New Professor revealed for upcoming new Pokémon anime series, together with titles and descriptions for final Aim to be a Pokémon Master episodes

Friede (Japanese: フリード Furiido), a new Pokémon Professor who will feature in the upcoming new Pokémon anime series, was revealed after the Pokémon anime episode that aired earlier tonight in Japan, together with Captain Pikachu, his partner Pokémon. Titles and descriptions for the final four episodes of Ash and Pikachu's final chapter, Pocket Monsters: Aim to be a Pokémon Master (currently airing Fridays at 6:55pm on TV Tokyo), have also been formally announced in a Japanese press release, together with screenshots of scenes from each episode.

At this point, very little is known about Friede and Captain Pikachu outside of what can be seen in the concept art released alongside the Japanese press release. Between his name, and the imagery evoked by his outfit of googles and a flight jacket, the character seems to be invoking the idea of freedom, perhaps as a reference to the open world nature of the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet games. With no information about the characrer's exact role, it's not clear at this point if Friede might be ferrying the characters around Paldea, or indeed between multiple different regions, as part of this series, though it's clear they will be a fairly significant character in the series.

“As the Pokémon world expands and evolves, fans will be able to embark on a new journey of action, adventure and friendship through the eyes of unique characters like Friede and Captain Pikachu when the next animated series begins premiering later this year. For 27 years, Pikachu has been synonymous with the Pokémon franchise, and we look forward to seeing this beloved Pokémon continue to have a significant presence in the animated series and remain an icon for the brand.”

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Friday, March 3rd: Banette's search!「ジュペッタのさがしもの！」

とある街にやってきたサトシとピカチュウたち。ここでは最近、あちこちの家で怪奇現象が起きているという。事件解決のために、サトシたちも事件現場の家を捜索するが、そこで目撃したのは1匹のジュペッタだった…！侵入した家から色んな物を持ち出していたジュペッタの目的は一体！？

Ash, Pikachu, and the gang have arrived at a certain street. Recently, it's been said that there have been strange happenings at various houses along the street. To try and solve these incidents, Satoshi and the others search one of the houses where an incident has occured, and what they observed there was a single Banette...! Why the heck has Banette been raiding houses for all these various things?

Friday, March 10th: Team Rocket on the Counterattack「逆襲のロケット団」

ムサシ・コジロウ・ニャース・ソーナンスの元に、ロケット団本部からデリバードがやってくる。デリバードが届けに来たのは、ロケット団が各地方でゲットしたポケモンたちだった！懐かしい仲間達との再会を喜ぶロケット団。そして、ロケット団のこれまでの全てを懸けたピカチュウゲット作戦が、今、始まる―！？

A Delibird comes for Jessie, James, Meowth, and Wobbuffet from Team Rocket HQ. Delibird came to deliver the Pokémon that Team Rocket had obtained from every region! Team Rocket are delighted to reunite with their beloved friends again. And now, Team Rocket's Pikachu-getting strategy, putting everything they've done up to this point on the line, will now begin!?

Friday, March 17th: Satoshi and Latios!「サトシとラティオス！」

サトシとピカチュウの前に、再びラティアスが姿を現す。ラティアスの「ゆめうつし」でサトシたちが見たのは、ラティオスに襲いかかるポケモンハンター！ラティオスを救うため、ラティアスとともに向かうサトシとピカチュウたち。果たしてラティオスを救い出すことはできるのか！？

Once more, Latias appears in front of Ash and Pikachu. What Ash and the gang saw in Latias's sight-sharing was a Pokémon Hunter attacking Latios! Ash and Pikachu join Latias to save Latios. Can they really save Latios!?

Friday, March 24th: Rainbow and Pokémon Master! 「虹とポケモンマスター！」

チャンピオンになったキミは、どこまでポケモンマスターに近づけたのかな―。マサラタウンに帰ってきたサトシとピカチュウは、再会したシゲルに問いかけられる。ピカチュウと旅に出た時から、ずっとめざしてきた夢、ポケモンマスター。その答えを、サトシは見つけることができるのか―！？

Now that you've become the champion, how close have you become to being a Pokémon Master? Gary questions Ash and Pikachu, who have returned to Pallet Town. Since the time I left on my journey with Pikachu, being a Pokémon Master was the dream I was always striving towards. Will Ash be able to find the answer!?

Pocket Monsters: Aim to be a Pokémon Master follows Ash on a new journey with his old friends, Misty (voiced by Mayumi Iizuka) and Brock (voiced by Yūji Ueda), where he reunites with past companions and Pokémon from the various regions he has travelled in. Cilan (voiced by Mamoru Miyano), his companion from the Best Wishes arc, returned in episode 3, however did not join the team on their continuing journey.

The opening theme for the series in Japan is Aim to be a Pokémon Master -with my friends-, a remake of the original 1997 theme set against a backdrop of highlights from Ash and Pikachu's 25 years of journeying. A remix of the original English language Pokémon Theme is expected to be used for the international release, and promotional videos for the arc on Pokémon's official English language social media accounts have already featured the original song. The show has made use of several different classic ending themes, with the Riding on Lapras (Japanese: ラプラスにのって), the sixth Japanese ending theme of the original series, having been used for the episode which aired tonight featuring Lapras.

Media Gallery

Friede	Captain Pikachu

Episode 8	Episode 9	Episode 10	Episode 11