Biodata
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Ash |
| Alias(es) | 智太郎 (original name) |
| Gender | Male |
| Hometown | Pallet Town 1 |
| Occupation/Role | Pokémon Trainer 1 17 |
| First Appearance | Chapter 1 1 |
Power Progression
Ash has no stated personal level. The documented ranks and levels below belong to his Pokémon or mark a qualification he earned.
| Stage / Realm / Level | Chapter | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pikachu — Level 63 | 14 | Gary's system records Pikachu at Level 63 before their three-on-three battle 14. |
| Pikachu — Level 42 | 120 | Gary finds that Pikachu has fallen from its earlier Elite Four Candidate strength 120. |
| Frontier Brain Candidate | 290 | Ash earns the title by defeating Brandon and clearing the Kanto Battle Frontier, but declines Scott's invitation to run a facility 290. |
| Pikachu — Level 69, Elite Four Candidate | 292 | Gary's system records Pikachu at this level during another battle between them 292. |
| Charizard — Mega Charizard Y | 315 | Ash uses a Key Stone and Charizard Y Mega Stone given to him by Gary to complete Mega Evolution 315. |
| Pikachu — Level 50 | 680 | Gary records Pikachu at Level 50 during their Aspertia Tournament battle 680. |
Background / History
Ash and Gary are childhood rivals from Pallet Town. At the Johto Silver Conference, Ash's Charizard defeats Gary's Blastoise, eliminating Gary in the Round of 16. Their rivalry continues as both pursue strength through Pokémon battles 1 119. Ash states that his dream is to become a Pokémon Master 17.
Ash later travels through Hoenn, Kanto's Battle Frontier, Sinnoh, Unova, and Kalos. He regularly challenges Gym Leaders and seeks rematches with Gary, even as Gary's team repeatedly proves difficult for him to overcome 14 290 352 554 717.
Personality
Ash is eager to battle and reluctant to give up after a loss. He challenges Gary repeatedly and remains determined to surpass him, including after losing to him at the Aspertia Tournament 14 16 682.
His concern for his Pokémon can take priority over winning: he concedes a match when Pikachu is severely injured and rushes to get treatment for Charizard after another defeat 120 316. He also values travel and meeting Pokémon enough to decline a position as a Frontier Brain 290.
Abilities & Skills
Pokémon Battling
- Uses defensive moves to create openings, including Shelgon's Iron Defense against Viola's Heracross 717.
- Developed the Counter Shield technique, which Gary later adapts for Blastoise 292.
- Can battle effectively under pressure: his team defeats Brandon's Dusclops, Ninjask, Solrock, and Regice to clear the Kanto Battle Frontier 290.
- His eagerness can work against him; Gary points out tactical mistakes during their Aspertia Tournament battle 680.
Bond with Pokémon
- Pikachu is Ash's starter Pokémon and frequent battle partner 14 120.
- Ash and Charizard complete Mega Evolution together on their first attempt with Gary's help 315 317.
Equipment / Items
- Key Stone and Charizard Y Mega Stone — gifts from Gary that enable Ash's Charizard to Mega Evolve 314 315.
- Razor Fang — given to him by Gary for Gligar's evolution into Gliscor 417.
- Symbol of Bravery — earned by defeating Brandon at the Battle Pyramid 290.
Relationships
- Gary Oak — childhood friend and principal rival. Gary challenges Ash to improve, but also saves Pikachu, gives Ash useful items, and supports him at the Battle Pyramid 1 289 298 315 417.
- Pikachu — starter Pokémon and close partner; Ash is deeply worried when Pikachu loses access to Electric-type moves after absorbing Zekrom's energy 120 554.
- Charizard — longtime partner whose bond with Ash allows them to achieve Mega Charizard Y 315 317.
- Hanako — mother who sends Ash clothes and a backpack as he begins his Sinnoh journey 298.
- Brock — traveling companion who supports Ash and helps care for his Pokémon 120 137.
- Dawn — meets Ash at Professor Rowan's institute and agrees to travel with him 298.
- Paul — rival assigned as Ash's partner in Hearthome's Double Battle Tournament; their lack of teamwork makes their matches difficult 377 380.
- Aoi — fellow student at Professor Rowan's Summer Seminar. Their arguments develop into a rivalry 433 434.
Story Role / Major Arcs
- Silver Conference: Defeats Gary, beginning a new phase of their rivalry 1.
- Hoenn journey: Challenges Gary before their departure and again while traveling through Hoenn. In a later match, Ash stops rather than risk further injury to Pikachu 14 119 120.
- Kanto Battle Frontier: Defeats Brandon on his third challenge, earns the Symbol of Bravery, and declines a Frontier Brain position 289 290.
- Sinnoh journey: Reunites with Pikachu after Gary finds it, completes Mega Evolution with Charizard, and continues competing against Gary 298 315 316.
- Unova and the Aspertia Tournament: Faces Pikachu's temporary loss of Electric-type moves, then battles Gary in the tournament. Ash loses but vows to surpass him 554 679 680 681 682.
Notable Quotes
“Of course, it's to become a Pokémon Master!” 17
“I'll be the one who wins next time.” 17