Some of the winners of the 17th Voice Actor Awards, which recognize the most memorable voice actors and works of the year in Japan, were announced on February 21st, 2023. The Kids Family Award, chosen from the perspective of children, went to Ikue Otani, who played Pikachu, and Rica Matsumoto, who played Satoshi in the Pocket Monsters anime series.

The 17th Voice Actor Awards is the biggest event in the world of voice acting, bringing together the most active, popular, and talented voice actors of the year, as well as veteran voice actors who have been active for many years. The actual award ceremony will take place on March 11th, 2023 and it will be the first time in 3 years that it will have live presentations.

Source: https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2268714/full/

New information has been revealed about the new series of the popular anime Pocket Monsters (airs on the TV Tokyo Network every Friday at 6:55pm, officially abbreviated "Anipoke"), which will be broadcast starting April 14th, 2023. This will be a new series where the old protagonists Satoshi and Pikachu will be replaced. A new promo image featuring Roy, one of the dual protagonists, has been released as well.

In the picture you can see various expressions of Roy, who's being presented as "a boy with a mysterious monster ball". The other of the dual protagonists, the girl Liko, was presented as "a girl with a mysterious pendant".

The new series will feature new dreams and adventures set across the entire Pokémon world as the adventures of Liko and Roy unfold alongside lots of Pokémon, including the starter trio Nyahoja, Hogator and Kuwassu.

Japanese Press Release:

テレビ東京系で毎週金曜よる6時55分から放送中のテレビアニメ「ポケットモンスター」は、少女・リコと少年・ロイの2人が登場する新シリーズを2023年4月14日（金）に放送することを発表。先週の放送で公開されたリコの新情報に続き、もう一人の主人公・ロイの新たな情報が公開となりました。

本日の放送で新たに明らかになった謎のモンスターボール。様々な装飾が施され、どこか古めかしさを感じるこのモンスターボールは一体…！？さらに、ロイの様々な表情が描かれたイラストも公開！新シリーズのさらなる情報は今後のテレビアニメ「ポケットモンスター」でも続々発表しますので、是非ご注目ください！

Source: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000828.000002610.html

To celebrate 25 years since the initial release of Pokémon: The First Movie, MCM is hosting an English dub cast reunion during MCM Comic Con London May 2023. Join Veronica Taylor, Jay Goede, Eric Stuart & Rachael Lillis all weekend! Photo ops and autographs will be available. The ticket price range is from £18.33 to £62.50 for a weekend pass.

MCM Comic Con London May 2023

Time to get excited for the best weekend of the year! We can’t wait to welcome you back for an unforgettable three-day celebration of all things pop culture as MCM returns to ExCeL London 26-28 May 2023 for our first MCM Comic Con of the year!

Don’t miss out on the chance to meet your favourite film, gaming and anime stars. Embrace the joy of browsing art and comics from independent and mainstream creators. Dance in the sunshine at our MCM Fringe Stage. Battle your friends (or make new ones!) in tabletop tournaments and play the hottest console games around.

At MCM Comic Con, you’re free to be yourself and experience all the special little moments you don’t get anywhere else.

Sources: https://discord.com/channels/270410630496911361/270410630496911361/1068585588564971520 and https://www.showclix.com/event/mcm-comic-con-london-2023Ap6hn

The Pokémon Company International officially announced that a new batch of episodes from Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series will air on Netflix in the United States on February 24th, 2023. The series is already airing in Canada on Teletoon.

NEW EPISODES OF ‘POKÉMON ULTIMATE JOURNEYS: THE SERIES’ PREMIERING IN FEBRUARY

Featuring Ash and His Pikachu in Their Final Season, New Episodes to Debut in U.S. Exclusively on Netflix

Bellevue, Wash. — Jan. 24, 2023 — The Pokémon Company International announced a new batch of episodes from “Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series” will premiere Feb. 24, 2023, exclusively on Netflix in the U.S. The 25th season of the globally popular animation follows Ash Ketchum and his Pikachu, as well as Goh and Chloe, on their latest adventures in the Pokémon world.

“Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series” marks the final chapter for Ash and his Pikachu in the current Pokémon animated series, which will conclude with a collection of special episodes to commemorate their 25-season journey. For this final season of the iconic duo, Trainers can stay tuned to Netflix to join Ash and his Pikachu as they set off on their next action-packed adventure. Availability of additional batches of episodes, including the culmination of the series and the special collection of episodes sending off Ash Ketchum, will be announced at a later date for viewers in the U.S.

Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series” Part Two Synopsis:

Ash’s next World Coronation Series battle is against Drasna of the Kalos Elite Four, but first, he visits his friends Clemont and Bonnie! Then, Chloe meets another of Ash’s friends and enters a Pokémon Contest Spectacular with Eevee, and when Ash’s bond with Lucario reminds him of Greninja, he heads back to Kalos for some special training. Meanwhile, Goh faces his final trial missions for Project Mew, and a trek through the Crown Tundra results in a joyous reunion for Lillie’s family. As the Masters Eight Tournament draws near, Ash’s former rival Paul appears—and Ash is eager to battle!

Source: https://press.pokemon.com/en/releases/MEDIA-ALERT-NEW-EPISODES-OF-POKEMON-ULTIMATE-JOURNEYS-THE-SERIES-PREMI

To commemorate 25 years of the anime, a special episode called Pocket Monsters The Distant Blue Sky (ポケットモンスター 遥かなる⻘い空 ) is set to air on December 23rd, 2022 on TV Tokyo. The same production team from 1997 will be involved.

Summary:

Satoshi and Pikachu continue their journey to become Pokémon Master. Satoshi has promised to meet his mother Hanako in Tonari Town, but Pikachu gets abducted by the Rocket Gang on the way, and as Satoshi seraches for it, he runs into a mysterious boy named Haruto. This is the story of one of Satoshi and Pikachu's encounters on their adventure.

Staff:

Director: Kunihiko Yuyama (湯山邦彦)
Screenplay: Shōji Yonemura (米村正二)
Character Design: Sayuri Ichiishi (一石小百合)
Character Design: Shuhei Yasuda (安田周平)
Music: Shinji Miyazaki (宮崎慎ニ)
Animation: OLM

YouTube Clip - Pocket Monsters: The Distant Blue Sky Trailer

Source: https://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/pocketmonster/news/index.html#231988
Source: https://twitter.com/anipoke_PR/status/1603697694253678592

The Opening theme Mezase Pokemon Master -with my friends- (めざせポケモンマスター -with my friends-) will air as part of the Pocket Monsters: Aim to be a Pokémon Master (ポケットモンスター めざせポケモンマスター) mini-series that features 11 episodes and will air on TV Tokyo at 6:55 every Friday starting on January 13th, 2023.

Staff:

Executive Director: Kunihiko Yuyama (湯山邦彦)
Director: Daiki Tomiyasu (冨安大貴)
Series Construction: Atsuhiro Tomioka (冨岡淳広)
Character Design: Shuhei Yasuda (安田周平)
Sound Director: Masafumi Mima (三間雅文)
Music: Yuki Hayashi (林ゆうき)

Summary:

In April 1997, Satoshi and Pikachu set off from Masara Town into the world of "Pocket Monsters". And as Satoshi has been meeting and battling lots of companions, he's always aimed for one thing: To become the "Pokémon Master" of his dreams.

"Pocket Monsters: Mezase Pokémon Master", which premieres January 13th 2023, will depict Satoshi and Pikachu's adventure towards that distant dream across a planned total of 11 episodes. In addition to his former travelmates Kasumi and Takeshi, these episodes will also feature the Pokémon Satoshi formed strong bonds with and got in various regions, bringing even more excitement to this already thrilling and emotional adventure.

YouTube Clip - Pocket Monsters: Aim to be a Pokémon Master Trailer

Source: https://twitter.com/anipoke_PR/status/1603698448997310464
Source: https://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/pocketmonster/news/index.html#231990

In April 2023, the curtain rises for new dreams and adventures set across the entire Pokémon world! The video that was revealed for the first time in the world today also announced the two new protagonists of this series, a young girl named Liko and a young boy named Roy, who also appear in the teaser poster.

The new series will see an adventure unfold alongside lots of Pokémon, including Nyahoja, Hogator and Kuwassu from the new Pocket Monsters games "Pocket Monsters Scarlet/Violet" for the Nintendo Switch. The alternately colored legendary Pokémon "Black Rayquaza" will appear as well... Please stay tuned for further news.

English Dub Summary

A brand-new Pokémon series has been announced! Join two new characters and three Paldea starter Pokémon as they adventure through the exciting world of Pokémon! Plus, commemorate Ash’s journey with a collection of special episodes concluding Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series. Coming soon in 2023 and beyond!

YouTube Clip - The New Pocket Monsters Series Trailer

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hM74TTHPUcM

YouTube Clip - An All-New Pokémon Series Is Coming (English Subbed)

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_VMGv2kKEI

Press Release - POKÉMON REVEALS NEW ANIMATED SERIES AND STORYLINE

Fans Receive Early Look at All-New Episodic Animated Pokémon Adventure
Details Also Announced for Collection of Special Episodes Celebrating Ash Ketchum’s Journey Through the Years
Bellevue, Wash. — Dec. 16, 2022 — The Pokémon Company group announced a new Pokémon animated series that will follow a never-before-seen storyline and characters — including dual protagonists named Liko and Roy in the Japanese version of the series — as they set off on action-packed adventures across the Pokémon world.

The new series will premiere across markets in 2023 and beyond, and it will feature Paldea first partner Pokémon Sprigatito, Fuecoco and Quaxly from the Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet video games, as well as the Legendary Pokémon Rayquaza in its Shiny form. Fans can look forward to unraveling the mysteries of the Pokémon world — from exciting Trainer battles to fun Pokémon encounters.

The upcoming story will debut after the current season of the Pokémon animation, “Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series,” which features Ash Ketchum and his Pikachu winning the Masters Eight Tournament of the Pokémon World Coronation Series.

Following Ash’s historic win as Pokémon World Champion — the culmination of his adventures spanning 25 seasons — fans can commemorate his storied journey with a collection of special episodes to conclude “Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series.” These episodes will feature fan-favorite Pokémon and characters, including Misty and Brock, and they will provide a glimpse at what the future may hold for the world’s strongest Trainer in this final chapter for Ash and his Pikachu.

The forthcoming special episodes not only celebrate Ash’s monumental achievement, but they also act as an expression of gratitude from Pokémon to all the fans who have joined him and his partner Pokémon Pikachu along the way. Fans can also look forward to what’s to come in the new animated series, which will represent everything they love about Pokémon animation, including action, adventure, friendship and Pokémon.

“Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series” is streaming now exclusively on Netflix in the U.S. Fans can check back with Netflix and The Pokémon Company International for information about new episode availability.

Source: https://press.pokemon.com/en/releases/POKEMON-REVEALS-NEW-ANIMATED-SERIES-AND-STORYLINE

Pokémon Master Journeys: The Series is no longer a Netflix exclusive and fans in the United States can now purchase episodes of Pokémon Master Journeys: The Series on iTunes, Google Play, and Amazon.

Press Release - Pokémon Master Journeys: The Series’ Now Available on iTunes, Google Play, Amazon in U.S.

Bellevue, Wash. — Nov. 29, 2022 — The Pokémon Company International announced today the 24th season of the globally popular Pokémon animated series, “Pokémon Master Journeys: The Series,” is now available to rent or purchase on digital storefronts across the U.S.

Fans can check iTunes, Google Play and Amazon for pricing details and to join Ash and his partner Pikachu, as well as Goh and Chloe, as they continue their journeys in the Pokémon world.

“Pokémon Master Journeys: The Series” features 42 episodes of action-packed adventure. The season trailer can be viewed on the official Pokémon YouTube channel.

“Pokémon Master Journeys: The Series” Synopsis:

It’s a big, big world, but you know where to find Ash and Goh—battling and catching Pokémon from Kanto to Galar! With Pikachu, Cinderace, and their other Pokémon beside them, our heroes continue to travel all over the world to research Pokémon for Cerise Laboratory. Along the way, Ash climbs higher in the World Coronation Series rankings, and Goh adds more Pokémon to his Pokédex in his quest to catch Mew. Meanwhile, Chloe takes her first steps as a Pokémon Trainer when she meets a mysterious Eevee. New friends, returning rivals, and exciting adventures await—as the journey continues!

The Pokémon Company group posted a press release shortly after the airing of PM2019 132: The Finals IV: Partner in Japan on November 11th, 2022.

ASH KETCHUM BECOMES WORLD CHAMPION

The Boy from Pallet Town Achieves His Goal After 25 Seasons by Becoming World's Strongest Trainer ​​

Bellevue, Wash. — Nov. 11, 2022 — The Pokémon Company group revealed that Ash Ketchum, the protagonist of the Pokémon animated series, has become the top Trainer in the Pokémon world after winning the Masters Eight Tournament of the Pokémon World Coronation Series. Ash welcomes his victory in the latest episode of “Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series,” which premiered today in Japan and will air worldwide in the future.

In the latest season of the Pokémon animated series, Ash and his Pikachu have put their training to the test—and as a result, Ash has officially achieved his goal of becoming the new Monarch of the Pokémon World Coronation Series. The historic win represents a culmination of Ash’s adventures in the Pokémon world, from countless battles to challenging quests, spanning 25 years.

Since the start of their journey in the Kanto region, Ash and his Pikachu have faced numerous rivals, often coming in shy of a tournament victory. However, the pair continued to forge ahead, with Ash eventually securing the title of the first-ever Pokémon League Champion at the Manalo Conference in the Alola region, signifying how far he had come as a Pokémon Trainer.

Ash’s title of World Champion is also a significant pop culture milestone and celebration for Pokémon fans around the world who have remained committed to following his journey over the past 25 years.

“Ash Ketchum’s determination and perseverance to achieve his goal of becoming the world’s top Pokémon Trainer over the course of 25 seasons represents the very best of what it means to be a Trainer,” said Taito Okiura, vice president of marketing for The Pokémon Company International. “We cannot wait to celebrate this moment with Pokémon fans when the newest season of ‘Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series’ and this adventure-defining episode air around the world in the coming year. This is a season fans won’t want to miss!”

“Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series” is streaming now exclusively on Netflix in the U.S. Fans can stay tuned to Netflix for new episode availability information and to join Ash and his Pikachu as he embarks on his latest adventure in becoming the world’s strongest Pokémon Trainer.

Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series come to Netflix on October 21st, 2022 in the United States. Embark on an all-out adventure as the stakes have never been higher as Ash, Goh, and Chloe face their toughest challenges yet!

Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series Comes to Netflix

Ash, Goh, and Chloe’s adventures continue in the 25th season of Pokémon the Series. Watch the trailer now!

The stakes are higher than ever for Ash, Goh, and Chloe as they advance toward their goals in the 25th season of Pokémon the Series. The first 12 episodes of Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series come to Netflix on October 21 in the United States, continuing the trio’s adventures as research fellows and Trainers at Cerise Laboratory in Kanto. As the Pokémon World Coronation Series heats up, intensive training is in store for Ash, Pikachu, and their Pokémon friends.

Meanwhile, Goh embarks on a series of challenging trial missions to become a member of Project Mew. And as Chloe and Eevee learn about the different Evolutionary paths that Eevee can take, will they be able to come to a decision about its future?

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/pokemon-ultimate-journeys-the-series-comes-to-netflix/

YouTube Clip - Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series | Coming Soon to Netflix

Sources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyrWFzV5U5Y