Ash Ketchum and Pikachu’s Pokémon adventure will end after 25 years. The Pokémon Company said on Friday that the pair’s last run will be in January 2023, when they appear in the final 11 episodes to air in Japan.
In Video, the company announced that “an entirely new series is coming,” fronted by a new cast of characters. “Ash and Pikachu have had many encounters, many battles, and many exciting and memorable times,” said a voiceover before revealing “the final chapter in the story of Ash and Pikachu.”
In Press releaseThe Pokémon Company said: “The upcoming special episodes not only celebrate Ash’s monumental achievement, but they also serve as an expression of gratitude on behalf of Pokémon to all the fans who have supported him and his fellow Pokémon Pikachu.” joined together.”
In addition, the episodes will give fans a chance to say goodbye to their favorite characters and Pokémon, including Misty and Brock. They will “provide a glimpse of what the future may hold for the world’s strongest trainer in this final chapter for Ash and his Pikachu.”
The video continued, “Around the world, a new dream and adventure is about to begin.” It ends on a frame of a new pair, Lyco and Roy, holding a green cat and a girl with short black hair and a blue coat.
The current season of the animated series, “Pokémon Ultimate Journey: The Series,” follows Ash Ketchum and his Pikachu as they win the Masters Eight tournament of the Pokémon World Coronation Series.
Following the news, Sarah Natocheni, who served as Ash’s English voice for nearly two decades, tweeted that it was “an extraordinary privilege”.
“No matter what lies beyond his final chapter, he will live on forever in the hearts of many generations to come,” she wrote. “I will keep him present to all of us in every way.”
Launched in 1997, Pokémon is based on the Game Boy game “pocket monsters” and follows characters and their Pokémon as they travel through the land improving their skills with the goal of becoming the grand champion.
Watch the full video announcement above.
