The bond between a voice actor and their character can be a powerful one, and for Rika Matsumoto, who has voiced Satoshi in the Pokémon anime series for over 25 years, it was an emotional rollercoaster when she stepped into the studio for the last time as the beloved Ash Ketchum.
As the final episode of Satoshi’s journey aired in Japan on March 24th, Matsumoto took to her Instagram account two days later to share her heartfelt experience. The translation by Sora News 24 revealed that during her last recording session on January 27th, the realization that she would never voice Satoshi again hit her like a ton of bricks. Matsumoto’s chest tightened, and she was at a loss for words, overcome with emotion. It was a bittersweet moment that left her shaken, and she had to take a few minutes to regain her composure before pouring her heart and soul into Satoshi’s final lines.
For more than two decades, Matsumoto has given life to Satoshi’s character, bringing him to life with her voice and making him an integral part of the Pokémon universe. As the anime series comes to a close, it’s clear that Matsumoto’s dedication and talent will be missed by fans around the world. Her performance as Satoshi has left an indelible mark on the hearts of viewers, and her emotional journey in the recording studio is a testament to the power of storytelling and the connection between a voice actor and their beloved character.
Related |Solo Leveling Anime Hints at an Impending New Level
Ash’s Voice Actors Bid Emotional Goodbyes – Leaving Fans Touched and Tearful
The departure of Satoshi, also known as Ash Ketchum, from the beloved Pokémon series has left fans emotional and sentimental. After two decades of providing the iconic voice for Satoshi, Japanese voice actor Rica Matsumoto received a flood of heartfelt messages from fans expressing gratitude for her work. Matsumoto was moved to tears and responded with a heartfelt message of her own, promising to continue performing with dedication and passion as a way of thanking fans for their support.
Similarly, Sarah Natochenny, the English dub voice actor for Ash Ketchum for the past 17 years, expressed her gratitude for the privilege of voicing the beloved character. Natochenny emphasized the importance of pursuing one’s goals with passion and kindness, leaving a message of inspiration for fans.
Ash’s journey has been an epic one, spanning 26 years and 1,234 episodes. From his humble beginnings as a young boy from Pallet Town with dreams of becoming a Pokémon Master, he has encountered countless Pokémon and battled formidable opponents, culminating in his ultimate victory as the World Champion in November 2022. As his final episode approaches, Ash has reunited with old friends and Pokémon, including fan favorites such as Butterfree and Lapras. The preview for the final episode shows Ash making a heartfelt promise to Pikachu, cementing their bond and leaving fans eager to see how their story will end.
As the Pokémon franchise continues with the debut of Pokémon Horizons: The Series on April 14th, fans can look forward to new adventures with the introduction of new characters Liko and Roy. While the departure of Satoshi and Pikachu may mark the end of an era, their legacy will live on in the hearts of fans for generations to come.
What is your reaction?
