Pikachu is the mascot and signature partner of Ash in the original Pokémon anime series.
Pikachu is an Electric-type Pokémon introduced in the first-generation games. It evolves from Pichu when friendship is high and can evolve into Raichu with a Thunder Stone. Its bright yellow design, red cheek markings, pointed ears, and lightning-bolt tail made it instantly recognizable across games, animation, cards, and merchandise.
In the anime’s first episode, Ash receives Pikachu after arriving late at Professor Oak’s laboratory. Pikachu initially dislikes staying inside a Poké Ball and refuses to obey Ash, but their relationship changes after Ash protects it from danger. Their partnership becomes the emotional center of the early series.
Pikachu is sometimes confused with Raichu because Raichu is its evolved form, not the character who travels with Ash. The anime’s Pikachu is also not simply a generic representative of every Pikachu in the games; it is a named individual with a distinctive role and personality.