Bulbapedia - User contributions [en]

Ash Ketchum

2010-01-10T10:00:30Z

RedandGreen1996: /* Future Pokemon */

:''Ash redirects here. For the item attached to Ho-Oh, see [[Sacred Ash]]. For the ash found at the foot of Mt. Chimney, see [[volcanic ash]].''
----
{{CharacterInfobox|
name=Ash Ketchum|
jname=サトシ |
tmname=Satoshi |
slogan=no |
image=[[Image:SatoshiDP.png|200px]] |
caption=Art from Diamond/Pearl anime |
age=yes |
years=10 (as of [[EP001|debut]]) |
colors=yes|
eyes=Brown |
hair=Black |
gender=Male |
hometown=[[Pallet Town]] |
region=[[Kanto]] |
relatives={{Delia}}, Unknown father ([[EP002]]), Unknown grandfather ([[EP002]]) (Japanese only) ({{pkmn|anime}}) [[Mom]] ([[Electric Tale of Pikachu|manga]])
|trainer=yes |
trainerclass={{pkmn|Trainer}} |
game=counterpart|
counterpart={{ga|Red}}|
leader=no |
team=no |
brain=no |
anime=yes |
epnum=EP001 |
epname=Pokémon - I Choose You! |
enva=[[Veronica Taylor]] ([[4Kids Entertainment|4Kids]]) [[Sarah Natochenny]] ([[The Pokémon Company International|TPCI]]) |
java=[[Rica Matsumoto]] |
}}

'''Ash Ketchum''' (Japanese: '''サトシ''' ''Satoshi'') is the main character of both the [[Pokémon anime]] and the ''[[Electric Tale of Pikachu]]'' manga, and is believed to be based on the {{ga|Red|protagonist}} of the [[Generation I| first generation]] Pokémon games. He shares his Japanese name -- which can be taken to mean "wisdom" or "reason" (智) -- with the creator of the [[Pokémon]] franchise, [[Satoshi Tajiri]]. His English surname is a pun of the original English motto, "[[Gotta Catch 'em All!]]."

{{spoilers}}

==In the anime==
===Character===
[[Image:Anime Ash.png|thumb|Ash Ketchum in the [[original series]]]]
Ash's main goal in life, as described in [[EP001|the first episode]], is to be the world's greatest [[Pokémon master|Pokémon Master]]. Ash began his journey at the age of 10 as a warm-hearted and well-intentioned but stubborn and unskilled [[Pokémon Trainer]]. He was forced to accept the irreverent {{AP|Pikachu}} from [[Professor Oak]] as his [[starter Pokémon]] because he carelessly broke his alarm clock and woke up late on the day he was set to get his first Pokémon. He was determined to achieve his goal, however, and when Pikachu saw that he was willing to compromise his own safety to keep it safe he formed a strong bond of friendship with his Pokémon. This would set his course for the future.
[[File:Ash fleeing spearow.png|thumb|left|250px|Ash trying to keep Pikachu safe]]
However, from that point, Ash still had a lot to learn about becoming a Trainer. He {{pkmn2|caught}} his [[Ash's Butterfree|first Pokémon]] by luck, knew nothing about [[Pokémon battle|battling]], and was reluctant to admit it whenever he was wrong. Many of his first [[Gym]] [[badge]]s were given to him merely out of gratitude for his assistance rather than claiming a victory in battle over the [[Gym Leader]]s; of his first five gym battles, only his victory over [[Lt. Surge]] was an actual victory. Every time he thought he was doing well, he would somehow cross paths with his childhood [[rival]], [[Gary Oak]]. He always reminded Ash that he was always a step or seven behind, with Gary catching around forty-five Pokémon by the time Ash had only caught his {{AP|seventh|Kingler}}. This hampered matters further when, owing to his inexperience, his {{AP|Charizard}} refused to listen to him until [[EP105|Ash could prove himself]] to the powerful Fire-type.

Over time, Ash's dedication to his goal paid off. After earning his first eight badges he went on to compete in the [[Indigo League]], advancing to the fifth round - one further than Gary. After recovering from his defeat, he continued on to improve his skills; take on new challenges; and compete in more [[Pokémon League]] competitions - triumphing in the [[Orange League]] and the {{Gdis|Battle Frontier|III}}.

[[Image:SatoshiAG.png|thumb|left|Ash in the {{series|Advanced Generation}}]]
Ash has changed a great deal over the course of the series, particularly in regards to his skill at [[Pokémon training]], but his earnestness, rashness, and determination have remained. Never straying from his goal, he has remained loyal to {{ashfr|his friends}}, his family, and his supporters, but most of all his Pokémon. Ash became a great Trainer by learning to find and use the inner strength of each of his Pokémon by bonding with them. For example, when he received a banner filled with prints from his Pokémon in ''[[AG187|The Unbeatable Lightness of Seeing!]]'', he knew which Pokémon placed specific prints, showing his close bond with them. He also learns where their hidden abilities lie, as well as resorting to unorthodox strategies when fighting particularly challenging opponents. For example, he uses his Pikachu's speed to outmaneuver larger foes and attack. In another instance, his {{AP|Charizard}} defeated [[Gary's Blastoise]] by causing the field to overheat before mounting a close-quarters attack while Blastoise was blinded by the steam. He also prefers to train a Pokémon to be the best it can without making it [[Evolution|evolve]], as evidenced by his treatment of {{AP|Gligar|Gliscor}} in ''[[DP085|Fighting Fear With Fear!]]''. At first, he was hesitant to let his Pokémon evolve to get stronger, but, as shown in the {{series|Advanced Generation}} and {{series|Diamond & Pearl}}, he has no problem at all in allowing his team members to reach their evolved forms, except for Pikachu.
[[Image:AshAura.png|thumb|right|240px|Ash using Aura inside the [[Tree of Beginning]]]]
Early on, Ash originally trained not to further himself but instead to catch more Pokémon than Gary. He later slowed his pace which allowed him to focus on the individual traits of each Pokémon. At the [[Johto]] League [[Silver Conference]], with great humility and maturity, Ash finally won a battle against his old rival, signifying a great milestone in his history. His maturity has also increased in his dealings with Pokémon. This is shown when [[Ash's Primeape|a Mankey]] stole his {{AP|hat}} in ''[[EP025|Primeape Goes Bananas]]'', he screamed and yelled at it, even climbing trees just to get his hat back, but when [[Dawn's Ambipom|an Aipom]] did the same in ''[[AG179|Slaking Kong]]'', he stated merely that he would feel strange without a hat. When Aipom stole his hat again in ''[[DP009|Setting the World on its Buneary]]'', however, while it was under his ownership, he chased after it in the same manner as before.

In most episodes of the anime, especially those during the Johto League saga, Ash befriends someone who will influence him and cause him to strive to become a better Trainer. Although he is not a dependent individual, he is still young and has learned to make his way relying on his {{AP|friends}}, particularly the maternal skills of [[Brock]]. The honor of "best friend" is usually reserved for Pikachu but Ash has come to see his closest human friends in the same light over time; using the term for [[Misty]] and [[Brock]] in ''[[EP273|Gotta Catch Ya Later]]'' as well as {{an|May}} and [[Max]] in ''[[AG178|Battling the Enemy Within]]''.

He has traversed much of the [[Pokémon world]] and has thus far participated in four [[Pokémon League#Championship competitions|Pokémon League regional competitions]], but he is still learning new things about Pokémon all the time.
[[Image:AshWallace.png|thumb|220px|Ash in the [[Wallace Cup]]]]
Ash apparently has a close connection with [[legendary Pokémon]], especially {{an|Ho-Oh}}, {{OBP|Lugia|movie 2}}, {{OBP|Latias|movie 5}}, {{p|Azelf}}, {{OBP|Shaymin|movie 11}} and {{an|Giratina}}. In the English dub of the [[The Power of One|second movie]], he was revealed to be "The Chosen One" - the one who would bring balance back to the world when it was disrupted. Although viewed as a normal human, Ash does have some special abilities, as he is said to have the same [[aura]] as [[Sir Aaron]], a legendary hero, and is theoretically able to manipulate it in much the same way. However, he has not received any training in this field, opting to continue his Pokémon journey instead. He has also been likened to an ancient [[aura]] guardian in ''[[DP056|The Keystone Pops!]]'', who also had a partner {{p|Pikachu}}. Later, in ''[[DP071|Pokémon Ranger and the Kidnapped Riolu! Parts 1]]'' and ''[[DP072|2]]'', Ash uses aura again to locate a lost {{p|Riolu}} and read Riolu's mind as well.

He has a [[Contest Pass]] for the [[Sinnoh]] region, though he has stated that the contest he got it for was the only one he intends on entering. He also has one for the Hoenn region as it was required to watch one of the contests held there. Ash carries half of a broken [[Poké Ball]] with him everywhere, while Gary has the other half, as a symbol of their ongoing, but now friendly, rivalry; [[Misty's special lure]], which she sent to him as a gift; and half of a ribbon he received in a contest against May before she left the group to compete in Johto. Ash also participated in the [[Wallace Cup]] on the suggestion of [[Wallace]] but he lost in the third round.

===Family===
[[File:Younger Ash DP138.png|thumb|left|220px|A young Ash]]
Ash lived with his mother, [[Delia Ketchum]], until he left for his Pokémon journey at the age of ten.

His father was never introduced. The anime suggests that his father was once a Pokémon Trainer that began his journey in Pallet Town, but it is unclear whether he is still living. An interview with the series' storyboarder confirmed Ash's father is a Trainer on his own journey. According the same storyboarder, Ash's father may or may not be introduced at the series, depending on its necessity to Ash's further maturity and development as a Trainer.

Ash is an only child, breaking from the tradition of several other main characters, with the exception of {{an|Dawn}} and possibly {{Tracey}}, whose siblings are often a foil or focal point in their lives.

===Pokémon===
[[File:Ash party DP133.png|thumb|280px|Ash and his party from [[DP132|''Evolving Strategies!'']] to [[DP154]]]]
As a Trainer, Ash has captured and befriended a sizable number of Pokémon over the course of the anime. His philosophy on {{pkmn|training}} is that Pokémon are individuals and that a combination of trust, friendship and hard work are needed to overcome adversity. He seems to battle best with Pokémon that are similar to Pikachu: ones that are [[Appendix:Metagame terminology#Sweeper|speedy and maneuverable, yet able to perform high-powered attacks]]; however, he is willing to work with any Pokémon that comes into his care. Ash's battle style is generally spontaneous and fairly unorthodox, and his Pokémon often reflect these traits.

====On hand====

{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=400px cellspacing="0"
| align=center | [[Image:025.png]] {{AP|Pikachu}}
| align=center | [[Image:387.png]]→[[Image:388.png]] {{AP|Turtwig → Grotle|Grotle}}
|}
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=400px cellspacing="0"
| align=center | [[Image:390.png]]→[[Image:391.png]] {{AP|Chimchar → Monferno|Monferno}}
| align=center | [[Image:418.png]] {{AP|Buizel}}
|}
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=400px cellspacing="0"
| align=center | [[Image:443.png]] {{AP|Gible}}
| align=center | [[Image:396.png]]→[[Image:397.png]]→[[Image:398.png]] {{AP|Starly → Staravia → Staraptor|Staraptor}}
|}

====With Professor Oak====
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=400px cellspacing="0"
|-
| align=center | [[Image:001.png]] {{AP|Bulbasaur}}
| align=center colspan=2 | [[Image:098.png]] → [[Image:099.png]] {{AP|Krabby → Kingler|Kingler}}
| align=center | [[Image:089.png]] {{AP|Muk}}
|-
| align=center | [[Image:128.png]] {{AP|Tauros}} (×30)
| align=center | [[Image:143.png]] {{AP|Snorlax}} 
| align=center | [[Image:214.png]] {{AP|Heracross}} 
| align=center | [[Image:155.png]] {{AP|Cyndaquil}} 
|-
| align=center colspan=2 | [[Image:152.png]] → [[Image:153.png]] {{AP|Chikorita → Bayleef|Bayleef}}
| align=center | [[Image:158.png]] {{AP|Totodile}}
| align=center | [[Image:164 s.png]] {{AP|Noctowl}}
|-
| align=center colspan=3 | [[Image:Ash's Phanpy Egg.png]] → [[Image:231.png]] → [[Image:232.png]] {{AP|Egg → Phanpy → Donphan|Donphan}}
| align=center | [[Image:341.png]] {{AP|Corphish}}
|-
| align=center colspan=3 | [[Image:Ash's Treecko.png]] → [[Image:Ash's Grovyle.png]] → [[Image:Ash's Sceptile2.png]] {{AP|Treecko → Grovyle → Sceptile|Sceptile}}
| align=center | [[Image:324.png]] {{AP|Torkoal}}
|-
| align=center colspan=2 | [[Image:276.png]] → [[Image:277.png]] {{AP|Taillow → Swellow|Swellow}}
| align=center colspan=2 | [[Image:361.png]] → [[Image:362.png]] {{AP|Snorunt → Glalie|Glalie}}
|}

====In training====
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=300px cellspacing="0"
|-
| align=center | [[Image:057.png]] {{AP|Primeape}}
| align=center | [[Image:Ash's Squirtle2.png]] {{AP|Squirtle}}
|-
| align=center colspan=2 | [[Image:004.png]] → [[Image:005.png]] → [[Image:006.png]] [[Ash's Charizard|Charmander → Charmeleon → Charizard]]
|-
| align=center colspan=2 | [[Image:207.png]]→[[Image:472.png]] {{AP|Gligar → Gliscor|Gliscor}}
|}

* '''Primeape''': In training with {{ka|Anthony}}.
* '''Squirtle''': Returned to [[Squirtle Squad]] but can be called upon at any time.
* '''Charizard''': Left at [[Charicific Valley]] but can be called upon at any time.
* '''Gliscor''': Left with [[Mitsuzō]] in [[DP154]].

====Released====
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=300px cellspacing="0"
|-
| align=center colspan="2" | [[Image:010.png]] → [[Image:011.png]] → [[Image:Ash's Butterfree.png]] [[Ash's Butterfree|Caterpie → Metapod → Butterfree]]
|-
| align=center | [[Image:017.png]] → [[Image:018.png]] [[Ash's Pidgeot|Pidgeotto → Pidgeot]]
| align=center | [[Image:131.png]] {{AP|Lapras}}
|}
* '''Butterfree''': Released to mate with a [[pink Butterfree]].
* '''Pidgeot''': Released to protect various {{p|Pidgey}} and {{p|Pidgeotto}} from various {{p|Spearow}} and a {{p|Fearow}}.
* '''Lapras''': Released to be with its family and the other {{p|Lapras}} in its school.

====Traded away====
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=200px cellspacing="0"
|-
| align=center | [[Image:020.png]] {{AP|Raticate}}
| align=center | [[Image:190 f.png]] [[Dawn's Ambipom|Aipom]]
|}

* '''Raticate:''' Received from [[Gentleman]] for Butterfree; subsequently sent it back again.
* '''Aipom:''' Traded to {{an|Dawn}} for {{AP|Buizel}} due to an interest in Pokémon Contests.

====Given away====
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=100px cellspacing="0"
|-
| align=center | [[Image:015.png]] {{TP|Casey|Beedrill}}
|}

* '''Beedrill''': Caught Beedrill in the [[Bug-Catching Contest]], but subsequently gave it to {{an|Casey}} due to his knowledge of her fondness for black-and-yellow-striped Pokémon.

====Unofficial====
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=300px cellspacing="0"
|-
| align=center | [[Image:093.png]] {{TP|Sabrina|Haunter}}
| align=center | [[Image:Ash's Larvitar Egg.png]] → [[Image:246.png]] {{pkmn|Egg}} → {{AP|Larvitar}}
|}

* '''Haunter''': Never officially caught Haunter, but it accompanied him back to [[Saffron City]] to aid in his Gym battle against [[Sabrina]] before it decided to remain with her.
* '''Larvitar''': Cared for Larvitar as an egg and took it home to its mother; he never caught it in a ball, but he did use it in battle on at least one occasion.
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=400px cellspacing="0"
|-
| align=center colspan=2 | [[Image:077.png]] → [[Image:078.png]] {{p|Ponyta}} → {{p|Rapidash}}
| align=center | [[Image:137.png]] {{p|Porygon}}
| align=center | [[Image:110.png]] {{DL|Pokémon League entrance exam instructor|Weezing}}
|-
| align=center | [[Image:052.png]] {{DL|Pokémon League entrance exam instructor|Meowth}}
| align=center | [[Image:024.png]] {{DL|Pokémon League entrance exam instructor|Arbok}}
| align=center | [[Image:163.png]] {{p|Hoothoot}}
| align=center | [[Image:119.png]] {{p|Seaking}}
|-
| align=center | [[Image:106.png]] {{p|Hitmonlee}}
| align=center | [[Image:026.png]] {{p|Raichu}}
| align=center | [[Image:325.png]] {{p|Spoink}}
| align=center | [[Image:458.png]] {{p|Mantyke}}
|}

* '''Ponyta/Rapidash''': Borrowed from [[Lara Laramie]] after she was injured and couldn't ride Ponyta in the race in ''[[EP033|The Flame Pokémon-athon!]]''. It evolved into Rapidash during the race and earned Ash the win.
* '''Porygon''': Lent to by [[Dr. Akihabara]] to help stop [[Team Rocket]] from stealing Pokémon from the Pokémon Center's PC system in ''[[EP038|Computer Soldier Porygon]]''.
* '''Arbok, Weezing, and Meowth''': Used during a Pokémon League exam in ''[[EP056|The Ultimate Test]]''.
* '''Hoothoot:''' Borrowed (with [[Brock]] and [[Misty]]) from [[Hagatha]] in order to navigate the haunted forest in ''[[EP121|Illusion Confusion!]]''.
* '''Seaking:''' Caught and released during the contest in ''[[EP168|Hook, Line, and Stinker]]''.
* '''Hitmonlee:''' Borrowed from [[Master Hamm]] in ''[[AG145|Pasta La Vista!]]'' to battle May with a {{p|Hitmonchan}}.
* '''Raichu:''' Trained during ''[[DP088|Camping It Up!]]''.
* '''Spoink''' and '''Mantyke''': Used in the Pokémon triathlon in ''[[DP091|One Team, Two Team, Red Team, Blue Team!]]''.

== Future Pokemon ==

Torterra (A Torterra appeared in the opening The Greatest - Everyday!, under the ownership of Ash.)

Infernape (An Infernape appeared in the opening: The Greatest - Everyday!, under the ownership of Ash.)

===Badges obtained===
====Indigo League====
[[Image:Asheightkanto.png|thumb|right|Ash's eight [[badge]]s from [[Kanto]]]]
* {{badge|Boulder}} (''[[EP005|Showdown in Pewter City]]'')
* {{badge|Cascade}} (''[[EP007|The Water Flowers of Cerulean City]]'')
* {{badge|Thunder}} (''[[EP014|Electric Shock Showdown]]'')
* {{badge|Marsh}} (''[[EP024|Haunter versus Kadabra]]'')
* {{badge|Rainbow}} (''[[EP026|Pokémon Scent-sation!]]'')
* {{badge|Soul}} (''[[EP032|The Ninja Poké-Showdown]]'')
* {{badge|Volcano}} (''[[EP059|Volcanic Panic]]'')
* {{badge|Earth}} (''[[EP063|The Battle of the Badge]]'')
[[Image:Orangebadges.PNG|thumb|130px|right|Ash's four Orange League badges]]

====Orange League====
* {{badge|Coral-Eye}} (''[[EP085|Fit to be Tide]]'')
* {{badge|Sea Ruby}} (''[[EP093|Navel Maneuvers]]'')
* {{badge|Spike Shell}} (''[[EP103|Misty Meets Her Match]]'')
* {{badge|Jade Star}} (''[[EP108|Pokémon Double Trouble]]'')
[[Image:Johtobadges2.PNG|thumb|140px|right|Ash's eight badges from [[Johto]]]]
====Johto League====
* {{badge|Zephyr}} (''[[EP131|Fighting Flyer with Fire]]'')
* {{badge|Hive}} (''[[EP144|Gettin' The Bugs Out]]'')
* {{badge|Plain}} (''[[EP159|A Dairy Tale Ending]]'')
* {{badge|Fog}} (''[[EP182|From Ghost to Ghost]]'')
* {{badge|Storm}} (''[[EP209|Machoke, Machoke Man!]]'')
* {{badge|Mineral}} (''[[EP224|Nerves of Steelix!]]'')
* {{badge|Glacier}} (''[[EP238|Nice Pryce, Baby!]]'')
* {{badge|Rising}} (''[[EP254|Better Eight Than Never]]'')

====Hoenn League====
[[Image:Ashs hoenn badges.png|thumb|right|Ash's eight badges from [[Hoenn]]]]
* {{badge|Stone}} (''[[AG016|The Winner By a Nosepass!]]'')
* {{badge|Knuckle}} (''[[AG031|Just One of the Geysers]]'')
* {{badge|Dynamo}} (''[[AG040|Watt's with Wattson?]]'')
* {{badge|Heat}} (''[[AG056|Going, Going, Yawn!]]'')
* {{badge|Balance}} (''[[AG070|Balance of Power]]'')
* {{badge|Feather}} (''[[AG085|Sky High Gym Battle!]]'')
* {{badge|Mind}} (''[[AG100|Solid as a Solrock]]'')
* {{badge|Rain}} (''[[AG111|Eight Ain't Enough!]]'')

====Battle Frontier====
[[Image:Ash's_Symbols.png|thumb|right|Ash's seven {{Gdis|Battle Frontier|III|Frontier}} [[Symbol]]s]]
* [[Factory Head Noland|Knowledge Symbol]] (''[[AG136|The Symbol Life]]'')
* [[Arena Tycoon Greta|Guts Symbol]] (''[[AG149|Wheel... of Frontier!]]'')
* [[Dome Ace Tucker|Tactics Symbol]] (''[[AG153|Tactics Theatrics!!]]'')
* [[Pike Queen Lucy|Luck Symbol]] (''[[AG158|Queen of the Serpentine!]]'')
* [[Palace Maven Spenser|Spirits Symbol]] (''[[AG164|Ka Boom with a View!]]'')
* [[Salon Maiden Anabel|Ability Symbol]] (''[[AG170|Second Time's the Charm!]]'')
* [[Pyramid King Brandon|Brave Symbol]] (''[[AG190|Pace - The Final Frontier!]]'')

====Sinnoh League====
* {{badge|Coal}} (''[[DP018|O'er the Rampardos we Watched!]]'')
* {{badge|Forest}} (''[[DP037|The Grass Menagerie!]]'')
* {{badge|Cobble}} (''[[DP068|A Triple Fighting Chance!]]'')
* {{badge|Fen}} (''[[DP083|A Crasher Course in Power!]]'')
* {{badge|Relic}} (''[[DP102|Shield with a Twist!]]'')
* {{badge|Mine}} (''[[DP108|Dealing With Defensive Types!]]'')
* {{badge|Icicle}} (''[[DP127|Sliding Into Seventh!]]'')




===Pokémon Competitions===
====Pokémon League ranking====
Ash placed in the [[Pokémon League]] [[Pokémon League Conference|competitions]] listed below.

{|class="expandable"
|-
!align="left"|List of competitions (heavy spoiler)
|-
|
* [[Indigo Conference]] (Top 16)
* [[Silver Conference]] (Top 8)
* [[Ever Grande Conference]] (Top 8)
|}

====Pokémon Championship battles====
Ash challenged the following Pokémon championships as well:

{|class="expandable"
|-
!align="left"|List of battles (heavy spoiler)
|-
|
[[Image:Orangecup.PNG|thumb|left|100px|Ash's Orange League trophy.]]
* [[Orange League]] (Champion)
* [[Battle Frontier (Generation III)|Kanto Battle Frontier]] (Champion)
|}

====Miscellaneous Competitions====
Ash has also participated in the following competitions:

{|class="expandable"
|-
!align="left"|List of competitions (heavy spoiler)
|-
|
* [[Alto Mare]] Canal Race
* [[Bug-Catching Contest]] (Champion)
* [[Extreme Pokémon Race|Extreme Pokémon]] (Champion)
* [[Fire and Rescue Grand Prix]]
* [[Grass Tournament]] (Finalist)
* [[Hearthome City Tag Battle Competition]] (Champion - with [[Paul]])
* [[Hearthome Collection]] (Runner-up)
* [[P1 Grand Prix]] (Champion)
* [[Pokémon Balloon Race]] (Champion)
*[[Pokémon Contest]]s
**{{to|Terracotta}} Contest (unofficial) (Winner - Tied with {{an|May}})
**{{ci|Jubilife}} Contest
** [[Wallace Cup]] (Top 8)
* [[Pokémon Cosplay|Pokémon Cosplay Contest]] (Runner-up)
* [[Pokémon Orienteering]]
* [[Pokémon Summer Academy]] Triathlon (Winner)
* [[Pokémon Swap Meet]] Tauros-battling competition (Winner)
* [[PokéRinger]] - [[Crossgate Town]] (Champion)
* [[PokéRinger]] - [[Squallville]] (Champion)
* [[Rota]] Tournament (Champion)
* [[Seaking Catching Day]]
* [[Sumo Conference]] (Champion)
* [[Twinleaf Festival]] Battle Tournament (Winner)
* [[Whirl Cup]] (Top 16)
|}

===Voice actors===
{{vatable|color={{electric color}}|bordercolor={{electric color light}}
|ja=松本梨香 [[Rica Matsumoto]]
|en=[[Veronica Taylor]] ([[4Kids Entertainment|4Kids]] dub) [[Sarah Natochenny]] ({{PUSA}} dub) [[Jamie Peacock]] (''[[Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon]]'' only)
|hr=Saša Buneta Marko Torjanac
|cs=Radek Škvor
|da=Mathias Klenske
|nl=Christa Lips
|fil=Klariz Magboo
|fr_ca=Sébastien Reding
|fr_eu=Aurélien Ringelheim
|de=Caroline Combrinck ([[EP001]]-[[EP157]]) Veronika Neugebauer ([[EP158]]-present)
|he=יהונתן מגון Yonatan Magon דניאל מגון Daniel Magon
|hu=Szvetlov Balázs Ungvári Gergely
|it=Davide Garbolino
|ko=최덕희 Choi Deok-Hyi 이선호 Lee Seon-Ho 안현서 An Hyeon-Seo
|no=Nils-Martin Crawfurd
|pl=Hanna Kinder-Kiss ([[EP001]]-[[AG040]], [[DP053]]-present, all movies) Grzegorz Drojewski ([[DP001]]-[[DP052]])
|pt_br=Fábio Lucindo
|pt_eu=Maria João Luís Sandra Faleiro Sandra de Castro Unknown voice actress Cristina Carvalhal Bárbara Lourenço Ana Madureira
|es_la=Gabriel Ramos Irwin Daayán ([[DP091]]-[[DP104]])
|es_eu=Adolfo Moreno Rafael Alonso Naranjo Jr. (movie [[Spell of the Unown|3]] and [[Mewtwo Returns]])
|sv=Dick Eriksson
|fi=Sari Moilanen Hanna Savikko
|ar=بثينة شيا Buthaina Shia
|ca=Enric Puig
|tr=Ahmet Taşar}}

==In the manga==
{{stub|Manga}}
The manga version of Ash Ketchum featured in ''[[Electric Tale of Pikachu]]'' is based on the anime version, but there are many differences between the two. For example, while the anime version of Ash is indifferent to love, romance, or members of the opposite gender (or arguably, the same), the manga version of Ash has a huge crush on Gary's sister, [[May Oak]]. He's also prone to quickly falling in love just like Brock, but to a much more subtle or less extreme degree.

The Ash featured in this manga follows the same plot as in the anime: first traveling the [[Kanto]] region to participate in the [[Pokémon League]], before embarking on a journey around the [[Orange Archipelago|Orange Islands]].

===Appearance===
Ash's appearance is very different in the manga, too. Ash wears a red jacket much like Red. He also wears a very different hat throughout the first volume. However, in the sixth chapter of ''Electric Tale'' (''[[ET06|To Evolve or Not to Evolve, That Is the Question!]]'') he wears a hat that resembles the hat he wears in the Pokémon anime. He appears with [[Ash's Pikachu|his Pikachu]] on his shoulder.

===Pokémon===
[[Image:Satoshidengeki.PNG|thumb|right|Ash in [[Electric Tale of Pikachu]] manga.]]
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=300px cellspacing="0"
|-
| align=center | [[Image:025.png]] {{AP|Pikachu}}
| align=center | [[Image:022.png]] {{AP|Fearow}}
| align=center | [[Image:017.png]] [[Ash's Pidgeot|Pidgeotto]]
|-
| align=center colspan=3 | [[Image:010.png]] → [[Image:011.png]] → [[Image:012.png]] [[Ash's Butterfree|Caterpie → Metapod → Butterfree]]
|-
| align=center colspan=3 | [[Image:004.png]] → [[Image:005.png]] → [[Image:006.png]] [[Ash's Charizard|Charmander → Charmeleon → Charizard]]
|-
| align=center | [[Image:001.png]] {{AP|Bulbasaur}}
| align=center | [[Image:007.png]] {{AP|Squirtle}}
| align=center | [[Image:043.png]] {{p|Oddish}}
|-
| align=center | [[Image:015.png]] {{p|Beedrill}}
| align=center | [[Image:099.png]] {{AP|Kingler}}
| align=center | [[Image:089.png]] {{AP|Muk}}
|-
| align=center | [[Image:128.png]] {{AP|Tauros}}
| align=center | [[Image:131.png]] {{AP|Lapras}}
| align=center colspan=3 | [[Image:143.png]] {{AP|Snorlax}}
|}

====Traded away====
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=150px cellspacing="0"
|-
| align=center | [[Image:056.png]] {{p|Mankey}} 
| align=center | [[Image:079.png]] {{p|Slowpoke}} ({{pkmn2|giant}})
|}

* '''Mankey''': Given away for a map, which turned out to be fake.
* '''Giant Slowpoke''': Given away to {{Gary}} for [[Daisy Oak|May Oak]]'s photo.

==In the TCG==
This listing is of cards mentioning or featuring Ash or his Pokémon in the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]].

{| border="1" style="border: 1px solid #999; border-collapse: collapse; background: white;" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="2"
|- style="background: #{{tcg Lightning color}};"
!Name
!Type
!Level
!Rarity
!Set
!Set no.
|-
| {{TCG ID|7th Movie Half Deck|Ash's Torkoal|9}} || {{e|Fighting}} || - || - || {{TCG|7th Movie Half Deck}} (no English release) || 009/019
|-
| {{TCG ID|8th Movie Half Deck|Ash's Grovyle|1}} || {{e|Grass}} || - || - || {{TCG|8th Movie Half Deck}} (no English release) || 001/020
|-
| {{TCG ID|8th Movie Half Deck|Ash's Phanpy|4}} || {{e|Fighting}} || - || - || {{TCG|8th Movie Half Deck}} (no English release) || 004/020
|-
| {{TCG ID|8th Movie Half Deck|Ash's Swellow|7}} || {{e|Colorless}} || - || - || {{TCG|8th Movie Half Deck}} (no English release) || 007/020
|-
| {{TCG ID|9th Movie Half Deck|Ash's Aipom|10}} || {{e|Colorless}} || - || - || {{TCG|9th Movie Half Deck}} (no English release) || 010/019
|-
| {{TCG ID|ADV-P Promo|Ash's Treecko|36}} || {{e|Grass}} || - || - || {{TCG|ADV-P Promotional cards}} (no English release) || 036/ADV-P
|-
| {{TCG ID|Movie Random Pack Promo|Pikachu M|12}} || {{e|Lightning}} || 45 || - || {{TCG|Movie Commemoration Random Pack}} (no English release) || 012/022
|-
| {{TCG ID|Movie Random Pack Promo|Staraptor M|18}} || {{e|Colorless}} || 41 || - || {{TCG|Movie Commemoration Random Pack}} (no English release) || 018/022
|-
| {{TCG ID|DPt-P Promo|Pikachu M LV.X|43}} || {{e|Lightning}} || ''X'' || - || {{TCG|DPt-P Promotional cards}} (no English release) || 043/DPt-P
|}

==Trivia==
===Pokémon===
[[File:Ash catches a Pokémon.png|thumb|280px|Ash after catching a Pokémon]]
* Ash has captured each [[generation]]'s {{type2|Grass}} [[starter Pokémon]]: {{AP|Bulbasaur}}, {{AP|Chikorita|Bayleef}}, {{AP|Treecko|Sceptile}} and {{AP|Turtwig|Grotle}}.
* In both the [[Timeline of events in the anime#Kanto|Kanto]] and [[Timeline of events in the anime#Johto|Johto]] story arcs, Ash managed to capture all three of the starter Pokémon for both regions. This trend was broken in the {{series|Advanced Generation}}, where he only captured {{AP|Treecko|Sceptile}}; instead the [[May's Blaziken|other]] [[Brock's Marshtomp|two]] were caught by {{an|May}} and [[Brock]].
** However, he always owns the starter Pokémon not owned by another of {{ashfr|his friends}}.
* The last Pokémon that Ash has captured in every [[region]] are a part of {{cat|Pokémon that are part of a two-stage evolutionary line|one-evolution families}}, namely {{AP|Phanpy|Donphan}} in [[Johto]], {{AP|Snorunt|Glalie}} in [[Hoenn]], and {{TP|Dawn|Aipom|Ambipom}} in [[Kanto]].
**Of these four, Aipom is the only one not to evolve under Ash's care.
* He always catches a local bird-like Pokémon of the region - {{AP|Pidgeotto|Pidgeot}} in Kanto, {{AP|Noctowl}} in Johto, {{AP|Taillow|Swellow}} in Hoenn, and {{AP|Starly|Staraptor}} in Sinnoh.
** Though not all of these Pokémon were captured in their first form, they all evolved into their final forms under Ash's care; the exception being Noctowl, who cannot evolve.
* All together, Ash has seen at least twenty-seven different species of legendary Pokémon, and at least ten of them multiple times.
* All of Ash's primate-based Pokémon have been under the control of someone other than Ash at some point ({{AP|Primeape}} is currently under Anthony's command, {{TP|Dawn|Ambipom}} was under Dawn's ownership and is currently being trained in [[Vermilion City]], and his {{AP|Monferno}} was formerly owned by Paul.
**All three of these primate-based Pokémon were also shown evolving on-screen, and none of them evolved in the care of their original Trainer (Primeape evolved in the wild just prior to Ash capturing it, Ambipom evolved under Dawn's care, and Monferno evolved under Ash's ownership).
* The three {{type2|Fire}} [[starter Pokémon]] Ash owns are each at a different evolutionary stage. {{AP|Cyndaquil}} is in its first, {{AP|Monferno}} its second, and {{AP|Charizard}} its third.
* Ash has a tendency to capture crab-based Pokémon when new ones are available - {{AP|Kingler}} and {{AP|Corphish}}.
* Ash also captured a member of each turtle-based evolutionary family.
** Two of the three Pokémon are starters, while the third is a fire type non-starter.
* Three of Ash's current party have evolved whilst battling [[Paul]]; these are {{AP|Grotle}}, {{AP|Staraptor}}, and {{AP|Monferno}}.
** Of those three, Grotle and Staraptor evolved whilst battling [[Paul's Honchkrow]].

===Challenges/Gym related===
* In each region (except for the Orange Islands), Ash always loses against at least one of the [[Gym Leader]]s before challenging them to a rematch.
* During his adventures in Kanto, the Orange Islands, and Johto, Ash pinned his badges to the inside of his jacket. From Hoenn onwards, they have been kept in a case.
* Ash has so far battled three [[Elite Four]] members, namely [[Lorelei]], {{EF|Drake}} and [[Agatha]], losing to all three.
* The largest amount of episodes that Ash has gone without obtaining a [[badge]] is currently the gap between the {{ci|Snowpoint}} and {{ci|Sunyshore}} Gyms, which is currently up to [[DP162|35 episodes]]. The shortest amount of time between badges was the one-episode gap between ''[[EP005|Showdown in Pewter City]]'' and ''[[EP007|The Water Flowers of Cerulean City]]''.

===Miscellaneous===
[[File:Ash maid.png|200px|thumb|Ash crossdressing for the third time.]]
* The date of Ash's birth, according to [[Takeshi Shudo]]'s anime novelizations, is 10 years, 10 months, and 10 days ''exactly'' prior to the day he began his Pokémon journey. Being that the same novelization declares that Pokémon Trainers obtain their first Pokémon in April of the year following their 10th birthday, and the anime itself began broadcast on the first of that month in 1997 in Japan, Ash's birthday, if April 1 was the first day of his journey, would be May 22.
* Ash has crossdressed once in each anime series: The first time he did this was in ''[[EP026|Pokémon Scent-sation!]]'', in the [[original series]]. He crossdressed a second time in ''[[AG042|Love at First Flight]]'', in the {{series|Advanced Generation}}. ''[[DP062|Tanks for the Memories!]]'' marked the third time he crossdressed, in the {{series|Diamond & Pearl}}. Each time Ash has crossdressed, he was never willing to do so and was coerced or forced into it in some way.
** In addition to dressing as a girl, Ash has dressed up as fruit on at least two occasions. The first time, he dressed as an apple in ''[[EP107|Pokémon Food Fight!]]'' while the second he dressed as an {{wp|eggplant}} in ''[[AG104|Claydol Big and Tall]]''. On both occasions he was used to lure a large Pokémon.
* Several of the variety of {{wp|ash tree}}s, from which his name could be derived, are related to Kanto in some way: not only are there trees known as the "red ash", "green ash", and "blue ash", for the first three games, but also the "indigo ash", for the [[Indigo Plateau]].

==Names==
{| border="1" style="border: 1px solid #88a; border-collapse: collapse;" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="2"
|- style="background: #ccf;"
! Language
! Name
! Origin
|-
|Japanese
| サトシ ''Satoshi''
| Can be taken to mean 智 (wisdom; reason); named after [[Satoshi Tajiri]].
|-
|English, German
| Ash Ketchum
| Ketchum sounds similar to ''catch 'em''. First name can be found in Japanese name, S'''a'''to'''sh'''i. The Sat'''osh'''i in the Japanese name also sounds like Ash. Also, Ash is a default name for {{ga|Red}} in {{game|Red and Blue|s}}. {{wp|Ash tree}}s are suggested as another explanation as well.
|-
|French
| Sacha Ketchum
| Similar to ''Ash''.
|-
|Korean
| 한지우 ''Han Jiu''
| 지 is from 智 ''satoshi''. Alternatively, 지우 can mean "close friend".
|-
|Chinese
| 小智 ''Xiǎo Zhì''
| 智 is from 智 ''satoshi''.
|}

==Related articles==
* [[Ashley]]
* [[Ashachu]]
* {{cat|Episodes focusing on Ash}}

==External links==
*[http://kari.beautiful-beast.net/satoshi/ Poké Master], the fanlisting for Ash
*[http://pokeani.com/chara/r-satoshi.html Satoshi's Profile] on [[Pokeani]] (Japanese)
*[http://pokeani.com/poke/r_poke-satoshi1.html Satoshi's Pokémon pg. 1] on [[Pokeani]] (Japanese)
*[http://pokeani.com/poke/r_poke-satoshi2.html Satoshi's Pokémon pg. 2] on [[Pokeani]] (Japanese)
*[http://www.freewebs.com/satoshi-kun/ SPURT!], shrine to Satoshi.

===On Bulbagarden forums===
* [http://bmgf.bulbagarden.net/showthread.php?t=5254 Ash Club]

{{nav|Champions|Ash's Pokémon|Leaguetrainers|Animecharacters|Electric Tale of Pikachu characters}}
 
{{Project Anime notice|no}}

[[Category:Anime characters]]
[[Category:Electric Tale of Pikachu characters]]
[[Category:Ash and Pikachu characters]]
[[Category:Characters named after real people]]
[[Category:Champions]]
[[Category:Male characters]]

[[de:Ash Ketchum]]
[[es:Ash Ketchum]]
[[fr:Sacha]]
[[ja:サトシ]]
[[pl:Ash Ketchum]]
[[pt:Ash Ketchum]]

Ash Ketchum

2010-01-10T09:59:50Z

RedandGreen1996:

:''Ash redirects here. For the item attached to Ho-Oh, see [[Sacred Ash]]. For the ash found at the foot of Mt. Chimney, see [[volcanic ash]].''
----
{{CharacterInfobox|
name=Ash Ketchum|
jname=サトシ |
tmname=Satoshi |
slogan=no |
image=[[Image:SatoshiDP.png|200px]] |
caption=Art from Diamond/Pearl anime |
age=yes |
years=10 (as of [[EP001|debut]]) |
colors=yes|
eyes=Brown |
hair=Black |
gender=Male |
hometown=[[Pallet Town]] |
region=[[Kanto]] |
relatives={{Delia}}, Unknown father ([[EP002]]), Unknown grandfather ([[EP002]]) (Japanese only) ({{pkmn|anime}}) [[Mom]] ([[Electric Tale of Pikachu|manga]])
|trainer=yes |
trainerclass={{pkmn|Trainer}} |
game=counterpart|
counterpart={{ga|Red}}|
leader=no |
team=no |
brain=no |
anime=yes |
epnum=EP001 |
epname=Pokémon - I Choose You! |
enva=[[Veronica Taylor]] ([[4Kids Entertainment|4Kids]]) [[Sarah Natochenny]] ([[The Pokémon Company International|TPCI]]) |
java=[[Rica Matsumoto]] |
}}

'''Ash Ketchum''' (Japanese: '''サトシ''' ''Satoshi'') is the main character of both the [[Pokémon anime]] and the ''[[Electric Tale of Pikachu]]'' manga, and is believed to be based on the {{ga|Red|protagonist}} of the [[Generation I| first generation]] Pokémon games. He shares his Japanese name -- which can be taken to mean "wisdom" or "reason" (智) -- with the creator of the [[Pokémon]] franchise, [[Satoshi Tajiri]]. His English surname is a pun of the original English motto, "[[Gotta Catch 'em All!]]."

{{spoilers}}

==In the anime==
===Character===
[[Image:Anime Ash.png|thumb|Ash Ketchum in the [[original series]]]]
Ash's main goal in life, as described in [[EP001|the first episode]], is to be the world's greatest [[Pokémon master|Pokémon Master]]. Ash began his journey at the age of 10 as a warm-hearted and well-intentioned but stubborn and unskilled [[Pokémon Trainer]]. He was forced to accept the irreverent {{AP|Pikachu}} from [[Professor Oak]] as his [[starter Pokémon]] because he carelessly broke his alarm clock and woke up late on the day he was set to get his first Pokémon. He was determined to achieve his goal, however, and when Pikachu saw that he was willing to compromise his own safety to keep it safe he formed a strong bond of friendship with his Pokémon. This would set his course for the future.
[[File:Ash fleeing spearow.png|thumb|left|250px|Ash trying to keep Pikachu safe]]
However, from that point, Ash still had a lot to learn about becoming a Trainer. He {{pkmn2|caught}} his [[Ash's Butterfree|first Pokémon]] by luck, knew nothing about [[Pokémon battle|battling]], and was reluctant to admit it whenever he was wrong. Many of his first [[Gym]] [[badge]]s were given to him merely out of gratitude for his assistance rather than claiming a victory in battle over the [[Gym Leader]]s; of his first five gym battles, only his victory over [[Lt. Surge]] was an actual victory. Every time he thought he was doing well, he would somehow cross paths with his childhood [[rival]], [[Gary Oak]]. He always reminded Ash that he was always a step or seven behind, with Gary catching around forty-five Pokémon by the time Ash had only caught his {{AP|seventh|Kingler}}. This hampered matters further when, owing to his inexperience, his {{AP|Charizard}} refused to listen to him until [[EP105|Ash could prove himself]] to the powerful Fire-type.

Over time, Ash's dedication to his goal paid off. After earning his first eight badges he went on to compete in the [[Indigo League]], advancing to the fifth round - one further than Gary. After recovering from his defeat, he continued on to improve his skills; take on new challenges; and compete in more [[Pokémon League]] competitions - triumphing in the [[Orange League]] and the {{Gdis|Battle Frontier|III}}.

[[Image:SatoshiAG.png|thumb|left|Ash in the {{series|Advanced Generation}}]]
Ash has changed a great deal over the course of the series, particularly in regards to his skill at [[Pokémon training]], but his earnestness, rashness, and determination have remained. Never straying from his goal, he has remained loyal to {{ashfr|his friends}}, his family, and his supporters, but most of all his Pokémon. Ash became a great Trainer by learning to find and use the inner strength of each of his Pokémon by bonding with them. For example, when he received a banner filled with prints from his Pokémon in ''[[AG187|The Unbeatable Lightness of Seeing!]]'', he knew which Pokémon placed specific prints, showing his close bond with them. He also learns where their hidden abilities lie, as well as resorting to unorthodox strategies when fighting particularly challenging opponents. For example, he uses his Pikachu's speed to outmaneuver larger foes and attack. In another instance, his {{AP|Charizard}} defeated [[Gary's Blastoise]] by causing the field to overheat before mounting a close-quarters attack while Blastoise was blinded by the steam. He also prefers to train a Pokémon to be the best it can without making it [[Evolution|evolve]], as evidenced by his treatment of {{AP|Gligar|Gliscor}} in ''[[DP085|Fighting Fear With Fear!]]''. At first, he was hesitant to let his Pokémon evolve to get stronger, but, as shown in the {{series|Advanced Generation}} and {{series|Diamond & Pearl}}, he has no problem at all in allowing his team members to reach their evolved forms, except for Pikachu.
[[Image:AshAura.png|thumb|right|240px|Ash using Aura inside the [[Tree of Beginning]]]]
Early on, Ash originally trained not to further himself but instead to catch more Pokémon than Gary. He later slowed his pace which allowed him to focus on the individual traits of each Pokémon. At the [[Johto]] League [[Silver Conference]], with great humility and maturity, Ash finally won a battle against his old rival, signifying a great milestone in his history. His maturity has also increased in his dealings with Pokémon. This is shown when [[Ash's Primeape|a Mankey]] stole his {{AP|hat}} in ''[[EP025|Primeape Goes Bananas]]'', he screamed and yelled at it, even climbing trees just to get his hat back, but when [[Dawn's Ambipom|an Aipom]] did the same in ''[[AG179|Slaking Kong]]'', he stated merely that he would feel strange without a hat. When Aipom stole his hat again in ''[[DP009|Setting the World on its Buneary]]'', however, while it was under his ownership, he chased after it in the same manner as before.

In most episodes of the anime, especially those during the Johto League saga, Ash befriends someone who will influence him and cause him to strive to become a better Trainer. Although he is not a dependent individual, he is still young and has learned to make his way relying on his {{AP|friends}}, particularly the maternal skills of [[Brock]]. The honor of "best friend" is usually reserved for Pikachu but Ash has come to see his closest human friends in the same light over time; using the term for [[Misty]] and [[Brock]] in ''[[EP273|Gotta Catch Ya Later]]'' as well as {{an|May}} and [[Max]] in ''[[AG178|Battling the Enemy Within]]''.

He has traversed much of the [[Pokémon world]] and has thus far participated in four [[Pokémon League#Championship competitions|Pokémon League regional competitions]], but he is still learning new things about Pokémon all the time.
[[Image:AshWallace.png|thumb|220px|Ash in the [[Wallace Cup]]]]
Ash apparently has a close connection with [[legendary Pokémon]], especially {{an|Ho-Oh}}, {{OBP|Lugia|movie 2}}, {{OBP|Latias|movie 5}}, {{p|Azelf}}, {{OBP|Shaymin|movie 11}} and {{an|Giratina}}. In the English dub of the [[The Power of One|second movie]], he was revealed to be "The Chosen One" - the one who would bring balance back to the world when it was disrupted. Although viewed as a normal human, Ash does have some special abilities, as he is said to have the same [[aura]] as [[Sir Aaron]], a legendary hero, and is theoretically able to manipulate it in much the same way. However, he has not received any training in this field, opting to continue his Pokémon journey instead. He has also been likened to an ancient [[aura]] guardian in ''[[DP056|The Keystone Pops!]]'', who also had a partner {{p|Pikachu}}. Later, in ''[[DP071|Pokémon Ranger and the Kidnapped Riolu! Parts 1]]'' and ''[[DP072|2]]'', Ash uses aura again to locate a lost {{p|Riolu}} and read Riolu's mind as well.

He has a [[Contest Pass]] for the [[Sinnoh]] region, though he has stated that the contest he got it for was the only one he intends on entering. He also has one for the Hoenn region as it was required to watch one of the contests held there. Ash carries half of a broken [[Poké Ball]] with him everywhere, while Gary has the other half, as a symbol of their ongoing, but now friendly, rivalry; [[Misty's special lure]], which she sent to him as a gift; and half of a ribbon he received in a contest against May before she left the group to compete in Johto. Ash also participated in the [[Wallace Cup]] on the suggestion of [[Wallace]] but he lost in the third round.

===Family===
[[File:Younger Ash DP138.png|thumb|left|220px|A young Ash]]
Ash lived with his mother, [[Delia Ketchum]], until he left for his Pokémon journey at the age of ten.

His father was never introduced. The anime suggests that his father was once a Pokémon Trainer that began his journey in Pallet Town, but it is unclear whether he is still living. An interview with the series' storyboarder confirmed Ash's father is a Trainer on his own journey. According the same storyboarder, Ash's father may or may not be introduced at the series, depending on its necessity to Ash's further maturity and development as a Trainer.

Ash is an only child, breaking from the tradition of several other main characters, with the exception of {{an|Dawn}} and possibly {{Tracey}}, whose siblings are often a foil or focal point in their lives.

===Pokémon===
[[File:Ash party DP133.png|thumb|280px|Ash and his party from [[DP132|''Evolving Strategies!'']] to [[DP154]]]]
As a Trainer, Ash has captured and befriended a sizable number of Pokémon over the course of the anime. His philosophy on {{pkmn|training}} is that Pokémon are individuals and that a combination of trust, friendship and hard work are needed to overcome adversity. He seems to battle best with Pokémon that are similar to Pikachu: ones that are [[Appendix:Metagame terminology#Sweeper|speedy and maneuverable, yet able to perform high-powered attacks]]; however, he is willing to work with any Pokémon that comes into his care. Ash's battle style is generally spontaneous and fairly unorthodox, and his Pokémon often reflect these traits.

====On hand====

{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=400px cellspacing="0"
| align=center | [[Image:025.png]] {{AP|Pikachu}}
| align=center | [[Image:387.png]]→[[Image:388.png]] {{AP|Turtwig → Grotle|Grotle}}
|}
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=400px cellspacing="0"
| align=center | [[Image:390.png]]→[[Image:391.png]] {{AP|Chimchar → Monferno|Monferno}}
| align=center | [[Image:418.png]] {{AP|Buizel}}
|}
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=400px cellspacing="0"
| align=center | [[Image:443.png]] {{AP|Gible}}
| align=center | [[Image:396.png]]→[[Image:397.png]]→[[Image:398.png]] {{AP|Starly → Staravia → Staraptor|Staraptor}}
|}

====With Professor Oak====
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=400px cellspacing="0"
|-
| align=center | [[Image:001.png]] {{AP|Bulbasaur}}
| align=center colspan=2 | [[Image:098.png]] → [[Image:099.png]] {{AP|Krabby → Kingler|Kingler}}
| align=center | [[Image:089.png]] {{AP|Muk}}
|-
| align=center | [[Image:128.png]] {{AP|Tauros}} (×30)
| align=center | [[Image:143.png]] {{AP|Snorlax}} 
| align=center | [[Image:214.png]] {{AP|Heracross}} 
| align=center | [[Image:155.png]] {{AP|Cyndaquil}} 
|-
| align=center colspan=2 | [[Image:152.png]] → [[Image:153.png]] {{AP|Chikorita → Bayleef|Bayleef}}
| align=center | [[Image:158.png]] {{AP|Totodile}}
| align=center | [[Image:164 s.png]] {{AP|Noctowl}}
|-
| align=center colspan=3 | [[Image:Ash's Phanpy Egg.png]] → [[Image:231.png]] → [[Image:232.png]] {{AP|Egg → Phanpy → Donphan|Donphan}}
| align=center | [[Image:341.png]] {{AP|Corphish}}
|-
| align=center colspan=3 | [[Image:Ash's Treecko.png]] → [[Image:Ash's Grovyle.png]] → [[Image:Ash's Sceptile2.png]] {{AP|Treecko → Grovyle → Sceptile|Sceptile}}
| align=center | [[Image:324.png]] {{AP|Torkoal}}
|-
| align=center colspan=2 | [[Image:276.png]] → [[Image:277.png]] {{AP|Taillow → Swellow|Swellow}}
| align=center colspan=2 | [[Image:361.png]] → [[Image:362.png]] {{AP|Snorunt → Glalie|Glalie}}
|}

====In training====
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=300px cellspacing="0"
|-
| align=center | [[Image:057.png]] {{AP|Primeape}}
| align=center | [[Image:Ash's Squirtle2.png]] {{AP|Squirtle}}
|-
| align=center colspan=2 | [[Image:004.png]] → [[Image:005.png]] → [[Image:006.png]] [[Ash's Charizard|Charmander → Charmeleon → Charizard]]
|-
| align=center colspan=2 | [[Image:207.png]]→[[Image:472.png]] {{AP|Gligar → Gliscor|Gliscor}}
|}

* '''Primeape''': In training with {{ka|Anthony}}.
* '''Squirtle''': Returned to [[Squirtle Squad]] but can be called upon at any time.
* '''Charizard''': Left at [[Charicific Valley]] but can be called upon at any time.
* '''Gliscor''': Left with [[Mitsuzō]] in [[DP154]].

====Released====
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=300px cellspacing="0"
|-
| align=center colspan="2" | [[Image:010.png]] → [[Image:011.png]] → [[Image:Ash's Butterfree.png]] [[Ash's Butterfree|Caterpie → Metapod → Butterfree]]
|-
| align=center | [[Image:017.png]] → [[Image:018.png]] [[Ash's Pidgeot|Pidgeotto → Pidgeot]]
| align=center | [[Image:131.png]] {{AP|Lapras}}
|}
* '''Butterfree''': Released to mate with a [[pink Butterfree]].
* '''Pidgeot''': Released to protect various {{p|Pidgey}} and {{p|Pidgeotto}} from various {{p|Spearow}} and a {{p|Fearow}}.
* '''Lapras''': Released to be with its family and the other {{p|Lapras}} in its school.

====Traded away====
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=200px cellspacing="0"
|-
| align=center | [[Image:020.png]] {{AP|Raticate}}
| align=center | [[Image:190 f.png]] [[Dawn's Ambipom|Aipom]]
|}

* '''Raticate:''' Received from [[Gentleman]] for Butterfree; subsequently sent it back again.
* '''Aipom:''' Traded to {{an|Dawn}} for {{AP|Buizel}} due to an interest in Pokémon Contests.

====Given away====
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=100px cellspacing="0"
|-
| align=center | [[Image:015.png]] {{TP|Casey|Beedrill}}
|}

* '''Beedrill''': Caught Beedrill in the [[Bug-Catching Contest]], but subsequently gave it to {{an|Casey}} due to his knowledge of her fondness for black-and-yellow-striped Pokémon.

====Unofficial====
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=300px cellspacing="0"
|-
| align=center | [[Image:093.png]] {{TP|Sabrina|Haunter}}
| align=center | [[Image:Ash's Larvitar Egg.png]] → [[Image:246.png]] {{pkmn|Egg}} → {{AP|Larvitar}}
|}

* '''Haunter''': Never officially caught Haunter, but it accompanied him back to [[Saffron City]] to aid in his Gym battle against [[Sabrina]] before it decided to remain with her.
* '''Larvitar''': Cared for Larvitar as an egg and took it home to its mother; he never caught it in a ball, but he did use it in battle on at least one occasion.
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=400px cellspacing="0"
|-
| align=center colspan=2 | [[Image:077.png]] → [[Image:078.png]] {{p|Ponyta}} → {{p|Rapidash}}
| align=center | [[Image:137.png]] {{p|Porygon}}
| align=center | [[Image:110.png]] {{DL|Pokémon League entrance exam instructor|Weezing}}
|-
| align=center | [[Image:052.png]] {{DL|Pokémon League entrance exam instructor|Meowth}}
| align=center | [[Image:024.png]] {{DL|Pokémon League entrance exam instructor|Arbok}}
| align=center | [[Image:163.png]] {{p|Hoothoot}}
| align=center | [[Image:119.png]] {{p|Seaking}}
|-
| align=center | [[Image:106.png]] {{p|Hitmonlee}}
| align=center | [[Image:026.png]] {{p|Raichu}}
| align=center | [[Image:325.png]] {{p|Spoink}}
| align=center | [[Image:458.png]] {{p|Mantyke}}
|}

* '''Ponyta/Rapidash''': Borrowed from [[Lara Laramie]] after she was injured and couldn't ride Ponyta in the race in ''[[EP033|The Flame Pokémon-athon!]]''. It evolved into Rapidash during the race and earned Ash the win.
* '''Porygon''': Lent to by [[Dr. Akihabara]] to help stop [[Team Rocket]] from stealing Pokémon from the Pokémon Center's PC system in ''[[EP038|Computer Soldier Porygon]]''.
* '''Arbok, Weezing, and Meowth''': Used during a Pokémon League exam in ''[[EP056|The Ultimate Test]]''.
* '''Hoothoot:''' Borrowed (with [[Brock]] and [[Misty]]) from [[Hagatha]] in order to navigate the haunted forest in ''[[EP121|Illusion Confusion!]]''.
* '''Seaking:''' Caught and released during the contest in ''[[EP168|Hook, Line, and Stinker]]''.
* '''Hitmonlee:''' Borrowed from [[Master Hamm]] in ''[[AG145|Pasta La Vista!]]'' to battle May with a {{p|Hitmonchan}}.
* '''Raichu:''' Trained during ''[[DP088|Camping It Up!]]''.
* '''Spoink''' and '''Mantyke''': Used in the Pokémon triathlon in ''[[DP091|One Team, Two Team, Red Team, Blue Team!]]''.

== Future Pokemon ==

Torterra (A Torterra appeared in the opening The Greatest - Everyday!, under the ownership of Ash.)
Infernape (An Infernape appeared in the opening: The Greatest - Everyday!, under the ownership of Ash.)

===Badges obtained===
====Indigo League====
[[Image:Asheightkanto.png|thumb|right|Ash's eight [[badge]]s from [[Kanto]]]]
* {{badge|Boulder}} (''[[EP005|Showdown in Pewter City]]'')
* {{badge|Cascade}} (''[[EP007|The Water Flowers of Cerulean City]]'')
* {{badge|Thunder}} (''[[EP014|Electric Shock Showdown]]'')
* {{badge|Marsh}} (''[[EP024|Haunter versus Kadabra]]'')
* {{badge|Rainbow}} (''[[EP026|Pokémon Scent-sation!]]'')
* {{badge|Soul}} (''[[EP032|The Ninja Poké-Showdown]]'')
* {{badge|Volcano}} (''[[EP059|Volcanic Panic]]'')
* {{badge|Earth}} (''[[EP063|The Battle of the Badge]]'')
[[Image:Orangebadges.PNG|thumb|130px|right|Ash's four Orange League badges]]

====Orange League====
* {{badge|Coral-Eye}} (''[[EP085|Fit to be Tide]]'')
* {{badge|Sea Ruby}} (''[[EP093|Navel Maneuvers]]'')
* {{badge|Spike Shell}} (''[[EP103|Misty Meets Her Match]]'')
* {{badge|Jade Star}} (''[[EP108|Pokémon Double Trouble]]'')
[[Image:Johtobadges2.PNG|thumb|140px|right|Ash's eight badges from [[Johto]]]]
====Johto League====
* {{badge|Zephyr}} (''[[EP131|Fighting Flyer with Fire]]'')
* {{badge|Hive}} (''[[EP144|Gettin' The Bugs Out]]'')
* {{badge|Plain}} (''[[EP159|A Dairy Tale Ending]]'')
* {{badge|Fog}} (''[[EP182|From Ghost to Ghost]]'')
* {{badge|Storm}} (''[[EP209|Machoke, Machoke Man!]]'')
* {{badge|Mineral}} (''[[EP224|Nerves of Steelix!]]'')
* {{badge|Glacier}} (''[[EP238|Nice Pryce, Baby!]]'')
* {{badge|Rising}} (''[[EP254|Better Eight Than Never]]'')

====Hoenn League====
[[Image:Ashs hoenn badges.png|thumb|right|Ash's eight badges from [[Hoenn]]]]
* {{badge|Stone}} (''[[AG016|The Winner By a Nosepass!]]'')
* {{badge|Knuckle}} (''[[AG031|Just One of the Geysers]]'')
* {{badge|Dynamo}} (''[[AG040|Watt's with Wattson?]]'')
* {{badge|Heat}} (''[[AG056|Going, Going, Yawn!]]'')
* {{badge|Balance}} (''[[AG070|Balance of Power]]'')
* {{badge|Feather}} (''[[AG085|Sky High Gym Battle!]]'')
* {{badge|Mind}} (''[[AG100|Solid as a Solrock]]'')
* {{badge|Rain}} (''[[AG111|Eight Ain't Enough!]]'')

====Battle Frontier====
[[Image:Ash's_Symbols.png|thumb|right|Ash's seven {{Gdis|Battle Frontier|III|Frontier}} [[Symbol]]s]]
* [[Factory Head Noland|Knowledge Symbol]] (''[[AG136|The Symbol Life]]'')
* [[Arena Tycoon Greta|Guts Symbol]] (''[[AG149|Wheel... of Frontier!]]'')
* [[Dome Ace Tucker|Tactics Symbol]] (''[[AG153|Tactics Theatrics!!]]'')
* [[Pike Queen Lucy|Luck Symbol]] (''[[AG158|Queen of the Serpentine!]]'')
* [[Palace Maven Spenser|Spirits Symbol]] (''[[AG164|Ka Boom with a View!]]'')
* [[Salon Maiden Anabel|Ability Symbol]] (''[[AG170|Second Time's the Charm!]]'')
* [[Pyramid King Brandon|Brave Symbol]] (''[[AG190|Pace - The Final Frontier!]]'')

====Sinnoh League====
* {{badge|Coal}} (''[[DP018|O'er the Rampardos we Watched!]]'')
* {{badge|Forest}} (''[[DP037|The Grass Menagerie!]]'')
* {{badge|Cobble}} (''[[DP068|A Triple Fighting Chance!]]'')
* {{badge|Fen}} (''[[DP083|A Crasher Course in Power!]]'')
* {{badge|Relic}} (''[[DP102|Shield with a Twist!]]'')
* {{badge|Mine}} (''[[DP108|Dealing With Defensive Types!]]'')
* {{badge|Icicle}} (''[[DP127|Sliding Into Seventh!]]'')




===Pokémon Competitions===
====Pokémon League ranking====
Ash placed in the [[Pokémon League]] [[Pokémon League Conference|competitions]] listed below.

{|class="expandable"
|-
!align="left"|List of competitions (heavy spoiler)
|-
|
* [[Indigo Conference]] (Top 16)
* [[Silver Conference]] (Top 8)
* [[Ever Grande Conference]] (Top 8)
|}

====Pokémon Championship battles====
Ash challenged the following Pokémon championships as well:

{|class="expandable"
|-
!align="left"|List of battles (heavy spoiler)
|-
|
[[Image:Orangecup.PNG|thumb|left|100px|Ash's Orange League trophy.]]
* [[Orange League]] (Champion)
* [[Battle Frontier (Generation III)|Kanto Battle Frontier]] (Champion)
|}

====Miscellaneous Competitions====
Ash has also participated in the following competitions:

{|class="expandable"
|-
!align="left"|List of competitions (heavy spoiler)
|-
|
* [[Alto Mare]] Canal Race
* [[Bug-Catching Contest]] (Champion)
* [[Extreme Pokémon Race|Extreme Pokémon]] (Champion)
* [[Fire and Rescue Grand Prix]]
* [[Grass Tournament]] (Finalist)
* [[Hearthome City Tag Battle Competition]] (Champion - with [[Paul]])
* [[Hearthome Collection]] (Runner-up)
* [[P1 Grand Prix]] (Champion)
* [[Pokémon Balloon Race]] (Champion)
*[[Pokémon Contest]]s
**{{to|Terracotta}} Contest (unofficial) (Winner - Tied with {{an|May}})
**{{ci|Jubilife}} Contest
** [[Wallace Cup]] (Top 8)
* [[Pokémon Cosplay|Pokémon Cosplay Contest]] (Runner-up)
* [[Pokémon Orienteering]]
* [[Pokémon Summer Academy]] Triathlon (Winner)
* [[Pokémon Swap Meet]] Tauros-battling competition (Winner)
* [[PokéRinger]] - [[Crossgate Town]] (Champion)
* [[PokéRinger]] - [[Squallville]] (Champion)
* [[Rota]] Tournament (Champion)
* [[Seaking Catching Day]]
* [[Sumo Conference]] (Champion)
* [[Twinleaf Festival]] Battle Tournament (Winner)
* [[Whirl Cup]] (Top 16)
|}

===Voice actors===
{{vatable|color={{electric color}}|bordercolor={{electric color light}}
|ja=松本梨香 [[Rica Matsumoto]]
|en=[[Veronica Taylor]] ([[4Kids Entertainment|4Kids]] dub) [[Sarah Natochenny]] ({{PUSA}} dub) [[Jamie Peacock]] (''[[Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon]]'' only)
|hr=Saša Buneta Marko Torjanac
|cs=Radek Škvor
|da=Mathias Klenske
|nl=Christa Lips
|fil=Klariz Magboo
|fr_ca=Sébastien Reding
|fr_eu=Aurélien Ringelheim
|de=Caroline Combrinck ([[EP001]]-[[EP157]]) Veronika Neugebauer ([[EP158]]-present)
|he=יהונתן מגון Yonatan Magon דניאל מגון Daniel Magon
|hu=Szvetlov Balázs Ungvári Gergely
|it=Davide Garbolino
|ko=최덕희 Choi Deok-Hyi 이선호 Lee Seon-Ho 안현서 An Hyeon-Seo
|no=Nils-Martin Crawfurd
|pl=Hanna Kinder-Kiss ([[EP001]]-[[AG040]], [[DP053]]-present, all movies) Grzegorz Drojewski ([[DP001]]-[[DP052]])
|pt_br=Fábio Lucindo
|pt_eu=Maria João Luís Sandra Faleiro Sandra de Castro Unknown voice actress Cristina Carvalhal Bárbara Lourenço Ana Madureira
|es_la=Gabriel Ramos Irwin Daayán ([[DP091]]-[[DP104]])
|es_eu=Adolfo Moreno Rafael Alonso Naranjo Jr. (movie [[Spell of the Unown|3]] and [[Mewtwo Returns]])
|sv=Dick Eriksson
|fi=Sari Moilanen Hanna Savikko
|ar=بثينة شيا Buthaina Shia
|ca=Enric Puig
|tr=Ahmet Taşar}}

==In the manga==
{{stub|Manga}}
The manga version of Ash Ketchum featured in ''[[Electric Tale of Pikachu]]'' is based on the anime version, but there are many differences between the two. For example, while the anime version of Ash is indifferent to love, romance, or members of the opposite gender (or arguably, the same), the manga version of Ash has a huge crush on Gary's sister, [[May Oak]]. He's also prone to quickly falling in love just like Brock, but to a much more subtle or less extreme degree.

The Ash featured in this manga follows the same plot as in the anime: first traveling the [[Kanto]] region to participate in the [[Pokémon League]], before embarking on a journey around the [[Orange Archipelago|Orange Islands]].

===Appearance===
Ash's appearance is very different in the manga, too. Ash wears a red jacket much like Red. He also wears a very different hat throughout the first volume. However, in the sixth chapter of ''Electric Tale'' (''[[ET06|To Evolve or Not to Evolve, That Is the Question!]]'') he wears a hat that resembles the hat he wears in the Pokémon anime. He appears with [[Ash's Pikachu|his Pikachu]] on his shoulder.

===Pokémon===
[[Image:Satoshidengeki.PNG|thumb|right|Ash in [[Electric Tale of Pikachu]] manga.]]
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=300px cellspacing="0"
|-
| align=center | [[Image:025.png]] {{AP|Pikachu}}
| align=center | [[Image:022.png]] {{AP|Fearow}}
| align=center | [[Image:017.png]] [[Ash's Pidgeot|Pidgeotto]]
|-
| align=center colspan=3 | [[Image:010.png]] → [[Image:011.png]] → [[Image:012.png]] [[Ash's Butterfree|Caterpie → Metapod → Butterfree]]
|-
| align=center colspan=3 | [[Image:004.png]] → [[Image:005.png]] → [[Image:006.png]] [[Ash's Charizard|Charmander → Charmeleon → Charizard]]
|-
| align=center | [[Image:001.png]] {{AP|Bulbasaur}}
| align=center | [[Image:007.png]] {{AP|Squirtle}}
| align=center | [[Image:043.png]] {{p|Oddish}}
|-
| align=center | [[Image:015.png]] {{p|Beedrill}}
| align=center | [[Image:099.png]] {{AP|Kingler}}
| align=center | [[Image:089.png]] {{AP|Muk}}
|-
| align=center | [[Image:128.png]] {{AP|Tauros}}
| align=center | [[Image:131.png]] {{AP|Lapras}}
| align=center colspan=3 | [[Image:143.png]] {{AP|Snorlax}}
|}

====Traded away====
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=150px cellspacing="0"
|-
| align=center | [[Image:056.png]] {{p|Mankey}} 
| align=center | [[Image:079.png]] {{p|Slowpoke}} ({{pkmn2|giant}})
|}

* '''Mankey''': Given away for a map, which turned out to be fake.
* '''Giant Slowpoke''': Given away to {{Gary}} for [[Daisy Oak|May Oak]]'s photo.

==In the TCG==
This listing is of cards mentioning or featuring Ash or his Pokémon in the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]].

{| border="1" style="border: 1px solid #999; border-collapse: collapse; background: white;" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="2"
|- style="background: #{{tcg Lightning color}};"
!Name
!Type
!Level
!Rarity
!Set
!Set no.
|-
| {{TCG ID|7th Movie Half Deck|Ash's Torkoal|9}} || {{e|Fighting}} || - || - || {{TCG|7th Movie Half Deck}} (no English release) || 009/019
|-
| {{TCG ID|8th Movie Half Deck|Ash's Grovyle|1}} || {{e|Grass}} || - || - || {{TCG|8th Movie Half Deck}} (no English release) || 001/020
|-
| {{TCG ID|8th Movie Half Deck|Ash's Phanpy|4}} || {{e|Fighting}} || - || - || {{TCG|8th Movie Half Deck}} (no English release) || 004/020
|-
| {{TCG ID|8th Movie Half Deck|Ash's Swellow|7}} || {{e|Colorless}} || - || - || {{TCG|8th Movie Half Deck}} (no English release) || 007/020
|-
| {{TCG ID|9th Movie Half Deck|Ash's Aipom|10}} || {{e|Colorless}} || - || - || {{TCG|9th Movie Half Deck}} (no English release) || 010/019
|-
| {{TCG ID|ADV-P Promo|Ash's Treecko|36}} || {{e|Grass}} || - || - || {{TCG|ADV-P Promotional cards}} (no English release) || 036/ADV-P
|-
| {{TCG ID|Movie Random Pack Promo|Pikachu M|12}} || {{e|Lightning}} || 45 || - || {{TCG|Movie Commemoration Random Pack}} (no English release) || 012/022
|-
| {{TCG ID|Movie Random Pack Promo|Staraptor M|18}} || {{e|Colorless}} || 41 || - || {{TCG|Movie Commemoration Random Pack}} (no English release) || 018/022
|-
| {{TCG ID|DPt-P Promo|Pikachu M LV.X|43}} || {{e|Lightning}} || ''X'' || - || {{TCG|DPt-P Promotional cards}} (no English release) || 043/DPt-P
|}

==Trivia==
===Pokémon===
[[File:Ash catches a Pokémon.png|thumb|280px|Ash after catching a Pokémon]]
* Ash has captured each [[generation]]'s {{type2|Grass}} [[starter Pokémon]]: {{AP|Bulbasaur}}, {{AP|Chikorita|Bayleef}}, {{AP|Treecko|Sceptile}} and {{AP|Turtwig|Grotle}}.
* In both the [[Timeline of events in the anime#Kanto|Kanto]] and [[Timeline of events in the anime#Johto|Johto]] story arcs, Ash managed to capture all three of the starter Pokémon for both regions. This trend was broken in the {{series|Advanced Generation}}, where he only captured {{AP|Treecko|Sceptile}}; instead the [[May's Blaziken|other]] [[Brock's Marshtomp|two]] were caught by {{an|May}} and [[Brock]].
** However, he always owns the starter Pokémon not owned by another of {{ashfr|his friends}}.
* The last Pokémon that Ash has captured in every [[region]] are a part of {{cat|Pokémon that are part of a two-stage evolutionary line|one-evolution families}}, namely {{AP|Phanpy|Donphan}} in [[Johto]], {{AP|Snorunt|Glalie}} in [[Hoenn]], and {{TP|Dawn|Aipom|Ambipom}} in [[Kanto]].
**Of these four, Aipom is the only one not to evolve under Ash's care.
* He always catches a local bird-like Pokémon of the region - {{AP|Pidgeotto|Pidgeot}} in Kanto, {{AP|Noctowl}} in Johto, {{AP|Taillow|Swellow}} in Hoenn, and {{AP|Starly|Staraptor}} in Sinnoh.
** Though not all of these Pokémon were captured in their first form, they all evolved into their final forms under Ash's care; the exception being Noctowl, who cannot evolve.
* All together, Ash has seen at least twenty-seven different species of legendary Pokémon, and at least ten of them multiple times.
* All of Ash's primate-based Pokémon have been under the control of someone other than Ash at some point ({{AP|Primeape}} is currently under Anthony's command, {{TP|Dawn|Ambipom}} was under Dawn's ownership and is currently being trained in [[Vermilion City]], and his {{AP|Monferno}} was formerly owned by Paul.
**All three of these primate-based Pokémon were also shown evolving on-screen, and none of them evolved in the care of their original Trainer (Primeape evolved in the wild just prior to Ash capturing it, Ambipom evolved under Dawn's care, and Monferno evolved under Ash's ownership).
* The three {{type2|Fire}} [[starter Pokémon]] Ash owns are each at a different evolutionary stage. {{AP|Cyndaquil}} is in its first, {{AP|Monferno}} its second, and {{AP|Charizard}} its third.
* Ash has a tendency to capture crab-based Pokémon when new ones are available - {{AP|Kingler}} and {{AP|Corphish}}.
* Ash also captured a member of each turtle-based evolutionary family.
** Two of the three Pokémon are starters, while the third is a fire type non-starter.
* Three of Ash's current party have evolved whilst battling [[Paul]]; these are {{AP|Grotle}}, {{AP|Staraptor}}, and {{AP|Monferno}}.
** Of those three, Grotle and Staraptor evolved whilst battling [[Paul's Honchkrow]].

===Challenges/Gym related===
* In each region (except for the Orange Islands), Ash always loses against at least one of the [[Gym Leader]]s before challenging them to a rematch.
* During his adventures in Kanto, the Orange Islands, and Johto, Ash pinned his badges to the inside of his jacket. From Hoenn onwards, they have been kept in a case.
* Ash has so far battled three [[Elite Four]] members, namely [[Lorelei]], {{EF|Drake}} and [[Agatha]], losing to all three.
* The largest amount of episodes that Ash has gone without obtaining a [[badge]] is currently the gap between the {{ci|Snowpoint}} and {{ci|Sunyshore}} Gyms, which is currently up to [[DP162|35 episodes]]. The shortest amount of time between badges was the one-episode gap between ''[[EP005|Showdown in Pewter City]]'' and ''[[EP007|The Water Flowers of Cerulean City]]''.

===Miscellaneous===
[[File:Ash maid.png|200px|thumb|Ash crossdressing for the third time.]]
* The date of Ash's birth, according to [[Takeshi Shudo]]'s anime novelizations, is 10 years, 10 months, and 10 days ''exactly'' prior to the day he began his Pokémon journey. Being that the same novelization declares that Pokémon Trainers obtain their first Pokémon in April of the year following their 10th birthday, and the anime itself began broadcast on the first of that month in 1997 in Japan, Ash's birthday, if April 1 was the first day of his journey, would be May 22.
* Ash has crossdressed once in each anime series: The first time he did this was in ''[[EP026|Pokémon Scent-sation!]]'', in the [[original series]]. He crossdressed a second time in ''[[AG042|Love at First Flight]]'', in the {{series|Advanced Generation}}. ''[[DP062|Tanks for the Memories!]]'' marked the third time he crossdressed, in the {{series|Diamond & Pearl}}. Each time Ash has crossdressed, he was never willing to do so and was coerced or forced into it in some way.
** In addition to dressing as a girl, Ash has dressed up as fruit on at least two occasions. The first time, he dressed as an apple in ''[[EP107|Pokémon Food Fight!]]'' while the second he dressed as an {{wp|eggplant}} in ''[[AG104|Claydol Big and Tall]]''. On both occasions he was used to lure a large Pokémon.
* Several of the variety of {{wp|ash tree}}s, from which his name could be derived, are related to Kanto in some way: not only are there trees known as the "red ash", "green ash", and "blue ash", for the first three games, but also the "indigo ash", for the [[Indigo Plateau]].

==Names==
{| border="1" style="border: 1px solid #88a; border-collapse: collapse;" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="2"
|- style="background: #ccf;"
! Language
! Name
! Origin
|-
|Japanese
| サトシ ''Satoshi''
| Can be taken to mean 智 (wisdom; reason); named after [[Satoshi Tajiri]].
|-
|English, German
| Ash Ketchum
| Ketchum sounds similar to ''catch 'em''. First name can be found in Japanese name, S'''a'''to'''sh'''i. The Sat'''osh'''i in the Japanese name also sounds like Ash. Also, Ash is a default name for {{ga|Red}} in {{game|Red and Blue|s}}. {{wp|Ash tree}}s are suggested as another explanation as well.
|-
|French
| Sacha Ketchum
| Similar to ''Ash''.
|-
|Korean
| 한지우 ''Han Jiu''
| 지 is from 智 ''satoshi''. Alternatively, 지우 can mean "close friend".
|-
|Chinese
| 小智 ''Xiǎo Zhì''
| 智 is from 智 ''satoshi''.
|}

==Related articles==
* [[Ashley]]
* [[Ashachu]]
* {{cat|Episodes focusing on Ash}}

==External links==
*[http://kari.beautiful-beast.net/satoshi/ Poké Master], the fanlisting for Ash
*[http://pokeani.com/chara/r-satoshi.html Satoshi's Profile] on [[Pokeani]] (Japanese)
*[http://pokeani.com/poke/r_poke-satoshi1.html Satoshi's Pokémon pg. 1] on [[Pokeani]] (Japanese)
*[http://pokeani.com/poke/r_poke-satoshi2.html Satoshi's Pokémon pg. 2] on [[Pokeani]] (Japanese)
*[http://www.freewebs.com/satoshi-kun/ SPURT!], shrine to Satoshi.

===On Bulbagarden forums===
* [http://bmgf.bulbagarden.net/showthread.php?t=5254 Ash Club]

{{nav|Champions|Ash's Pokémon|Leaguetrainers|Animecharacters|Electric Tale of Pikachu characters}}
 
{{Project Anime notice|no}}

[[Category:Anime characters]]
[[Category:Electric Tale of Pikachu characters]]
[[Category:Ash and Pikachu characters]]
[[Category:Characters named after real people]]
[[Category:Champions]]
[[Category:Male characters]]

[[de:Ash Ketchum]]
[[es:Ash Ketchum]]
[[fr:Sacha]]
[[ja:サトシ]]
[[pl:Ash Ketchum]]
[[pt:Ash Ketchum]]

Dawn (anime)

2010-01-10T09:32:48Z

RedandGreen1996:

{{CharacterInfobox|
name=Dawn |
jname=ヒカリ |
tmname=Hikari |
slogan=no |
image=[[Image:HikariDP.png|180px]] |
caption=Art from {{series|Diamond & Pearl}} |
age=yes |
years=10 (as of [[DP001|debut]]) |
colors=yes|
eyes=Blue |
hair=Blue |
gender=Female |
hometown=[[Twinleaf Town]] |
region=[[Sinnoh]] |
relatives=[[Johanna]] (mother) |
trainer=yes |
trainerclass={{pkmn|Coordinator}} |
game=counterpart |
counterpart={{ga|Dawn}}|
leader=no |
team=no |
brain=no |
anime=yes |
epnum=DP001 |
epname=Following a Maiden's Voyage! |
enva=[[Emily Jenness]]|
java=[[Megumi Toyoguchi]]
}}
'''Dawn''' (Japanese: '''ヒカリ''' ''Hikari'') is a ten-year-old [[Pokémon Coordinator]] currently traveling through [[Sinnoh]] with {{Ash}} and [[Brock]]. Her goal is to become a great [[Pokémon Coordinator]] like her [[mom#In the anime|mother]], [[Johanna]]. Her [[starter Pokémon|first Pokémon]] was a {{TP|Dawn|Piplup}} that she received from [[Professor Rowan]] in the [[DP001|first ''Diamond & Pearl'' series episode]].

==Character==
Dawn is notable for her confidence, since she is always looking towards the future rather than dwelling on her mistakes, although she has learned that this is not always enough. In the Japanese version, her catchphrase is, "{{tt|Daijōbu!|'It's fine!' or 'It'll be alright!'}}" Although not consistently translated in the English dub at first, she began to regularly use "No need to worry!" In stark contrast to {{an|May}}'s inexperience and self-doubt at the start of the {{series|Advanced Generation}}, Dawn was overly confident and assured in her own strength in the beginning.

[[File:Dawn contest.png|left|thumb|225px|Dawn in her Contest outfit]]
She began her journey with her Piplup. Unlike {{an|May}}, she knew from the beginning that she wanted to be a {{pkmn|Coordinator}}. After meeting Ash and Brock, she decided to journey with them, as their experience would likely be helpful to her. Like Ash, she is lucky enough to have seen a [[legendary Pokémon]] at the start of her journey, the projected soul of {{p|Mesprit}} in ''[[DP001|Following a Maiden's Voyage!]]''. She lost her first {{pkmn|Contest}} in ''[[DP012|Arrival of a Rival!]]'' and ended up getting support from her mother who told her to rely on her friends. Eventually, in her [[DP027|second official Contest]], Dawn narrowly beat her childhood rival {{si|Kenny}} to gain her first [[ribbon]].

In ''[[DP049|Dawn's Early Night!]]'', when she competed in the [[Hearthome City]] Contest, she lost in the Appeal Round, making her the first of the main characters to lose a Contest by losing the appeal round. In ''[[DP061|Team Shocker!]]'', she lost the Appeal Round for second time in a row. This marked a notable change in Dawn's character. Previously, she had only occasionally been seen {{pkmn|training}} for Contests. After the second blow to her self-esteem, she didn't know what to do and was still very upset throughout ''[[DP062|Tanks for the Memories!]]''. After this, she began to become more focused and regained her confidence after {{pkmn|battle|battling}} [[Maylene]] in ''[[DP067|Crossing the Battle Line!]]''. Dawn began to practice in earnest and eventually was able to break her losing streak in ''[[DP079|Strategy With a Smile!]]'' and was able to win the [[Wallace Cup]] after narrowly defeating {{an|May}} in the final round. Dawn has since maintained her newfound focus and humility. After learning of the next Contest in [[Celestic Town]], she became very dedicated in her training, and actually overworked her Pokémon in ''[[DP092|A Lean Mean Team Rocket Machine!]]''. Due to her hard work, she managed to win the Contest in ''[[DP095|Battling the Generation Gap!]]''. In ''[[DP106|A Breed Stampede!]]'', her {{TP|Dawn|Mamoswine}} began to disobey her after [[Evolution|evolving]]. Despite this, she is still eager to train it well.

While she is the only female main character not to have a sibling, she has two childhood friends that appeared in the {{pkmn|anime}}, {{si|Kenny}} and [[Leona]], both of whom call her '''Dee Dee''' (Japanese: '''ピカリ''' ''Pikari'') sometimes. Dawn has prevented them from telling Ash and Brock about the reason why she has this nickname. She seems to be closer to Leona than to Kenny. Kenny functions as a rival for Dawn alongside [[Zoey]]. Zoey also functions as a semi-mentor to Dawn and helped her recover from her [[DP061|second loss]]. All three are competing for their first time in the regional Contests. Leona, however, challenges [[Gym]]s. She also seemed to be childhood friends with [[Barry]] when she was little, and was very upset that he didn't remember who she was.
[[File:Dawn snow pt.png|thumb|245px|Dawn in her winter clothes]]
Dawn is much more different than any of Ash's {{ashfr|other friends}}. Dawn has more concern about her appearance, as she will not show herself to Ash or Brock until she feels that her appearance is perfect. That may be a reason why she decides to sleep inside a tent while the others sleep outside. However, she has recently been seen sleeping outside with the others, such as in ''[[DP053|Tears for Fears!]]''. Every time she's going to be on camera, she needs to take a moment to brush her hair before going on. In ''[[DP070|The Bells are Singing!]]'', Dawn revealed that she was the one to design {{TP|Dawn|Buneary}}'s vest (but also admitted that her mother was the one to sew it). In ''[[DP086|Arriving in Style!]]'', she demonstrated her talent for designing again, sketching many different dresses for the [[Hearthome Collection]], though she rejected all of them.

Also unlike Ash's other friends, Dawn has already crossed a lot of boundaries that have previously only been held by Ash. She saw the aforementioned [[legendary Pokémon]] prior to meeting Ash, and is the first main character to own an {{type2|Electric}} [[Dawn's Pachirisu|Pokémon]] besides Ash. Having caught {{TP|Dawn|Buneary}}, {{TP|Dawn|Pachirisu}}, and {{AP|Buizel}}, Dawn has captured more Pokémon in her first 35 episodes that any of the other main characters, aside from Ash. She is also the first main character besides Ash to have battled [[Lucian|a member]] of the [[Elite Four]], and the first of [[Ash's friends]] to have defeated a {{p|Phione|legendary Pokémon}} in battle.

She had a [[bicycle]], but like [[Misty]]'s and {{an|May}}'s bikes, [[Ash's Pikachu]] destroyed it with its {{m|Thunderbolt}}. However, she did not mention this to Ash until more than 30 episodes after it happened. Johanna gave Dawn one of her old [[ribbon]]s from her days as a Coordinator as a gift for luck. She also had a large suitcase full of dresses, but her mother made her leave it at home due to its impracticality. She also has a [[Contest Pass]] for the [[Sinnoh]] region, and her Contest cry is "Spotlight!" (U.S.), or "Charm up!" (Japan).

==Pokémon==
Since starting her journey, the [[Pokémon]] that Dawn acquire tend to be cute and small like her starter, {{TP|Dawn|Piplup}}. Because she is still a rookie, she may have some rough spots on how to deal with her Pokémon properly. However, she still deeply cares for all her Pokémon, especially Piplup.

This listing is of Dawn's [[Pokémon ]] as of the most recent Japanese episode:
===On hand===
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=400px cellspacing="0"
|-
| align=center colspan=2 | [[Image:393.png]] {{TP|Dawn|Piplup}}
| align=center colspan=2 | [[Image:Dawn's Buneary.png]] {{TP|Dawn|Buneary}}
| align=center colspan=2 | [[Image:Cyndaquil_egg2.png]] → [[Image:155.png]] {{TP|Dawn|Egg → Cyndaquil|Cyndaquil}}
|-
| align=center colspan=2 | [[Image:417.png]] {{TP|Dawn|Pachirisu}}
| align=center colspan=4 | [[Image:220.png]] → [[Image:221.png]] → [[Image:473.png]] {{TP|Dawn|Swinub → Piloswine → Mamoswine|Mamoswine}}
|}

===In training===
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=200px cellspacing="0"
| align=center |[[Image:190 f.png]] → [[Image:424 f.png]] [[Dawn's Ambipom|Aipom → Ambipom]]
|}

* '''Ambipom''': Given to [[O]] for training.

===Traded===
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" cellspacing="0" width="100"
|-
| align=center | [[Image:418.png]] {{AP|Buizel}}
|}

* '''Buizel''': Traded to {{Ash}} for {{AP|Aipom}} due to him having an interest in Gym Battles and being unable to participate in them under Dawn's ownership.

===Temporary===
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=300px cellspacing="0"
|-
| align=center | [[Image:088.png]] {{p|Grimer}}
| align=center | [[Image:085.png]] {{p|Dodrio}}
| align=center | [[Image:319.png]] {{p|Sharpedo}}
|}

* '''Grimer''': Trained during ''[[DP088|Camping It Up!]]''.
* '''Dodrio''' and '''Sharpedo''': Used in the triathlon in ''[[DP091|One Team, Two Team, Red Team, Blue Team!]]''.

== Future Pokemon ==

Togekiss (Togekiss also makes an appearance in the Japanese opening, The Greatest - Everyday!, along with Dawn's Buneary.)

==Ribbons==
[[Image:Dawn ribbon4.png|thumb|right|200px|Dawn's ribbons as of ''[[DP114|Another One Gabites the Dust!]]'']]
===[[Sinnoh]] ribbons===
* {{to|Floaroma}} [[Ribbon]] (''[[DP027|Settling a Not-So-Old Score!]]'')
* [[Ribbon#In the anime|Aqua Ribbon]] (''[[DP079|Strategy with a Smile!]]'')
* {{to|Celestic}} [[Ribbon]] (''[[DP095|Battling the Generation Gap!]]'')
* {{to|Chocovine}} [[Ribbon]] (''[[DP114|Another One Gabites the Dust!]]'')

==Achievements==
* Unofficial Contest in ''[[DP022|Borrowing on Bad Faith!]]'' - Runner-Up
* [[Hearthome City Tag Battle Competition]] (Runner-up - with [[Conway]]) (''[[DP052|Smells Like Team Spirit!]]'')
* [[Hearthome Collection]] - Winner (''[[DP086|Arriving in Style!]]'')

==Voice actors==
{{vatable|color={{pearl color}}|bordercolor={{pearl color light}}
|ja=豊口めぐみ ''[[Megumi Toyoguchi]]''
|en=[[Emily Jenness]]
|cs=Rosita Erbanová
|nl=Meghna Kumar
|fr_eu=Alexandra Corréa
|de=Jana Julie
|he=טליה ברקאי Talia Barkai
|it=Tosawi Piovani
|ko=정미숙 Chong Mi-Suk
|no=Eline Høyer
|pl=Magdalena Krylik ([[DP001]]-[[DP052]]) Beata Wyrąbkiewicz ([[DP053]]-present)
|pt_br=Fernanda Bulara
|pt_eu=Raquel Ferreira
|es_eu=Mar Bordallo
|es_la=Gaby Ugarte
|zh_cmn=林美秀 (Taiwan)
}}

==In the TCG==
This listing is of cards mentioning or featuring Dawn or her Pokémon in the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]].

{| border="1" style="border: 1px solid #999; border-collapse: collapse; background: white;" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="2"
|- style="background: #{{tcg Water color}};"
!Name
!Type
!Level
!Rarity
!Set
!Set no.
|-
| {{TCG ID|Movie Random Pack Promo|Piplup M|7}} || {{e|Water}} || 39 || - || {{TCG|Movie Commemoration Random Pack}} (no English release) || 007/022
|-
| {{TCG ID|Movie Random Pack Promo|Buneary M|19}} || {{e|Colorless}} || 33 || - || {{TCG|Movie Commemoration Random Pack}} (no English release) || 019/022
|}

==Trivia==
* Dawn's name is a reference to {{game3|Diamond and Pearl|Diamond|s}}, as [[Paul]] references {{game3|Diamond and Pearl|Pearl|s}}. "Dawn" may also be a reference to "Hikari," which means "light"--dawn is essentially the day's first light.
[[Image:Dawnpll.JPG|220px|thumb|right|Dawn in [[Pokémon Learning League]]]]
* Like [[I Won't Lose! ~Haruka's Theme~|May]], she has her own [[List of Japanese ending themes|ending theme song]], titled 君のそばで〜ヒカリのテーマ〜 ''[[By Your Side ~Hikari's Theme~]]''. It is the first ending of the {{series|Diamond & Pearl}}. The song is performed by グリン ''Grin''.
* On the [[Pokémon Learning League]] website, [[List of clothing in the anime|her clothing]] has been altered so that her white undershirt has sleeves and she is wearing black stockings or tights.
* Dawn is the first Pokémon Trainer introduced as a novice to not have a {{type2|Bug}} Pokémon be her first evolution, as Ash's first evolving Pokémon was Caterpie, and May's was Wurmple. Dawn's first evolving Pokémon was {{TP|Dawn|Aipom|Ambipom}}.
** The only Pokémon on Dawn's team that have [[Evolution|evolved]] so far are part of a [[Generation II]] evolution family.
* All of the Pokémon Dawn has owned have been members of the {{egg3|Ground}}, though several are in other groups as well.
* Dawn's Latin American Spanish dub actress, Gaby Ugarte, is the sister of Xóchitl Ugarte, [[Misty]]'s Latin American Spanish voice actress. Interestingly, the two characters haven't met yet.
* Dawn's Japanese name is Hikari, and [[Zoey|her rival's]] is Nozomi. The ''Hikari'' and the ''Nozomi'' are two Shinkansen "bullet train" lines. The Nozomi is faster than the Hikari, possibly symbolizing that Zoey is farther along in her coordinating skills than Dawn. It should also be noted that they go in opposite directions.
* All of Dawn's Pokémon (and those she has owned in the past) draw parallels with one or more of Ash's or {{an|May}}'s Pokémon - excluding [[Ash's Buizel]] and [[Dawn's Ambipom]], who are currently owned by Ash or were owned by Ash previously.
** [[Dawn's Piplup]] is similar to [[Ash's Pikachu]] in many ways: it was her [[starter Pokémon]], the two bonded after saving each other from wild Pokémon, and Piplup stays outside its Poké Ball and refuses to evolve.
** [[Dawn's Buneary]] is like [[May's Beautifly]] in that Dawn had wanted to (and in Dawn's case, actually attempted to) capture one in an episode before they actually managed to. It is also their first capture.
** [[Dawn's Pachirisu]] is a parallel to [[May's Skitty]], in that it is often hyper and needs to be calmed down (with a Poffin or toy respectively). It is also Dawn's second capture.
** [[Dawn's Mamoswine]] draws parallels to both [[May's Munchlax]] as a Swinub, in that it lives to eat, and [[Ash's Charizard]] in that it was respectful of its Trainer in its basic form, but disobeyed in its second and third form. It is also similar in that it evolved from its second form to its final form within less than five episodes from evolving the first time. Both Ash's Charizard, Dawn's Mamoswine and May's Munchlax were all the Trainer's fifth captures within their career.
** [[Dawn's Cyndaquil]] is draws parallels to [[May's Squirtle]]. Both are [[starter Pokémon]] from the region focused on in the remakes of their owner's introductory generation, while their owner is based on the female player character of the main games of their generation. It also draws some similarities to [[May's Venusaur]] for some of the same reasons, as both were given to the characters shortly after the release of the starter Pokémon's remake.
* Dawn also shares the same choice for a [[starter Pokémon]] as her rival {{si|Kenny}}.
=== Similarities to Ash ===
* Out of all of {{Ash}}'s {{ashfr|friends}}, Dawn is the only one so far to have her debut episode dedicated completely to herself. Unlike other debut episodes, Ash didn't appear until the last minute. Also in that episode, she saw {{p|Mesprit|a legendary Pokémon}} similar to how Ash did at the start of his journey.
* She is the only main character aside from Ash to challenge an official Pokémon Gym from the games, and the first of Ash's friends to compete in an official Gym Battle in the main series since ''[[EP005|Showdown at Pewter City]]'' and ''[[EP007|The Water Flowers of Cerulean City]]'', where Brock battled Ash and Misty battled Ash respectively.
** Counting Gym Leaders of any sort (regardless of game appearance), Dawn is only the second main character other than Ash to do this, as Misty challenged [[Dorian]] in ''[[EP256|Just Add Water]]''.
* Dawn is the second main character to have three Pokémon to disobey her: {{TP|Dawn|Piplup}}, {{TP|Dawn|Pachirisu}} and {{TP|Dawn|Mamoswine}}. Ash's were {{AP|Pikachu}}, {{AP|Primeape}}, and {{AP|Charizard}}.
* Like Ash, she has a [[Johanna|mother]] who lives by herself with a [[Johanna's Glameow|Pokémon]] of her own, with no information whatsoever about her father, mirroring [[Delia Ketchum]] and her [[Mimey|Mr. Mime]].
* Like Ash, Dawn has a childhood rival named {{si|Kenny}} who calls her by the nickname "Dee-dee" (Japanese: ピカリ ''Pikari''). Ash's childhood rival {{Gary}} calls him by the nickname "Ashy-boy" (Japanese: サトシくん ''Satoshi-kun'').
* Like Ash, she has an [[Dawn's Pachirisu|Electric-type Pokémon]] that is based off of a rodent.
** She also owns a {{TP|Dawn|Cyndaquil}}.
* Like Ash, Dawn imagined each of the Sinnoh starters before her journey began. She selected the Water-type starter (Piplup), which was Ash's original type choice (Squirtle) in Kanto.

==Names==
{| border="1" style="border: 1px solid #88a; border-collapse: collapse;" cellspacing="1" cell padding="2"
|- style="background: #ccf;"
! Language
! Name
! Origin
|-
|Japanese
| ヒカリ ''Hikari''
| From 光, light.
|-
| English
| Dawn
| May be a reference to ''Hikari'', as dawn is essentially the day's first light.
|-
| French
| Aurore
| Literally means dawn.
|-
| German
| Lucia
| A reference to ''lux lucid'', Latin for light.
|-
| Italian
| Lucinda
| From ''luce'', Italian for light.
|-
| Spanish
| Maya
| This may be from a gag that the Spanish dubbers did in switching Dawn's and May's names around. Notice Dawn's Spanish name, Maya, is closer to May, while {{an|May}}'s Spanish name is Aura, which translates into "dawn."
|-
| Korean
| 나빛나 ''Na Bit-Na''
| When read as a sentence, it means ''I shine''.
|-
| Chinese (Taiwan)
| 小光 ''Xiǎo Guāng''
| From 光 ''hikari'', light. Literally "young light".
|}

==Related articles==
* {{cat|Episodes focusing on Dawn}}
* [[Dawn (game)]]

==External links==
* [http://www.stage-on.net/hikari/ Daijoubu!], the fanlisting for Dawn
* [http://pokeani.com/chara/r-hikari.html Hikari's Profile] on [[Pokeani]] (Japanese)
* [http://pokeani.com/poke/r_poke-hikari.html Hikari's Pokémon] on [[Pokeani]] (Japanese)

==On Bulbagarden forums==
* {{BMGF|14886|The Dawn Club}}

{{Dawn's Pokémon}}
{{Coordinators}} 
{{Animecharacters}} 
{{Project Anime notice|no}}

[[Category:Anime characters]]
[[Category:Ash's friends]]
[[Category:Female characters]]
[[Category:Female characters]]

[[de:Lucia]]
[[es:Maya (anime)]]
[[fr:Aurore (dessin animé)]]
[[ja:ヒカリ]]
[[pl:Dawn]]
[[pt:Dawn]]

Dawn (anime)

2010-01-10T09:31:59Z

RedandGreen1996:

{{CharacterInfobox|
name=Dawn |
jname=ヒカリ |
tmname=Hikari |
slogan=no |
image=[[Image:HikariDP.png|180px]] |
caption=Art from {{series|Diamond & Pearl}} |
age=yes |
years=10 (as of [[DP001|debut]]) |
colors=yes|
eyes=Blue |
hair=Blue |
gender=Female |
hometown=[[Twinleaf Town]] |
region=[[Sinnoh]] |
relatives=[[Johanna]] (mother) |
trainer=yes |
trainerclass={{pkmn|Coordinator}} |
game=counterpart |
counterpart={{ga|Dawn}}|
leader=no |
team=no |
brain=no |
anime=yes |
epnum=DP001 |
epname=Following a Maiden's Voyage! |
enva=[[Emily Jenness]]|
java=[[Megumi Toyoguchi]]
}}
'''Dawn''' (Japanese: '''ヒカリ''' ''Hikari'') is a ten-year-old [[Pokémon Coordinator]] currently traveling through [[Sinnoh]] with {{Ash}} and [[Brock]]. Her goal is to become a great [[Pokémon Coordinator]] like her [[mom#In the anime|mother]], [[Johanna]]. Her [[starter Pokémon|first Pokémon]] was a {{TP|Dawn|Piplup}} that she received from [[Professor Rowan]] in the [[DP001|first ''Diamond & Pearl'' series episode]].

==Character==
Dawn is notable for her confidence, since she is always looking towards the future rather than dwelling on her mistakes, although she has learned that this is not always enough. In the Japanese version, her catchphrase is, "{{tt|Daijōbu!|'It's fine!' or 'It'll be alright!'}}" Although not consistently translated in the English dub at first, she began to regularly use "No need to worry!" In stark contrast to {{an|May}}'s inexperience and self-doubt at the start of the {{series|Advanced Generation}}, Dawn was overly confident and assured in her own strength in the beginning.

[[File:Dawn contest.png|left|thumb|225px|Dawn in her Contest outfit]]
She began her journey with her Piplup. Unlike {{an|May}}, she knew from the beginning that she wanted to be a {{pkmn|Coordinator}}. After meeting Ash and Brock, she decided to journey with them, as their experience would likely be helpful to her. Like Ash, she is lucky enough to have seen a [[legendary Pokémon]] at the start of her journey, the projected soul of {{p|Mesprit}} in ''[[DP001|Following a Maiden's Voyage!]]''. She lost her first {{pkmn|Contest}} in ''[[DP012|Arrival of a Rival!]]'' and ended up getting support from her mother who told her to rely on her friends. Eventually, in her [[DP027|second official Contest]], Dawn narrowly beat her childhood rival {{si|Kenny}} to gain her first [[ribbon]].

In ''[[DP049|Dawn's Early Night!]]'', when she competed in the [[Hearthome City]] Contest, she lost in the Appeal Round, making her the first of the main characters to lose a Contest by losing the appeal round. In ''[[DP061|Team Shocker!]]'', she lost the Appeal Round for second time in a row. This marked a notable change in Dawn's character. Previously, she had only occasionally been seen {{pkmn|training}} for Contests. After the second blow to her self-esteem, she didn't know what to do and was still very upset throughout ''[[DP062|Tanks for the Memories!]]''. After this, she began to become more focused and regained her confidence after {{pkmn|battle|battling}} [[Maylene]] in ''[[DP067|Crossing the Battle Line!]]''. Dawn began to practice in earnest and eventually was able to break her losing streak in ''[[DP079|Strategy With a Smile!]]'' and was able to win the [[Wallace Cup]] after narrowly defeating {{an|May}} in the final round. Dawn has since maintained her newfound focus and humility. After learning of the next Contest in [[Celestic Town]], she became very dedicated in her training, and actually overworked her Pokémon in ''[[DP092|A Lean Mean Team Rocket Machine!]]''. Due to her hard work, she managed to win the Contest in ''[[DP095|Battling the Generation Gap!]]''. In ''[[DP106|A Breed Stampede!]]'', her {{TP|Dawn|Mamoswine}} began to disobey her after [[Evolution|evolving]]. Despite this, she is still eager to train it well.

While she is the only female main character not to have a sibling, she has two childhood friends that appeared in the {{pkmn|anime}}, {{si|Kenny}} and [[Leona]], both of whom call her '''Dee Dee''' (Japanese: '''ピカリ''' ''Pikari'') sometimes. Dawn has prevented them from telling Ash and Brock about the reason why she has this nickname. She seems to be closer to Leona than to Kenny. Kenny functions as a rival for Dawn alongside [[Zoey]]. Zoey also functions as a semi-mentor to Dawn and helped her recover from her [[DP061|second loss]]. All three are competing for their first time in the regional Contests. Leona, however, challenges [[Gym]]s. She also seemed to be childhood friends with [[Barry]] when she was little, and was very upset that he didn't remember who she was.
[[File:Dawn snow pt.png|thumb|245px|Dawn in her winter clothes]]
Dawn is much more different than any of Ash's {{ashfr|other friends}}. Dawn has more concern about her appearance, as she will not show herself to Ash or Brock until she feels that her appearance is perfect. That may be a reason why she decides to sleep inside a tent while the others sleep outside. However, she has recently been seen sleeping outside with the others, such as in ''[[DP053|Tears for Fears!]]''. Every time she's going to be on camera, she needs to take a moment to brush her hair before going on. In ''[[DP070|The Bells are Singing!]]'', Dawn revealed that she was the one to design {{TP|Dawn|Buneary}}'s vest (but also admitted that her mother was the one to sew it). In ''[[DP086|Arriving in Style!]]'', she demonstrated her talent for designing again, sketching many different dresses for the [[Hearthome Collection]], though she rejected all of them.

Also unlike Ash's other friends, Dawn has already crossed a lot of boundaries that have previously only been held by Ash. She saw the aforementioned [[legendary Pokémon]] prior to meeting Ash, and is the first main character to own an {{type2|Electric}} [[Dawn's Pachirisu|Pokémon]] besides Ash. Having caught {{TP|Dawn|Buneary}}, {{TP|Dawn|Pachirisu}}, and {{AP|Buizel}}, Dawn has captured more Pokémon in her first 35 episodes that any of the other main characters, aside from Ash. She is also the first main character besides Ash to have battled [[Lucian|a member]] of the [[Elite Four]], and the first of [[Ash's friends]] to have defeated a {{p|Phione|legendary Pokémon}} in battle.

She had a [[bicycle]], but like [[Misty]]'s and {{an|May}}'s bikes, [[Ash's Pikachu]] destroyed it with its {{m|Thunderbolt}}. However, she did not mention this to Ash until more than 30 episodes after it happened. Johanna gave Dawn one of her old [[ribbon]]s from her days as a Coordinator as a gift for luck. She also had a large suitcase full of dresses, but her mother made her leave it at home due to its impracticality. She also has a [[Contest Pass]] for the [[Sinnoh]] region, and her Contest cry is "Spotlight!" (U.S.), or "Charm up!" (Japan).

==Pokémon==
Since starting her journey, the [[Pokémon]] that Dawn acquire tend to be cute and small like her starter, {{TP|Dawn|Piplup}}. Because she is still a rookie, she may have some rough spots on how to deal with her Pokémon properly. However, she still deeply cares for all her Pokémon, especially Piplup.

This listing is of Dawn's [[Pokémon ]] as of the most recent Japanese episode:
===On hand===
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=400px cellspacing="0"
|-
| align=center colspan=2 | [[Image:393.png]] {{TP|Dawn|Piplup}}
| align=center colspan=2 | [[Image:Dawn's Buneary.png]] {{TP|Dawn|Buneary}}
| align=center colspan=2 | [[Image:Cyndaquil_egg2.png]] → [[Image:155.png]] {{TP|Dawn|Egg → Cyndaquil|Cyndaquil}}
|-
| align=center colspan=2 | [[Image:417.png]] {{TP|Dawn|Pachirisu}}
| align=center colspan=4 | [[Image:220.png]] → [[Image:221.png]] → [[Image:473.png]] {{TP|Dawn|Swinub → Piloswine → Mamoswine|Mamoswine}}
|}

===In training===
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=200px cellspacing="0"
| align=center |[[Image:190 f.png]] → [[Image:424 f.png]] [[Dawn's Ambipom|Aipom → Ambipom]]
|}

* '''Ambipom''': Given to [[O]] for training.

===Traded===
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" cellspacing="0" width="100"
|-
| align=center | [[Image:418.png]] {{AP|Buizel}}
|}

* '''Buizel''': Traded to {{Ash}} for {{AP|Aipom}} due to him having an interest in Gym Battles and being unable to participate in them under Dawn's ownership.

===Temporary===
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=300px cellspacing="0"
|-
| align=center | [[Image:088.png]] {{p|Grimer}}
| align=center | [[Image:085.png]] {{p|Dodrio}}
| align=center | [[Image:319.png]] {{p|Sharpedo}}
|}

* '''Grimer''': Trained during ''[[DP088|Camping It Up!]]''.
* '''Dodrio''' and '''Sharpedo''': Used in the triathlon in ''[[DP091|One Team, Two Team, Red Team, Blue Team!]]''.

== Future Pokemon ==

Togekiss (Togekiss also makes an appearance in the Japanese opening, The Greatest - Everyday!, along with Dawn's Buneary.)

[[File:File:Dawn's Togekiss.png]]

==Ribbons==
[[Image:Dawn ribbon4.png|thumb|right|200px|Dawn's ribbons as of ''[[DP114|Another One Gabites the Dust!]]'']]
===[[Sinnoh]] ribbons===
* {{to|Floaroma}} [[Ribbon]] (''[[DP027|Settling a Not-So-Old Score!]]'')
* [[Ribbon#In the anime|Aqua Ribbon]] (''[[DP079|Strategy with a Smile!]]'')
* {{to|Celestic}} [[Ribbon]] (''[[DP095|Battling the Generation Gap!]]'')
* {{to|Chocovine}} [[Ribbon]] (''[[DP114|Another One Gabites the Dust!]]'')

==Achievements==
* Unofficial Contest in ''[[DP022|Borrowing on Bad Faith!]]'' - Runner-Up
* [[Hearthome City Tag Battle Competition]] (Runner-up - with [[Conway]]) (''[[DP052|Smells Like Team Spirit!]]'')
* [[Hearthome Collection]] - Winner (''[[DP086|Arriving in Style!]]'')

==Voice actors==
{{vatable|color={{pearl color}}|bordercolor={{pearl color light}}
|ja=豊口めぐみ ''[[Megumi Toyoguchi]]''
|en=[[Emily Jenness]]
|cs=Rosita Erbanová
|nl=Meghna Kumar
|fr_eu=Alexandra Corréa
|de=Jana Julie
|he=טליה ברקאי Talia Barkai
|it=Tosawi Piovani
|ko=정미숙 Chong Mi-Suk
|no=Eline Høyer
|pl=Magdalena Krylik ([[DP001]]-[[DP052]]) Beata Wyrąbkiewicz ([[DP053]]-present)
|pt_br=Fernanda Bulara
|pt_eu=Raquel Ferreira
|es_eu=Mar Bordallo
|es_la=Gaby Ugarte
|zh_cmn=林美秀 (Taiwan)
}}

==In the TCG==
This listing is of cards mentioning or featuring Dawn or her Pokémon in the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]].

{| border="1" style="border: 1px solid #999; border-collapse: collapse; background: white;" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="2"
|- style="background: #{{tcg Water color}};"
!Name
!Type
!Level
!Rarity
!Set
!Set no.
|-
| {{TCG ID|Movie Random Pack Promo|Piplup M|7}} || {{e|Water}} || 39 || - || {{TCG|Movie Commemoration Random Pack}} (no English release) || 007/022
|-
| {{TCG ID|Movie Random Pack Promo|Buneary M|19}} || {{e|Colorless}} || 33 || - || {{TCG|Movie Commemoration Random Pack}} (no English release) || 019/022
|}

==Trivia==
* Dawn's name is a reference to {{game3|Diamond and Pearl|Diamond|s}}, as [[Paul]] references {{game3|Diamond and Pearl|Pearl|s}}. "Dawn" may also be a reference to "Hikari," which means "light"--dawn is essentially the day's first light.
[[Image:Dawnpll.JPG|220px|thumb|right|Dawn in [[Pokémon Learning League]]]]
* Like [[I Won't Lose! ~Haruka's Theme~|May]], she has her own [[List of Japanese ending themes|ending theme song]], titled 君のそばで〜ヒカリのテーマ〜 ''[[By Your Side ~Hikari's Theme~]]''. It is the first ending of the {{series|Diamond & Pearl}}. The song is performed by グリン ''Grin''.
* On the [[Pokémon Learning League]] website, [[List of clothing in the anime|her clothing]] has been altered so that her white undershirt has sleeves and she is wearing black stockings or tights.
* Dawn is the first Pokémon Trainer introduced as a novice to not have a {{type2|Bug}} Pokémon be her first evolution, as Ash's first evolving Pokémon was Caterpie, and May's was Wurmple. Dawn's first evolving Pokémon was {{TP|Dawn|Aipom|Ambipom}}.
** The only Pokémon on Dawn's team that have [[Evolution|evolved]] so far are part of a [[Generation II]] evolution family.
* All of the Pokémon Dawn has owned have been members of the {{egg3|Ground}}, though several are in other groups as well.
* Dawn's Latin American Spanish dub actress, Gaby Ugarte, is the sister of Xóchitl Ugarte, [[Misty]]'s Latin American Spanish voice actress. Interestingly, the two characters haven't met yet.
* Dawn's Japanese name is Hikari, and [[Zoey|her rival's]] is Nozomi. The ''Hikari'' and the ''Nozomi'' are two Shinkansen "bullet train" lines. The Nozomi is faster than the Hikari, possibly symbolizing that Zoey is farther along in her coordinating skills than Dawn. It should also be noted that they go in opposite directions.
* All of Dawn's Pokémon (and those she has owned in the past) draw parallels with one or more of Ash's or {{an|May}}'s Pokémon - excluding [[Ash's Buizel]] and [[Dawn's Ambipom]], who are currently owned by Ash or were owned by Ash previously.
** [[Dawn's Piplup]] is similar to [[Ash's Pikachu]] in many ways: it was her [[starter Pokémon]], the two bonded after saving each other from wild Pokémon, and Piplup stays outside its Poké Ball and refuses to evolve.
** [[Dawn's Buneary]] is like [[May's Beautifly]] in that Dawn had wanted to (and in Dawn's case, actually attempted to) capture one in an episode before they actually managed to. It is also their first capture.
** [[Dawn's Pachirisu]] is a parallel to [[May's Skitty]], in that it is often hyper and needs to be calmed down (with a Poffin or toy respectively). It is also Dawn's second capture.
** [[Dawn's Mamoswine]] draws parallels to both [[May's Munchlax]] as a Swinub, in that it lives to eat, and [[Ash's Charizard]] in that it was respectful of its Trainer in its basic form, but disobeyed in its second and third form. It is also similar in that it evolved from its second form to its final form within less than five episodes from evolving the first time. Both Ash's Charizard, Dawn's Mamoswine and May's Munchlax were all the Trainer's fifth captures within their career.
** [[Dawn's Cyndaquil]] is draws parallels to [[May's Squirtle]]. Both are [[starter Pokémon]] from the region focused on in the remakes of their owner's introductory generation, while their owner is based on the female player character of the main games of their generation. It also draws some similarities to [[May's Venusaur]] for some of the same reasons, as both were given to the characters shortly after the release of the starter Pokémon's remake.
* Dawn also shares the same choice for a [[starter Pokémon]] as her rival {{si|Kenny}}.
=== Similarities to Ash ===
* Out of all of {{Ash}}'s {{ashfr|friends}}, Dawn is the only one so far to have her debut episode dedicated completely to herself. Unlike other debut episodes, Ash didn't appear until the last minute. Also in that episode, she saw {{p|Mesprit|a legendary Pokémon}} similar to how Ash did at the start of his journey.
* She is the only main character aside from Ash to challenge an official Pokémon Gym from the games, and the first of Ash's friends to compete in an official Gym Battle in the main series since ''[[EP005|Showdown at Pewter City]]'' and ''[[EP007|The Water Flowers of Cerulean City]]'', where Brock battled Ash and Misty battled Ash respectively.
** Counting Gym Leaders of any sort (regardless of game appearance), Dawn is only the second main character other than Ash to do this, as Misty challenged [[Dorian]] in ''[[EP256|Just Add Water]]''.
* Dawn is the second main character to have three Pokémon to disobey her: {{TP|Dawn|Piplup}}, {{TP|Dawn|Pachirisu}} and {{TP|Dawn|Mamoswine}}. Ash's were {{AP|Pikachu}}, {{AP|Primeape}}, and {{AP|Charizard}}.
* Like Ash, she has a [[Johanna|mother]] who lives by herself with a [[Johanna's Glameow|Pokémon]] of her own, with no information whatsoever about her father, mirroring [[Delia Ketchum]] and her [[Mimey|Mr. Mime]].
* Like Ash, Dawn has a childhood rival named {{si|Kenny}} who calls her by the nickname "Dee-dee" (Japanese: ピカリ ''Pikari''). Ash's childhood rival {{Gary}} calls him by the nickname "Ashy-boy" (Japanese: サトシくん ''Satoshi-kun'').
* Like Ash, she has an [[Dawn's Pachirisu|Electric-type Pokémon]] that is based off of a rodent.
** She also owns a {{TP|Dawn|Cyndaquil}}.
* Like Ash, Dawn imagined each of the Sinnoh starters before her journey began. She selected the Water-type starter (Piplup), which was Ash's original type choice (Squirtle) in Kanto.

==Names==
{| border="1" style="border: 1px solid #88a; border-collapse: collapse;" cellspacing="1" cell padding="2"
|- style="background: #ccf;"
! Language
! Name
! Origin
|-
|Japanese
| ヒカリ ''Hikari''
| From 光, light.
|-
| English
| Dawn
| May be a reference to ''Hikari'', as dawn is essentially the day's first light.
|-
| French
| Aurore
| Literally means dawn.
|-
| German
| Lucia
| A reference to ''lux lucid'', Latin for light.
|-
| Italian
| Lucinda
| From ''luce'', Italian for light.
|-
| Spanish
| Maya
| This may be from a gag that the Spanish dubbers did in switching Dawn's and May's names around. Notice Dawn's Spanish name, Maya, is closer to May, while {{an|May}}'s Spanish name is Aura, which translates into "dawn."
|-
| Korean
| 나빛나 ''Na Bit-Na''
| When read as a sentence, it means ''I shine''.
|-
| Chinese (Taiwan)
| 小光 ''Xiǎo Guāng''
| From 光 ''hikari'', light. Literally "young light".
|}

==Related articles==
* {{cat|Episodes focusing on Dawn}}
* [[Dawn (game)]]

==External links==
* [http://www.stage-on.net/hikari/ Daijoubu!], the fanlisting for Dawn
* [http://pokeani.com/chara/r-hikari.html Hikari's Profile] on [[Pokeani]] (Japanese)
* [http://pokeani.com/poke/r_poke-hikari.html Hikari's Pokémon] on [[Pokeani]] (Japanese)

==On Bulbagarden forums==
* {{BMGF|14886|The Dawn Club}}

{{Dawn's Pokémon}}
{{Coordinators}} 
{{Animecharacters}} 
{{Project Anime notice|no}}

[[Category:Anime characters]]
[[Category:Ash's friends]]
[[Category:Female characters]]
[[Category:Female characters]]

[[de:Lucia]]
[[es:Maya (anime)]]
[[fr:Aurore (dessin animé)]]
[[ja:ヒカリ]]
[[pl:Dawn]]
[[pt:Dawn]]

Ash Ketchum

2010-01-10T09:27:52Z

RedandGreen1996:

:''Ash redirects here. For the item attached to Ho-Oh, see [[Sacred Ash]]. For the ash found at the foot of Mt. Chimney, see [[volcanic ash]].''
----
{{CharacterInfobox|
name=Ash Ketchum|
jname=サトシ |
tmname=Satoshi |
slogan=no |
image=[[Image:SatoshiDP.png|200px]] |
caption=Art from Diamond/Pearl anime |
age=yes |
years=10 (as of [[EP001|debut]]) |
colors=yes|
eyes=Brown |
hair=Black |
gender=Male |
hometown=[[Pallet Town]] |
region=[[Kanto]] |
relatives={{Delia}}, Unknown father ([[EP002]]), Unknown grandfather ([[EP002]]) (Japanese only) ({{pkmn|anime}}) [[Mom]] ([[Electric Tale of Pikachu|manga]])
|trainer=yes |
trainerclass={{pkmn|Trainer}} |
game=counterpart|
counterpart={{ga|Red}}|
leader=no |
team=no |
brain=no |
anime=yes |
epnum=EP001 |
epname=Pokémon - I Choose You! |
enva=[[Veronica Taylor]] ([[4Kids Entertainment|4Kids]]) [[Sarah Natochenny]] ([[The Pokémon Company International|TPCI]]) |
java=[[Rica Matsumoto]] |
}}

'''Ash Ketchum''' (Japanese: '''サトシ''' ''Satoshi'') is the main character of both the [[Pokémon anime]] and the ''[[Electric Tale of Pikachu]]'' manga, and is believed to be based on the {{ga|Red|protagonist}} of the [[Generation I| first generation]] Pokémon games. He shares his Japanese name -- which can be taken to mean "wisdom" or "reason" (智) -- with the creator of the [[Pokémon]] franchise, [[Satoshi Tajiri]]. His English surname is a pun of the original English motto, "[[Gotta Catch 'em All!]]."

{{spoilers}}

==In the anime==
===Character===
[[Image:Anime Ash.png|thumb|Ash Ketchum in the [[original series]]]]
Ash's main goal in life, as described in [[EP001|the first episode]], is to be the world's greatest [[Pokémon master|Pokémon Master]]. Ash began his journey at the age of 10 as a warm-hearted and well-intentioned but stubborn and unskilled [[Pokémon Trainer]]. He was forced to accept the irreverent {{AP|Pikachu}} from [[Professor Oak]] as his [[starter Pokémon]] because he carelessly broke his alarm clock and woke up late on the day he was set to get his first Pokémon. He was determined to achieve his goal, however, and when Pikachu saw that he was willing to compromise his own safety to keep it safe he formed a strong bond of friendship with his Pokémon. This would set his course for the future.
[[File:Ash fleeing spearow.png|thumb|left|250px|Ash trying to keep Pikachu safe]]
However, from that point, Ash still had a lot to learn about becoming a Trainer. He {{pkmn2|caught}} his [[Ash's Butterfree|first Pokémon]] by luck, knew nothing about [[Pokémon battle|battling]], and was reluctant to admit it whenever he was wrong. Many of his first [[Gym]] [[badge]]s were given to him merely out of gratitude for his assistance rather than claiming a victory in battle over the [[Gym Leader]]s; of his first five gym battles, only his victory over [[Lt. Surge]] was an actual victory. Every time he thought he was doing well, he would somehow cross paths with his childhood [[rival]], [[Gary Oak]]. He always reminded Ash that he was always a step or seven behind, with Gary catching around forty-five Pokémon by the time Ash had only caught his {{AP|seventh|Kingler}}. This hampered matters further when, owing to his inexperience, his {{AP|Charizard}} refused to listen to him until [[EP105|Ash could prove himself]] to the powerful Fire-type.

Over time, Ash's dedication to his goal paid off. After earning his first eight badges he went on to compete in the [[Indigo League]], advancing to the fifth round - one further than Gary. After recovering from his defeat, he continued on to improve his skills; take on new challenges; and compete in more [[Pokémon League]] competitions - triumphing in the [[Orange League]] and the {{Gdis|Battle Frontier|III}}.

[[Image:SatoshiAG.png|thumb|left|Ash in the {{series|Advanced Generation}}]]
Ash has changed a great deal over the course of the series, particularly in regards to his skill at [[Pokémon training]], but his earnestness, rashness, and determination have remained. Never straying from his goal, he has remained loyal to {{ashfr|his friends}}, his family, and his supporters, but most of all his Pokémon. Ash became a great Trainer by learning to find and use the inner strength of each of his Pokémon by bonding with them. For example, when he received a banner filled with prints from his Pokémon in ''[[AG187|The Unbeatable Lightness of Seeing!]]'', he knew which Pokémon placed specific prints, showing his close bond with them. He also learns where their hidden abilities lie, as well as resorting to unorthodox strategies when fighting particularly challenging opponents. For example, he uses his Pikachu's speed to outmaneuver larger foes and attack. In another instance, his {{AP|Charizard}} defeated [[Gary's Blastoise]] by causing the field to overheat before mounting a close-quarters attack while Blastoise was blinded by the steam. He also prefers to train a Pokémon to be the best it can without making it [[Evolution|evolve]], as evidenced by his treatment of {{AP|Gligar|Gliscor}} in ''[[DP085|Fighting Fear With Fear!]]''. At first, he was hesitant to let his Pokémon evolve to get stronger, but, as shown in the {{series|Advanced Generation}} and {{series|Diamond & Pearl}}, he has no problem at all in allowing his team members to reach their evolved forms, except for Pikachu.
[[Image:AshAura.png|thumb|right|240px|Ash using Aura inside the [[Tree of Beginning]]]]
Early on, Ash originally trained not to further himself but instead to catch more Pokémon than Gary. He later slowed his pace which allowed him to focus on the individual traits of each Pokémon. At the [[Johto]] League [[Silver Conference]], with great humility and maturity, Ash finally won a battle against his old rival, signifying a great milestone in his history. His maturity has also increased in his dealings with Pokémon. This is shown when [[Ash's Primeape|a Mankey]] stole his {{AP|hat}} in ''[[EP025|Primeape Goes Bananas]]'', he screamed and yelled at it, even climbing trees just to get his hat back, but when [[Dawn's Ambipom|an Aipom]] did the same in ''[[AG179|Slaking Kong]]'', he stated merely that he would feel strange without a hat. When Aipom stole his hat again in ''[[DP009|Setting the World on its Buneary]]'', however, while it was under his ownership, he chased after it in the same manner as before.

In most episodes of the anime, especially those during the Johto League saga, Ash befriends someone who will influence him and cause him to strive to become a better Trainer. Although he is not a dependent individual, he is still young and has learned to make his way relying on his {{AP|friends}}, particularly the maternal skills of [[Brock]]. The honor of "best friend" is usually reserved for Pikachu but Ash has come to see his closest human friends in the same light over time; using the term for [[Misty]] and [[Brock]] in ''[[EP273|Gotta Catch Ya Later]]'' as well as {{an|May}} and [[Max]] in ''[[AG178|Battling the Enemy Within]]''.

He has traversed much of the [[Pokémon world]] and has thus far participated in four [[Pokémon League#Championship competitions|Pokémon League regional competitions]], but he is still learning new things about Pokémon all the time.
[[Image:AshWallace.png|thumb|220px|Ash in the [[Wallace Cup]]]]
Ash apparently has a close connection with [[legendary Pokémon]], especially {{an|Ho-Oh}}, {{OBP|Lugia|movie 2}}, {{OBP|Latias|movie 5}}, {{p|Azelf}}, {{OBP|Shaymin|movie 11}} and {{an|Giratina}}. In the English dub of the [[The Power of One|second movie]], he was revealed to be "The Chosen One" - the one who would bring balance back to the world when it was disrupted. Although viewed as a normal human, Ash does have some special abilities, as he is said to have the same [[aura]] as [[Sir Aaron]], a legendary hero, and is theoretically able to manipulate it in much the same way. However, he has not received any training in this field, opting to continue his Pokémon journey instead. He has also been likened to an ancient [[aura]] guardian in ''[[DP056|The Keystone Pops!]]'', who also had a partner {{p|Pikachu}}. Later, in ''[[DP071|Pokémon Ranger and the Kidnapped Riolu! Parts 1]]'' and ''[[DP072|2]]'', Ash uses aura again to locate a lost {{p|Riolu}} and read Riolu's mind as well.

He has a [[Contest Pass]] for the [[Sinnoh]] region, though he has stated that the contest he got it for was the only one he intends on entering. He also has one for the Hoenn region as it was required to watch one of the contests held there. Ash carries half of a broken [[Poké Ball]] with him everywhere, while Gary has the other half, as a symbol of their ongoing, but now friendly, rivalry; [[Misty's special lure]], which she sent to him as a gift; and half of a ribbon he received in a contest against May before she left the group to compete in Johto. Ash also participated in the [[Wallace Cup]] on the suggestion of [[Wallace]] but he lost in the third round.

===Family===
[[File:Younger Ash DP138.png|thumb|left|220px|A young Ash]]
Ash lived with his mother, [[Delia Ketchum]], until he left for his Pokémon journey at the age of ten.

His father was never introduced. The anime suggests that his father was once a Pokémon Trainer that began his journey in Pallet Town, but it is unclear whether he is still living. An interview with the series' storyboarder confirmed Ash's father is a Trainer on his own journey. According the same storyboarder, Ash's father may or may not be introduced at the series, depending on its necessity to Ash's further maturity and development as a Trainer.

Ash is an only child, breaking from the tradition of several other main characters, with the exception of {{an|Dawn}} and possibly {{Tracey}}, whose siblings are often a foil or focal point in their lives.

===Pokémon===
[[File:Ash party DP133.png|thumb|280px|Ash and his party from [[DP132|''Evolving Strategies!'']] to [[DP154]]]]
As a Trainer, Ash has captured and befriended a sizable number of Pokémon over the course of the anime. His philosophy on {{pkmn|training}} is that Pokémon are individuals and that a combination of trust, friendship and hard work are needed to overcome adversity. He seems to battle best with Pokémon that are similar to Pikachu: ones that are [[Appendix:Metagame terminology#Sweeper|speedy and maneuverable, yet able to perform high-powered attacks]]; however, he is willing to work with any Pokémon that comes into his care. Ash's battle style is generally spontaneous and fairly unorthodox, and his Pokémon often reflect these traits.

====On hand====

{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=400px cellspacing="0"
| align=center | [[Image:025.png]] {{AP|Pikachu}}
| align=center | [[Image:387.png]]→[[Image:388.png]] {{AP|Turtwig → Grotle|Grotle}}
|}
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=400px cellspacing="0"
| align=center | [[Image:390.png]]→[[Image:391.png]] {{AP|Chimchar → Monferno|Monferno}}
| align=center | [[Image:418.png]] {{AP|Buizel}}
|}
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=400px cellspacing="0"
| align=center | [[Image:443.png]] {{AP|Gible}}
| align=center | [[Image:396.png]]→[[Image:397.png]]→[[Image:398.png]] {{AP|Starly → Staravia → Staraptor|Staraptor}}
|}

====With Professor Oak====
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=400px cellspacing="0"
|-
| align=center | [[Image:001.png]] {{AP|Bulbasaur}}
| align=center colspan=2 | [[Image:098.png]] → [[Image:099.png]] {{AP|Krabby → Kingler|Kingler}}
| align=center | [[Image:089.png]] {{AP|Muk}}
|-
| align=center | [[Image:128.png]] {{AP|Tauros}} (×30)
| align=center | [[Image:143.png]] {{AP|Snorlax}} 
| align=center | [[Image:214.png]] {{AP|Heracross}} 
| align=center | [[Image:155.png]] {{AP|Cyndaquil}} 
|-
| align=center colspan=2 | [[Image:152.png]] → [[Image:153.png]] {{AP|Chikorita → Bayleef|Bayleef}}
| align=center | [[Image:158.png]] {{AP|Totodile}}
| align=center | [[Image:164 s.png]] {{AP|Noctowl}}
|-
| align=center colspan=3 | [[Image:Ash's Phanpy Egg.png]] → [[Image:231.png]] → [[Image:232.png]] {{AP|Egg → Phanpy → Donphan|Donphan}}
| align=center | [[Image:341.png]] {{AP|Corphish}}
|-
| align=center colspan=3 | [[Image:Ash's Treecko.png]] → [[Image:Ash's Grovyle.png]] → [[Image:Ash's Sceptile2.png]] {{AP|Treecko → Grovyle → Sceptile|Sceptile}}
| align=center | [[Image:324.png]] {{AP|Torkoal}}
|-
| align=center colspan=2 | [[Image:276.png]] → [[Image:277.png]] {{AP|Taillow → Swellow|Swellow}}
| align=center colspan=2 | [[Image:361.png]] → [[Image:362.png]] {{AP|Snorunt → Glalie|Glalie}}
|}

====In training====
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=300px cellspacing="0"
|-
| align=center | [[Image:057.png]] {{AP|Primeape}}
| align=center | [[Image:Ash's Squirtle2.png]] {{AP|Squirtle}}
|-
| align=center colspan=2 | [[Image:004.png]] → [[Image:005.png]] → [[Image:006.png]] [[Ash's Charizard|Charmander → Charmeleon → Charizard]]
|-
| align=center colspan=2 | [[Image:207.png]]→[[Image:472.png]] {{AP|Gligar → Gliscor|Gliscor}}
|}

* '''Primeape''': In training with {{ka|Anthony}}.
* '''Squirtle''': Returned to [[Squirtle Squad]] but can be called upon at any time.
* '''Charizard''': Left at [[Charicific Valley]] but can be called upon at any time.
* '''Gliscor''': Left with [[Mitsuzō]] in [[DP154]].

====Released====
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=300px cellspacing="0"
|-
| align=center colspan="2" | [[Image:010.png]] → [[Image:011.png]] → [[Image:Ash's Butterfree.png]] [[Ash's Butterfree|Caterpie → Metapod → Butterfree]]
|-
| align=center | [[Image:017.png]] → [[Image:018.png]] [[Ash's Pidgeot|Pidgeotto → Pidgeot]]
| align=center | [[Image:131.png]] {{AP|Lapras}}
|}
* '''Butterfree''': Released to mate with a [[pink Butterfree]].
* '''Pidgeot''': Released to protect various {{p|Pidgey}} and {{p|Pidgeotto}} from various {{p|Spearow}} and a {{p|Fearow}}.
* '''Lapras''': Released to be with its family and the other {{p|Lapras}} in its school.

====Traded away====
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=200px cellspacing="0"
|-
| align=center | [[Image:020.png]] {{AP|Raticate}}
| align=center | [[Image:190 f.png]] [[Dawn's Ambipom|Aipom]]
|}

* '''Raticate:''' Received from [[Gentleman]] for Butterfree; subsequently sent it back again.
* '''Aipom:''' Traded to {{an|Dawn}} for {{AP|Buizel}} due to an interest in Pokémon Contests.

====Given away====
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=100px cellspacing="0"
|-
| align=center | [[Image:015.png]] {{TP|Casey|Beedrill}}
|}

* '''Beedrill''': Caught Beedrill in the [[Bug-Catching Contest]], but subsequently gave it to {{an|Casey}} due to his knowledge of her fondness for black-and-yellow-striped Pokémon.

====Unofficial====
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=300px cellspacing="0"
|-
| align=center | [[Image:093.png]] {{TP|Sabrina|Haunter}}
| align=center | [[Image:Ash's Larvitar Egg.png]] → [[Image:246.png]] {{pkmn|Egg}} → {{AP|Larvitar}}
|}

* '''Haunter''': Never officially caught Haunter, but it accompanied him back to [[Saffron City]] to aid in his Gym battle against [[Sabrina]] before it decided to remain with her.
* '''Larvitar''': Cared for Larvitar as an egg and took it home to its mother; he never caught it in a ball, but he did use it in battle on at least one occasion.

====Temporary====
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=400px cellspacing="0"
|-
| align=center colspan=2 | [[Image:077.png]] → [[Image:078.png]] {{p|Ponyta}} → {{p|Rapidash}}
| align=center | [[Image:137.png]] {{p|Porygon}}
| align=center | [[Image:110.png]] {{DL|Pokémon League entrance exam instructor|Weezing}}
|-
| align=center | [[Image:052.png]] {{DL|Pokémon League entrance exam instructor|Meowth}}
| align=center | [[Image:024.png]] {{DL|Pokémon League entrance exam instructor|Arbok}}
| align=center | [[Image:163.png]] {{p|Hoothoot}}
| align=center | [[Image:119.png]] {{p|Seaking}}
|-
| align=center | [[Image:106.png]] {{p|Hitmonlee}}
| align=center | [[Image:026.png]] {{p|Raichu}}
| align=center | [[Image:325.png]] {{p|Spoink}}
| align=center | [[Image:458.png]] {{p|Mantyke}}
|}

* '''Ponyta/Rapidash''': Borrowed from [[Lara Laramie]] after she was injured and couldn't ride Ponyta in the race in ''[[EP033|The Flame Pokémon-athon!]]''. It evolved into Rapidash during the race and earned Ash the win.
* '''Porygon''': Lent to by [[Dr. Akihabara]] to help stop [[Team Rocket]] from stealing Pokémon from the Pokémon Center's PC system in ''[[EP038|Computer Soldier Porygon]]''.
* '''Arbok, Weezing, and Meowth''': Used during a Pokémon League exam in ''[[EP056|The Ultimate Test]]''.
* '''Hoothoot:''' Borrowed (with [[Brock]] and [[Misty]]) from [[Hagatha]] in order to navigate the haunted forest in ''[[EP121|Illusion Confusion!]]''.
* '''Seaking:''' Caught and released during the contest in ''[[EP168|Hook, Line, and Stinker]]''.
* '''Hitmonlee:''' Borrowed from [[Master Hamm]] in ''[[AG145|Pasta La Vista!]]'' to battle May with a {{p|Hitmonchan}}.
* '''Raichu:''' Trained during ''[[DP088|Camping It Up!]]''.
* '''Spoink''' and '''Mantyke''': Used in the Pokémon triathlon in ''[[DP091|One Team, Two Team, Red Team, Blue Team!]]''.

== Future Pokemon ==

Infernape (An Infernape appeared in the opening: The Greatest - Everyday!, under the ownership of Ash. )

Torterra (A Torterra appeared in the opening The Greatest - Everyday!, under the ownership of Ash.)

===Badges obtained===
====Indigo League====
[[Image:Asheightkanto.png|thumb|right|Ash's eight [[badge]]s from [[Kanto]]]]
* {{badge|Boulder}} (''[[EP005|Showdown in Pewter City]]'')
* {{badge|Cascade}} (''[[EP007|The Water Flowers of Cerulean City]]'')
* {{badge|Thunder}} (''[[EP014|Electric Shock Showdown]]'')
* {{badge|Marsh}} (''[[EP024|Haunter versus Kadabra]]'')
* {{badge|Rainbow}} (''[[EP026|Pokémon Scent-sation!]]'')
* {{badge|Soul}} (''[[EP032|The Ninja Poké-Showdown]]'')
* {{badge|Volcano}} (''[[EP059|Volcanic Panic]]'')
* {{badge|Earth}} (''[[EP063|The Battle of the Badge]]'')
[[Image:Orangebadges.PNG|thumb|130px|right|Ash's four Orange League badges]]

====Orange League====
* {{badge|Coral-Eye}} (''[[EP085|Fit to be Tide]]'')
* {{badge|Sea Ruby}} (''[[EP093|Navel Maneuvers]]'')
* {{badge|Spike Shell}} (''[[EP103|Misty Meets Her Match]]'')
* {{badge|Jade Star}} (''[[EP108|Pokémon Double Trouble]]'')
[[Image:Johtobadges2.PNG|thumb|140px|right|Ash's eight badges from [[Johto]]]]
====Johto League====
* {{badge|Zephyr}} (''[[EP131|Fighting Flyer with Fire]]'')
* {{badge|Hive}} (''[[EP144|Gettin' The Bugs Out]]'')
* {{badge|Plain}} (''[[EP159|A Dairy Tale Ending]]'')
* {{badge|Fog}} (''[[EP182|From Ghost to Ghost]]'')
* {{badge|Storm}} (''[[EP209|Machoke, Machoke Man!]]'')
* {{badge|Mineral}} (''[[EP224|Nerves of Steelix!]]'')
* {{badge|Glacier}} (''[[EP238|Nice Pryce, Baby!]]'')
* {{badge|Rising}} (''[[EP254|Better Eight Than Never]]'')

====Hoenn League====
[[Image:Ashs hoenn badges.png|thumb|right|Ash's eight badges from [[Hoenn]]]]
* {{badge|Stone}} (''[[AG016|The Winner By a Nosepass!]]'')
* {{badge|Knuckle}} (''[[AG031|Just One of the Geysers]]'')
* {{badge|Dynamo}} (''[[AG040|Watt's with Wattson?]]'')
* {{badge|Heat}} (''[[AG056|Going, Going, Yawn!]]'')
* {{badge|Balance}} (''[[AG070|Balance of Power]]'')
* {{badge|Feather}} (''[[AG085|Sky High Gym Battle!]]'')
* {{badge|Mind}} (''[[AG100|Solid as a Solrock]]'')
* {{badge|Rain}} (''[[AG111|Eight Ain't Enough!]]'')

====Battle Frontier====
[[Image:Ash's_Symbols.png|thumb|right|Ash's seven {{Gdis|Battle Frontier|III|Frontier}} [[Symbol]]s]]
* [[Factory Head Noland|Knowledge Symbol]] (''[[AG136|The Symbol Life]]'')
* [[Arena Tycoon Greta|Guts Symbol]] (''[[AG149|Wheel... of Frontier!]]'')
* [[Dome Ace Tucker|Tactics Symbol]] (''[[AG153|Tactics Theatrics!!]]'')
* [[Pike Queen Lucy|Luck Symbol]] (''[[AG158|Queen of the Serpentine!]]'')
* [[Palace Maven Spenser|Spirits Symbol]] (''[[AG164|Ka Boom with a View!]]'')
* [[Salon Maiden Anabel|Ability Symbol]] (''[[AG170|Second Time's the Charm!]]'')
* [[Pyramid King Brandon|Brave Symbol]] (''[[AG190|Pace - The Final Frontier!]]'')

====Sinnoh League====
* {{badge|Coal}} (''[[DP018|O'er the Rampardos we Watched!]]'')
* {{badge|Forest}} (''[[DP037|The Grass Menagerie!]]'')
* {{badge|Cobble}} (''[[DP068|A Triple Fighting Chance!]]'')
* {{badge|Fen}} (''[[DP083|A Crasher Course in Power!]]'')
* {{badge|Relic}} (''[[DP102|Shield with a Twist!]]'')
* {{badge|Mine}} (''[[DP108|Dealing With Defensive Types!]]'')
* {{badge|Icicle}} (''[[DP127|Sliding Into Seventh!]]'')




===Pokémon Competitions===
====Pokémon League ranking====
Ash placed in the [[Pokémon League]] [[Pokémon League Conference|competitions]] listed below.

{|class="expandable"
|-
!align="left"|List of competitions (heavy spoiler)
|-
|
* [[Indigo Conference]] (Top 16)
* [[Silver Conference]] (Top 8)
* [[Ever Grande Conference]] (Top 8)
|}

====Pokémon Championship battles====
Ash challenged the following Pokémon championships as well:

{|class="expandable"
|-
!align="left"|List of battles (heavy spoiler)
|-
|
[[Image:Orangecup.PNG|thumb|left|100px|Ash's Orange League trophy.]]
* [[Orange League]] (Champion)
* [[Battle Frontier (Generation III)|Kanto Battle Frontier]] (Champion)
|}

====Miscellaneous Competitions====
Ash has also participated in the following competitions:

{|class="expandable"
|-
!align="left"|List of competitions (heavy spoiler)
|-
|
* [[Alto Mare]] Canal Race
* [[Bug-Catching Contest]] (Champion)
* [[Extreme Pokémon Race|Extreme Pokémon]] (Champion)
* [[Fire and Rescue Grand Prix]]
* [[Grass Tournament]] (Finalist)
* [[Hearthome City Tag Battle Competition]] (Champion - with [[Paul]])
* [[Hearthome Collection]] (Runner-up)
* [[P1 Grand Prix]] (Champion)
* [[Pokémon Balloon Race]] (Champion)
*[[Pokémon Contest]]s
**{{to|Terracotta}} Contest (unofficial) (Winner - Tied with {{an|May}})
**{{ci|Jubilife}} Contest
** [[Wallace Cup]] (Top 8)
* [[Pokémon Cosplay|Pokémon Cosplay Contest]] (Runner-up)
* [[Pokémon Orienteering]]
* [[Pokémon Summer Academy]] Triathlon (Winner)
* [[Pokémon Swap Meet]] Tauros-battling competition (Winner)
* [[PokéRinger]] - [[Crossgate Town]] (Champion)
* [[PokéRinger]] - [[Squallville]] (Champion)
* [[Rota]] Tournament (Champion)
* [[Seaking Catching Day]]
* [[Sumo Conference]] (Champion)
* [[Twinleaf Festival]] Battle Tournament (Winner)
* [[Whirl Cup]] (Top 16)
|}

===Voice actors===
{{vatable|color={{electric color}}|bordercolor={{electric color light}}
|ja=松本梨香 [[Rica Matsumoto]]
|en=[[Veronica Taylor]] ([[4Kids Entertainment|4Kids]] dub) [[Sarah Natochenny]] ({{PUSA}} dub) [[Jamie Peacock]] (''[[Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon]]'' only)
|hr=Saša Buneta Marko Torjanac
|cs=Radek Škvor
|da=Mathias Klenske
|nl=Christa Lips
|fil=Klariz Magboo
|fr_ca=Sébastien Reding
|fr_eu=Aurélien Ringelheim
|de=Caroline Combrinck ([[EP001]]-[[EP157]]) Veronika Neugebauer ([[EP158]]-present)
|he=יהונתן מגון Yonatan Magon דניאל מגון Daniel Magon
|hu=Szvetlov Balázs Ungvári Gergely
|it=Davide Garbolino
|ko=최덕희 Choi Deok-Hyi 이선호 Lee Seon-Ho 안현서 An Hyeon-Seo
|no=Nils-Martin Crawfurd
|pl=Hanna Kinder-Kiss ([[EP001]]-[[AG040]], [[DP053]]-present, all movies) Grzegorz Drojewski ([[DP001]]-[[DP052]])
|pt_br=Fábio Lucindo
|pt_eu=Maria João Luís Sandra Faleiro Sandra de Castro Unknown voice actress Cristina Carvalhal Bárbara Lourenço Ana Madureira
|es_la=Gabriel Ramos Irwin Daayán ([[DP091]]-[[DP104]])
|es_eu=Adolfo Moreno Rafael Alonso Naranjo Jr. (movie [[Spell of the Unown|3]] and [[Mewtwo Returns]])
|sv=Dick Eriksson
|fi=Sari Moilanen Hanna Savikko
|ar=بثينة شيا Buthaina Shia
|ca=Enric Puig
|tr=Ahmet Taşar}}

==In the manga==
{{stub|Manga}}
The manga version of Ash Ketchum featured in ''[[Electric Tale of Pikachu]]'' is based on the anime version, but there are many differences between the two. For example, while the anime version of Ash is indifferent to love, romance, or members of the opposite gender (or arguably, the same), the manga version of Ash has a huge crush on Gary's sister, [[May Oak]]. He's also prone to quickly falling in love just like Brock, but to a much more subtle or less extreme degree.

The Ash featured in this manga follows the same plot as in the anime: first traveling the [[Kanto]] region to participate in the [[Pokémon League]], before embarking on a journey around the [[Orange Archipelago|Orange Islands]].

===Appearance===
Ash's appearance is very different in the manga, too. Ash wears a red jacket much like Red. He also wears a very different hat throughout the first volume. However, in the sixth chapter of ''Electric Tale'' (''[[ET06|To Evolve or Not to Evolve, That Is the Question!]]'') he wears a hat that resembles the hat he wears in the Pokémon anime. He appears with [[Ash's Pikachu|his Pikachu]] on his shoulder.

===Pokémon===
[[Image:Satoshidengeki.PNG|thumb|right|Ash in [[Electric Tale of Pikachu]] manga.]]
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=300px cellspacing="0"
|-
| align=center | [[Image:025.png]] {{AP|Pikachu}}
| align=center | [[Image:022.png]] {{AP|Fearow}}
| align=center | [[Image:017.png]] [[Ash's Pidgeot|Pidgeotto]]
|-
| align=center colspan=3 | [[Image:010.png]] → [[Image:011.png]] → [[Image:012.png]] [[Ash's Butterfree|Caterpie → Metapod → Butterfree]]
|-
| align=center colspan=3 | [[Image:004.png]] → [[Image:005.png]] → [[Image:006.png]] [[Ash's Charizard|Charmander → Charmeleon → Charizard]]
|-
| align=center | [[Image:001.png]] {{AP|Bulbasaur}}
| align=center | [[Image:007.png]] {{AP|Squirtle}}
| align=center | [[Image:043.png]] {{p|Oddish}}
|-
| align=center | [[Image:015.png]] {{p|Beedrill}}
| align=center | [[Image:099.png]] {{AP|Kingler}}
| align=center | [[Image:089.png]] {{AP|Muk}}
|-
| align=center | [[Image:128.png]] {{AP|Tauros}}
| align=center | [[Image:131.png]] {{AP|Lapras}}
| align=center colspan=3 | [[Image:143.png]] {{AP|Snorlax}}
|}

====Traded away====
{|border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" width=150px cellspacing="0"
|-
| align=center | [[Image:056.png]] {{p|Mankey}} 
| align=center | [[Image:079.png]] {{p|Slowpoke}} ({{pkmn2|giant}})
|}

* '''Mankey''': Given away for a map, which turned out to be fake.
* '''Giant Slowpoke''': Given away to {{Gary}} for [[Daisy Oak|May Oak]]'s photo.

==In the TCG==
This listing is of cards mentioning or featuring Ash or his Pokémon in the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]].

{| border="1" style="border: 1px solid #999; border-collapse: collapse; background: white;" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="2"
|- style="background: #{{tcg Lightning color}};"
!Name
!Type
!Level
!Rarity
!Set
!Set no.
|-
| {{TCG ID|7th Movie Half Deck|Ash's Torkoal|9}} || {{e|Fighting}} || - || - || {{TCG|7th Movie Half Deck}} (no English release) || 009/019
|-
| {{TCG ID|8th Movie Half Deck|Ash's Grovyle|1}} || {{e|Grass}} || - || - || {{TCG|8th Movie Half Deck}} (no English release) || 001/020
|-
| {{TCG ID|8th Movie Half Deck|Ash's Phanpy|4}} || {{e|Fighting}} || - || - || {{TCG|8th Movie Half Deck}} (no English release) || 004/020
|-
| {{TCG ID|8th Movie Half Deck|Ash's Swellow|7}} || {{e|Colorless}} || - || - || {{TCG|8th Movie Half Deck}} (no English release) || 007/020
|-
| {{TCG ID|9th Movie Half Deck|Ash's Aipom|10}} || {{e|Colorless}} || - || - || {{TCG|9th Movie Half Deck}} (no English release) || 010/019
|-
| {{TCG ID|ADV-P Promo|Ash's Treecko|36}} || {{e|Grass}} || - || - || {{TCG|ADV-P Promotional cards}} (no English release) || 036/ADV-P
|-
| {{TCG ID|Movie Random Pack Promo|Pikachu M|12}} || {{e|Lightning}} || 45 || - || {{TCG|Movie Commemoration Random Pack}} (no English release) || 012/022
|-
| {{TCG ID|Movie Random Pack Promo|Staraptor M|18}} || {{e|Colorless}} || 41 || - || {{TCG|Movie Commemoration Random Pack}} (no English release) || 018/022
|-
| {{TCG ID|DPt-P Promo|Pikachu M LV.X|43}} || {{e|Lightning}} || ''X'' || - || {{TCG|DPt-P Promotional cards}} (no English release) || 043/DPt-P
|}

==Trivia==
===Pokémon===
[[File:Ash catches a Pokémon.png|thumb|280px|Ash after catching a Pokémon]]
* Ash has captured each [[generation]]'s {{type2|Grass}} [[starter Pokémon]]: {{AP|Bulbasaur}}, {{AP|Chikorita|Bayleef}}, {{AP|Treecko|Sceptile}} and {{AP|Turtwig|Grotle}}.
* In both the [[Timeline of events in the anime#Kanto|Kanto]] and [[Timeline of events in the anime#Johto|Johto]] story arcs, Ash managed to capture all three of the starter Pokémon for both regions. This trend was broken in the {{series|Advanced Generation}}, where he only captured {{AP|Treecko|Sceptile}}; instead the [[May's Blaziken|other]] [[Brock's Marshtomp|two]] were caught by {{an|May}} and [[Brock]].
** However, he always owns the starter Pokémon not owned by another of {{ashfr|his friends}}.
* The last Pokémon that Ash has captured in every [[region]] are a part of {{cat|Pokémon that are part of a two-stage evolutionary line|one-evolution families}}, namely {{AP|Phanpy|Donphan}} in [[Johto]], {{AP|Snorunt|Glalie}} in [[Hoenn]], and {{TP|Dawn|Aipom|Ambipom}} in [[Kanto]].
**Of these four, Aipom is the only one not to evolve under Ash's care.
* He always catches a local bird-like Pokémon of the region - {{AP|Pidgeotto|Pidgeot}} in Kanto, {{AP|Noctowl}} in Johto, {{AP|Taillow|Swellow}} in Hoenn, and {{AP|Starly|Staraptor}} in Sinnoh.
** Though not all of these Pokémon were captured in their first form, they all evolved into their final forms under Ash's care; the exception being Noctowl, who cannot evolve.
* All together, Ash has seen at least twenty-seven different species of legendary Pokémon, and at least ten of them multiple times.
* All of Ash's primate-based Pokémon have been under the control of someone other than Ash at some point ({{AP|Primeape}} is currently under Anthony's command, {{TP|Dawn|Ambipom}} was under Dawn's ownership and is currently being trained in [[Vermilion City]], and his {{AP|Monferno}} was formerly owned by Paul.
**All three of these primate-based Pokémon were also shown evolving on-screen, and none of them evolved in the care of their original Trainer (Primeape evolved in the wild just prior to Ash capturing it, Ambipom evolved under Dawn's care, and Monferno evolved under Ash's ownership).
* The three {{type2|Fire}} [[starter Pokémon]] Ash owns are each at a different evolutionary stage. {{AP|Cyndaquil}} is in its first, {{AP|Monferno}} its second, and {{AP|Charizard}} its third.
* Ash has a tendency to capture crab-based Pokémon when new ones are available - {{AP|Kingler}} and {{AP|Corphish}}.
* Ash also captured a member of each turtle-based evolutionary family.
** Two of the three Pokémon are starters, while the third is a fire type non-starter.
* Three of Ash's current party have evolved whilst battling [[Paul]]; these are {{AP|Grotle}}, {{AP|Staraptor}}, and {{AP|Monferno}}.
** Of those three, Grotle and Staraptor evolved whilst battling [[Paul's Honchkrow]].

===Challenges/Gym related===
* In each region (except for the Orange Islands), Ash always loses against at least one of the [[Gym Leader]]s before challenging them to a rematch.
* During his adventures in Kanto, the Orange Islands, and Johto, Ash pinned his badges to the inside of his jacket. From Hoenn onwards, they have been kept in a case.
* Ash has so far battled three [[Elite Four]] members, namely [[Lorelei]], {{EF|Drake}} and [[Agatha]], losing to all three.
* The largest amount of episodes that Ash has gone without obtaining a [[badge]] is currently the gap between the {{ci|Snowpoint}} and {{ci|Sunyshore}} Gyms, which is currently up to [[DP162|35 episodes]]. The shortest amount of time between badges was the one-episode gap between ''[[EP005|Showdown in Pewter City]]'' and ''[[EP007|The Water Flowers of Cerulean City]]''.

===Miscellaneous===
[[File:Ash maid.png|200px|thumb|Ash crossdressing for the third time.]]
* The date of Ash's birth, according to [[Takeshi Shudo]]'s anime novelizations, is 10 years, 10 months, and 10 days ''exactly'' prior to the day he began his Pokémon journey. Being that the same novelization declares that Pokémon Trainers obtain their first Pokémon in April of the year following their 10th birthday, and the anime itself began broadcast on the first of that month in 1997 in Japan, Ash's birthday, if April 1 was the first day of his journey, would be May 22.
* Ash has crossdressed once in each anime series: The first time he did this was in ''[[EP026|Pokémon Scent-sation!]]'', in the [[original series]]. He crossdressed a second time in ''[[AG042|Love at First Flight]]'', in the {{series|Advanced Generation}}. ''[[DP062|Tanks for the Memories!]]'' marked the third time he crossdressed, in the {{series|Diamond & Pearl}}. Each time Ash has crossdressed, he was never willing to do so and was coerced or forced into it in some way.
** In addition to dressing as a girl, Ash has dressed up as fruit on at least two occasions. The first time, he dressed as an apple in ''[[EP107|Pokémon Food Fight!]]'' while the second he dressed as an {{wp|eggplant}} in ''[[AG104|Claydol Big and Tall]]''. On both occasions he was used to lure a large Pokémon.
* Several of the variety of {{wp|ash tree}}s, from which his name could be derived, are related to Kanto in some way: not only are there trees known as the "red ash", "green ash", and "blue ash", for the first three games, but also the "indigo ash", for the [[Indigo Plateau]].

==Names==
{| border="1" style="border: 1px solid #88a; border-collapse: collapse;" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="2"
|- style="background: #ccf;"
! Language
! Name
! Origin
|-
|Japanese
| サトシ ''Satoshi''
| Can be taken to mean 智 (wisdom; reason); named after [[Satoshi Tajiri]].
|-
|English, German
| Ash Ketchum
| Ketchum sounds similar to ''catch 'em''. First name can be found in Japanese name, S'''a'''to'''sh'''i. The Sat'''osh'''i in the Japanese name also sounds like Ash. Also, Ash is a default name for {{ga|Red}} in {{game|Red and Blue|s}}. {{wp|Ash tree}}s are suggested as another explanation as well.
|-
|French
| Sacha Ketchum
| Similar to ''Ash''.
|-
|Korean
| 한지우 ''Han Jiu''
| 지 is from 智 ''satoshi''. Alternatively, 지우 can mean "close friend".
|-
|Chinese
| 小智 ''Xiǎo Zhì''
| 智 is from 智 ''satoshi''.
|}

==Related articles==
* [[Ashley]]
* [[Ashachu]]
* {{cat|Episodes focusing on Ash}}

==External links==
*[http://kari.beautiful-beast.net/satoshi/ Poké Master], the fanlisting for Ash
*[http://pokeani.com/chara/r-satoshi.html Satoshi's Profile] on [[Pokeani]] (Japanese)
*[http://pokeani.com/poke/r_poke-satoshi1.html Satoshi's Pokémon pg. 1] on [[Pokeani]] (Japanese)
*[http://pokeani.com/poke/r_poke-satoshi2.html Satoshi's Pokémon pg. 2] on [[Pokeani]] (Japanese)
*[http://www.freewebs.com/satoshi-kun/ SPURT!], shrine to Satoshi.

===On Bulbagarden forums===
* [http://bmgf.bulbagarden.net/showthread.php?t=5254 Ash Club]

{{nav|Champions|Ash's Pokémon|Leaguetrainers|Animecharacters|Electric Tale of Pikachu characters}}
 
{{Project Anime notice|no}}

[[Category:Anime characters]]
[[Category:Electric Tale of Pikachu characters]]
[[Category:Ash and Pikachu characters]]
[[Category:Characters named after real people]]
[[Category:Champions]]
[[Category:Male characters]]

[[de:Ash Ketchum]]
[[es:Ash Ketchum]]
[[fr:Sacha]]
[[ja:サトシ]]
[[pl:Ash Ketchum]]
[[pt:Ash Ketchum]]

Talk:Ash's Larvitar

2010-01-04T22:45:44Z

RedandGreen1996:

===The Whole Weight Issue===
I never thought about that until just now. Interesting point! =] → [[User:Thomas1652]]

== Ok, About Larvitar and Ash... ==

Ok, guys, I am very sorry if I am beating on a dead horse, but I still don't really understand how Larvitar isn't considered Ash's Pokemon.

I mean, sure, It wasn't caught in a [[Poké ball]] (which many people use as the trump card in regards to capture despite several flaws in it.), but, then again, [[Misty's_Togetic|Misty's Togepi]] was never placed in a Poké ball either, and that never stopped people from calling it Misty's Pokemon despite the fact that it technically wasn't caught in a Poké ball.

Also, there is the whole thing about Ash having to return it to it's habitat and Mom, But then again, look at [[Ash's_Lapras|Lapras]]. That pokemon was ALSO supposed to be delivered back to it's family (Didn't Ash say to it that he would return it to it's family as soon as he finds them when he captured it?), and that is STILL counted as Ash's Pokémon (or at least enough to be part of the released section.) despite that.

And besides which, just because it is caught in a trainer's Poké ball doesn't mean that it is that trainer's pokemon, I mean, look at [[Brock's Vulpix]] (though this may be a bad example), or even Ash's Lapras, to a certain extent.

Besides, it actually participated in a battle [[EP262|at one point]], And it was counted as Ash's Pokemon in [[Spurt]], unlike, Oh, say, [[Sabrina's_Haunter|Haunter]].

Now, if it still isn't enough for you, I'll understand.

Anyways, that's all for now.

~~Weedle_McHairybug~~

Judging from the spurt oppening the makers of pokemon seem to count Larvitar as Ash's but not Haunter.

I agree. Larviter should be listed as one of Ash's pokemon. [[User:Misty-may-dawn rulz|Misty-may-dawn rulz]]

==Harden==

Did Larvitar really use Harden? Or was it just used to describe how Larvitar was feeling towards other people and Pokemon that Larvitar didn't trust. I ask because it wasn't the typical harden we normally see, all it did was froze up, I don't think it means it used hardened though. --[[User:Dman dustin|Dman dustin]] 14:36, 27 August 2008 (UTC)

== 1 episodes ==

Someone should really fix that. *[[User:Tc26|tc]][[User talk:Tc26|26]]* 01:52, 5 November 2008 (UTC)

:I don't really think it's fixable, I think it just happens that way. . [[User:ShinjiLover|ShinjiLover]] 08:33, 30 November 2008 (UTC)

== Change name of Ash's Larvitar ==
Ash did never own Larvitar. It was with him when he was taking care of it. He was planing to deliver back to it's mum the whole time. Reguarding the "Ok,about Ash and Larvitar" discusion. Yes Brock's Vulpix should probably be Suzy's Vulpix. MIsty's Togetic is differant, for she intended to keep it for life. Ash didn't go looking for Lapras' family and if they hadn't ran into them in "Viva Las Lapras", it would probably still be with Ash (or in Oak's Lab) today. With Larvitar, however, Ash was taking a detour to take all the way home (with Lapras it was chance they found its family). For that reason I think the page should be called, "Larvitar (Mount Silver)", "Larvitar (anime)", "Tyranitar's Larvitar" or even "Larvitar (Ash)". Just for the record the page called "Jessie's Lickitung" should be "Benny's Lickitung", and and Ash's Squirtle should be Jenny's Squirtle. From RedandGreen1996

Talk:Ash's Larvitar

2010-01-04T22:44:58Z

RedandGreen1996:

User:RedandGreen1996

2010-01-04T21:42:28Z

RedandGreen1996: Created page with 'RedandGreen1996 email henryts@adam.com.au Pokemon Games Pokémon Crystal Pokémon Emerald Version Pokémon Platinum Version Pokémon HeartGold Versions'

RedandGreen1996

email henryts@adam.com.au
Pokemon Games Pokémon Crystal Pokémon Emerald Version Pokémon Platinum Version
Pokémon HeartGold Versions