Kunihiko Yuyama, the executive director of Pokémon, has finally revealed the reason why the anime hero Ash Ketchum started his journey with Pikachu instead of any of the original starter Pokémon from the Kanto region.
Yuyama shared in an interview with Animedia Magazine that his vision for Pikachu was to be a character with a combination of cuteness, strength, and humor. He decided early on that Ash would not choose one of the traditional three starter Pokémon in the video game, because it would make some viewers unhappy. Consequently, Pikachu was chosen as the partner, which Yuyama is pleased with.
In 1996, the Pokémon franchise started off in Japan, followed by the release of Pokémon Red and Blue in North America in 1998. Players of these games were given the option to choose from three starter Pokémon: the fire-type Charmander, the water-type Squirtle, and the grass-type Bulbasaur. In 1997, the Pokémon anime came out in Japan before making its way to the West in 1998. Its main character, Ash, overslept and missed the chance to select a starter from Professor Oak. Oak then took pity on him and gave him the electric-type Pikachu instead. Although, Ash was still able to collect Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur later on.
The Game Was Actually Altered by Ash and Pikachu
In 1998, Japan released Pokémon Yellow, with the game made its way to North America in 1999. This game was heavily influenced by the huge popularity of the Pokémon anime and Ash’s Pikachu in particular. This installment of the series followed the same story and setting as Red and Blue. However, instead of getting to select their starter from Charmander, Squirtle, or Bulbasaur, players were instead given Pikachu from the get-go. Furthermore, just like Ash’s Pikachu, the one in the game also refused to evolve into Raichu and preferred to travel outside of its Poké Ball.
Ash and Pikachu have been a part of the Pokémon anime for 26 years and after Ash attained the title of Pokémon World Champion in Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series, the two are ready to say goodbye. This will be followed by a brand new Pokémon anime featuring protagonists, Liko and Roy, which is based on the Scarlet and Violet video games and is due to premiere this year.
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