Japanese VA for Ash Ketchum Denies Claim of Bad Relationship with Pikachus VA

Japanese VA for Ash Ketchum Denies Claim of Bad Relationship with Pikachus VA

Key Takeaways

  • GAME FREAK suffered a data leak, confirming names and email addresses were exposed, leading to unverified leaked information online.
  • False rumors regarding tension between voice actresses of Ash and Pikachu in Pokemon anime were denied by Rica Matsumoto.
  • Risks of believing unverified information online were highlighted after a leaked data incident at GAME FREAK, reminding people to be cautious.

As a long-time fan of the Pokémon franchise and someone who has followed its progression since its early days, I must say, this recent incident surrounding Ash Ketchum and Pikachu’s voice actresses has left me quite perplexed. It’s always disheartening to see misinformation spreading like wildfire, especially when it concerns the people behind our favorite characters.


Approximately a week and a half ago, GAME FREAK revealed that they had experienced a data breach in August. Since then, numerous unverified details have surfaced on different social platforms, particularly concerning the Pokemon brand. One such detail that’s been widely shared online suggests a surprising reason for Ash’s long-awaited victory as the Pokemon Champion in 2022 within the Pokemon anime series. This supposed explanation is rooted in personal matters rather than simply following the storyline’s natural progression.

As a gaming enthusiast, I stumbled upon some buzz online about a “leaked” document suggesting tension between the Japanese voice actors for Ash Ketchum (Satoshi) and Pikachu in the anime series. However, just this week, Rica Matsumoto – Ash’s voice actress – debunked these claims on her personal platform, which was formerly known as Twitter. Neither the leaked info nor Matsumoto’s denial has received any further official confirmation yet.

The GAME FREAK Data Leak

What Happened at GAME FREAK

Japanese VA for Ash Ketchum Denies Claim of Bad Relationship with Pikachus VA

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but share some recent news about Game Freak. Back in August, they openly acknowledged a data breach that had occurred. The impact? A staggering 2,606 employee names and email addresses were unfortunately made public. However, what was officially confirmed was just the tip of the iceberg.

Amongst those was the information regarding the relationship between Rica Matsumoto (Ash Ketchum/Satoshi) and Ikue Ōtani (Pikachu). The information claimed that the two voice actresses had “strained relations” between them, and that was one of the reasons that the Pokemon anime decided to allow Ash to become the Pokemon World Champion two years ago. The character had been vying for the title for more than 25 years in the anime series, and the world celebrated his win back in 2022.

Did Ash and Pikachu’s VA Have a Fight?

According to Matsumoto, No

On October 14th, 2024, Rica Matsumoto posted on her X page (translated from Japanese):

Ha-ha… it seems someone is concocting this tale. Let me assure you, such an incident has never transpired in my experience. I’ve known Iku-chan since her beginnings, and she has graced Rika’s fan club tours as a guest. It’s unsophisticated and immature behavior.

Within just a few days, the post garnered more than 1,000 likes, over 400 shares, and numerous comments. Fans from Japan and abroad expressed relief upon learning that there were no genuine issues between Matsumoto and Ōtani. This incident serves as an important lesson about the potential harm of unverified information on the internet and social media. Remember, voice actors are real individuals, and propagating false rumors can not only tarnish their reputation but also reflect poorly on the person sharing the misinformation.

Although verified portions of the data leak from GAME FREAK are true, such as employee names and emails, unconfirmed information remains unacknowledged by the company. Until officially confirmed by GAME FREAK or The Pokemon Company, any additional leaked details should be viewed with skepticism. The ongoing saga at GAME FREAK, particularly concerning Pokemon, will continue to unfold as more information becomes available.

Sources: AnimeNewsNetwork, X

Read More

2024-10-18 23:24