TL;DR
- Sarah Natochenny concludes 18-year tenure as Ash Ketchum’s English voice actor
- Emotional final episode viewing triggers overwhelming response from voice actress
- Pokemon community rallies with massive support across social media platforms
- Ash Ketchum officially retired from anime as Pokemon Horizons introduces new characters
- Historic transition marks first major protagonist change in Pokemon anime history
After nearly two decades of bringing the iconic Pokemon trainer to life, Sarah Natochenny has shared her heartfelt farewell to the character that defined her career. The emotional conclusion arrives as Ash Ketchum’s journey reaches its definitive endpoint in the anime series.
Natochenny recently experienced the final moments of Pokemon: To Be a Pokemon Master alongside the global community. Her genuine reaction captured the weight of this monumental transition, with visible emotion and applause marking the significance of the occasion. She expressed that watching the conclusion on streaming platforms would prove emotionally challenging given her deep connection to the role.
“The opportunity to voice Ash Ketchum across seventeen years has been an incredible honor,” Natochenny reflected in her 2022 statement. “Regardless of what unfolds beyond this final chapter, his legacy will endure through multiple generations of fans. I remain committed to preserving his spirit through every available means.”
Months ago, I filmed myself watching the freshly dubbed last scene of Pokémon: To Be a Pokémon Master in the studio. I have no idea if I can watch it all now. I’m told it’s incredible with music and effects. I hope you’re enjoying it (on Netflix US now)! pic.twitter.com/RHRFwFj0Th
— Sarah Natochenny 🦄 (@sarahnatochenny) September 8, 2023
Spanning eighteen years of continuous performance, Natochenny’s tenure as Ash represents one of the longest-running voice acting roles in animation history. While fans anticipated the series conclusion for months, the Netflix release transformed this knowledge into tangible reality for both the actress and dedicated Pokemon enthusiasts worldwide.
The outpouring of support following Natochenny’s emotional social media post demonstrated the deep connection between performer and audience. Supportive messages flooded platforms, highlighting the cultural significance of this transition moment.
Its's hard not to give up a few tears when seeing this Sarah.
You gave it all doing Ash always, people will remind you because of giving your heart out into the character, on every lasting minute.
Sending a lot of love 🫶🥹
— Vaf🎙🇦🇷 (@voiceofvaf) September 9, 2023
End of an era. Thank you Sarah. 🙂
— Lucas Gates (@LucasGates92) September 8, 2023
thank you so much sarah. 💛 pic.twitter.com/2AyBd1NNn0
— paul 💫 🍉 (@pualnewwin) September 8, 2023
Natochenny’s poignant farewell confirmed widespread speculation about Ash Ketchum’s absence from future Pokemon anime installments. The forthcoming series, Pokemon Horizons, introduces completely new protagonists Liko and Roy, alongside a distinctive Pikachu variant known as Captain Pikachu.
The release schedule for the new anime remains unspecified, creating anticipation about how the franchise will navigate this historic transition. This marks the first time the main Pokemon anime will continue without its original protagonist since the series’ 1997 debut.
Action Checklist
- Watch the final Ash Ketchum episodes on Netflix to experience the conclusion
- Follow Sarah Natochenny on social media for future projects and updates
- Research Pokemon Horizons character backgrounds before the new series premiere
- Join Pokemon community discussions about the franchise transition on official forums
- Explore voice acting behind-the-scenes content to understand the profession’s challenges
No reproduction without permission：Game Guides Online » Who is Sarah Natochenny? Ash’s VA says goodbye to anime Sarah Natochenny's emotional farewell to Ash Ketchum after 18 years marks historic Pokemon era transition