Ash Ketchum and Pikachu leaving Pokémon, will no longer be the main characters in 2023

After finally becoming the very best like no one ever was, Ash Ketchum's 25 year journey in the animated Pokémon TV series will soon be coming to end as the series will focus on brand new characters next year.

The boy from Pallet town, alongside his longtime partner Pikachu, became the world champion in an episode of "Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series" that aired in Japan in November. With the series' main character as the top Pokémon trainer, The Pokémon Company announced the "the final chapter in Ash and Pikachu's story" will begin on Jan. 13, 2023 with 11 episodes culminating the journey that began in 1997.

"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," The Pokémon Company said in a statement. "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."

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After Ash's story comes to a close, Pokémon will shift to dual protagonists, named Liko and Roy in Japan, in a new series to be released at some point in 2023.

"Fans can look forward to unraveling the mysteries of the Pokémon world – from exciting trainer battles to fun Pokémon encounters," The Pokémon Company said.

Sarah Natochenny, who's voiced Ash in the English version of the show since 2006, said in a Twitter post it's been "an extraordinary privilege" to have voiced the character.

"No matter what lies beyond his final chapter, he’ll live forever in the hearts of many generations to come. I'll keep him present for all of us in every way I can," Natochenny said.

Pokémon episodes typically air in Japan first before airing in the U.S., and other parts of the world, months later. The Pokémon Company has not yet announced when the English version of the final episodes featuring Ash and Pikachu will air.

Episodes of "Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series" are available on Netflix in the U.S.

Follow Jordan Mendoza on Twitter: @jordan_mendoza5.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pokémon's Ash Ketchum, Pikachu leaving series for new characters