Rika Matsumoto, Ash’s voice actress, gave a quick interview to Anime!Anime! about the new pokemon movie. It has some interesting stuff, for example…
The number one key point of playing Ash is thinking him as a boy who wants being closer to other children. Rika would like him to be a character that, when seen by the kids, can be a friend who supports them through difficult times/when they feel lonely. Rika wants to be the Ash that can reach people’s hearts: she is positive about viewers seeing Ash not only as a friend, but maybe as a little brother, or an older brother or even like a son instead.
When asked about instances that surprised her while playing Ash, Rika commented how sometimes Ash says some mature stuff - she specifically mentioned Ash’s emotions and deeply understanding in Greninja’s departure scene in XY&Z.
Her words about Pokemon’s meetings/farewells and Ash’s relationship with pokemon, in very simple words: “a love that asks nothing in return” (無償の愛) .
Rika often answers “Bye bye Butterfree” when asked about “any episodes that you like?”- she recalls how she watched it being broadcasted on TV together with her mother and both cried really hard (aww).
She talks about this scene (0:37 - the do you dislike me? I like you!), how she intended to play an atmosphere of a parent-child moment. I think it’s sweet how she used to practice these scenes with one of her dogs, who really reminded her of Pikachu. Rika explains how 20 years ago she was still young and how she managed to convey Ash’s love straightaway - still, for this year’s movie, she thinks that this time she could really deeply express that affection. (Yeah, I personally think so too - that is definitely one of the big things that make m20 really shine!)
Any changes after these 20 years playing Ash? Yeah, her sense of responsibility became stronger: even speaking as Rika Matsumoto, she’s very conscious about her words because she doesn’t want to betray those who love Ash and want always to encourage and give energy to everybody. ♥
