On a Japanese forum, a survey was conducted where Internet users voted on which girls best suited Ash Ketchum—the iconic main character from the Pokémon series. The poll has sparked considerable debate among fans, many of whom have long argued over who would be the ideal companion for Ash, considering the various girls who have traveled alongside him throughout his adventures.
The original Pokémon anime began in 1997 and concluded in 2023. During this time, Ash journeyed through numerous regions of the Pokémon world, facing a variety of challenges and encountering a diverse cast of characters.
One of the most distinctive aspects of the anime is Ash’s encounters with new girls in each region he explores, who typically serve as his companions. This consistent introduction of new characters helps keep the group dynamic fresh and allows the series to continuously engage a new generation of viewers.
The decision to change Ash’s female companions each season has played a significant role in this dynamic. Firstly, the rotation of characters has revitalized the anime, introducing new personalities and goals that enrich the storyline. Each companion brings their unique skills, ambitions, and individual story arcs, contributing to Ash’s development as a Pokémon Trainer. Additionally, this strategy allows viewers to witness character growth over time.
However, the anime has never established a definitive romantic pairing for Ash, despite multiple interactions and connections formed with various companions over the years. The lack of a fixed romantic interest is a deliberate choice by the creators, allowing the series to focus on Ash’s journey and growth as a Pokémon Trainer and the challenges he faces in each new region.
Choosing not to pair Ash with a permanent companion helps to emphasize themes of exploration, friendship, and overcoming challenges. Furthermore, by avoiding a standard romantic subplot, fans can interpret and discuss Ash’s relationships with his companions based on their individual perspectives and preferences. This has led to numerous theories and fan fiction within the community, keeping debates lively about who is the most suitable partner for Ash.
In summary, while the anime has not established a consistent romantic relationship for the main character, a survey conducted by Japanese Internet users highlights the interest and speculation surrounding this topic, which remains prevalent in the hearts of fans.
Below is the top 10 list of girls ranked by fans:
- Mallow – Pokémon: Sun & Moon
- Latias – Pokémon Heroes: The Movie
- Iris – Pokémon: Black & White
- Misty – Pokémon: The Series
- Bayleef – Pokémon: The Johto Journeys
- Dawn – Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl
- May – Pokémon: Ruby and Sapphire
- Lana – Pokémon: Sun & Moon
- Lillie – Pokémon: Sun & Moon
- Serena – Pokémon XY
