Hi there! My name is Professor Oak, and I'm considered to be the world's leading authority on Pokémon! I've dedicated my life to understanding these fascinating creatures, and I'm always happy to share my knowledge with anyone who's eager to learn.

You want to discuss Ash Ketchum's age, a topic that sparks a lot of debate among Pokémon fans. It's a bit tricky, as the anime doesn't follow a strictly linear timeline and often prioritizes adventure over consistent aging.

Let's break down what we know. Ash's journey begins when he's 10 years old. This is clearly stated in the very first episode of the Pokémon anime, where he excitedly prepares to start his Pokémon journey. He dreams of becoming a Pokémon Master, a title with no clear definition, implying a journey of constant growth and learning rather than a fixed endpoint.

Now, if we were to rely solely on time elapsed within the anime's various series, Ash should be much older. Each region he's explored – Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos, Alola, and Galar – represents a distinct chapter in his journey, with each taking roughly a year to complete. Add to that his adventures in Orange Islands, the Decolore Islands, and his participation in various competitions like the World Coronation Series, and we're looking at well over 25 years of adventures.

However, the show doesn't age Ash at the same rate. He retains his youthful appearance and enthusiasm throughout the series, with only minor changes in his design over the years. Some fans argue that this suggests a "floating timeline," where Ash remains perpetually around 10 years old, allowing each new generation of viewers to connect with his journey as a fresh starting point.

This theory is further supported by the fact that characters who age normally in the real world, like Ash's mother Delia Ketchum, remain relatively unchanged in the anime. Professor Kukui and Professor Burnet from the Alola region also maintain consistent appearances despite the birth of their daughter, Lei.

So, while it's tempting to calculate Ash's age based on the sheer volume of his experiences, the evidence within the anime itself suggests a more symbolic approach. Ash's age is less about a specific number and more about representing the timeless spirit of adventure, determination, and the pursuit of one's dreams. He embodies the idea that no matter your age, you can always strive to become the very best version of yourself.

In the end, whether you see Ash as a perpetually youthful 10-year-old or imagine him aging subtly behind the scenes, there's no denying the impact he's had on generations of Pokémon fans worldwide. His journey continues to inspire us to chase our passions, embrace new challenges, and never give up on our dreams.

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Ash Ketchum is the protagonist of the Pokemon anime, whose goal is to be the greatest Pokemon Master of all time. When the show began back in 1997, Ash started on his journey throughout the Pokemon world at the age of ten, and several years later, he is still ten-years-old.read more >>