Ash’s English Voice Actors Pen Emotional Goodbyes For The Pokémon Legend – Looper

First up, Veronica Taylor, the English-language voice of Ash Ketchum for the first eight seasons of the “Pokémon” anime (who also voiced him in various Pokémon feature films, per IMDb), posted a series of tweets responding to the news of Ash’s departure.

“This announcement has really surprised me. I am filled with so much emotion…I guess I’d never considered Ash’s journey ending. I need a minute to process…” she tweeted. In a follow-up, she added, “To all of you Pokémon trainers out there…I choose YOU! I am so happy to be traveling on this spectacular journey with you, through all the highs and lows, we are truly in this together!” Then, as if that wasn’t enough to make your eyes water, she added one more tweet to the mix: “An incredible 25 year journey like no other! This is truly the end of a very joyful era. Ash and Pikachu and are the heart of Pokémon. Ash may not age, but we have all grown up with their friendship and adventures.”

Next, Sarah Natochenny, who took over the character after Taylor’s exit, made a statement of her own on Twitter: “It’s been an extraordinary privilege to have been the English voice of Ash Ketchum for what will be 17 years. No matter what lies beyond his final chapter, he’ll live forever in the hearts of many generations to come. I’ll keep him present for all of us in every way I can.”

Both statements are emotional ones for anybody who grew up watching “Pokémon,” to say the least. Fans will be able to say goodbye to Ash and Pikachu in the final episodes of “Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series,” set to hit screens sometime in 2023.