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After 25 years, Ash Ketchum is leaving Pokémon in 2023. Recently, new updates were revealed about season 26 of the Pokémon series. Here is the latest scoop:

During the finale of Pokémon Ultimate Journeys, Ash Ketchum achieved the feat of becoming a world champion at the Pokémon World Championship. Voice actor Sarah Natochenny, who is also the voice of Ash Ketchum, recently appeared on ABC to talk about Ash Ketchum’s iconic legacy. A former Junior Olympian, Sarah shared an inspirational message about achieving success:

“If you work hard enough and you’re kind and you make friends, you can achieve the highest heights,” Natochenny shared.

Natochenny also shared her thoughts on Ash Ketchum’s journey while adding that she, like many fans, is anticipating his return to the Pokémon series.

“There’s no evidence that he’s coming back but I don’t think that this is the last we’re going to see of Ash and I think that’s what I’m really holding on to… He still needs to become a Pokémon master and maybe we can see him do that,” Natochenny added.

On April 14, 2023, Pocket Monsters: Liko and Roy’s Departure premiered in Japan. Season 26 (Pokémon Horizons: The Series) is also expected to premiere in 2023 worldwide. This series features Liko, Roy, and Captain Pikachu. Fans are highly anticipating Ash Ketchum’s return, and there is a fan theory that he may return to the series as an adult. According to a Spring 2023 interview with Otomedia Magazine (via Dogasu), anime director Kunihiko Yuyama shared that he thinks Ash Ketchum may be returning to the Pokémon series. However, this is not an official confirmation. Stay tuned for more updates.