Who Really Kissed Ash Ketchum? Unraveling Pokémon’s Most Enduring Mystery
At least five characters kissed Ash Ketchum throughout the entirety of the Pokémon anime. These events are the source of much debate and speculation among fans, especially the kiss at the end of the movie Pokémon Heroes, but also regarding more overt displays of affection in later series. The question of who Ash may or may not have had romantic feelings for is a recurring theme in fan discussions. Now, let’s dive in to these specific events and characters with whom Ash Ketchum has shared a kiss.
Unmasking the Kissers: A Comprehensive Look
The Pokémon anime has always maintained a delicate balance between childish innocence and subtle hints of romance, creating a fertile ground for fan theories and shipping wars. While the series largely avoids explicitly addressing romantic relationships, certain moments have fueled endless discussions, none more so than the instances where Ash Ketchum receives a kiss. Here’s a breakdown of who has kissed Ash and the context surrounding those moments:
Team Rocket’s Sneaky Smooch
The first kiss wasn’t exactly romantic. Team Rocket, in their usual elaborate disguise, tricked Ash to steal his Pokemon. While posing as winners of a contest, they kissed Ash as part of the “ceremony” before revealing their true identity. Ash, realizing it was them, was disgusted and furious.
The Ambiguous Kiss of Latias (or Bianca?)
The most hotly debated kiss occurs at the end of Pokémon Heroes. As Ash and Pikachu depart Alto Mare, a girl appears and presents Ash with a drawing. She then kisses him on the cheek before running away. The ambiguity stems from the question of her identity: Is it Bianca, the spirited artist from Alto Mare, or is it Latias, the Legendary Pokémon known for its ability to shapeshift, disguised as Bianca?
The movie itself provides conflicting clues. Throughout the film, Latias develops a strong connection with Ash, mirroring Bianca’s friendly interactions with him. Some interpret the kiss as a symbolic gesture of gratitude from Latias, a way of expressing her appreciation for Ash’s bravery. Others believe it was simply Bianca, acknowledging her own burgeoning feelings for the young trainer. There is no confirmation of who it was.
Serena’s Escalator Farewell
Perhaps the most overt display of affection towards Ash is the moment when Serena kisses him on the lips. She is the Pokemon Performer who traveled with him in Pokémon XY & Z. This happened in the final episode of Pokémon XY&Z. Although not explicitly shown on screen, staff confirmed it was intended to be implied that Serena ran up the escalator and kissed Ash as part of her goodbye. It was a pivotal moment for the character.
This scene marked a departure from the series’ usual coyness regarding romance. The ambiguity was deliberately removed, making it clear that Serena harbored romantic feelings for Ash. It remains a controversial topic, with some celebrating it as a long-awaited acknowledgment of romance while others argue it deviates from the established tone of the series.
An Indirect Kiss by Melody
In Pokémon the Movie 2000, Melody gives Ash an “offering kiss” on the cheek, but technically, it’s meant for the Guardian of the sea. This could be seen as an indirect, albeit comedic, kiss on Ash.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Was the kiss in Pokémon Heroes really Latias?
The identity of the kisser in Pokémon Heroes remains unconfirmed. The movie intentionally leaves it ambiguous, allowing fans to interpret it based on their own preferences. It could be Latias in disguise, Bianca expressing her feelings, or a combination of both. The director never revealed who it was.
2. Did Ash ever kiss Misty?
There is no confirmed instance of Ash and Misty kissing in the anime. Their relationship is portrayed as a close friendship with hints of underlying feelings, but these are never explicitly acted upon.
3. Who was Ash romantically involved with?
The anime avoids explicitly defining Ash’s romantic relationships. However, Serena is the character who most clearly expresses romantic feelings for him. Others, like Misty and Melody, have moments that suggest potential romantic interest, but these are more ambiguous.
4. Did Serena kiss Ash on the lips?
While the kiss between Ash and Serena wasn’t directly shown on-screen, the staff of Pokémon XY&Z confirmed that it was indeed intended to be implied in the final episode. Serena kissed Ash before leaving Kalos.
5. Who has crushes on Ash?
Several characters display signs of having a crush on Ash, including Serena, Misty, and arguably Melody. Their feelings range from subtle hints to more overt expressions of affection, making them significant figures in the “shipping” community.
6. Will Misty and Ash end up together?
As of the end of the Pokémon anime with Ash as a protagonist, there is no confirmation that Misty and Ash will end up together. Their relationship remains open to interpretation. It is mainly seen as a close friendship.
7. Who is Ash’s wife?
As the recent anime seasons are no longer featuring Ash as a primary character, it is unconfirmed who is Ash’s wife. The series finale gave no information about a romantic relationship. The closest character many fans consider his future wife is Serena, due to the more explicit romantic subtext in their interactions.
8. What is “shipping” in the Pokémon fandom?
“Shipping” refers to the fan-driven phenomenon of pairing characters together in romantic relationships. Fans create fan fiction and fan art. These fans would consider a fictional relationship.
9. Does the Pokémon anime explore romantic relationships deeply?
No, the Pokémon anime generally avoids delving deeply into romantic relationships. It focuses more on adventure, friendship, and the bond between humans and Pokémon. Any romantic elements are usually subtle and left open to interpretation.
10. Is there any canon evidence of Ash reciprocating romantic feelings?
Ash’s romantic feelings are rarely, if ever, explicitly expressed. He is usually depicted as oblivious or uninterested in romance, focusing primarily on his goal of becoming a Pokémon Master. This has been a consistent element of his character throughout the series.
11. Why is the Pokémon Heroes kiss so debated?
The Pokémon Heroes kiss is so debated because it is ambiguous and lacks definitive confirmation. This leaves room for different interpretations, sparking endless discussions about whether it was Latias or Bianca.
12. Does Iris like Ash?
While Iris and Ash have a close, often teasing relationship, there is no explicit indication that she has romantic feelings for him. Their dynamic is more akin to that of siblings or close friends.
13. Is it important for Pokémon to have romantic storylines?
Whether it’s important for Pokémon to have romantic storylines is subjective. Some fans appreciate the subtle hints and enjoy speculating about potential pairings, while others prefer the focus to remain on adventure and friendship. The series has successfully appealed to a wide audience without relying heavily on romance.
14. Where can I learn more about the impact of games and media on children’s development?
For more insights into how games and media, including franchises like Pokémon, influence children’s learning and development, you can visit the GamesLearningSociety.org website. The Games Learning Society explores how games can be used as tools for education and cognitive growth.
15. Is Ash’s obliviousness to romance a deliberate choice by the creators?
It is likely that Ash’s obliviousness to romance is a deliberate choice by the creators to maintain the character’s youthful innocence and to avoid alienating younger viewers. It also allows the series to appeal to a wider audience who may not be interested in romantic storylines. This decision aligns with the series’ overall focus on adventure, friendship, and personal growth.