Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
After 25 years ofPokémon, Ash, and Pikachu being together and bonding over so many episodes, the series is creating a platform for Ash Ketchum’s final episode. One of the executives fromPokémonrevealed in an interview with Animedia why Ash began his journey with a Pikachu all those years ago. Ash’s final farewell with Pikachu will happen inPokémon: Aim to Be a Pokémon Master. This particular series was airing in Japan from 13th January 2023.

Fans have bonded over Ash and Pikachu in the past two decades despite their prickly relationship. However, as the Executive explains the entire ordeal was deliberately planned out. Fans had to deal with their worst scenario becoming a reality on 27 June 2025. They witnessed the final goodbye of this duo. The Executive shares a lot of information about the duo in their interview with Animedia.
Also Read:The Strongest Pokémon Can Decimate Mewtwo in Seconds- Insane Powers of the “God” of Pokémon Universe, Arceus

Why did Ash choose Pikachu at the start of Pokémon?
Looking back at the first episode ofPokémon, Ash, and Pikachu mainly became a duo because he couldn’t wake up early. By the time he reached Professor Oak’s lab, only a mischievous Pikachu was left. On the other hand, Gary, who was Ash’s enemy, got the opportunity to choose between a bunch and selected Squirtle.
Fans wondered as to why Ash didn’t choose any of the three starter Pokémon for that region: Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle. The director ofPokémon, Kunihiko Yuyama, told Animedia magazine that he made Ash start with a Pikachu so fans wouldn’t get disheartened if their favorite starter weren’t chosen.

Also Read:Pokémon Scarlet and Violet DLC Brings Back Iconic Creatures
What did the director of Pokémon share about Ash and Pikachu’s farewell?
Also Read:“We might see Satoshi again somewhere in the future”: Pokémon Director Revealed Ash May Return Despite His Saga Ending
As the end of Ash and Pikachu’s journey finally arrived, the director ofPokémonexplained how the journey between these two started all those 25 years ago. Kunihiko Yuyama said that he made Ash choose Pikachu deliberately to make the fans sad.

“I think of Pikachu as a combination of cuteness, strength, and the ability to bring a few laughs,”Yuyama toldAnimediaand continued,“By the way, I decided from the very get-go that the Pokémon that would become [Ash’s] partner would not be one of the three you choose between at the start of the video game, since I figured that might make some of the viewers sad. That’s why he ended up with a Pikachu, a decision I’m really glad I made.”
“Pokémon aren’t always what humans expect them to be like. They’re unique individuals that each have their own individual reasons for how they interact with humans,”He toldAnimedia;consideringhow the relationship between Ash and Pikachu developed over time, it helped fans to get a clear idea about the Pokémon world.

Source:Interview with Animedia (Translated by Dephender on Serebii)
Archak Mitra
Articles Published :294
Despite holding a degree in Chemistry Majors, Archak found himself as a Journalist. His love for anime and choccy milk is unmatched! When not writing, Archak can be found indulging with motorcycles. After all, four wheels move the body but two wheels move the soul!