years, it felt right having him spend those final episodes with the original cast. Because this last episode is all about him, however, he parts ways with them as they head back to Pewter City and Cerulean City.

When Ash arrives back in Pallet Town, he spends some time at home with his mother before heading out into the town to see Professor Oak, with the episode giving us another cameo on the way: Tracey Sketchit. While his stint in the show was brief, Tracey was also a fan favourite in the early days, so it was nice to see him again, even briefly.

Once at Professor Oak’s lab, Ash visits some of his old Pokémon and then meets up with Gary, as we knew he would based on the original synopsis . When Ash and his old rival talk, he asks if his championship win has brought him closer to becoming a Pokémon master, and that question is the crux of the episode. For a lot of people in the Pokémon community, there are different things people come to the series for, and what makes for success in this world is up to the eye of the beholder. But for a long time, Ash has been vaguely gesturing at some idea of being a Pokémon master, so the episode asks: what does that mean to him? He doesn’t have an answer just yet.

We also circle back around to Jesse, James, and Meowth, who broke fans’ hearts earlier this month after seemingly disbanding . However, they’re still together and doing Team Rocket’s dirty work because they’re working in the kitchen for the group, instead of trying to steal Ash’s Pikachu. But because old habits die hard, they do make one final attempt at catching Pikachu before blasting off one last time, though they seem to have a bit more resolve that this is what they’re passionate about.

The last big cameo of the episode is one of Ash’s earliest Pokémon: Pidgeot. It’s been a while since the two parted ways; 24 years, in fact. The fucked up thing is that Ash promised to come back for it when it was released to protect a group of wild Pidgey in 1999, and that just never happened. But in this final episode, the two reunited and Pidgeot rejoined Ash’s team.

Then Ash thinks about what Gary asked. What does it mean to be a Pokémon master? Ultimately, the conclusion he reaches is that it’s to be friends with all Pokémon. It doesn’t matter how many championships you win, how many badges you earn, or how much you fill up your Pokédex. The true making of a Pokémon master is being someone who cares about all 1000+ of these critters. Honestly, I know the “power of friendship” trope might feel tired to some at this point, but that’s always been the underlying theme of the Pokémon series, right? Ash lost a lot of battles to get to this point, but it was worth it because he met so many new friends and Pokémon along the way. It’s a nice acknowledgment that despite being a champion now, the real win was meeting all the people and Pokémon he’s met in his journeys, and while we might not be following him in the future, it looks like that journey will continue.

And that’s the conclusion of the anime. The final steps of Ash and Pikachu after 26 years! Enjoy. 🥲 #anipoke #anipokespoilers pic.twitter.com/pSqtLy55XP — Braysh Gaming 🇬🇧 (@brayshgaming) March 24, 2023

The episode ends with Ash and several Pokémon taking shelter from a storm under a tree. Then, once the clouds part and the sun is shining, he and Pikachu walk along a new path, with Team Rocket floating in their hot air balloon right on their tail.

So in this final episode, nothing’s really ended as far as Ash’s story is concerned. He and Pikachu will still keep travelling the Pokémon world and meeting new friends, but we won’t be following him down whatever path calls. Instead, we’ll be hanging out with Liko and Roy, new characters with new stories to tell. The next season, which will be called Pokémon Horizons , got a new trailer ahead of its premiere on April 14 in Japan.

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Pokémon's Ash Ketchum Finally Becomes the Very Best in Journeys' Grand Finale

Legendary Pokémon trainer Ash Ketchum finally becomes World Champ 25 years after the original anime premiered its first episode in Japan.

Ash Ketchum, once a simple boy from Pallet Town, has finally become the very best in the grand finale of Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series .

The Pokémon Company announced that the longtime Pokémon protagonist has achieved the title of World Champion 25 years after the original anime premiered in Japan. The anime declared Ash the World Champion after he won the Masters Eight Tournament of the Pokémon World Coronation Series, a highly anticipated accomplishment since the franchise's inception. Ultimate Journeys marks the 25th series in a string of successful Pokémon shows since Ash and Pikachu first embarked on their adventure together.

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While both the Pokémon anime and video games have introduced the fandom to young fans, some people have remained committed to watching Ash and Pikachu's journey since the very beginning. "Ash Ketchum's determination and perseverance to achieve his goal of becoming the world's top Pokémon Trainer over the course of 25 seasons represents the very best of what it means to be a Trainer," said Taito Okiura, vice president of marketing for The Pokémon Company International.

"We cannot wait to celebrate this moment with Pokémon fans when the newest season of Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series and this adventure-defining episode air around the world in the coming year. This is a season fans won't want to miss!" First premiering in December 2021, Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series follows Ash, Goh and Chloe and their adventures across all eight regions, including Sword and Shield 's Crown Tundra area.

RELATED: Zapdos Meets The Winged Dragon of Ra in Epic Pokémon x Yu-Gi-Oh Crossover Fan Art

Before becoming World Champion, Ash became the first official Pokémon League Champion of the Alola region at the Manalo Conference. The Alola region served as the setting for the Generation VII games, Pokémon Sun and Moon. With this achievement, Ash's longtime determination finally paid off after he endured 22 long years without a championship title.

While the news of Ash Ketchum ending his Pokémon journey may be shocking, some fans feared the anime was nearing the finish line. For days, rumors of the anime's finale began circulating after the episode titles for 133, 134 and 135 leaked online. Episode 135 is allegedly named "Pokémon, I'm Glad I Chose You!," which many believe is a reference to the first episode of the original anime titled, "Pokémon - I Choose You!"

The first 12 episodes of Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series is streaming now on Netflix in the United States. Episode 135, "Pokémon, I'm Glad I Chose You," premieres in Japan on Dec. 9.

Source: The Pokémon Company

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The Pokémon Company

MANILA, Philippines – It was an end of an era for Pokémon fans, as after over 25 years of triumphs and tears, Ash Ketchum concluded his journey on Friday, March 24.

Ash’s farewell to the Pokémon series was first announced on December 16, 2022, with the iconic trainer reaching the end his journey through the 11-episode arc Pokémon: Aim To Be A Pokémon Master. 

🧢♥⚡ pic.twitter.com/vdvKFVvBpd — Pokémon (@Pokemon) March 24, 2023

In the final episode of Aim To Be A Pokémon Master , Ash reflected on his journey and his future plans after becoming the top trainer in the world during the Masters Eight Tournament of the Pokémon World Coronation Series.

“Being a champion is not my goal, I still consider myself a challenger…. I wanna make friends with Pokémon all over the world. That’s what it means to be a Pokémon master,” Ash said in the episode. 

Fans were given one last surprise as Ash also reunited with his Pidgeot to help him with his final encounter with Team Rocket. 

#めざポケ最終話 「虹とポケモンマスター！」 いかがでしたか❓ #アニポケ 見逃し配信は本日から3週間！ ぜひぜひ、ご覧ください🌟 「ピカチュウ、 いつかオレがポケモンマスターになったとき そこにいてくれよな」 https://t.co/msV1aaMXeN pic.twitter.com/JzlVmfB6UX — アニメ「ポケットモンスター」公式 (@anipoke_PR) March 24, 2023

Ash’s voice actors, past and present, also sounded off on the character’s departure from the Pokémon series. 

“Still so hard to believe that this day has finally come. Well, time to look toward the next adventure, everyone, together,” Veronica Taylor, Ash’s original English voice actor, said in a tweet . 

“Ash’s journey never ends,” said Rica Matsumoto, the character’s Japanese voice actor. Matsumoto has been the Japanese voice for Ash ever since the Pokémon series was first released in 1997. 

サトシの旅は 終わらない。。 つづくったらつづく… #感謝 #松本梨香 #サトシ #ピカチュウ #応援してくれた全ての人へ pic.twitter.com/cBx45PT1Zi — 🌈✨松本梨香✨🌈 (@rica_matsumoto3) March 24, 2023

Sarah Natochenny, Ash’s current English voice actor, paid tribute to Matsumoto, saying she “inspired and entertained millions of people around the world.” She added that the Japanese voice actor also inspired her performance. 

As I continue recording the final episodes of Ash and Pikachu’s journey on Pokémon, I’d like to thank and congratulate the incredible woman who has inspired my performance as the English voice of Ash Ketchum for the last 17 years, @rica_matsumoto3 . 👏👏👏 #ThankYouAshandPikachu pic.twitter.com/3gzhLjc5fm — Sarah Natochenny 🥸 (@sarahnatochenny) March 24, 2023

Future ‘Horizons’

Following the airing of the final episode of Aim To Be A Pokémon Master in Japan, a new trailer was released for Pokémon Horizons: The Series . 

Horizons will focus on two new protagonists, Liko and Roy, and will center around the Paldea region. The characters possess mysterious items in the form of a pendant and a Pokéball that will play a key role in the series.

Set sail for a new journey in #PokemonHorizons : The Series! 🌅 Follow Liko and Roy as they unravel the mysteries that surround them and encounter Friede, Captain Pikachu, Amethio, and others during their exciting adventures! pic.twitter.com/HO1J0nAta1 — Pokémon (@Pokemon) March 24, 2023

Other characters were also introduced following the trailer’s release such as the Rising Volt Tacklers and Amethio. 

In #PokemonHorizons : The Series, Liko and Roy encounter Friede’s team: the Rising Volt Tacklers! 💥 ⚙️ Orla and Metagross 🪨 Murdock and Rockruff 🩺 Mollie and Chansey 🎣 And Ludlow, a fisherman…? pic.twitter.com/KvphvOhlbi — Pokémon (@Pokemon) March 24, 2023

Introducing a new character in #PokemonHorizions : The Series—Amethio! Amethio is accompanied by his partner Pokémon, Ceruledge, and belongs to a mysterious organization called the Explorers. pic.twitter.com/lDqGyHUR4g — Pokémon (@Pokemon) March 24, 2023

Pokémon Horizons: The Series will start airing in Japan on April 14. – Rappler.com 

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Pokémon Ultimate Journeys Trailer: Ash Ketchum’s Story is Coming to an End

By Spencer Legacy

After over two decades of adventure, Ash Ketchum’s journey in the world of Pokémon is set to come to an end.

The official Pokémon YouTube channel posted a new video that shows highlights from throughout Ash’s quest, followed by an announcement that states an 11-episode series — which will start on January 13, 2023 — will show the final chapter of Ash and Pikachu’s story. This section is accompanied by a nostalgic remix of the backing track of the show’s iconic first English theme song.

This is followed by a brief teaser for a new Pokémon series that will follow new characters Riko and Roy as they begin their own journey alongside the recent Paldea region’s starter Pokémon: Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly. This new story will begin in April, 2023.

Check out the Pokémon Ultimate Journeys trailer below:

The Pokémon anime started in 1997 and has followed Ash Ketchum (or Satoshi in the Japanese version) and his Pikachu as they travel across various regions with a number of different friends and monsters in pursuit of becoming a Pokémon Master.

Spencer Legacy is ComingSoon and SuperHeroHype's Senior Editor. He reads a lot of comics and manga, and his work can be found on MonsterVine, Noisy Pixel, and more.

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Ash Ketchum's final Pokémon episodes will air on Netflix in September

End of an era.

For English speakers, Ash Ketchum's journey with Pikachu in the Pokémon anime will come to an end in September.

The Pokémon Company announced last year the protagonist of the long-running series would leave after 25 years and that final episode has already been broadcast in Japan.

Yesterday at San Diego Comic Con, it was announced the final episodes will debut in English in America and Latin America on Netflix later this year: 8th September.

The news came alongside a trailer for Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series, featuring a recap of Ash and Pikachu's journey as well as a brief glimpse of what's yet to come. Tissues at the ready.

Of course, the Pokémon anime isn't completely over.

Pokémon Horizons will be the brand new series to follow Ash's adventures. It will star new dual protagonists - Liko and Roy - and the adorable Captain Pikachu , as part of a new group led by Pokémon Professor Friede.

You can check out a brand new trailer for Pokémon Horizons below, featuring the new protagonists and their Scarlet and Violet starters.

There's more from Netflix too, with Pokémon Concierge due out in December 2023.

That's a stop-motion series featuring new character Haru as the concierge at a Pokémon resort, alongside a cute little Psyduck.

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End of an Era: Ashe's Pokémon Journey Comes to an End After 1,000 Episodes

Even Ash Ketchum has to grow up at some point... and it seems that in 2023 he will finally move on and grow older by passing the torch onto new heroes in the upcoming Pokémon series.

It's the end of an era. It was just announced that Ash Ketchum has completed his Pokémon journey after becoming a master and his long story arc will come to a close very, very soon.

Fans had been worried about this happening, but the TV Tokyo higher ups gave fans hope that Ash would not be leaving the show. Instead, the newest announcement will mean a brand-new start for the Pokémon series, with new characters in a brand-new region.

• Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: How To Quickly Farm Tons of EXP

Pokémon: Final Arc For Ash Ketchum Announced

On December 16, 2022 the Twitter account of AnimeTV released a trailer revealing that in January the final 11 episodes of Ash Ketchum's arc will be broadcasted. Ash finally beat the Pokémon League so now it's time for him to retire and move on with his life and finally grow up.

An all-new Pokemon Anime Series Officially Announced for 2023! More: https://t.co/SD7d7KuERm pic.twitter.com/qFTGvvCUl5 — AnimeTV (@animetv_jp) December 16, 2022

This means that the baton will be passed down to new main characters and we already got a glimpse of them in the upcoming promo art of the next season. We also know that it will take place in Paldea with the three starter Pokémon from Scarlet & Violet also shown.

So, while Ash's story has come to an end, this does not mean that it is the end of Pokémon altogether. The new Pokémon Paldea season will kick off in April 2023 and feature new Pokémon, new characters and the same old Pokémon show formula that has worked over the last 25-years.

• Pokémon Scarlet & Violet DLC Leaked

It's time for a new generation of Pokémon trainers to take over the silver screen, but it's still hard to say goodbye to Ash and Pikachu. But we might not have to say goodbye for too long.

New Protagonist Revealed: Is She Related to Ash?

With the reveal of the new protagonist it has fans already theorizing who they could be. The girl in the teaser image looks to have a hair clip which resembles the symbol on Ashe's cap, so could she be related to him? Perhaps his daughter?

That would make the re-appearance of Ash and Pikachu highly likely and we won't have to say goodbye to the iconic duo for forever. Of course, this has not been confirmed yet, but it would be a perfect fit for the continuation of the Pokémon series.

Sabrina Ahn is the League of Legends and Riftfeed Lead. During her time at Concordia University in 2014 she fell in love with LoL and is playing it since – how she hasn't lost her sanity is still unclear. ...

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‘Pokemon: Ultimate Journeys’ finale closes Ash Ketchum’s 25-year quest

Over 20 years ago, audiences worldwide met Ash Ketchum, a boy from Pallet Town determined to become a Pokémon Master. The “Pokémon: Ultimate Journeys: The Series’” protagonist achieves his dream in the anime’s 25th season .

The most recent season has taken fans on an unforgettable adventure through the ever-changing world of Pokémon with its character development, new settings and exciting battles.

The final 12 episodes are focused on Ash, Misty and Brock, the original trio, as they take one last journey together through the Pokémon world.

Fast forward to 2023, the “not so rookie anymore” trainer has achieved his goals and beyond, becoming Pokémon champion of the Alola region and later ranking as the number one trainer in the world.

The episode “A Squad’s Worth of Passion,” is arguably the most memorable as it reunites Ash’s first Pokémon team in nearly 15 years.

The series’ final episodes would not have a proper ending if Ash’s iconic Pokémon did not make special appearances, as they were the reason for his crowning achievements.

Each of his Pokémon has its quirks, characteristics and unique traits that make them memorable and endearing to fans. Their evolving personalities and the relationships they built with Ash and each other are central to the storytelling in the long-running anime.

In the episode, Ash and his friends arrive in a port town, where a large crowd has come to watch a show hosted by the Squirtle Squad, a troublemaking group of Squirtles led by one of Ash’s former Pokémon. Ash and his friends enjoy the show but discover that the antagonistic Team Rocket has become the squad’s business manager and is causing trouble.

Season 25’s sub-season theme song takes nostalgia to a whole new level. The introduction is an amalgam of the “Pokemon” theme songs, showing clips from Ash’s past adventures.

The animation quality in this season is overall outstanding. The battles are breathtaking and memorable, with fluid movements and stunning visual effects that make every Pokémon battle a joy to watch. The most memorable ones are Ash battling Sinnoh region champion Cynthia in a six-on-six Pokémon battle spanning over three episodes, and opposing Galar Region Champion Leon.

The attention to detail in capturing the unique personalities and characteristics of each Pokémon shown in this season is commendable. Ash’s Pokémon personality was on full display in heartwarming moments throughout the season, as shown in the episode “Getting to the Heart of it All!” where Ash’s Gengar helps a fellow Pokémon abandoned by its trainer. This moment highlights the empathy that Ash has instilled in his partners, an emotion that positively plagues the franchise, teaching younger viewers to help others in need.

The world of Pokémon feels alive and vibrant, making it easy to immerse oneself in the journey alongside Ash and his friends.

The 25th season is a triumphant addition to the “Pokémon” franchise. With its compelling storylines, character development between Ash and his friends, stunning animation and a solid connection to its roots, it’s a season that caters to fans of all ages. This season has proven that “Pokémon” continues to evolve and captivate, making it a must-watch for newcomers and long-time trainers. “Pokémon Ultimate Journeys” is a celebration of the enduring spirit of Pokémon, and it leaves us eagerly anticipating the adventures ahead.

“Pokémon: Ultimate Journeys” final 12 episodes accumulate a 25-year journey in 12 nostalgic episodes, bringing Pokémon fans closure for Ash’s story.

“Ultimate Journeys’” successor, “Pokémon Horizons: The Series” will not feature Ash and will instead focus on a new generation of rising Pokémon trainers. An English dub was announced , but it is unclear when it will be released.

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Ash and Pikachu's Journey Comes to an End After 26 Years

The last episode with the dynamic duo has officially aired in japan..

After 26 years, 1232 episodes, and 23 movies, the Pokémon anime series aired its last episode with the beloved protagonists Ash Ketchum and Pikachu in Japan on Friday. In their place are two new trainers named Liko and Roy who will be the new stars of the Pokémon series.

Without spoiling too much, the last episode titled “Rainbow and the Pokémon Master!” doesn’t feel all too final. Rather it is more of a send-off for them to continue on their own adventures. In the episode, Ash is seen reuniting with the original cast, Misty and Brock as they venture off to Pewter City and Cerulean City. He also returns to where it all began, Pallet Town, where he connects with the likes of Professor Oak, his old rival Gary, and Team Rocket’s Jesse, James, and Meowth.

“When Ash and Pikachu return to Pallet Town, they reunite with Gary who asks Ash the question: How much closer to becoming the Pokémon Master are you now that you’ve become the Champion? Becoming a Pokémon Master has been Ash’s dream ever since he set off on his journey with Pikachu. Will Ash be able to find the answer to this question?”

Man this is sad, can’t believe Ash & Pikachu’s journey is offcially done. Grew up watching this series before any other anime, will miss em. Here’s to a new series! pic.twitter.com/yngZwrWVyu — SLO (@SLOplays) March 24, 2023

Where it all began… 1st April 1997 “This is just the beginning of the amazing adventures of Ash and Pikachu… And as their story unfolds, we’ll unlock the magic and mystery of a most wondrous place: The incredible world of Pokémon.” 😭🥲❤️ #ThankYouAshAndPikachu #Anipoke pic.twitter.com/2oH7JeAnBP — Rafi (@ThePokeRaf) March 23, 2023

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Age reveal: Unravelling the mystery of Ash and Co.'s ages at the end of Pokémon's journey

I n the vibrant world of Pokémon, Ash Ketchum stands as an iconic figure, journeying alongside Pikachu and friends in a quest for mastery. Yet, amidst the countless battles and adventures, one enigma persists Ash's age. While officially pegged at a perpetual 10 years old, the passage of time within the series hints at a deeper narrative, one that traverses the boundaries of age and storytelling.

The Elusive Age From the verdant plains of Kanto to the sun-kissed shores of Alola, Ash's age remains a subject of speculation among fans. While his journey spans over 1,200 episodes, the anime meticulously avoids addressing the passage of time directly. This intentional ambiguity leaves room for interpretation, sparking debates and theories on Ash's true age.

Markers of Time Throughout the Pokémon saga, subtle markers hint at the progression of time. References to annual events, such as the construction of the magnet train in Johto, offer glimpses into a temporal landscape beyond Ash's eternal youth. Moreover, milestones like Professor Burnett's parenthood underscore the organic evolution of characters within the series, suggesting a nuanced approach to timekeeping.

Age and Audience At the heart of Ash's agelessness lies a strategic narrative decision. By anchoring Ash at the tender age of 10, Pokémon aligns its protagonist with its core demographic, fostering relatability and longevity. This deliberate choice shields the series from the pitfalls of character ageing, ensuring enduring relevance amidst evolving audience demographics.

The Evolution of Ash While Ash remains eternally youthful on-screen, his character undergoes a subtle evolution beneath the surface. Each adventure, victory, and defeat contributes to his growth as a trainer and individual, transcending the confines of chronological age. Through this dynamic characterisation, Pokémon cultivates a narrative rich in depth and complexity, resonating with audiences across generations.

Ageing in Animation

The phenomenon of age in animation extends beyond Pokémon, echoing the broader landscape of animated storytelling. From timeless classics to contemporary masterpieces, characters often serve as vessels for universal themes and experiences, transcending the limitations of temporal constraints. In this context, Ash Ketchum emerges as a symbol of perennial youth, embodying the timeless spirit of adventure.

In the sprawling tapestry of Pokémon's universe, Ash Ketchum stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling. While his age remains shrouded in mystery, his journey resonates with audiences young and old, transcending the boundaries of time. As we continue to traverse the ever-expanding realms of Pokémon, one thing remains certain; the ageless allure of Ash Ketchum will endure for generations to come. READ ALSO: One Piece unveiled: Where to begin, essential insights and viewing guide

READ ALSO: Blue Lock: Breaking the mould and forging a new path in sports anime

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