Pokémon, known in Japan as Pocket Monsters (ポケットモンスター, Poketto Monsutā), is a Japanese
anime television series based on the
Pokémon video game series published by
Nintendo. It began broadcasting on
TV Tokyo on April 1, 1997, in association with MediaNet (formerly TV Tokyo MediaNet and Softx) and Shopro, stands for
Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions Co., Ltd. (formerly Shogakukan Productions Co., Ltd.). The series follows protagonist
Ash Ketchum for the majority of its run.[1] He is a young boy from Pallet Town who strives to become a "Pokémon Master," often seeking to become Champion- the strongest trainer of a given "region"- as a result. These travels lead through various regions, various continent-like landmasses that inhabit a wider world. On his journey, he encounters many other characters, who often appear as main characters who accompany him on his travels, or as recurring characters which reappear throughout the series.[2] He is succeeded as main character by
Liko and Roy, who accompanies a travelling band of explorers known as the Rising Volt Tacklers to travel the world.[3]
In the world of Pokémon, Pokémon are animal-like creatures with special, elemental attributes- known as Types[4]- which can be captured by special capture devices known as "Poke Balls."[5] Humans who wield these Pokémon often befriend them and can use them for a variety of things. One goal is that of the Gym Challenge, which involves a human- known as a Pokémon Trainer- challenging specials "Gyms" headed by "Gym Leaders."[6] Defeating a Leader allows a Trainer to obtain a Badge, of which eight are needed in order to register to participate in a Tournament,[7] the winner of whom often moving on to either battle the region's Champion- the strongest Trainer in the region- or their respective Elite Four, who are strong Trainers that must be battled before the Champion.
Other avenues for Trainers include Contests, which are beauty-pageant like events where Trainers- here named Coordinators- must compete to gain "Ribbons."[8] Those with enough Ribbons can move onto a Grand Festival, where a Top Coordinator will be determined.[9] There are also numerous antagonistic organizations that act as villains in the series, the most prominent of which is Team Rocket, with a specific trio acting as recurring characters for a large portion of the show's run.[10]
Ash Ketchum is the main
protagonist of the
Pokémon anime for the first twenty-five seasons.[12] A ten-year-old Pokémon Trainer from Pallet Town, he travels with many traveling companions throughout the series. Ash's dream is to become a "Pokémon Master", and as a result often attempts to defeat the Pokémon League− a competition of the strongest Pokémon Trainers in a given region− in whatever region he is in. Though his attempts are typically unsuccessful, he eventually succeeded in becoming the Champion of the Alola Region: The strongest Pokémon Trainer in the region, and later defeated
Leon in the Masters Eight Tournament in the World Coronation Series to become crowned as the strongest Pokémon Trainer in the world and new World Champion as the "Monarch."[13]
Misty is a ten-year-old Water-Type Pokémon Trainer and one of Ash's travelling companions who first appeared in
the original series. She was one of the four Gym Leaders of Cerulean City along with her three older sisters,[14] and after the original series Misty became the sole Gym Leader of Cerulean City Gym.[15] After her departure from the series, Misty reappeared in
Advanced Generation,[15]Sun & Moon,[16]and
Pokémon Journeys: The Series.[17]
Brock is the former Pewter City Gym Leader[18] and a
ladies' man.[19] In his earliest appearances, Brock has dreams of being the world's best Pokémon Breeder, though in later series he instead aspires to be a Pokémon Doctor.[20] There is a running gag in the series where Brock falls in love with every girl he meets and is either pulled away by the ear by Misty or Max or is hit with his
Croagunk's Poison Jab.[19] Brock stayed on the series for several seasons, eventually leaving at the end of the
Diamond and Pearl series.[21] Brock had guest appearances in Sun & Moon[21] and Journeys.[22]
Voiced by:
Tomokazu Seki (Japanese);
Ted Lewis (4Kids, TPCI (Current)), Craig Blair (TPCI, season 9) (English)
One of Ash's traveling companions in Orange Islands, Tracey Sketchit is a Pokémon Watcher, someone who studies Pokémon in the field similarly to
bird watchers. He later accomplished his dream to becomes an assistant to Professor Oak after the end of the
Orange Islands.[23][24]
May is the ten-year-old daughter of the Petalburg City Gym Leader, Norman and the older sister of Max.[29] She takes interest in Pokémon Contests, competitions focusing on a Pokémon's appearance or appeal.[30] May later reappears in Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl and Pokémon Journeys: The Series.[31] Max is May's younger brother, who acts as one of the group's travelling companions in the Hoenn-associated series.[32]
Dawn is a ten-year-old Pokémon Coordinator from Twinleaf Town who travels with Ash and Brock in Sinnoh Region. Following in her mother's footsteps as a Coordinator- a trainer who partakes in Pokémon Contests- she chooses
Piplup and sets out with the goal of becoming Top Coordinator.[30] She later reappeared in Pokémon the Series: Black & White[34] and Pokémon Journeys: The Series.[35]
One of Ash's companions in Black and White series. Iris hails from a village where Dragon-type Pokémon are a major focus. She notably travels with an
Axew. She reappears in Pokémon Journeys series, where she is revealed to have become the new Champion of the Unova Region: the strongest Pokémon Trainer in the region. She battles Cynthia in the Masters Eight Tournament in the World Coronation Series, only to lose.
Cilan is a Pokémon Connoisseur who has the ability to determine the compatibility between Pokémon and their trainers. He travels with Ash in Black and White series. He is one of the Gym Leaders of the Unova Region, a position he shares with his brothers Chili and Cress, but he leaves his post to join Ash and Iris on their journey. He has numerous hobbies seen throughout the series such as fishing, cinema and subway trains. He has the Grass-type Pokémon
Pansage as his partner. He acts as a mentor figure to Ash and Iris.[39][40] He reappears Pokémon the Series: XYZ and Pokémon Journeys: The Series.
Serena is a ten-year-old Pokémon Performer from Vaniville Town, who acts as one of Ash's travelling companions in Pokémon the Series: XY. She met Ash in her youth we're are seven-years-old, and after seeing him on TV three years later, decides to join him on his journey. She partakes in Pokémon Showcases- beauty pageant-like contests- in an attempt to become the "Kalos Queen," an honorary title for the best Pokémon Performer. At the end of the series, she prepares to compete in the Pokémon Contests that occur in Hoenn. Before parting, she gives Ash a kiss. She returned in Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series, where she encouraged Chloe to perform at the Lilycove City Pokémon Contest.
Clemont and Bonnie (シトロン and
ユリーカ, Shitoron and Yurīka, Citron and Eureka)
Clemont is an Electric-type Gym Leader from Lumiose City. He is a young inventor and always has a large backpack that contains numerous strange gadgets, most of which explode. He travels with Ash during the XY series to become a better Gym Leader. This culminates when Ash challenges and successfully defeats Clemont at the Lumiose Gym, acquiring his fifth badge in Kalos. Before Ash leaves Kalos, he asks for one final battle with Ash, and the result is not revealed to the audience. He returns in Pokémon Journeys: The Series alongside Bonnie.
Bonnie is Clemont's younger sister. Bonnie, due to her youth, cannot have a Pokémon yet, and thus has Clemont catch a Dedenne for her, which acts as her partner throughout the series. She later befriended one of
Zygarde's cores, which she affectionately nicknamed "Squishy" and developed a close friendship with. A running gag involves her attempt to get other women to marry her brother, though Clemont often drags Bonnie away before it gets anywhere.
Lana is one of the students at the Pokémon School of Melemele Island who befriends Ash in Sun and Moon series. She is a master in fishing and loves Water-type Pokémon.
Among the students at the Pokémon School of Melemele Island who befriends Ash in the Sun and Moon series, Kiawe is the oldest and most experienced, being the only among them to have obtained a Z-Ring, which allows him to use "Z-Moves." He runs a dairy farm on Akala Island along with his parents. He specializes in Fire-type Pokémon, due to being inspired by his late grandfather's words.
Lillie is one of the students at the Pokémon School of Melemele Island who befriends Ash in the Sun and Moon series. Hailing from a very rich family, she loves to study and usually helps the other students with their research, but has an inherent fear of touching any kind of Pokémon due to an incident involving
Nihilego in her youth. She eventually overcomes her fears by the end of the series, and eventually departs to the world to try and find her missing father, Mohn. She later reunites with him in Pokémon Journeys: The Series.
Sophocles is one of the students at the Pokémon School of Melemele Island who befriends Ash in Sun and Moon series. He specializes in Electric-type Pokémon and is good with machines.
Mallow is one of the students at the Pokémon School of Melemele Island who befriends Ash in Sun and Moon series. She specializes in Grass-type Pokémon. She is a dedicated chef who works at her family's restaurant.
Goh is a ten-year-old Pokémon Trainer who meets Ash in Pokémon Journeys: The Series and travels with Ash throughout the world.[51] His dream is to catch every Pokémon to work his way up to capturing the rare and Mythical Pokémon
Mew. He later ends up joining Project Mew, an organization dedicated to researching and finding Mew.[52]
The female protagonist of the Horizons series, she is a Pokémon Trainer from Cabo Poco in the Paldea Region who owns a mysterious pendant which was given to her by her grandmother, Diana, which is actually the Legendary Pokémon
Terapagos in a dormant state. After she is targeted by the organization known as The Explorers for her pendant, she joins The Rising Volt Tacklers, a group of travelling explorers, in order to travel the Pokémon world. [54][55]
The male protagonist of the Horizons series, he is a Pokémon Trainer from Kanto Region who joins the Rising Volt Tacklers after encountering a mysterious
ShinyRayquaza.[56]
Rising Volt Tacklers
The Rising Volt Tacklers (ライジングボルテッカーズ, Rising Volteccers) are adventurers in the Horizons series who travel the world through their airship, the Brave Olivine, to learn secrets of mysteries and discover them, especially if they are Pokémon.
The Commander of the Rising Volt Tacklers who is a Pokémon Professor. His partner Pokémon are a Pikachu nicknamed Captain Pikachu that captains the group's airship and a Charizard. Friede used to be a Pokémon Researcher, but lost interest and mostly hung out on Ludlow's boat. When he met Liko's mother, Lucca, she showed him a Pikachu that wanted to soar high in the skies reigniting his researcher skills and passion. Because of this interest, he formed the Rising Volt Tacklers alongside Ludlow and Orla.
Orla (オリオ, Orio, Orio)
Voiced by:
Ayane Sakura (Japanese); Mara Junot (English)
An engineer of the team who is a machine enthusiast. Her partner Pokémon are a Metagross and an Elekid. It's revealed that she was childhood friends with Friede and they grew up together in Kanto, before she moved away to Hoenn. Orla once worked on the docks in Slateport City, Hoenn, until she met Ludlow and reunited with Friede, the latter of which asked her to use her mechanical skills to convert Ludlow's fishing boat into an airship, the Brave Olivine.
A healing specialist of the team. Her partner Pokémon is a Chansey. Mollie is revealed to come from a family of doctors and did pursue that career at a young age. However, rather than working in a Pokémon Center, she decided to join the Rising Volt Tacklers as to help various Pokémon around the world she came across.
Murdock (マードック, Mādokku)
Voiced by:
Kenta Miyake (Japanese); Major Attaway (English)
A chef of the team who is skilled in his craft. He is Dot's uncle. His partner Pokémon are a Rockruff and an Alcremie. Murdock used to work as a patisserie chef selling strawberry flavored cakes alongside his friend and coworker, Mitchell, who made matcha flavored cakes. However, when Murdock's Milcery evolved into Alcremie and helped further improved Murdock's skills, a rift between the two pastry chefs ensued which ended their partnership. Fortunately, Murdock did reunite and made amends with Mitchell.
Ludlow (ランドウ, Randō, Landau)
Voiced by: Ikkyū Juku (Japanese);
Larry Kenney (English)
A fisherman of the team. His partner Pokémon are a Quagsire and Sharpedo. Ludlow is a former mentor of Friede, who frequently hung out with Ludlow on his fishing boat. After Friede met a Pikachu, which became Captain Pikachu, Ludlow lended his boat to Friede and allowed it to become the airship, the Brave Olivine. He also has a superhero alter ego known as Mighty G.
A popular online streamer who goes by the alias Nidothing (ぐるみん, Gurumin). As an influencer, she acts perky and uses exaggerated methods as well as providing advice to beginner trainers. Dot spends most of her time in her quarters making videos, though she got to know Liko and Roy more as well as reveal her Nidothing persona to Liko. She is Murdock's niece. Her partner Pokémon are a Quaxly and Tinkatink.
Gary Oak is a ten-year-old Ash's childhood rival. Gary hails from Pallet Town and is the grandson of Professor Oak. Like Ash, Gary collects Gym Badges and competes in Pokémon League Tournaments in Kanto and Johto. At first, Gary is arrogant, but after losing to a more powerful opponent in the Indigo League, Gary experiences a change of heart. After losing to Ash in the Johto League, Gary decides to pursue a career in Pokémon Research, ending his rivalry with Ash. Gary eventually works with
Professor Rowan in Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl. He returns in Journeys, where he takes part in Project Mew, an organization attempting to locate the Mythical Pokémon
Mew.
Ritchie is a traveling Pokémon Trainer from the Kanto region. Ritchie first appears during the
Indigo League, where he meets and forms a friendship with Ash. Ritchie defeats Ash, but then loses his next match. Afterward, Ash and Ritchie part ways but pledge an oath to become Pokémon Masters. Ritchie re-appears in Pokémon: Master Quest and is a major protagonist in Pokémon Chronicles.
Drew is an experienced Pokémon Coordinator who acts as May's rival. May and Drew continue their rivalry throughout the series, but May eventually manages to defeat Drew at the Indigo League Grand Festival. At the end of Pokémon: Battle Frontier, he heads towards to Johto to compete in more contests along with May and Harley, another coordinator.
Arrogant, flamboyant and proud, Harley is a Pokémon Coordinator and May's sinister rival. During their first meeting, Harley takes May's unwitting comments as insults to his abilities and he takes an instant dislike to her. Since then, Harley takes every opportunity to sabotage May before her contests.
Morrison is Ash's rival in the Hoenn region, and is a spirited person who likes to challenge other people to almost everything and never gives up in battle. Owing to this, he always challenges Ash to various events such as Pokémon battles or even a food eating contest.
Paul is a roaming Pokémon Trainer from Veilstone City in
Sinnoh. As a Pokémon Trainer, Paul is experienced and has traveled across the regional areas of Kanto, Johto, Hoenn and Sinnoh, much like Ash. During Diamond and Pearl series, he begins to travel through Sinnoh, where he meets and develops a rivalry with Ash. Paul is a grumpy and serious trainer whose only concern towards Pokémon is their ability to act in battle, believing that forming bonds with Pokémon dilutes their potential. He shows respect for strong trainers, such as Sinnoh Champion Cynthia, but he never respects trainers who he deems weak, and sometimes openly shows rudeness to others in battle. After a defeat by Pyramid King Brandon, Paul was forced to fix his attitude as well as understand that strength was not everything. He ultimately loses his final battle against Ash in the Sinnoh League. He later reunites with Ash in Pokémon Journeys: The Series. He helps train Ash's Pokémon for the Masters Eight Tournament, and it is revealed he has become a Gym Leader as well as mellowing out most of his poor attitude.
Zoey is an experienced Pokémon Coordinator from Snowpoint City in Sinnoh region and Dawn's rival. Zoey competes against Dawn in Pokémon Contests, and eventually defeats Dawn in the Grand Festival.
Kenny is one of Dawn's childhood friends and a rival. He frequently calls her by her nickname, "Dee Dee" (ピカリ, Pikari), a nickname from their childhood that Dawn actively dislikes. Kenny competes against Dawn in Pokémon Contests, but is unable to make it to the Grand Festival. Kenny eventually challenges Ash to a battle with the outcome determining who Dawn would travel with. Though he wins the battle, Dawn leaves him a note stating that she wishes to remain travelling with Ash.
Barry is Ash's rival in Sinnoh. He is an impatient and overconfident boy who, while competent and skilled, tends to lose most of his battles against Ash. He is an admirer of Paul and uses the same technique though he cares for his Pokémon. He dreams of being the strongest Pokémon Trainer in the world. Barry is friends with Kenny and the son of Palmer, the Tower Tycoon of Sinnoh's Frontier Brains.
Nando (ナオシ, Naoshi)
Voiced by:
Kazuya Nakai (Japanese); Billy Regan (English)
A talented Pokémon Trainer and wandering
minstrel, Nando is a calm young man deeply conflicted as to whether he should challenge gyms or become a Pokémon Coordinator. After battling both Ash and Dawn, he chooses to pursue both paths, regardless of the difficulty. By the time of the Sinnoh Grand Festival, he has acquired seven Gym Badges and five Contest Ribbons. In the Grand Festival, he is able to reach the Top 4, losing to Zoey. After the Grand Festival, he obtains the necessary badges to compete in the Sinnoh League; he is Ash's first opponent but is eliminated after putting up a good battle. Nando makes his debut appearance in "Dawn of a New Era!". He is usually seen playing his golden Mew harp. The harp has often been shown to attract large groups of wild Pokémon.
Conway (コウヘイ, Kōhei)
Voiced by:
Kōzō Mito (Japanese); Billy Regan (English)
Conway is a particularly smart and cunning Pokémon Trainer, who carefully studies and analyzes trainers to create a strategy. He first encounters Ash during the Hearthome City Tag Battle Tournament, where he battles alongside Dawn and makes their way to the finals, only to be defeated by Ash and Paul. He also appeaered in the Sinnoh Summer Academy where he was captain of the Blue team only for his team to lose to Ash and the Red Team. He later battles Ash in the third round of the Sinnoh League where he loses. A common gag of Conway is that he appears out of nowhere in a creepy manner, of which Dawn is usually the victim.
One of Dawn's rivals, Ursula is a Pokémon Coordinator from the Sinnoh region who enters the Chocovine Contest at the same time as Dawn. During the Sinnoh Grand Festival, she loses to Dawn and is eliminated from the contest, unable to make it into the Top 16.
Trip is a Pokémon Trainer taking the Unova League challenge who appears in the Black and White series and whose ultimate ambition is to compete in the Champion League and defeat Alder, the Unova champion. In addition to being a Pokémon Trainer, he is also an amateur Pokémon photographer. Trip believes in strength when training, but after repeated defeats, eventually changes his views.
Bianca is a Pokémon Trainer who appears in the Black and White series. She encounters Ash and his companions several times throughout the series which usually ends with a battle between herself and Ash. She is also shown to be excitable and clumsy. Ash ends up battling her father, who is overprotective and does not wish for her to stay on the road. Though Ash loses, Bianca's father agrees to let Bianca continue her journey.
Burgundy is a Pokémon Connoisseur and Cilan's rival.
Georgia (ラングレー, Rangurē, Langley)
Voiced by:
Misato Fukuen (Japanese); Brittney Lee Hamilton (English)
Georgia is a Pokémon Trainer and Iris's rival who calls herself a Dragon Buster, someone who specializes in defeating Dragon-type Pokémon.
Stephan (ケニヤン, Keniyan, Kenyan)
Voiced by: Tomohiro Waki (Japanese);
Darren Dunstan (English)
Stephan is a Pokémon Trainer whom Ash meets on the way to Nimbasa City. He participates in the Unova League, where he makes it to the Top 16.
Cameron (コテツ, Kotetsu)
Voiced by:
Kōki Uchiyama (Japanese); Rory Max Kaplan (English)
Cameron is a rival of Ash's. He debuts after the Junior Cup, as he meant to compete, but did not arrive in time. Cameron temporarily joins the group when he goes to earn his eighth Gym Badge from Marlon in Humilau City, and upon obtaining it, he leaves. Cameron returns to compete in the Unova League where he defeats Bianca and later, in the Top 8, defeats Ash despite being one Pokémon short. However, Cameron ends up being defeated by Virgil in the Top 4.
Virgil is a rescue worker with his father Jeff and his brother Davey. He saves Ash and his group when they fall off a bunch of rocks while trying to climb up to get to Vertress City, where Ash participates in the Unova League. After solving things at the dam, Virgil reveals he also entering the Unova League, making him one of Ash's rivals. He eventually wins the Unova League.
Tierno, Trevor, and Shauna (ティエルノ, トロバ, and サナ, Tieruno, Toroba, and Sana)
Trevor: Voiced by: Minami Fujii (Japanese); Michael Lockwood Crouch (English)
Shauna: Voiced by:
Yurie Kobori (Japanese); Jo Armeniox (English)
Tierno, Trevor, and Shauna are a trio of trainers Ash and his friends meet at a Pokémon Summer Camp. Tierno is an aspiring dancer, Trevor is an avid photographer, and Shauna is a Pokémon Performer who partakes in Pokémon Showcases, acting as a rival of Serena. Tierno and Trevor later compete in the Lumiose Conference, but both lose to Sawyer and Alain respectively before making it to the final round.
Sawyer is a Pokémon Trainer from the Hoenn region who appears in Pokémon the Series: XY. He first appears as an inexperienced trainer who idolizes Steven Stone, and through repeated battles with Ash, grows to become significantly more adept at battling. He eventually battles Ash one last time in the Lumiose Conference, though he is defeated by Ash. He later aids Steven following this.
Miette is Serena's rival. She meets Ash and his friends when her Slurpuff eats one of Serena's PokePuffs. When she reveals they were not good, she and Serena soon start a rivalry with each other. During her time with the group, Miette soon realizes Serena's true feelings for Ash and warns her that if she does not confess her feelings then she will admit her own feelings and take Ash for herself. Miette later participated in the Master Class Showcase but is defeated by Serena.
Nini is a confident Pokémon performer, aiming for the top. Serena and Nini show each other the performances they intend to show at the Showcase and become a rival to Serena. Nini later participates in the Master Class Showcase but loses to Jessie in the first round.
Alain (アラン, Aran, Alan)
Voiced by:
Kenshō Ono (Japanese); Jonathan Silver (English)
Alain is a Pokémon Trainer who acts as one of Ash's rivals in Kalos. He is a former assistant of Professor Sycamore, but left his side a long time prior to the series. He has a close bond with his
Charizard and directly aids Lysandre with his goals. During his travels, Alain meets a girl named Mairin, who he comes to care for. However, her Chespin, Chespie, falls into a coma, which Alain blames himself for. After his encounters with Ash, Alain begins to enjoy battling, and defeats all of Kalos's Gyms in order to confront Ash in the Lumiose Conference. The pair engage in a final battle, resulting in Ash's loss. Lysandre unleashes Zygarde on Lumiose, but Alain defects from him and helps Ash in taking down Lysandre and Zygarde. He later returns in Pokémon Journeys: The Series, where he is a member of the Masters Eight. He battles Leon in the first round, but loses to him.
Gladion is Ash's rival in Pokémon the Series: Sun and Moon. He is Lillie's older brother and highly protective of her. He is partnered with Silvally, whom he stole from Faba. Believing his mother, Lusamine, to be aware of the incident that caused his sister deep trauma, he distances himself from his family. After helping Ash and his classmates defeat Faba and Lusamine, Gladion opens up to them more, and aids the group as a member of the "Ultra Guardians." Gladion later fights Ash in a final battle in the Alola League, only to lose. He later leaves with his family to search for his missing father, Mohn, whom they eventually find in Pokémon Journeys: The Series.
Hau (ハウ, Hau)
Voiced by:
Jun Fukuyama (Japanese); Neo Cihi (English)
Hau is one of Ash's Alolan rivals and Hala's grandson who participated in Alola league.
Horacio (ハヤテ, Hayate)
Voiced by:
Nozomu Sasaki (Japanese); Sam Black (English)
Horacio is Sophocles's rival, he was arrogant and condescending, believing that his Charjabug's top-class equipment and Speed-increasing nature would allow him to win the race with ease. He was also a bad sport, mocking Sophocles and the latter's Charjabug.
Horace is a childhood friend of Goh as well as a member of the Project Mew mission. Three years prior to the events of Journeys, Horace first met Goh while searching for Celebi. Both of them searched for Celebi only to be scared off by wild Pokémon. The pair decided to try against the next day, but Horace fell ill and was unable to come, causing Goh to hold a grudge against him. Horace wrote a letter to Goh, hoping to undo his mistake. When the two met again, they both made amends with each other. Horace later joined Project Mew, participating in missions with Goh in order to encounter the elusive Mythical Pokémon, Mew.
Drake is the strongest Pokémon Trainer of the
Orange Islands and the Champion of the Islands. Despite his skills as a trainer, he grew bored with being unbeatable. Eventually, Ash arrived with the four Orange Island badges which earned him the right to face Drake. Ash was eventually able to defeat Drake, making the former the new Champion of the Orange Islands.
Jasmine is the Steel-type Gym Leader from Olivine City. She initially refuses to battle Ash due to the nearby lighthouse's Ampharos being sick, requiring him to get Medicine from Cianwood City to restore its health. She battles him after this, but loses. She later reappears in Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl, where she visited Sunyshore City, battling Flint and losing.
Clair (イブキ, Ibuki)
Voiced by:
Yuko Mita (Japanese);
Megan Hollingshead (4Kids era), Eva Christensen (TPCi, Black and White) (English)
Clair is the Dragon-type Gym Leader from Blackthorn City, and the mentor of Champion Lance. After several attempts by Team Rocket to steal Pokémon as well as preventing the Holy Dragon Land from being destroyed, Clair battles Ash, with Ash winning. She later returned in Pokémon the Series: Black & White, where she is searching for a Shiny Druddigon. Clair calms the Shiny Druddigon and then captures it and returns home. She later reappears in the series, with Iris coming to visit her. The two went to the Dragon Holy Land where they encountered and calmed a wild Gible. Clair battled and defeated Iris in battle.
Norman (センリ, Senri)
Voiced by:
Jūrōta Kosugi (Japanese); Dan Green (English)
Norman is the father of May and Max, the husband of Caroline, and the Petalburg Gym Leader, who specializes in Normal-types. Ash went to Petalburg Gym to challenge the Gym Leader into a battle. However, because Ash did not have at least three Pokémon on hand (he only had Pikachu at the time), Norman could not accept Ash's Gym Challenge. However, Norman and Ash decided to have an exhibition match. Shortly after, Norman uses his Vigoroth to save May's Torchic from Team Rocket. After Ash defeated four Hoenn Gym Leaders, he and his friends went back to Petalburg City in time for Norman and Caroline's wedding anniversary. The next day, Ash got to defeat Norman in battle.
Wallace is a Top Coordinator, the highest ranking a Coordinator can achieve, from Sootopolis City. He is famous and well-known, and also acted as the Champion of Hoenn. He first appeared in the series hosting the Wallace Cup in Sinnoh, where the winner will receive the Aqua Ribbon which grants the coordinator access to any Grand Festival regardless of region. As revealed in Mega Evolutions Special II, Steven Stone became Hoenn Champion confirming that Wallace no longer holds the title. He later reappears in Pokémon Journeys: The Series, where he challenges Ash to a battle. Ash defeats him, but the battle causes him and Goh to miss Chloe's contest.
Volkner (デンジ, Denji)
Voiced by:
Hirofumi Nojima;
Daisuke Sakaguchi (young) (Japanese); Eli James (Diamond & Pearl), Griffin Puatu (Journeys) (English)
Volkner is a Gym Leader in the Sinnoh region. He is an engineer and battler who is friends with Elite Four member Flint. In his and Flint's childhood, they spent time battling poachers and gangs together. Volkner eventually became a Gym Leader, but his skill meant he rarely was challenged, leading to him growing disinterested in battles. Volkner ended up handing out Gym Badges instead of battling, but Ash convinces him to battle him. Team Rocket attacks, resulting in the delay of their Gym Battle. However, after repairs are completed, Volkner fights Ash, only to lose. He reappears in Pokémon Journeys: The Series, where is participating in the World Coronation Series. He battles Ash, losing once again.
Drayden is a Gym Leader in the Unova region. In a flashback, Iris and her
Excadrill first encountered Drayden when he visited her hometown, Village of Dragons. Iris attempted to battle him, only to suffer a bad loss due to her arrogance. He was head of Opelucid Academy, where Iris attended. Despite Iris's inexperience, Drayden had faith in her and insisted she go on a journey. He reappears in Pokémon Journeys: The Series.
Korrina is a Gym Leader in the Kalos region. She briefly travelled with Ash in order to find a Lucarionite, which would allow her
Lucario to Mega Evolve. Though she succeeds, Lucario goes out of control. Korrina and Lucario eventually master Mega Evolution, and challenge Ash to a Gym Battle, which Ash wins. She later aids Ash against Team Flare. She reappears in Pokémon Journeys: The Series, where she took part in the World Coronation Series. She battles Ash again, only to lose. Korrina later gives Ash a Mega Glove and takes Ash to Mega Island to help find a Lucarionite for Ash's Lucario.
Hala is the Kahuna of Melemele Island, who uses Fighting-types. Hala mentored Kukui and Guzma prior to the events of the series when the pair were kids. Guzma grew disillusioned and ran off vowing to become strong without Hala's teachings. Hala battled Ash during the events of Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon, losing.
Olivia is the Kahuna of Akala Island who specializes in Rock-type Pokémon. Olivia later battles Ash and loses.
Nanu (クチナシ, Kuchinashi)
Voiced by: Masaki Aizawa (Japanese); Michael McMillan (English)
Nanu is the Kahuna of Ula'ula Island who specializes in Dark types, as well as a police officer. He was once acquainted with Giovanni, though their history is unclear. The Team Rocket Trio attempt to get a Z-Ring from Nanu, eventually succeeding as to save Acerola from a Gengar nicknamed "Greedy Rapooh", and he later battles Ash. Nanu defeats Ash in his first battle when Ash's Dusk Lycanroc went berserk because of its dirty fur. Sometime after Dusk Lycanroc learned how to control its anger, Nanu then assigns Ash to a trial at the Thrifty Megamart where he had to battle Team Rocket and their Mimikyu in an official battle. Once accomplished, Nanu accepts Ash's Grand Trial Challenge and loses despite forcing Ash to defeat all three of Nanu's Pokémon using only his Dusk Lycanroc.
Hapu (ハプウ, Hapū, Hapu'u)
Voiced by:
Junko Takeuchi (Japanese); Brittney Lee Hamilton (English)
Hapu is the Kahuna of Poni Island, who specializes in Ground-types and works as a farmer. Originally, there used to be an Island Kahuna prior to Hapu, but he had to retire due to old age. Additionally, her grandfather, Sofu, was also a former Island Kahuna before passing away under unknown circumstances. She first appeared in the series, where she falsely accused and attacked Ash and friends for stealing her radishes. Upon learning that Team Skull were the ones responsible, she drove them off and slowly starts to open up to the gang. After spending some time with the gang as well as battling Tapu Fini when the fog covered the island, Sofu returns as a ghost to inform Hapu that she is the next trainer to become an Island Kahuna. After being crowned the new Island Kahuna, she battled Ash in a Grand Trial but lost.
Bea is the Fighting Gym Leader from Stow-on-Side and a competitor in the World Coronation Series. Bea was considered a prodigy in Galar Karate according to Chuck, the Cianwood Gym Leader, when he mentioned studying Galar Karate under her father during a visit to Galar. Bea once had a battle against Korrina in which she came out victorious. Ash challenged her to a battle only for Bea to defeat Ash's two Pokémon effortlessly. Bea was later spotted in Cianwood City where Ash battled her again only for the match to end in a draw. Following the battle, Bea and her Pokémon surprised Ash and Goh who were shocked to see her eat the desserts offered by Chuck, she later states to Ash the next time they face each other will be in the Ultra Class. Both Ash and Bea competed against each other in the Ultra Class where Ash wins. Afterwards, Bea fully acknowledges and respects Ash's growth. She later appears a few more times such as witnessing Ash Gigantamxing his Gengar and having a practice battle with Hop, while Leon referees the match.
Raihan is a Gym Leader from Galar. Raihan entered the World Coronation Series, where he managed to rank in the "Masters Eight"- the top eight in the tourney. He aids Leon and Ash in stopping the Darkest Day when Rose unleashes Eternatus, and later battles Ash in a World Coronation battle. Ash manages to defeat Raihan, allowing the former to enter the Masters Eight.
Team Rocket (ロケット団, Roketto-dan, Rocket Gang) is the criminal organization in the Kanto, Johto and
Sevii Islands regions. Their goal is to catch all the Pokémon in the world so that their leader, Giovanni, can make an army of Pokémon and rule over the world. The most frequently appearing members of this organization are the "Team Rocket trio" of Jessie, James and Meowth. They have been described "as vital to the anime as Ash himself."[63]
Giovanni (サカキ, Sakaki)
Voiced by:
Hirotaka Suzuoki (Seasons 1–8);
Kenta Miyake (Season 10+) (Japanese);
Ed Paul (4Kids/TPCI); Craig Blair (Season 10; TPCI) (English)
Giovanni is the
crime lord and leader of Team Rocket as well as the former Viridian City Gym Leader. He normally acts from the shadows, though he has made major appearances in Pokémon the Series: Black & White. Aside from the operations of Team Rocket, he also funded the creation of
Mewtwo in Mewtwo Strikes Back. Mewtwo eventually escapes from him and he attempted to recapture the Pokémon in Mewtwo Returns—resulting in Mewtwo erasing all memories of himself from Giovanni's mind.
Jessie, James, and Meowth (ムサシ, コジロウ and ニャース, Musashi, Kojirō, and Nyāsu)
James: Voiced by:
Shin-ichiro Miki (James) (Japanese);
Ted Lewis (up to and including episode 8; 4Kids);
Eric Stuart (4Kids);[64] Jimmy Zoppi (TPCI, seasons 9-25)[57] (English)
Jessie, James, and Meowth are a group of Team Rocket members. They act as recurring antagonists, often coming into conflict with series protagonist Ash Ketchum in an attempt to capture his Pikachu. They primarily act as comic relief, though they have also acted as serious antagonists on several occasions. Meowth acts as the third member. He is a
Meowth who is capable of communicating with human speech.
Butch and Cassidy (コサブロウ and ヤマト, Kosaburō and Yamato)
Butch and Cassidy are a former elite duo of Team Rocket operatives, often serving on important missions for their boss, Giovanni. The pair often come into conflict with Jessie and James due to the latter pair's jealousy of them. They reappear in several series, but eventually stopped appearing in Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl. They later reappeared in Pokémon Journeys: The Series, having retired and went their separate ways. Butch is currently running a small bakery at a coastal town while Cassidy is currently running a cafe in a snowy village and taken up wood carving.
Matori is Giovanni's secretary and the leader of Matori Matrix, who replaced Cassidy and Butch as Jessie and James' rival after Diamond and Pearl. Though she was initially a minor character, often appearing with Giovanni in video calls, she is later revealed to be in charge of an elite squad of Team Rocket operatives known as the Matori Matrix. In Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon, she acts as the primary overseer of Team Rocket's operations in Alola such as trying to abduct Necrozma and Stufful only to retreat. Later in Journeys, she along with the Matori Matrix tried to steal all the Pokémon at the Sinnoh Resort and abduct Darkrai and Cresselia only to fail.
Team Aqua and Team Magma
Team Aqua and Team Magma (アクア団・マグマ団, Akua-dan Maguma-dan, Aqua Gang and Magma Gang) are the two criminal organizations in the
Hoenn Region. Team Aqua wants to raise the level of the world's oceans, while Team Magma wishes to create more land; both seek the power of the Legendary Pokémon
Kyogre and
Groudon, respectively.
Maxie and Archie (マツブサ and アオギリ, Matsubusa and Aogiri)
Maxie: Voiced by:
Keiji Fujiwara (Japanese); Marc Thompson (English)
Archie: Voiced by: Masaki Aizawa (Japanese); Sean Schemmel (English)
Maxie is the leader of Team Magma. His goal is to wipe out the sea to create more land by using a volcano and Groudon. He is more misguided than truly evil, as he believes that his actions will benefit others. He plans on using the Blue Orb, which could control Groudon, and with it in his hands, he could make life better for himself. When Pikachu gets possessed by the Blue Orb, it controls Groudon, and a cataclysmic battle begins, resulting in Groudon's victory. Afterwards, Maxie thanks Ash, realizing that the land of Hoenn was perfect the way it is.
Archie is the leader of Team Aqua. His goal is to wipe out the land to create more sea by using Kyogre. He is more misguided than truly evil, as he believes that his actions will benefit others. He becomes possessed by the power of the Red Orb, much like Pikachu and the Blue Orb. His only concern from that point is to raise the sea, even if it meant drowning all of his Team Aqua members.
Team Galactic
Team Galactic (ギンガ団, Ginga-dan, Galaxy Gang), is the criminal organization in the
Sinnoh region. Their goal is to catch and control the Legendary Pokémon that created the universe-
Dialga and
Palkia- so that their leader, Cyrus, can destroy the universe and create a new universe that will only be his own as an absolute god.
Cyrus (アカギ, Akagi)
Voiced by:
Kenta Miyake (Japanese); Sean Schemmel (English)
Cyrus is the leader of Team Galactic. His goal is to "create a new universe" in his own image, with himself as the God of that world. Cyrus first appears under the guise of a businessman, but his villainous affiliations are eventually revealed to the protagonists. After Dialga and Palkia are bound to the Red Chain and freed by the Lake Guardians, Cyrus steps into a portal; his ultimate fate is unknown.
Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn (マーズ, ジュピター, and サターン, Māzu, Jupitā, and Satān, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn)
Mars: Voiced by:
Rie Tanaka (Japanese); Lisa Ortiz (English)
Jupiter: Voiced by:
Chinami Nishimura (Japanese); Eileen Stevens (Diamond and Pearl),
Kira Buckland (Arceus Chronicles) (English)
Saturn: Voiced by:
Akemi Okamura (Japanese); Marc Thompson (English)
Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn are a trio of commanders who lead Team Galactic. They act as Cyrus's subordinates and are fiercely loyal. Each of the members carried out the scheme where they stole the Lustrous Orb, the Adamant Orb, the Spear Key and the Lake Trio to find Spear Pillar. Though they successfully summoned Dialga and Palkia using the Red Chains, Cyrus betrays his commanders as he wanted the new world for himself. Following Cyrus's disappearance, the three are arrested, miserable to the fact they devoted themselves to a false cause. However, in the Arceus Chronicles, the three broke free from jail and attempt to use the Legendary Pokémon Heatran to get him back, while completely ignoring the fact that Cyrus abandoned them. After Heatran is defeated, the three are arrested once again.
Team Plasma
Team Plasma (プラズマ団, Purazuma-dan, Plasma Gang) is the criminal organization in the
Unova region. Their goal is to catch and control the Legendary Pokémon
Reshiram so that their leader, Ghetsis, can rule the world.
Voiced by: Masaki Aizawa (Japanese); Bill Rogers (English)
Ghetsis is the leader of Team Plasma. His goal is to take control of the Legendary Pokémon Reshiram so that he can rule over the world. He is N's surrogate father figure, and attempts to use N to accomplish his goals. Despite this, Reshiram is freed from Ghetsis's control after Colress's device is destroyed, and Ghetsis is arrested.
Colress (アクロマ, Akuroma, Achroma)
Voiced by:
Hiroki Tōchi (Japanese); Eli James (English)
Colress is a scientist of Team Plasma. His goal is to discover the true way to draw out the strength of Pokémon. He uses many different devices to gain control of Pokémon, which includes a device made to control Reshiram. After the device's destruction, Colress is arrested alongside the rest of Team Plasma.
Team Flare
Team Flare (フレア団, Furea-dan, Flare Gang), is the criminal organization in the
Kalos region. Their goal is to catch and control the Legendary Pokémon
Zygarde so that their leader, Lysandre, can destroy the world and recreate it with peace and beauty.
Lysandre is the leader of Team Flare, and the creator of Lysandre Labs. Lysandre once sought to help people and Pokémon, but decided the human race was not worth saving after seeing their selfishness firsthand. Lysandre attempts to gain control of Zygarde so he can use it to destroy the Kalos region, but after Zygarde is freed, Lysandre attempts to use the "Giant Rock" to destroy the world. He is last seen falling into Zygarde's Core Enforcer attack, and his ultimate fate is unknown.
Xerosic is a scientist of Team Flare. He attempts to aid Lysandre in controlling Zygarde to destroy the region, but is defeated by Clemont. Xerosic later escapes, and attempts to get his revenge, but is defeated once again by Clemont and the others. He is convinced to step away from his villainous path as he is arrested.
Team Skull
Team Skull (スカル団, Skaru-dan, Skull Gang) is the criminal organization in the Alola region. Their goal is to steal Pokémon, and they act as a threat similar to a
street gang.
Guzma is the leader of Team Skull. He is known for his violent behavior and his lack of
sportsmanship, resulting in
unsportsmanlike conduct. Before he founded Team Skull, he was one of Melemele Kahuna Hala's students. At one point, he lost, and since then vowed to become unbeatable. He has a personal vendetta against Kukui, and partakes in the Manalo Conference to defeat the contestants and Kukui's dream. Guzma is eventually defeated, but has a change of heart after the battle.
Chairman Rose is the chairman of the Macro Cosmos
conglomerate. His father was killed in a mining accident in Rose's youth, and as a result seeks to prevent future problems before they can occur. He seeks to reawaken the Legendary Pokémon
Eternatus to this end, but Eternatus goes out of control. Rose ends up fleeing after his defeat at the hands of Ash Ketchum.
Explorers
The Explorers (エクスプローラーズ, Explorers) are a mysterious organization after Liko, Roy, and their pendant and ancient Poké Ball, and are the Rising Volt Tacklers' archenemies. They are the main antagonists of the Horizons series.
The leader of the Explorers, Amethio's grandfather and the overarching primary antagonist of Horizons.
Hamber (ハンベル, Hamber)
Voiced by: Hironori Kondo (Japanese);
Paul Mercier (English)
The second-in-command of the Explorers and Gibeon's advisor and assistant, whom the admins contacts throughout missions. He appears to be concerned for subordinates' safety. His partner Pokémon is a Dusknoir. Hamber used to be friends with Liko's grandmother, Diana, but the two drifted apart and are now enemies as Diana is aware of Hamber's evil intentions with the pendant.
An admin of the Explorers and Gibeon's grandson who is sent to retrieve the pendant along with his two subordinates. His partner Pokémon is a Ceruledge. After failing too many times to retrieve the pendant, he gets reassigned and his mission was given to Spinel. However, he does get his mission back after reporting to Hamber about
Terapagos.
A psychotic and intelligent admin of the Explorers who was given the mission by Gibeon to retrieve the pendant after Amethio, Onia and Zirc failed to do so too many times. Spinel appears to be a rival of Amethio as he mocks and doubts him for seeing a Shiny Rayquaza, even though Amethio did actually see it. Spinel has no problem hurting children to achieve his goals such as using his Beheeyem to brainwash Liko into giving the pendant to him.
Sidian (オニキス, Onyx)
Voiced by: Yuki Onodera (Japanese);
SungWon Cho (English)
A stoic and serious admin of the Explorers, who first appeared as a silhouette before appearing in person after Spinel loses the pendant. His partner Pokémon is a Garganacl. Despite being an Explorer, Sidian is also honorable and prefers to battle fairly and often times has to keep Coral's attitude in check and not stray from their objectives.
A reckless and cheerful admin of the Explorers, who first appeared as a silhouette before appearing in person after Spinel loses the pendant. She has a Glalie as her main partner Pokémon. Coral has a sassy attitude given that she taunted Spinel for failing to retrieve the pendant and often acts reckless such as ordering her Glalie to use Self-Destruct despite Sidian's warnings not to.
A reserved and calm admin of the Explorers, who first appeared as a silhouette before appearing in person after Spinel loses the pendant. She uses a Medicham as her main Pokémon. Chalce has some sense of humour but will criticize her comrades, such as Spinel, for messing up on their missions.
Zirc (ジル, Zir)
Voiced by: Kohsuke Tanabe (Japanese); Michael Schneider (English)
A grunt of the Explorers and one of Amethio's subordinates. His partner Pokémon is a Rhydon.
Onia (コニア, Conia)
Voiced by: Arisa Shida (Japanese);
Lisa Ortiz (English)
A grunt of the Explorers and one of Amethio's subordinates. Her partner Pokémon is a Golduck.
Other antagonists
Pokémon Hunter J (ポケモン ハンター J, Pokemon Hantā J, Pokémon Hunter J)
J was a ruthless and cruel Pokémon Hunter around Sinnoh region who captured and stole Pokémon to sell them on the black market to her clients for money. She eventually helps Team Galactic capture the Lake Guardians, but her ship is struck by an attack from the Guardians, resulting in her ship sinking into the water below. Her ultimate fate is unknown.
Faba (ザオボー, Zaobō, Sauboh)
Voiced by:
Mitsuaki Madono (Japanese); Daniel J. Edwards, Ryan Nicolls,
Kaiji Tang (Journeys) (English)
Faba is a member of the Aether Foundation, a charitable organization in the Alola region dedicated to wildlife conservation. Faba attempts to summon
Nihilego, which captures Lusamine, Lillie's mother, and takes her to its dimension. After this, Faba reforms, and acts as an ally to the series protagonists.
Viren is the selfish and greedy owner of Rainbow Happy Resorts, building the resorts throughout Alola by illegal means while avoiding any punishments from the crimes he committed. He is thwarted at various points by the protagonists.
Lance is the Champion of both Kanto and Johto, as well as a member of the Pokémon G-Men detective organization. He first appeared in the Johto series, posing as a Team Rocket grunt, to infiltrate Team Rocket operations. With the help of Ash and his friends, Lance was able to stop Team Rocket and free the
Red Gyarados from their control. He returns in the Pokemon: Advanced Generation where he aids the group in stopping Groudon and Kyogre. Lance returns once again in Journeys to compete in the World Coronation series. He battled Leon for the title of Monarch, only to fall short and finished as a runner-up. He maintained his Masters Eight position, and fought Diantha in the Masters Eight Tournament, losing to her.
Steven Stone (ツワブキ・ダイゴ, Tsuwabuki Daigo, Daigo Tsuwabuki)
Steven is the Champion of Hoenn. In his debut appearance, he was not yet Champion, and helped Ash defeat Team Rocket and even showed Ash a training spot for his rematch against Brawly. He later reappeared in Pokémon the Series: XY, where he acts as an ally of Alain. He later helps stop the battle between Primal Groudon and Kyogre and also stop Team Flare's attempted destruction of Kalos, and takes Sawyer on as an apprentice. He later reappers in Pokémon Journeys: The Series, where he is a member of the Masters Eight. He battles Ash, only to lose.
Cynthia is the reigning Champion of Sinnoh. She studies archaeology and legends of the Sinnoh region. She appears many times throughout the Diamond & Pearl series where she helps Ash and his friends try to stop Team Galactic. She reappears in the Black & White series, where she aids Ash in protecting the Mythical Pokémon
Meloetta. She later reappears in Pokémon Journeys: The Series, where she aids Ash several times throughout the series which included stopping Team Galactic from rescuing Cyrus. She is also a member of the Masters Eight, where she defeated Iris and later considers retiring after the tournament. Her battle with Ash, which results in her loss, inspires her to continue battling in order to improve.
Flint is the Fire-type user of the Sinnoh Elite Four. At the age of 20, Flint moved out of Sunyshore City and became an Elite Four. He first encountered Ash and the crew when Ash was demanding a Gym Battle from Volkner, instead of just getting a Beacon Badge for free. Upon learning that Volkner refuses to fight, having grown tired of being undefeated, Flint decides to challenge Ash in an exhibition match and won with using his Infernape alone. He helped Ash and friends stop Team Rocket from stealing the Sunyshore Tower and later defeated Jasmine in an exhibition match. Flint battled Cynthia for the Champion title only to lose. He returned in Journeys competing in the World Coronation series and is in the Masters Eight, where Leon defeated Flint. By the time Ash reached the Masters Eight, Flint was demoted back to Ultra Class.
Diantha is the Champion of Kalos and a famous actress. She appears several times throughout the series and later aids Ash in stopping Team Flare. She later appears as a member of the Masters Eight in Pokémon Journeys: The Series, where she battles Lance and wins. She goes on to fight Leon, only to lose to him.
Malva is a member of the Kalos Elite Four as well as a Team Flare agent and journalist. She appeared at numerous points reporting on the news, and later reported in the Lumiose Conference. Alain had to fight Malva in order to battle against trainers who could Mega Evolve their Pokémon. When Team Flare attacked, Malva turned against them and aided Ash and Alain in defeating them. She later decided to go after Team Flare's leftovers.
Leon is the Champion of Galar from Postwick. He is friends with Sonia, who taught him how to battle. At some point, Rose took Leon under his wing so that Leon would improve his battling which caused Leon and Sonia to go their separate career paths. At the start of the series, he is the reigning Monarch of the World Coronation Series. Leon encounters Ash several times throughout the series, alongside battling various opponents such as Lance, Raihan and Flint, and notably aids in stopping the Darkest Day and Eternatus. Leon also defeated Alain and Diantha and eventually battles Ash in the final battle of the World Coronation Series, where he eventually loses to Ash.
Professors
Professor Samuel Oak (オーキド博士, Ōkido Yukinari-hakase, Dr. Yurinari Ōkido)
Professor Samuel Oak is a Pokémon Researcher and the grandfather of
Gary Oak. He was once a competitive Trainer,[24] and is generally considered the best in his field. As such, his role in the Pokémon games and anime is that of a
mentor to young
Pokémon Trainers, a source of information and an occasional
plot device. Amongst other things, he is credited with inventing the
Pokédex.[24] He also hands out a
Bulbasaur,
Charmander or
Squirtle to beginning trainers to start their adventure in the Kanto Region. Due to waking up late, Oak gave Ash a Pikachu instead of one of the usual three, as it was the only Pokémon Oak had left. Oak frequently reappears throughout the series, and Ash often sends his Pokémon to Oak when they are not in use. Oak also occasionally reads poems about Pokémon in specific episode segments. A younger version of Oak, nicknamed Sammy, appears in
Pokémon 4Ever.
Professor Felina Ivy (ウチキド博士, Uchikido-hakase, Dr. Uchikido)
Professor Felina Ivy is the resident Pokémon Professor of the
Orange Islands, south of the region of
Kanto. Professor Ivy is first introduced in the second season of the Pokémon anime. Ash and his friends
Misty and
Brock make their way to Valencia Island and meet the Professor. The unusual Pokéball that Professor Ivy discovered is dubbed the GS Ball.[24] Brock elects to stay with Ivy, though he rejoins the group in a later season.[24]
Professor Augustine Sycamore (プラターヌ博士, Puratānu-hakase, Dr. Platane)
Professor Augustine Sycamore is a Pokémon Professor in the Kalos region. He researches the Mega Evolution phenomenon, and acts as a recurring character throughout the series. Alain used to work for him, and he also hosts a summer camp, which Ash and the others attend during the course of the series. Sycamore later aids Ash and his friends in stopping Team Flare and Zygarde.
Professor Kukui is a Pokémon Professor in the Alola region. He is a teacher at the nearby Pokémon School, acting as the teacher to Ash and his friends. Kukui also lets Ash live in his house. He has a secret alias known as the Masked Royal, a celebrity Trainer who participates in "Battle Royals." He eventually marries Burnet during the course of the series, and later has a child with her. When Ash wins the Manalo Conference, Kukui challenges him to a battle. Despite the assistance of the Legendary Pokémon Tapu Koko, Ash is able to defeat Kukui.
Professor Burnet (バーネット博士, Bānetto-hakase, Dr. Burnet)
Professor Burnet is a Pokémon Researcher who specializes in the relationship between Pokémon and other dimensions. She lives with Professor Kukui and Ash, and eventually marries Kukui during the events of the series. She is later revealed to be pregnant with her and Kukui's child, and the child, Lei, is seen in Pokémon Journeys: The Series.
Mohn (モーン, Mōn, Mohn)
Voiced by:
Jirō Saitō (Japanese); Jeremy Levy (English)
Mohn was a Pokémon Researcher in the Alola region, working on researching the Ultra Wormhole phenomenon. He was married to Lusamine and father of Lillie and Gladion, but he one day vanished after being sucked into an Ultra Wormhole. It is revealed in Pokémon Journeys: The Series that Mohn was rescued by a
ShinyNihilego called Lillie, though he was rendered amnesiac. He eventually recovered, and reunited with his family.
Professor Cerise (サクラギ博士, Sakuragi-hakase, Dr. Sakuragi)
Professor Cerise is a Pokémon Professor who appears in Pokémon Journeys: The Series. He is Chloe's father, and he runs a lab in the Kanto region. Ash and Goh often aid him in his research, and Goh keeps his Pokémon at Cerise's laboratory.
Sonia is a young woman who was a childhood friend of Leon. She is also an apprentice of Professor Magnolia, a Pokémon Professor in Galar. She aids Ash and Goh in stopping the Darkest Day, after which Magnolia passes on her professor mantle to her.
Delia Ketchum is Ash's mother. She acts as a supporting character throughout the series, often communicating with Ash via video call. She has a
Mr. Mime housekeeper nicknamed Mimey (バリちゃん, Bari-chan), who helps her with chores and is also rather adept in battle.
"Joy" is the shared last name[citation needed] of the Joy family, in which most members are nurses. They mainly work in
Pokémon Centers, but they also work in other locations. Although all of them look almost identical to each other, some do have different personalities, and a few even other occupations besides nursing. Multiple Joys are judges in Pokémon Contests. Pokémon: The Electric Tale of Pikachu manga author
Toshihiro Ono cited her as one of his favorite characters to draw for the series, stating the reason as "because she's a girl".[70]
Officer Jenny (ジュンサー, Junsā, Junsar)
Voiced by:
Chinami Nishimura (EP002-EP632);
Chiaki Takahashi (EP663-EP795); Chiemi Ishimatsu (EP801–present) (Japanese); Lee Quick (Season 1-7); Jamie Davyous Owens (Season 8);
Emlyn Morinelli McFarland (Season 9–13);[60]Emily Bauer (Season 14–16; Season 23);[33] Saskia Maarleveld (Season 17-19),[71] Samantha Moon (Sun and Moon series episodes 9 to 39), Martha Harms (Sun and Moon series 70-128) (English)
"Jenny" is the shared last name[citation needed] of the Jenny family, in which most members are police officers and maintain the law and order in the Pokémon world and often oppose members of
Team Rocket. The Japanese name, junsa (巡査), means "police officer".[72]
Jimmy and Marina are main characters in
Pokémon Chronicles. The pair are respectively based on the male and female player characters of Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal. Jimmy aims to become a Champion, and is often seen with a partner Typhlosion, while Marina is interested in dance routines, later being revealed to have become a Coordinator in
Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl. The pair are old childhood friends.
Brandon is the head of the Battle Pyramid, one of the many battle facilities present at the
Battle Frontier. The Pyramid is capable of flight, and as such, its location often changes. He is the final opponent of the Battle Frontier, and prior to Ash's challenge, had bested Paul's brother Reggie, which caused the latter to quit his career as a trainer and become a breeder. Brandon defeats Ash on his first two attempts , though Brandon loses on Ash's third try. Brandon notably owns three Legendary Pokémon:
Regirock,
Regice, and
Registeel. He later travels to Sinnoh in Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl to encounter
Regigigas. After an encounter with Hunter J, Brandon elects to stay at with Regigigas to defend it. He also battles Paul, though Brandon defeats him.
Alder was the Unova Champion in Black & White series. While laidback and reckless, he does provide advice and acts as a role model to many trainers. He appears throughout the series where amongst one of his main roles was hosting the Junior World Cup Tournament, where the winner will get to face Alder. Trip won the tournament, but he lost easily to Alder. In the Pokémon Journeys: The Series, it is revealed that Iris became the new Unova Champion, confirming that Alder no longer holds the title.
N (N, Enu)
Voiced by:
Yūichi Nakamura (Japanese); Nicholas DiMichele (English)
N can hear the inner voices of Pokémon and believes that humans are using them for their own gain. Ghetsis raised N along with Anthea and Concordia, making them believe Pokémon cannot be equals with humans unless they are released from all Poké Balls. A short time before the Black & White series[episode needed] N was about to be crowned King of Team Plasma in Ghetsis' plan to use N's pure-hearted desire to save Pokémon to summon Reshiram and enslave it. However, the attempt backfired, leaving Team Plasma's castle destroyed by Fusion Flare. N, along with Anthea and Concordia flee to a secluded abandoned castle, where they spend their time tending to mistreat Pokémon. N goes on to encounter Ash, which begins to change his views, and he grows to oppose Ghetsis's plans.
Voiced by:
Kensuke Satō (Japanese);
Tom Wayland (Season 17 and the first half of season 18 ending in "Confronting the Darkness!"),
Wayne Grayson (Season 18 starting from "The Moment of Lumiose Truth!" onwards) (English)
Meyer is the father of Clemont and Bonnie and the manager of an electrical appliance store. He notably holds a secret identity as "Blaziken Mask," a superhero-like vigilante who uses a Mega Evolving Blaziken. He aids Ash first by saving his life, and then by aiding in stopping Lysandre and Zygarde.
Mairin (マノン, Manon)
Voiced by:
Mikako Komatsu (Japanese); Zoe Martin (English)
Mairin is a Pokémon trainer and companion of Alain. She owns a Chespin, nicknamed Chespie, who is put into a comatose state. She later befriends Ash and his friends, and accompanies Alain when he departs from Kalos alongside a fully restored Chespie.
Rotom Pokédex is a Pokédex given to Ash by Professor Kukui, which is possessed by a
Rotom. He accompanies Ash throughout the series, often acting as a supporting character in many episodes. He is also a fan of a detective show named "Detective Laki" which is the foundation for numerous episodes in the series.
The mother of Lillie and Gladion, Lusamine is the Leader of the Aether Foundation. She is overly affectionate towards her children, though neither are initially as fond of her. After Lusamine is fused with Nihilego and separated, the three forgive each other. She heads up the "Ultra Guardians," a group which seeks to help stops Ultra Beast attacks and send them home. She once was married to Aether Professor Mohn, who moved to Alola to commence his research on the Ultra Wormhole. She, alongside Lillie and Gladion, was on a quest to find Mohn and bring him home. Along with Gladion and Lillie, she returns to the show in
Pokémon Journeys: The Series, where they reunite with Mohn.
Chloe[73][74][75] is a ten-year-old childhood friend of Goh. She is overly cautious and takes a realistic approach to life as she distances herself from making friends, with Goh being an exception. Throughout the series, Chloe grows to become more open, and begins to travel more, primarily alongside her partner Pokémon, an Eevee who is reluctant to evolve.
Danika and Quillon (アサヒ and ツルギ, Asahi and Tsurugi)
Danika and Quillon are "Chasers" for Project Mew. The pair encounter Goh at various occasions, often aiding in Missions. They both own an Urshifu, with Danika owning a Rapid Strike form and Quillon a Single Strike form. Both later go to Faraway Island to encounter Mew alongside Horace, Goh, and Gary.
Notes
^Originally credited as Jimmy Zoppi and Billy Beach,
Pokémon, known in Japan as Pocket Monsters (ポケットモンスター, Poketto Monsutā), is a Japanese
anime television series based on the
Pokémon video game series published by
Nintendo. It began broadcasting on
TV Tokyo on April 1, 1997, in association with MediaNet (formerly TV Tokyo MediaNet and Softx) and Shopro, stands for
Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions Co., Ltd. (formerly Shogakukan Productions Co., Ltd.). The series follows protagonist
Ash Ketchum for the majority of its run.[1] He is a young boy from Pallet Town who strives to become a "Pokémon Master," often seeking to become Champion- the strongest trainer of a given "region"- as a result. These travels lead through various regions, various continent-like landmasses that inhabit a wider world. On his journey, he encounters many other characters, who often appear as main characters who accompany him on his travels, or as recurring characters which reappear throughout the series.[2] He is succeeded as main character by
Liko and Roy, who accompanies a travelling band of explorers known as the Rising Volt Tacklers to travel the world.[3]
In the world of Pokémon, Pokémon are animal-like creatures with special, elemental attributes- known as Types[4]- which can be captured by special capture devices known as "Poke Balls."[5] Humans who wield these Pokémon often befriend them and can use them for a variety of things. One goal is that of the Gym Challenge, which involves a human- known as a Pokémon Trainer- challenging specials "Gyms" headed by "Gym Leaders."[6] Defeating a Leader allows a Trainer to obtain a Badge, of which eight are needed in order to register to participate in a Tournament,[7] the winner of whom often moving on to either battle the region's Champion- the strongest Trainer in the region- or their respective Elite Four, who are strong Trainers that must be battled before the Champion.
Other avenues for Trainers include Contests, which are beauty-pageant like events where Trainers- here named Coordinators- must compete to gain "Ribbons."[8] Those with enough Ribbons can move onto a Grand Festival, where a Top Coordinator will be determined.[9] There are also numerous antagonistic organizations that act as villains in the series, the most prominent of which is Team Rocket, with a specific trio acting as recurring characters for a large portion of the show's run.[10]
Ash Ketchum is the main
protagonist of the
Pokémon anime for the first twenty-five seasons.[12] A ten-year-old Pokémon Trainer from Pallet Town, he travels with many traveling companions throughout the series. Ash's dream is to become a "Pokémon Master", and as a result often attempts to defeat the Pokémon League− a competition of the strongest Pokémon Trainers in a given region− in whatever region he is in. Though his attempts are typically unsuccessful, he eventually succeeded in becoming the Champion of the Alola Region: The strongest Pokémon Trainer in the region, and later defeated
Leon in the Masters Eight Tournament in the World Coronation Series to become crowned as the strongest Pokémon Trainer in the world and new World Champion as the "Monarch."[13]
Misty is a ten-year-old Water-Type Pokémon Trainer and one of Ash's travelling companions who first appeared in
the original series. She was one of the four Gym Leaders of Cerulean City along with her three older sisters,[14] and after the original series Misty became the sole Gym Leader of Cerulean City Gym.[15] After her departure from the series, Misty reappeared in
Advanced Generation,[15]Sun & Moon,[16]and
Pokémon Journeys: The Series.[17]
Brock is the former Pewter City Gym Leader[18] and a
ladies' man.[19] In his earliest appearances, Brock has dreams of being the world's best Pokémon Breeder, though in later series he instead aspires to be a Pokémon Doctor.[20] There is a running gag in the series where Brock falls in love with every girl he meets and is either pulled away by the ear by Misty or Max or is hit with his
Croagunk's Poison Jab.[19] Brock stayed on the series for several seasons, eventually leaving at the end of the
Diamond and Pearl series.[21] Brock had guest appearances in Sun & Moon[21] and Journeys.[22]
Voiced by:
Tomokazu Seki (Japanese);
Ted Lewis (4Kids, TPCI (Current)), Craig Blair (TPCI, season 9) (English)
One of Ash's traveling companions in Orange Islands, Tracey Sketchit is a Pokémon Watcher, someone who studies Pokémon in the field similarly to
bird watchers. He later accomplished his dream to becomes an assistant to Professor Oak after the end of the
Orange Islands.[23][24]
May is the ten-year-old daughter of the Petalburg City Gym Leader, Norman and the older sister of Max.[29] She takes interest in Pokémon Contests, competitions focusing on a Pokémon's appearance or appeal.[30] May later reappears in Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl and Pokémon Journeys: The Series.[31] Max is May's younger brother, who acts as one of the group's travelling companions in the Hoenn-associated series.[32]
Dawn is a ten-year-old Pokémon Coordinator from Twinleaf Town who travels with Ash and Brock in Sinnoh Region. Following in her mother's footsteps as a Coordinator- a trainer who partakes in Pokémon Contests- she chooses
Piplup and sets out with the goal of becoming Top Coordinator.[30] She later reappeared in Pokémon the Series: Black & White[34] and Pokémon Journeys: The Series.[35]
One of Ash's companions in Black and White series. Iris hails from a village where Dragon-type Pokémon are a major focus. She notably travels with an
Axew. She reappears in Pokémon Journeys series, where she is revealed to have become the new Champion of the Unova Region: the strongest Pokémon Trainer in the region. She battles Cynthia in the Masters Eight Tournament in the World Coronation Series, only to lose.
Cilan is a Pokémon Connoisseur who has the ability to determine the compatibility between Pokémon and their trainers. He travels with Ash in Black and White series. He is one of the Gym Leaders of the Unova Region, a position he shares with his brothers Chili and Cress, but he leaves his post to join Ash and Iris on their journey. He has numerous hobbies seen throughout the series such as fishing, cinema and subway trains. He has the Grass-type Pokémon
Pansage as his partner. He acts as a mentor figure to Ash and Iris.[39][40] He reappears Pokémon the Series: XYZ and Pokémon Journeys: The Series.
Serena is a ten-year-old Pokémon Performer from Vaniville Town, who acts as one of Ash's travelling companions in Pokémon the Series: XY. She met Ash in her youth we're are seven-years-old, and after seeing him on TV three years later, decides to join him on his journey. She partakes in Pokémon Showcases- beauty pageant-like contests- in an attempt to become the "Kalos Queen," an honorary title for the best Pokémon Performer. At the end of the series, she prepares to compete in the Pokémon Contests that occur in Hoenn. Before parting, she gives Ash a kiss. She returned in Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series, where she encouraged Chloe to perform at the Lilycove City Pokémon Contest.
Clemont and Bonnie (シトロン and
ユリーカ, Shitoron and Yurīka, Citron and Eureka)
Clemont is an Electric-type Gym Leader from Lumiose City. He is a young inventor and always has a large backpack that contains numerous strange gadgets, most of which explode. He travels with Ash during the XY series to become a better Gym Leader. This culminates when Ash challenges and successfully defeats Clemont at the Lumiose Gym, acquiring his fifth badge in Kalos. Before Ash leaves Kalos, he asks for one final battle with Ash, and the result is not revealed to the audience. He returns in Pokémon Journeys: The Series alongside Bonnie.
Bonnie is Clemont's younger sister. Bonnie, due to her youth, cannot have a Pokémon yet, and thus has Clemont catch a Dedenne for her, which acts as her partner throughout the series. She later befriended one of
Zygarde's cores, which she affectionately nicknamed "Squishy" and developed a close friendship with. A running gag involves her attempt to get other women to marry her brother, though Clemont often drags Bonnie away before it gets anywhere.
Lana is one of the students at the Pokémon School of Melemele Island who befriends Ash in Sun and Moon series. She is a master in fishing and loves Water-type Pokémon.
Among the students at the Pokémon School of Melemele Island who befriends Ash in the Sun and Moon series, Kiawe is the oldest and most experienced, being the only among them to have obtained a Z-Ring, which allows him to use "Z-Moves." He runs a dairy farm on Akala Island along with his parents. He specializes in Fire-type Pokémon, due to being inspired by his late grandfather's words.
Lillie is one of the students at the Pokémon School of Melemele Island who befriends Ash in the Sun and Moon series. Hailing from a very rich family, she loves to study and usually helps the other students with their research, but has an inherent fear of touching any kind of Pokémon due to an incident involving
Nihilego in her youth. She eventually overcomes her fears by the end of the series, and eventually departs to the world to try and find her missing father, Mohn. She later reunites with him in Pokémon Journeys: The Series.
Sophocles is one of the students at the Pokémon School of Melemele Island who befriends Ash in Sun and Moon series. He specializes in Electric-type Pokémon and is good with machines.
Mallow is one of the students at the Pokémon School of Melemele Island who befriends Ash in Sun and Moon series. She specializes in Grass-type Pokémon. She is a dedicated chef who works at her family's restaurant.
Goh is a ten-year-old Pokémon Trainer who meets Ash in Pokémon Journeys: The Series and travels with Ash throughout the world.[51] His dream is to catch every Pokémon to work his way up to capturing the rare and Mythical Pokémon
Mew. He later ends up joining Project Mew, an organization dedicated to researching and finding Mew.[52]
The female protagonist of the Horizons series, she is a Pokémon Trainer from Cabo Poco in the Paldea Region who owns a mysterious pendant which was given to her by her grandmother, Diana, which is actually the Legendary Pokémon
Terapagos in a dormant state. After she is targeted by the organization known as The Explorers for her pendant, she joins The Rising Volt Tacklers, a group of travelling explorers, in order to travel the Pokémon world. [54][55]
The male protagonist of the Horizons series, he is a Pokémon Trainer from Kanto Region who joins the Rising Volt Tacklers after encountering a mysterious
ShinyRayquaza.[56]
Rising Volt Tacklers
The Rising Volt Tacklers (ライジングボルテッカーズ, Rising Volteccers) are adventurers in the Horizons series who travel the world through their airship, the Brave Olivine, to learn secrets of mysteries and discover them, especially if they are Pokémon.
The Commander of the Rising Volt Tacklers who is a Pokémon Professor. His partner Pokémon are a Pikachu nicknamed Captain Pikachu that captains the group's airship and a Charizard. Friede used to be a Pokémon Researcher, but lost interest and mostly hung out on Ludlow's boat. When he met Liko's mother, Lucca, she showed him a Pikachu that wanted to soar high in the skies reigniting his researcher skills and passion. Because of this interest, he formed the Rising Volt Tacklers alongside Ludlow and Orla.
Orla (オリオ, Orio, Orio)
Voiced by:
Ayane Sakura (Japanese); Mara Junot (English)
An engineer of the team who is a machine enthusiast. Her partner Pokémon are a Metagross and an Elekid. It's revealed that she was childhood friends with Friede and they grew up together in Kanto, before she moved away to Hoenn. Orla once worked on the docks in Slateport City, Hoenn, until she met Ludlow and reunited with Friede, the latter of which asked her to use her mechanical skills to convert Ludlow's fishing boat into an airship, the Brave Olivine.
A healing specialist of the team. Her partner Pokémon is a Chansey. Mollie is revealed to come from a family of doctors and did pursue that career at a young age. However, rather than working in a Pokémon Center, she decided to join the Rising Volt Tacklers as to help various Pokémon around the world she came across.
Murdock (マードック, Mādokku)
Voiced by:
Kenta Miyake (Japanese); Major Attaway (English)
A chef of the team who is skilled in his craft. He is Dot's uncle. His partner Pokémon are a Rockruff and an Alcremie. Murdock used to work as a patisserie chef selling strawberry flavored cakes alongside his friend and coworker, Mitchell, who made matcha flavored cakes. However, when Murdock's Milcery evolved into Alcremie and helped further improved Murdock's skills, a rift between the two pastry chefs ensued which ended their partnership. Fortunately, Murdock did reunite and made amends with Mitchell.
Ludlow (ランドウ, Randō, Landau)
Voiced by: Ikkyū Juku (Japanese);
Larry Kenney (English)
A fisherman of the team. His partner Pokémon are a Quagsire and Sharpedo. Ludlow is a former mentor of Friede, who frequently hung out with Ludlow on his fishing boat. After Friede met a Pikachu, which became Captain Pikachu, Ludlow lended his boat to Friede and allowed it to become the airship, the Brave Olivine. He also has a superhero alter ego known as Mighty G.
A popular online streamer who goes by the alias Nidothing (ぐるみん, Gurumin). As an influencer, she acts perky and uses exaggerated methods as well as providing advice to beginner trainers. Dot spends most of her time in her quarters making videos, though she got to know Liko and Roy more as well as reveal her Nidothing persona to Liko. She is Murdock's niece. Her partner Pokémon are a Quaxly and Tinkatink.
Gary Oak is a ten-year-old Ash's childhood rival. Gary hails from Pallet Town and is the grandson of Professor Oak. Like Ash, Gary collects Gym Badges and competes in Pokémon League Tournaments in Kanto and Johto. At first, Gary is arrogant, but after losing to a more powerful opponent in the Indigo League, Gary experiences a change of heart. After losing to Ash in the Johto League, Gary decides to pursue a career in Pokémon Research, ending his rivalry with Ash. Gary eventually works with
Professor Rowan in Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl. He returns in Journeys, where he takes part in Project Mew, an organization attempting to locate the Mythical Pokémon
Mew.
Ritchie is a traveling Pokémon Trainer from the Kanto region. Ritchie first appears during the
Indigo League, where he meets and forms a friendship with Ash. Ritchie defeats Ash, but then loses his next match. Afterward, Ash and Ritchie part ways but pledge an oath to become Pokémon Masters. Ritchie re-appears in Pokémon: Master Quest and is a major protagonist in Pokémon Chronicles.
Drew is an experienced Pokémon Coordinator who acts as May's rival. May and Drew continue their rivalry throughout the series, but May eventually manages to defeat Drew at the Indigo League Grand Festival. At the end of Pokémon: Battle Frontier, he heads towards to Johto to compete in more contests along with May and Harley, another coordinator.
Arrogant, flamboyant and proud, Harley is a Pokémon Coordinator and May's sinister rival. During their first meeting, Harley takes May's unwitting comments as insults to his abilities and he takes an instant dislike to her. Since then, Harley takes every opportunity to sabotage May before her contests.
Morrison is Ash's rival in the Hoenn region, and is a spirited person who likes to challenge other people to almost everything and never gives up in battle. Owing to this, he always challenges Ash to various events such as Pokémon battles or even a food eating contest.
Paul is a roaming Pokémon Trainer from Veilstone City in
Sinnoh. As a Pokémon Trainer, Paul is experienced and has traveled across the regional areas of Kanto, Johto, Hoenn and Sinnoh, much like Ash. During Diamond and Pearl series, he begins to travel through Sinnoh, where he meets and develops a rivalry with Ash. Paul is a grumpy and serious trainer whose only concern towards Pokémon is their ability to act in battle, believing that forming bonds with Pokémon dilutes their potential. He shows respect for strong trainers, such as Sinnoh Champion Cynthia, but he never respects trainers who he deems weak, and sometimes openly shows rudeness to others in battle. After a defeat by Pyramid King Brandon, Paul was forced to fix his attitude as well as understand that strength was not everything. He ultimately loses his final battle against Ash in the Sinnoh League. He later reunites with Ash in Pokémon Journeys: The Series. He helps train Ash's Pokémon for the Masters Eight Tournament, and it is revealed he has become a Gym Leader as well as mellowing out most of his poor attitude.
Zoey is an experienced Pokémon Coordinator from Snowpoint City in Sinnoh region and Dawn's rival. Zoey competes against Dawn in Pokémon Contests, and eventually defeats Dawn in the Grand Festival.
Kenny is one of Dawn's childhood friends and a rival. He frequently calls her by her nickname, "Dee Dee" (ピカリ, Pikari), a nickname from their childhood that Dawn actively dislikes. Kenny competes against Dawn in Pokémon Contests, but is unable to make it to the Grand Festival. Kenny eventually challenges Ash to a battle with the outcome determining who Dawn would travel with. Though he wins the battle, Dawn leaves him a note stating that she wishes to remain travelling with Ash.
Barry is Ash's rival in Sinnoh. He is an impatient and overconfident boy who, while competent and skilled, tends to lose most of his battles against Ash. He is an admirer of Paul and uses the same technique though he cares for his Pokémon. He dreams of being the strongest Pokémon Trainer in the world. Barry is friends with Kenny and the son of Palmer, the Tower Tycoon of Sinnoh's Frontier Brains.
Nando (ナオシ, Naoshi)
Voiced by:
Kazuya Nakai (Japanese); Billy Regan (English)
A talented Pokémon Trainer and wandering
minstrel, Nando is a calm young man deeply conflicted as to whether he should challenge gyms or become a Pokémon Coordinator. After battling both Ash and Dawn, he chooses to pursue both paths, regardless of the difficulty. By the time of the Sinnoh Grand Festival, he has acquired seven Gym Badges and five Contest Ribbons. In the Grand Festival, he is able to reach the Top 4, losing to Zoey. After the Grand Festival, he obtains the necessary badges to compete in the Sinnoh League; he is Ash's first opponent but is eliminated after putting up a good battle. Nando makes his debut appearance in "Dawn of a New Era!". He is usually seen playing his golden Mew harp. The harp has often been shown to attract large groups of wild Pokémon.
Conway (コウヘイ, Kōhei)
Voiced by:
Kōzō Mito (Japanese); Billy Regan (English)
Conway is a particularly smart and cunning Pokémon Trainer, who carefully studies and analyzes trainers to create a strategy. He first encounters Ash during the Hearthome City Tag Battle Tournament, where he battles alongside Dawn and makes their way to the finals, only to be defeated by Ash and Paul. He also appeaered in the Sinnoh Summer Academy where he was captain of the Blue team only for his team to lose to Ash and the Red Team. He later battles Ash in the third round of the Sinnoh League where he loses. A common gag of Conway is that he appears out of nowhere in a creepy manner, of which Dawn is usually the victim.
One of Dawn's rivals, Ursula is a Pokémon Coordinator from the Sinnoh region who enters the Chocovine Contest at the same time as Dawn. During the Sinnoh Grand Festival, she loses to Dawn and is eliminated from the contest, unable to make it into the Top 16.
Trip is a Pokémon Trainer taking the Unova League challenge who appears in the Black and White series and whose ultimate ambition is to compete in the Champion League and defeat Alder, the Unova champion. In addition to being a Pokémon Trainer, he is also an amateur Pokémon photographer. Trip believes in strength when training, but after repeated defeats, eventually changes his views.
Bianca is a Pokémon Trainer who appears in the Black and White series. She encounters Ash and his companions several times throughout the series which usually ends with a battle between herself and Ash. She is also shown to be excitable and clumsy. Ash ends up battling her father, who is overprotective and does not wish for her to stay on the road. Though Ash loses, Bianca's father agrees to let Bianca continue her journey.
Burgundy is a Pokémon Connoisseur and Cilan's rival.
Georgia (ラングレー, Rangurē, Langley)
Voiced by:
Misato Fukuen (Japanese); Brittney Lee Hamilton (English)
Georgia is a Pokémon Trainer and Iris's rival who calls herself a Dragon Buster, someone who specializes in defeating Dragon-type Pokémon.
Stephan (ケニヤン, Keniyan, Kenyan)
Voiced by: Tomohiro Waki (Japanese);
Darren Dunstan (English)
Stephan is a Pokémon Trainer whom Ash meets on the way to Nimbasa City. He participates in the Unova League, where he makes it to the Top 16.
Cameron (コテツ, Kotetsu)
Voiced by:
Kōki Uchiyama (Japanese); Rory Max Kaplan (English)
Cameron is a rival of Ash's. He debuts after the Junior Cup, as he meant to compete, but did not arrive in time. Cameron temporarily joins the group when he goes to earn his eighth Gym Badge from Marlon in Humilau City, and upon obtaining it, he leaves. Cameron returns to compete in the Unova League where he defeats Bianca and later, in the Top 8, defeats Ash despite being one Pokémon short. However, Cameron ends up being defeated by Virgil in the Top 4.
Virgil is a rescue worker with his father Jeff and his brother Davey. He saves Ash and his group when they fall off a bunch of rocks while trying to climb up to get to Vertress City, where Ash participates in the Unova League. After solving things at the dam, Virgil reveals he also entering the Unova League, making him one of Ash's rivals. He eventually wins the Unova League.
Tierno, Trevor, and Shauna (ティエルノ, トロバ, and サナ, Tieruno, Toroba, and Sana)
Trevor: Voiced by: Minami Fujii (Japanese); Michael Lockwood Crouch (English)
Shauna: Voiced by:
Yurie Kobori (Japanese); Jo Armeniox (English)
Tierno, Trevor, and Shauna are a trio of trainers Ash and his friends meet at a Pokémon Summer Camp. Tierno is an aspiring dancer, Trevor is an avid photographer, and Shauna is a Pokémon Performer who partakes in Pokémon Showcases, acting as a rival of Serena. Tierno and Trevor later compete in the Lumiose Conference, but both lose to Sawyer and Alain respectively before making it to the final round.
Sawyer is a Pokémon Trainer from the Hoenn region who appears in Pokémon the Series: XY. He first appears as an inexperienced trainer who idolizes Steven Stone, and through repeated battles with Ash, grows to become significantly more adept at battling. He eventually battles Ash one last time in the Lumiose Conference, though he is defeated by Ash. He later aids Steven following this.
Miette is Serena's rival. She meets Ash and his friends when her Slurpuff eats one of Serena's PokePuffs. When she reveals they were not good, she and Serena soon start a rivalry with each other. During her time with the group, Miette soon realizes Serena's true feelings for Ash and warns her that if she does not confess her feelings then she will admit her own feelings and take Ash for herself. Miette later participated in the Master Class Showcase but is defeated by Serena.
Nini is a confident Pokémon performer, aiming for the top. Serena and Nini show each other the performances they intend to show at the Showcase and become a rival to Serena. Nini later participates in the Master Class Showcase but loses to Jessie in the first round.
Alain (アラン, Aran, Alan)
Voiced by:
Kenshō Ono (Japanese); Jonathan Silver (English)
Alain is a Pokémon Trainer who acts as one of Ash's rivals in Kalos. He is a former assistant of Professor Sycamore, but left his side a long time prior to the series. He has a close bond with his
Charizard and directly aids Lysandre with his goals. During his travels, Alain meets a girl named Mairin, who he comes to care for. However, her Chespin, Chespie, falls into a coma, which Alain blames himself for. After his encounters with Ash, Alain begins to enjoy battling, and defeats all of Kalos's Gyms in order to confront Ash in the Lumiose Conference. The pair engage in a final battle, resulting in Ash's loss. Lysandre unleashes Zygarde on Lumiose, but Alain defects from him and helps Ash in taking down Lysandre and Zygarde. He later returns in Pokémon Journeys: The Series, where he is a member of the Masters Eight. He battles Leon in the first round, but loses to him.
Gladion is Ash's rival in Pokémon the Series: Sun and Moon. He is Lillie's older brother and highly protective of her. He is partnered with Silvally, whom he stole from Faba. Believing his mother, Lusamine, to be aware of the incident that caused his sister deep trauma, he distances himself from his family. After helping Ash and his classmates defeat Faba and Lusamine, Gladion opens up to them more, and aids the group as a member of the "Ultra Guardians." Gladion later fights Ash in a final battle in the Alola League, only to lose. He later leaves with his family to search for his missing father, Mohn, whom they eventually find in Pokémon Journeys: The Series.
Hau (ハウ, Hau)
Voiced by:
Jun Fukuyama (Japanese); Neo Cihi (English)
Hau is one of Ash's Alolan rivals and Hala's grandson who participated in Alola league.
Horacio (ハヤテ, Hayate)
Voiced by:
Nozomu Sasaki (Japanese); Sam Black (English)
Horacio is Sophocles's rival, he was arrogant and condescending, believing that his Charjabug's top-class equipment and Speed-increasing nature would allow him to win the race with ease. He was also a bad sport, mocking Sophocles and the latter's Charjabug.
Horace is a childhood friend of Goh as well as a member of the Project Mew mission. Three years prior to the events of Journeys, Horace first met Goh while searching for Celebi. Both of them searched for Celebi only to be scared off by wild Pokémon. The pair decided to try against the next day, but Horace fell ill and was unable to come, causing Goh to hold a grudge against him. Horace wrote a letter to Goh, hoping to undo his mistake. When the two met again, they both made amends with each other. Horace later joined Project Mew, participating in missions with Goh in order to encounter the elusive Mythical Pokémon, Mew.
Drake is the strongest Pokémon Trainer of the
Orange Islands and the Champion of the Islands. Despite his skills as a trainer, he grew bored with being unbeatable. Eventually, Ash arrived with the four Orange Island badges which earned him the right to face Drake. Ash was eventually able to defeat Drake, making the former the new Champion of the Orange Islands.
Jasmine is the Steel-type Gym Leader from Olivine City. She initially refuses to battle Ash due to the nearby lighthouse's Ampharos being sick, requiring him to get Medicine from Cianwood City to restore its health. She battles him after this, but loses. She later reappears in Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl, where she visited Sunyshore City, battling Flint and losing.
Clair (イブキ, Ibuki)
Voiced by:
Yuko Mita (Japanese);
Megan Hollingshead (4Kids era), Eva Christensen (TPCi, Black and White) (English)
Clair is the Dragon-type Gym Leader from Blackthorn City, and the mentor of Champion Lance. After several attempts by Team Rocket to steal Pokémon as well as preventing the Holy Dragon Land from being destroyed, Clair battles Ash, with Ash winning. She later returned in Pokémon the Series: Black & White, where she is searching for a Shiny Druddigon. Clair calms the Shiny Druddigon and then captures it and returns home. She later reappears in the series, with Iris coming to visit her. The two went to the Dragon Holy Land where they encountered and calmed a wild Gible. Clair battled and defeated Iris in battle.
Norman (センリ, Senri)
Voiced by:
Jūrōta Kosugi (Japanese); Dan Green (English)
Norman is the father of May and Max, the husband of Caroline, and the Petalburg Gym Leader, who specializes in Normal-types. Ash went to Petalburg Gym to challenge the Gym Leader into a battle. However, because Ash did not have at least three Pokémon on hand (he only had Pikachu at the time), Norman could not accept Ash's Gym Challenge. However, Norman and Ash decided to have an exhibition match. Shortly after, Norman uses his Vigoroth to save May's Torchic from Team Rocket. After Ash defeated four Hoenn Gym Leaders, he and his friends went back to Petalburg City in time for Norman and Caroline's wedding anniversary. The next day, Ash got to defeat Norman in battle.
Wallace is a Top Coordinator, the highest ranking a Coordinator can achieve, from Sootopolis City. He is famous and well-known, and also acted as the Champion of Hoenn. He first appeared in the series hosting the Wallace Cup in Sinnoh, where the winner will receive the Aqua Ribbon which grants the coordinator access to any Grand Festival regardless of region. As revealed in Mega Evolutions Special II, Steven Stone became Hoenn Champion confirming that Wallace no longer holds the title. He later reappears in Pokémon Journeys: The Series, where he challenges Ash to a battle. Ash defeats him, but the battle causes him and Goh to miss Chloe's contest.
Volkner (デンジ, Denji)
Voiced by:
Hirofumi Nojima;
Daisuke Sakaguchi (young) (Japanese); Eli James (Diamond & Pearl), Griffin Puatu (Journeys) (English)
Volkner is a Gym Leader in the Sinnoh region. He is an engineer and battler who is friends with Elite Four member Flint. In his and Flint's childhood, they spent time battling poachers and gangs together. Volkner eventually became a Gym Leader, but his skill meant he rarely was challenged, leading to him growing disinterested in battles. Volkner ended up handing out Gym Badges instead of battling, but Ash convinces him to battle him. Team Rocket attacks, resulting in the delay of their Gym Battle. However, after repairs are completed, Volkner fights Ash, only to lose. He reappears in Pokémon Journeys: The Series, where is participating in the World Coronation Series. He battles Ash, losing once again.
Drayden is a Gym Leader in the Unova region. In a flashback, Iris and her
Excadrill first encountered Drayden when he visited her hometown, Village of Dragons. Iris attempted to battle him, only to suffer a bad loss due to her arrogance. He was head of Opelucid Academy, where Iris attended. Despite Iris's inexperience, Drayden had faith in her and insisted she go on a journey. He reappears in Pokémon Journeys: The Series.
Korrina is a Gym Leader in the Kalos region. She briefly travelled with Ash in order to find a Lucarionite, which would allow her
Lucario to Mega Evolve. Though she succeeds, Lucario goes out of control. Korrina and Lucario eventually master Mega Evolution, and challenge Ash to a Gym Battle, which Ash wins. She later aids Ash against Team Flare. She reappears in Pokémon Journeys: The Series, where she took part in the World Coronation Series. She battles Ash again, only to lose. Korrina later gives Ash a Mega Glove and takes Ash to Mega Island to help find a Lucarionite for Ash's Lucario.
Hala is the Kahuna of Melemele Island, who uses Fighting-types. Hala mentored Kukui and Guzma prior to the events of the series when the pair were kids. Guzma grew disillusioned and ran off vowing to become strong without Hala's teachings. Hala battled Ash during the events of Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon, losing.
Olivia is the Kahuna of Akala Island who specializes in Rock-type Pokémon. Olivia later battles Ash and loses.
Nanu (クチナシ, Kuchinashi)
Voiced by: Masaki Aizawa (Japanese); Michael McMillan (English)
Nanu is the Kahuna of Ula'ula Island who specializes in Dark types, as well as a police officer. He was once acquainted with Giovanni, though their history is unclear. The Team Rocket Trio attempt to get a Z-Ring from Nanu, eventually succeeding as to save Acerola from a Gengar nicknamed "Greedy Rapooh", and he later battles Ash. Nanu defeats Ash in his first battle when Ash's Dusk Lycanroc went berserk because of its dirty fur. Sometime after Dusk Lycanroc learned how to control its anger, Nanu then assigns Ash to a trial at the Thrifty Megamart where he had to battle Team Rocket and their Mimikyu in an official battle. Once accomplished, Nanu accepts Ash's Grand Trial Challenge and loses despite forcing Ash to defeat all three of Nanu's Pokémon using only his Dusk Lycanroc.
Hapu (ハプウ, Hapū, Hapu'u)
Voiced by:
Junko Takeuchi (Japanese); Brittney Lee Hamilton (English)
Hapu is the Kahuna of Poni Island, who specializes in Ground-types and works as a farmer. Originally, there used to be an Island Kahuna prior to Hapu, but he had to retire due to old age. Additionally, her grandfather, Sofu, was also a former Island Kahuna before passing away under unknown circumstances. She first appeared in the series, where she falsely accused and attacked Ash and friends for stealing her radishes. Upon learning that Team Skull were the ones responsible, she drove them off and slowly starts to open up to the gang. After spending some time with the gang as well as battling Tapu Fini when the fog covered the island, Sofu returns as a ghost to inform Hapu that she is the next trainer to become an Island Kahuna. After being crowned the new Island Kahuna, she battled Ash in a Grand Trial but lost.
Bea is the Fighting Gym Leader from Stow-on-Side and a competitor in the World Coronation Series. Bea was considered a prodigy in Galar Karate according to Chuck, the Cianwood Gym Leader, when he mentioned studying Galar Karate under her father during a visit to Galar. Bea once had a battle against Korrina in which she came out victorious. Ash challenged her to a battle only for Bea to defeat Ash's two Pokémon effortlessly. Bea was later spotted in Cianwood City where Ash battled her again only for the match to end in a draw. Following the battle, Bea and her Pokémon surprised Ash and Goh who were shocked to see her eat the desserts offered by Chuck, she later states to Ash the next time they face each other will be in the Ultra Class. Both Ash and Bea competed against each other in the Ultra Class where Ash wins. Afterwards, Bea fully acknowledges and respects Ash's growth. She later appears a few more times such as witnessing Ash Gigantamxing his Gengar and having a practice battle with Hop, while Leon referees the match.
Raihan is a Gym Leader from Galar. Raihan entered the World Coronation Series, where he managed to rank in the "Masters Eight"- the top eight in the tourney. He aids Leon and Ash in stopping the Darkest Day when Rose unleashes Eternatus, and later battles Ash in a World Coronation battle. Ash manages to defeat Raihan, allowing the former to enter the Masters Eight.
Team Rocket (ロケット団, Roketto-dan, Rocket Gang) is the criminal organization in the Kanto, Johto and
Sevii Islands regions. Their goal is to catch all the Pokémon in the world so that their leader, Giovanni, can make an army of Pokémon and rule over the world. The most frequently appearing members of this organization are the "Team Rocket trio" of Jessie, James and Meowth. They have been described "as vital to the anime as Ash himself."[63]
Giovanni (サカキ, Sakaki)
Voiced by:
Hirotaka Suzuoki (Seasons 1–8);
Kenta Miyake (Season 10+) (Japanese);
Ed Paul (4Kids/TPCI); Craig Blair (Season 10; TPCI) (English)
Giovanni is the
crime lord and leader of Team Rocket as well as the former Viridian City Gym Leader. He normally acts from the shadows, though he has made major appearances in Pokémon the Series: Black & White. Aside from the operations of Team Rocket, he also funded the creation of
Mewtwo in Mewtwo Strikes Back. Mewtwo eventually escapes from him and he attempted to recapture the Pokémon in Mewtwo Returns—resulting in Mewtwo erasing all memories of himself from Giovanni's mind.
Jessie, James, and Meowth (ムサシ, コジロウ and ニャース, Musashi, Kojirō, and Nyāsu)
James: Voiced by:
Shin-ichiro Miki (James) (Japanese);
Ted Lewis (up to and including episode 8; 4Kids);
Eric Stuart (4Kids);[64] Jimmy Zoppi (TPCI, seasons 9-25)[57] (English)
Jessie, James, and Meowth are a group of Team Rocket members. They act as recurring antagonists, often coming into conflict with series protagonist Ash Ketchum in an attempt to capture his Pikachu. They primarily act as comic relief, though they have also acted as serious antagonists on several occasions. Meowth acts as the third member. He is a
Meowth who is capable of communicating with human speech.
Butch and Cassidy (コサブロウ and ヤマト, Kosaburō and Yamato)
Butch and Cassidy are a former elite duo of Team Rocket operatives, often serving on important missions for their boss, Giovanni. The pair often come into conflict with Jessie and James due to the latter pair's jealousy of them. They reappear in several series, but eventually stopped appearing in Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl. They later reappeared in Pokémon Journeys: The Series, having retired and went their separate ways. Butch is currently running a small bakery at a coastal town while Cassidy is currently running a cafe in a snowy village and taken up wood carving.
Matori is Giovanni's secretary and the leader of Matori Matrix, who replaced Cassidy and Butch as Jessie and James' rival after Diamond and Pearl. Though she was initially a minor character, often appearing with Giovanni in video calls, she is later revealed to be in charge of an elite squad of Team Rocket operatives known as the Matori Matrix. In Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon, she acts as the primary overseer of Team Rocket's operations in Alola such as trying to abduct Necrozma and Stufful only to retreat. Later in Journeys, she along with the Matori Matrix tried to steal all the Pokémon at the Sinnoh Resort and abduct Darkrai and Cresselia only to fail.
Team Aqua and Team Magma
Team Aqua and Team Magma (アクア団・マグマ団, Akua-dan Maguma-dan, Aqua Gang and Magma Gang) are the two criminal organizations in the
Hoenn Region. Team Aqua wants to raise the level of the world's oceans, while Team Magma wishes to create more land; both seek the power of the Legendary Pokémon
Kyogre and
Groudon, respectively.
Maxie and Archie (マツブサ and アオギリ, Matsubusa and Aogiri)
Maxie: Voiced by:
Keiji Fujiwara (Japanese); Marc Thompson (English)
Archie: Voiced by: Masaki Aizawa (Japanese); Sean Schemmel (English)
Maxie is the leader of Team Magma. His goal is to wipe out the sea to create more land by using a volcano and Groudon. He is more misguided than truly evil, as he believes that his actions will benefit others. He plans on using the Blue Orb, which could control Groudon, and with it in his hands, he could make life better for himself. When Pikachu gets possessed by the Blue Orb, it controls Groudon, and a cataclysmic battle begins, resulting in Groudon's victory. Afterwards, Maxie thanks Ash, realizing that the land of Hoenn was perfect the way it is.
Archie is the leader of Team Aqua. His goal is to wipe out the land to create more sea by using Kyogre. He is more misguided than truly evil, as he believes that his actions will benefit others. He becomes possessed by the power of the Red Orb, much like Pikachu and the Blue Orb. His only concern from that point is to raise the sea, even if it meant drowning all of his Team Aqua members.
Team Galactic
Team Galactic (ギンガ団, Ginga-dan, Galaxy Gang), is the criminal organization in the
Sinnoh region. Their goal is to catch and control the Legendary Pokémon that created the universe-
Dialga and
Palkia- so that their leader, Cyrus, can destroy the universe and create a new universe that will only be his own as an absolute god.
Cyrus (アカギ, Akagi)
Voiced by:
Kenta Miyake (Japanese); Sean Schemmel (English)
Cyrus is the leader of Team Galactic. His goal is to "create a new universe" in his own image, with himself as the God of that world. Cyrus first appears under the guise of a businessman, but his villainous affiliations are eventually revealed to the protagonists. After Dialga and Palkia are bound to the Red Chain and freed by the Lake Guardians, Cyrus steps into a portal; his ultimate fate is unknown.
Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn (マーズ, ジュピター, and サターン, Māzu, Jupitā, and Satān, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn)
Mars: Voiced by:
Rie Tanaka (Japanese); Lisa Ortiz (English)
Jupiter: Voiced by:
Chinami Nishimura (Japanese); Eileen Stevens (Diamond and Pearl),
Kira Buckland (Arceus Chronicles) (English)
Saturn: Voiced by:
Akemi Okamura (Japanese); Marc Thompson (English)
Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn are a trio of commanders who lead Team Galactic. They act as Cyrus's subordinates and are fiercely loyal. Each of the members carried out the scheme where they stole the Lustrous Orb, the Adamant Orb, the Spear Key and the Lake Trio to find Spear Pillar. Though they successfully summoned Dialga and Palkia using the Red Chains, Cyrus betrays his commanders as he wanted the new world for himself. Following Cyrus's disappearance, the three are arrested, miserable to the fact they devoted themselves to a false cause. However, in the Arceus Chronicles, the three broke free from jail and attempt to use the Legendary Pokémon Heatran to get him back, while completely ignoring the fact that Cyrus abandoned them. After Heatran is defeated, the three are arrested once again.
Team Plasma
Team Plasma (プラズマ団, Purazuma-dan, Plasma Gang) is the criminal organization in the
Unova region. Their goal is to catch and control the Legendary Pokémon
Reshiram so that their leader, Ghetsis, can rule the world.
Voiced by: Masaki Aizawa (Japanese); Bill Rogers (English)
Ghetsis is the leader of Team Plasma. His goal is to take control of the Legendary Pokémon Reshiram so that he can rule over the world. He is N's surrogate father figure, and attempts to use N to accomplish his goals. Despite this, Reshiram is freed from Ghetsis's control after Colress's device is destroyed, and Ghetsis is arrested.
Colress (アクロマ, Akuroma, Achroma)
Voiced by:
Hiroki Tōchi (Japanese); Eli James (English)
Colress is a scientist of Team Plasma. His goal is to discover the true way to draw out the strength of Pokémon. He uses many different devices to gain control of Pokémon, which includes a device made to control Reshiram. After the device's destruction, Colress is arrested alongside the rest of Team Plasma.
Team Flare
Team Flare (フレア団, Furea-dan, Flare Gang), is the criminal organization in the
Kalos region. Their goal is to catch and control the Legendary Pokémon
Zygarde so that their leader, Lysandre, can destroy the world and recreate it with peace and beauty.
Lysandre is the leader of Team Flare, and the creator of Lysandre Labs. Lysandre once sought to help people and Pokémon, but decided the human race was not worth saving after seeing their selfishness firsthand. Lysandre attempts to gain control of Zygarde so he can use it to destroy the Kalos region, but after Zygarde is freed, Lysandre attempts to use the "Giant Rock" to destroy the world. He is last seen falling into Zygarde's Core Enforcer attack, and his ultimate fate is unknown.
Xerosic is a scientist of Team Flare. He attempts to aid Lysandre in controlling Zygarde to destroy the region, but is defeated by Clemont. Xerosic later escapes, and attempts to get his revenge, but is defeated once again by Clemont and the others. He is convinced to step away from his villainous path as he is arrested.
Team Skull
Team Skull (スカル団, Skaru-dan, Skull Gang) is the criminal organization in the Alola region. Their goal is to steal Pokémon, and they act as a threat similar to a
street gang.
Guzma is the leader of Team Skull. He is known for his violent behavior and his lack of
sportsmanship, resulting in
unsportsmanlike conduct. Before he founded Team Skull, he was one of Melemele Kahuna Hala's students. At one point, he lost, and since then vowed to become unbeatable. He has a personal vendetta against Kukui, and partakes in the Manalo Conference to defeat the contestants and Kukui's dream. Guzma is eventually defeated, but has a change of heart after the battle.
Chairman Rose is the chairman of the Macro Cosmos
conglomerate. His father was killed in a mining accident in Rose's youth, and as a result seeks to prevent future problems before they can occur. He seeks to reawaken the Legendary Pokémon
Eternatus to this end, but Eternatus goes out of control. Rose ends up fleeing after his defeat at the hands of Ash Ketchum.
Explorers
The Explorers (エクスプローラーズ, Explorers) are a mysterious organization after Liko, Roy, and their pendant and ancient Poké Ball, and are the Rising Volt Tacklers' archenemies. They are the main antagonists of the Horizons series.
The leader of the Explorers, Amethio's grandfather and the overarching primary antagonist of Horizons.
Hamber (ハンベル, Hamber)
Voiced by: Hironori Kondo (Japanese);
Paul Mercier (English)
The second-in-command of the Explorers and Gibeon's advisor and assistant, whom the admins contacts throughout missions. He appears to be concerned for subordinates' safety. His partner Pokémon is a Dusknoir. Hamber used to be friends with Liko's grandmother, Diana, but the two drifted apart and are now enemies as Diana is aware of Hamber's evil intentions with the pendant.
An admin of the Explorers and Gibeon's grandson who is sent to retrieve the pendant along with his two subordinates. His partner Pokémon is a Ceruledge. After failing too many times to retrieve the pendant, he gets reassigned and his mission was given to Spinel. However, he does get his mission back after reporting to Hamber about
Terapagos.
A psychotic and intelligent admin of the Explorers who was given the mission by Gibeon to retrieve the pendant after Amethio, Onia and Zirc failed to do so too many times. Spinel appears to be a rival of Amethio as he mocks and doubts him for seeing a Shiny Rayquaza, even though Amethio did actually see it. Spinel has no problem hurting children to achieve his goals such as using his Beheeyem to brainwash Liko into giving the pendant to him.
Sidian (オニキス, Onyx)
Voiced by: Yuki Onodera (Japanese);
SungWon Cho (English)
A stoic and serious admin of the Explorers, who first appeared as a silhouette before appearing in person after Spinel loses the pendant. His partner Pokémon is a Garganacl. Despite being an Explorer, Sidian is also honorable and prefers to battle fairly and often times has to keep Coral's attitude in check and not stray from their objectives.
A reckless and cheerful admin of the Explorers, who first appeared as a silhouette before appearing in person after Spinel loses the pendant. She has a Glalie as her main partner Pokémon. Coral has a sassy attitude given that she taunted Spinel for failing to retrieve the pendant and often acts reckless such as ordering her Glalie to use Self-Destruct despite Sidian's warnings not to.
A reserved and calm admin of the Explorers, who first appeared as a silhouette before appearing in person after Spinel loses the pendant. She uses a Medicham as her main Pokémon. Chalce has some sense of humour but will criticize her comrades, such as Spinel, for messing up on their missions.
Zirc (ジル, Zir)
Voiced by: Kohsuke Tanabe (Japanese); Michael Schneider (English)
A grunt of the Explorers and one of Amethio's subordinates. His partner Pokémon is a Rhydon.
Onia (コニア, Conia)
Voiced by: Arisa Shida (Japanese);
Lisa Ortiz (English)
A grunt of the Explorers and one of Amethio's subordinates. Her partner Pokémon is a Golduck.
Other antagonists
Pokémon Hunter J (ポケモン ハンター J, Pokemon Hantā J, Pokémon Hunter J)
J was a ruthless and cruel Pokémon Hunter around Sinnoh region who captured and stole Pokémon to sell them on the black market to her clients for money. She eventually helps Team Galactic capture the Lake Guardians, but her ship is struck by an attack from the Guardians, resulting in her ship sinking into the water below. Her ultimate fate is unknown.
Faba (ザオボー, Zaobō, Sauboh)
Voiced by:
Mitsuaki Madono (Japanese); Daniel J. Edwards, Ryan Nicolls,
Kaiji Tang (Journeys) (English)
Faba is a member of the Aether Foundation, a charitable organization in the Alola region dedicated to wildlife conservation. Faba attempts to summon
Nihilego, which captures Lusamine, Lillie's mother, and takes her to its dimension. After this, Faba reforms, and acts as an ally to the series protagonists.
Viren is the selfish and greedy owner of Rainbow Happy Resorts, building the resorts throughout Alola by illegal means while avoiding any punishments from the crimes he committed. He is thwarted at various points by the protagonists.
Lance is the Champion of both Kanto and Johto, as well as a member of the Pokémon G-Men detective organization. He first appeared in the Johto series, posing as a Team Rocket grunt, to infiltrate Team Rocket operations. With the help of Ash and his friends, Lance was able to stop Team Rocket and free the
Red Gyarados from their control. He returns in the Pokemon: Advanced Generation where he aids the group in stopping Groudon and Kyogre. Lance returns once again in Journeys to compete in the World Coronation series. He battled Leon for the title of Monarch, only to fall short and finished as a runner-up. He maintained his Masters Eight position, and fought Diantha in the Masters Eight Tournament, losing to her.
Steven Stone (ツワブキ・ダイゴ, Tsuwabuki Daigo, Daigo Tsuwabuki)
Steven is the Champion of Hoenn. In his debut appearance, he was not yet Champion, and helped Ash defeat Team Rocket and even showed Ash a training spot for his rematch against Brawly. He later reappeared in Pokémon the Series: XY, where he acts as an ally of Alain. He later helps stop the battle between Primal Groudon and Kyogre and also stop Team Flare's attempted destruction of Kalos, and takes Sawyer on as an apprentice. He later reappers in Pokémon Journeys: The Series, where he is a member of the Masters Eight. He battles Ash, only to lose.
Cynthia is the reigning Champion of Sinnoh. She studies archaeology and legends of the Sinnoh region. She appears many times throughout the Diamond & Pearl series where she helps Ash and his friends try to stop Team Galactic. She reappears in the Black & White series, where she aids Ash in protecting the Mythical Pokémon
Meloetta. She later reappears in Pokémon Journeys: The Series, where she aids Ash several times throughout the series which included stopping Team Galactic from rescuing Cyrus. She is also a member of the Masters Eight, where she defeated Iris and later considers retiring after the tournament. Her battle with Ash, which results in her loss, inspires her to continue battling in order to improve.
Flint is the Fire-type user of the Sinnoh Elite Four. At the age of 20, Flint moved out of Sunyshore City and became an Elite Four. He first encountered Ash and the crew when Ash was demanding a Gym Battle from Volkner, instead of just getting a Beacon Badge for free. Upon learning that Volkner refuses to fight, having grown tired of being undefeated, Flint decides to challenge Ash in an exhibition match and won with using his Infernape alone. He helped Ash and friends stop Team Rocket from stealing the Sunyshore Tower and later defeated Jasmine in an exhibition match. Flint battled Cynthia for the Champion title only to lose. He returned in Journeys competing in the World Coronation series and is in the Masters Eight, where Leon defeated Flint. By the time Ash reached the Masters Eight, Flint was demoted back to Ultra Class.
Diantha is the Champion of Kalos and a famous actress. She appears several times throughout the series and later aids Ash in stopping Team Flare. She later appears as a member of the Masters Eight in Pokémon Journeys: The Series, where she battles Lance and wins. She goes on to fight Leon, only to lose to him.
Malva is a member of the Kalos Elite Four as well as a Team Flare agent and journalist. She appeared at numerous points reporting on the news, and later reported in the Lumiose Conference. Alain had to fight Malva in order to battle against trainers who could Mega Evolve their Pokémon. When Team Flare attacked, Malva turned against them and aided Ash and Alain in defeating them. She later decided to go after Team Flare's leftovers.
Leon is the Champion of Galar from Postwick. He is friends with Sonia, who taught him how to battle. At some point, Rose took Leon under his wing so that Leon would improve his battling which caused Leon and Sonia to go their separate career paths. At the start of the series, he is the reigning Monarch of the World Coronation Series. Leon encounters Ash several times throughout the series, alongside battling various opponents such as Lance, Raihan and Flint, and notably aids in stopping the Darkest Day and Eternatus. Leon also defeated Alain and Diantha and eventually battles Ash in the final battle of the World Coronation Series, where he eventually loses to Ash.
Professors
Professor Samuel Oak (オーキド博士, Ōkido Yukinari-hakase, Dr. Yurinari Ōkido)
Professor Samuel Oak is a Pokémon Researcher and the grandfather of
Gary Oak. He was once a competitive Trainer,[24] and is generally considered the best in his field. As such, his role in the Pokémon games and anime is that of a
mentor to young
Pokémon Trainers, a source of information and an occasional
plot device. Amongst other things, he is credited with inventing the
Pokédex.[24] He also hands out a
Bulbasaur,
Charmander or
Squirtle to beginning trainers to start their adventure in the Kanto Region. Due to waking up late, Oak gave Ash a Pikachu instead of one of the usual three, as it was the only Pokémon Oak had left. Oak frequently reappears throughout the series, and Ash often sends his Pokémon to Oak when they are not in use. Oak also occasionally reads poems about Pokémon in specific episode segments. A younger version of Oak, nicknamed Sammy, appears in
Pokémon 4Ever.
Professor Felina Ivy (ウチキド博士, Uchikido-hakase, Dr. Uchikido)
Professor Felina Ivy is the resident Pokémon Professor of the
Orange Islands, south of the region of
Kanto. Professor Ivy is first introduced in the second season of the Pokémon anime. Ash and his friends
Misty and
Brock make their way to Valencia Island and meet the Professor. The unusual Pokéball that Professor Ivy discovered is dubbed the GS Ball.[24] Brock elects to stay with Ivy, though he rejoins the group in a later season.[24]
Professor Augustine Sycamore (プラターヌ博士, Puratānu-hakase, Dr. Platane)
Professor Augustine Sycamore is a Pokémon Professor in the Kalos region. He researches the Mega Evolution phenomenon, and acts as a recurring character throughout the series. Alain used to work for him, and he also hosts a summer camp, which Ash and the others attend during the course of the series. Sycamore later aids Ash and his friends in stopping Team Flare and Zygarde.
Professor Kukui is a Pokémon Professor in the Alola region. He is a teacher at the nearby Pokémon School, acting as the teacher to Ash and his friends. Kukui also lets Ash live in his house. He has a secret alias known as the Masked Royal, a celebrity Trainer who participates in "Battle Royals." He eventually marries Burnet during the course of the series, and later has a child with her. When Ash wins the Manalo Conference, Kukui challenges him to a battle. Despite the assistance of the Legendary Pokémon Tapu Koko, Ash is able to defeat Kukui.
Professor Burnet (バーネット博士, Bānetto-hakase, Dr. Burnet)
Professor Burnet is a Pokémon Researcher who specializes in the relationship between Pokémon and other dimensions. She lives with Professor Kukui and Ash, and eventually marries Kukui during the events of the series. She is later revealed to be pregnant with her and Kukui's child, and the child, Lei, is seen in Pokémon Journeys: The Series.
Mohn (モーン, Mōn, Mohn)
Voiced by:
Jirō Saitō (Japanese); Jeremy Levy (English)
Mohn was a Pokémon Researcher in the Alola region, working on researching the Ultra Wormhole phenomenon. He was married to Lusamine and father of Lillie and Gladion, but he one day vanished after being sucked into an Ultra Wormhole. It is revealed in Pokémon Journeys: The Series that Mohn was rescued by a
ShinyNihilego called Lillie, though he was rendered amnesiac. He eventually recovered, and reunited with his family.
Professor Cerise (サクラギ博士, Sakuragi-hakase, Dr. Sakuragi)
Professor Cerise is a Pokémon Professor who appears in Pokémon Journeys: The Series. He is Chloe's father, and he runs a lab in the Kanto region. Ash and Goh often aid him in his research, and Goh keeps his Pokémon at Cerise's laboratory.
Sonia is a young woman who was a childhood friend of Leon. She is also an apprentice of Professor Magnolia, a Pokémon Professor in Galar. She aids Ash and Goh in stopping the Darkest Day, after which Magnolia passes on her professor mantle to her.
Delia Ketchum is Ash's mother. She acts as a supporting character throughout the series, often communicating with Ash via video call. She has a
Mr. Mime housekeeper nicknamed Mimey (バリちゃん, Bari-chan), who helps her with chores and is also rather adept in battle.
"Joy" is the shared last name[citation needed] of the Joy family, in which most members are nurses. They mainly work in
Pokémon Centers, but they also work in other locations. Although all of them look almost identical to each other, some do have different personalities, and a few even other occupations besides nursing. Multiple Joys are judges in Pokémon Contests. Pokémon: The Electric Tale of Pikachu manga author
Toshihiro Ono cited her as one of his favorite characters to draw for the series, stating the reason as "because she's a girl".[70]
Officer Jenny (ジュンサー, Junsā, Junsar)
Voiced by:
Chinami Nishimura (EP002-EP632);
Chiaki Takahashi (EP663-EP795); Chiemi Ishimatsu (EP801–present) (Japanese); Lee Quick (Season 1-7); Jamie Davyous Owens (Season 8);
Emlyn Morinelli McFarland (Season 9–13);[60]Emily Bauer (Season 14–16; Season 23);[33] Saskia Maarleveld (Season 17-19),[71] Samantha Moon (Sun and Moon series episodes 9 to 39), Martha Harms (Sun and Moon series 70-128) (English)
"Jenny" is the shared last name[citation needed] of the Jenny family, in which most members are police officers and maintain the law and order in the Pokémon world and often oppose members of
Team Rocket. The Japanese name, junsa (巡査), means "police officer".[72]
Jimmy and Marina are main characters in
Pokémon Chronicles. The pair are respectively based on the male and female player characters of Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal. Jimmy aims to become a Champion, and is often seen with a partner Typhlosion, while Marina is interested in dance routines, later being revealed to have become a Coordinator in
Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl. The pair are old childhood friends.
Brandon is the head of the Battle Pyramid, one of the many battle facilities present at the
Battle Frontier. The Pyramid is capable of flight, and as such, its location often changes. He is the final opponent of the Battle Frontier, and prior to Ash's challenge, had bested Paul's brother Reggie, which caused the latter to quit his career as a trainer and become a breeder. Brandon defeats Ash on his first two attempts , though Brandon loses on Ash's third try. Brandon notably owns three Legendary Pokémon:
Regirock,
Regice, and
Registeel. He later travels to Sinnoh in Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl to encounter
Regigigas. After an encounter with Hunter J, Brandon elects to stay at with Regigigas to defend it. He also battles Paul, though Brandon defeats him.
Alder was the Unova Champion in Black & White series. While laidback and reckless, he does provide advice and acts as a role model to many trainers. He appears throughout the series where amongst one of his main roles was hosting the Junior World Cup Tournament, where the winner will get to face Alder. Trip won the tournament, but he lost easily to Alder. In the Pokémon Journeys: The Series, it is revealed that Iris became the new Unova Champion, confirming that Alder no longer holds the title.
N (N, Enu)
Voiced by:
Yūichi Nakamura (Japanese); Nicholas DiMichele (English)
N can hear the inner voices of Pokémon and believes that humans are using them for their own gain. Ghetsis raised N along with Anthea and Concordia, making them believe Pokémon cannot be equals with humans unless they are released from all Poké Balls. A short time before the Black & White series[episode needed] N was about to be crowned King of Team Plasma in Ghetsis' plan to use N's pure-hearted desire to save Pokémon to summon Reshiram and enslave it. However, the attempt backfired, leaving Team Plasma's castle destroyed by Fusion Flare. N, along with Anthea and Concordia flee to a secluded abandoned castle, where they spend their time tending to mistreat Pokémon. N goes on to encounter Ash, which begins to change his views, and he grows to oppose Ghetsis's plans.
Voiced by:
Kensuke Satō (Japanese);
Tom Wayland (Season 17 and the first half of season 18 ending in "Confronting the Darkness!"),
Wayne Grayson (Season 18 starting from "The Moment of Lumiose Truth!" onwards) (English)
Meyer is the father of Clemont and Bonnie and the manager of an electrical appliance store. He notably holds a secret identity as "Blaziken Mask," a superhero-like vigilante who uses a Mega Evolving Blaziken. He aids Ash first by saving his life, and then by aiding in stopping Lysandre and Zygarde.
Mairin (マノン, Manon)
Voiced by:
Mikako Komatsu (Japanese); Zoe Martin (English)
Mairin is a Pokémon trainer and companion of Alain. She owns a Chespin, nicknamed Chespie, who is put into a comatose state. She later befriends Ash and his friends, and accompanies Alain when he departs from Kalos alongside a fully restored Chespie.
Rotom Pokédex is a Pokédex given to Ash by Professor Kukui, which is possessed by a
Rotom. He accompanies Ash throughout the series, often acting as a supporting character in many episodes. He is also a fan of a detective show named "Detective Laki" which is the foundation for numerous episodes in the series.
The mother of Lillie and Gladion, Lusamine is the Leader of the Aether Foundation. She is overly affectionate towards her children, though neither are initially as fond of her. After Lusamine is fused with Nihilego and separated, the three forgive each other. She heads up the "Ultra Guardians," a group which seeks to help stops Ultra Beast attacks and send them home. She once was married to Aether Professor Mohn, who moved to Alola to commence his research on the Ultra Wormhole. She, alongside Lillie and Gladion, was on a quest to find Mohn and bring him home. Along with Gladion and Lillie, she returns to the show in
Pokémon Journeys: The Series, where they reunite with Mohn.
Chloe[73][74][75] is a ten-year-old childhood friend of Goh. She is overly cautious and takes a realistic approach to life as she distances herself from making friends, with Goh being an exception. Throughout the series, Chloe grows to become more open, and begins to travel more, primarily alongside her partner Pokémon, an Eevee who is reluctant to evolve.
Danika and Quillon (アサヒ and ツルギ, Asahi and Tsurugi)
Danika and Quillon are "Chasers" for Project Mew. The pair encounter Goh at various occasions, often aiding in Missions. They both own an Urshifu, with Danika owning a Rapid Strike form and Quillon a Single Strike form. Both later go to Faraway Island to encounter Mew alongside Horace, Goh, and Gary.
Notes
^Originally credited as Jimmy Zoppi and Billy Beach,