The Pokémon anime series says goodbye to Satoshi and Pikachu for the first time in 25 years

After 25 years of chasing Ash Ketchum and Pikachu’s Pikachu, Pokémon has announced that their adventures will end in 2023. According to the letters video announcement.

The first of the final 11 episodes of “Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series”, which focuses on Satoshi and Pikachu’s journey, will air in Japan on January 13, 2023. The iconic duo’s journey is the final chapter, but fans will be introduced to new characters and Pokémon. follow.

The show’s Twitter account teased an “all-new” series, showing what appeared to be two new characters and three “starter Pokémon.”

The announcement came as a surprise to fans around the world.

British voice actress Sarah Natcheney, who has played Ash for the past 17 years, wrote a farewell message “Whatever lies beyond his final chapter, he will live forever in our hearts for generations to come. continue to exist.”

Veronica Taylor, who provided the original English voices for Ash and several other characters until 2006, wrote that she was “surprised” by the announcement, marking the end of “good times”.

“An incredible 25-year journey like no other! This is the end of an era of really great fun. Satoshi and Pikachu are the heart of Pokemon. Satoshi may not grow old, but we all grew up in their friendships and adventures,” she said. I have written.

Trevorne Howard

Tre’Vaughn Howard is a producer and journalist for CBS News, focusing on international and cultural topics.