After 25 years, Pikachu and Ash are finally saying goodbye to Pokemon
The Pokémon company has revealed that the primary plot of the Pokémon anime will not revolve on Ash and Pikachu for the first time in 25 years. This will mark the first time in the history of the Pokémon anime that the main storyline in the anime won’t feature Ash and Pikachu.
The next year will see the beginning of a whole new series, which will, in the Japanese adaptation, feature two new characters by the names of Liko and Roy.
Fans will also get to meet Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly, the three Pokémon who come standard with the Paldea beginning set, in the future series.
The audience will have to keep waiting to find out what comes next for the most skilled Pokémon trainer in the world.
The most recent episode of the Pokémon anime, Pokémon Ultimate journeys: The series will come to a close with a batch of one-off episodes that focus on commemorating Ash and Pikachu's accomplishments over the course of the last quarter century.
An all-new Pokémon series has been announced!
— Pokémon (@Pokemon) December 16, 2022
Join 2 new characters and 3 Paldea starter Pokémon as they adventure through the Pokémon world! Plus, commemorate Ash’s journey with special episodes concluding Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series.
Coming soon in 2023 and beyond! pic.twitter.com/2lrM6W1dgW
Satoshi "Ash" Ketchum, better known as Ash in the rest of the world, debuted in Pokémon in 1997 and has since become one of the most recognisable fictional characters of all time, thanks in large part to his role as a trainer in the immensely successful Pokémon franchise.
Last month, after years of striving, he won the Masters Eight Tournament of the Pokémon World Coronation Series and earned the title of world's best Pokémon trainer.
As Taito Okiura, VP of marketing for The Pokémon Company International, put it, "Ash Ketchum's drive and tenacity to reach his goal of being the world's greatest Pokémon Trainer over the course of 25 seasons exemplifies the very best of what it means to be a Trainer.
"We cannot wait to celebrate this occasion with Pokémon fans when the newest season of Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series and this episode that establishes the parameters for the adventure broadcast throughout the globe in the next year. If you're a fan, you won't want to miss this season.