Delia Ketchum ハナコHanako
Delia Ketchum
Age	Unknown (animated series) 29 (novel)
Gender	Female
Eye color	Black (hand-colored episodes) Amber (digitally colored episodes)
Hair color	Auburn (hand-colored episodes) Mahogany (digitally colored episodes)
Hometown	Pallet Town
Region	Kanto
Relatives	Ash (son),Ash (son,M20), Unnamed husband (EP002,M20,M23,JNS05), Unnamed father-in-law (EP002)
Animated debut	Pokémon - I Choose You!
English voice actor	Veronica Taylor (EP001-AG133) Sarah Natochenny (AG192-JN147)
Japanese voice actor	Masami Toyoshima

Delia Ketchum (Japanese:ハナコHanako), also known asMrs. Ketchum orMs. Ketchum (Japanese:ママさんMama-san) is a major recurring character inPokémon the Series. She is themother ofAsh.

In animation

Pokémon the Series

History

Pre-series

According toTakeshi Shudō's novelization, she runs Pallet Town's only restaurant, Pallet House, which she inherited from her mother. When she was younger, she dreamed of becoming both a model and aPokémon Trainer, but abandoned those dreams to run the restaurant afterAsh was born.Pocket Monsters: The Animation also elaborates that the reason why she raised Ash by herself is that his father married her fast and then left just as fast due to him being a Pokémon Trainer. It is also implied that the reason he and Ash's grandfather didn't return is because they achieved nothing in their goal.

InSpell of the Unown: Entei, it was revealed that she was once a student ofProfessor Oak, along withSpencer Hale.

Four years prior to the events ofPokémon - I Choose You!, Delia agreed to sign her son Ash up for Professor Oak's Pokémon Camp. As she had things to do, Ash had to get up by himself, which eventually resulted in the young boy oversleeping and missing the camp.

Pokémon the Series: The Beginning

Delia debuted inPokémon - I Choose You!, telling Ash that he should get to bed for his big day tomorrow. She was then seen in front ofProfessor Oak's Laboratory with a small group of people from Pallet Town, cheering Ash on as he walked out withhis first Pokémon. She was shown to be very sad that her little boy was growing up, but quickly put it aside to tell him everything that she had packed in hisbackpack for his journey. When she unintentionally insulted Pikachu, who was already upset at getting Ash for a Trainer, he used hisThunder Shock and shocked the entire group.

Inthe next episode, Ash decided to call her while waiting for his Pikachu to be healed byNurse Joy. She seemed to be surprised that he was already inViridian. She also mentioned his father, saying it took him four days to get there when he began his Pokémon journey. Mentioning that his father would be proud of him, she commented that he was the apple of his eye. When he continued to shoot down her words of encouragement, she became angry and scolded him by telling him that he can do anything he set his mind to.

InBeauty and the Beach, she, along with Professor Oak andGary, visitedPorta Vista. She sat in the stands during theBeach Beauty and Pokémon Costume Contest, and held the trophy at the end of the episode, telling Professor Oak that she is proud of Ash.

InIt's Mr. Mime Time, Delia watched a performance of the Pokémon Circus. She watched what appeared to be aMr. Mime, but was actually Ash in costume. This was only revealed to her when Ash foughtTeam Rocket, later stealing their balloon. Later, she invitedBrock andMisty over to her house for lunch. Awild Mr. Mime that Ash, Brock, and Misty saw at the beginning of the episode tapped on the window, and Delia thought it was Ash. When letting "Ash" in for a snack, the real Ash appeared, revealing to Delia that the Mr. Mime wasn't fake. Ash asked Mr. Mime to help him, and Delia encouraged it, offering it a big dessert. Later, when Team Rocket stole the circus's Pokémon with a tank, she had the wild Mr. Mime help stop Team Rocket.Stella's Mr. Mime and the wild one built a solid tower around the tank, causing Team Rocket's missile to rebound and send them blasting off again. At the end of the episode, the wild Mr. Mime, whom Delia had nicknamedMimey, decided to stay with her.

InShowdown at the Po-ké Corral, Ash greeted his mother in the kitchen and told her that Mimey had vacuumed his face to wake him up, to which she responded that Mimey generally cleaned dirty things. She also told him that Mimey only listens to her. Later in the episode, Team Rocket appeared as a news crew at her house, claiming that they wanted to have an interview with Ash, but Delia told them that Ash was atOak's laboratory.

InThe Evolution Solution, Delia went toSeafoam Island with Ash andhis friends.

InMake Room for Gloom, she told her son to help out in the garden, but Ash says that he had to do some "serious training" in the mountains. She told him and his friends to get three to four hundred pounds of fertilizer from theXanadu Nursery.

InGo West Young Meowth, she went toHollywood with Ash and his friends. They were the only ones to watch the premiere ofCleavon Schpielbunk's new movie,Pokémon in Love, which was filmed inthe previous episode.

Three episodes later, she wished Ash good luck as he headed off to theIndigo Plateau for theIndigo Plateau Conference.

InA Friend In Deed, Delia was standing outside a restaurant in the Indigo Plateau with Professor Oak, where she met up with Ash and his friends. She acted as a cook in the restaurant, much to the confusion of the cooks. When she had cooked for them, they sat down to eat and talk. Later, she ended up stuck in an elevator with Ash, his friends, Prof. Oak, andRitchie, before when Ritchie and Pikachu saved them.

InFriend and Foe Alike, she watched Ash's round five battle against Ritchie with Brock, Misty, and Prof. Oak, and wondered why Ash was not there for the start, unaware that he had been kidnapped by Team Rocket. She was very relieved when he eventually showed up.

InFriends to the End, Delia was shown worrying about Ash when he would not get out of bed.

InThe Power of One, Delia accompanied Professors Oak andIvy to theOrange Islands when the freak weather storms caused by thelegendary birds began to wreak havoc worldwide. All the while, she worried about her son's well-being. She and Oak eventually made it toShamouti Island towards the end of the film, afterLugia had calmed the legendary birds and brought the storms to an end. She scolded Ash for risking his life in undergoing his role as "the chosen one", but later admitted that he was her hero.

InA Tent Situation, Delia arrived at her house and found Ash, Misty, Brock, andTracey there. She told Ash, Misty, and Tracey that she found Brock on the ground in a field of grass. She let him stay at her house, and he had been doing chores for her while they were away. They discussed this over dinner, and when Ash showed her theWinner's Trophy he earned for winning theOrange League, she mentioned that she could use it as a dumbbell. Later in the episode, she and Mimey packed things into Ash'sbackpack in preparation of him going toJohto for theJohto League the next day.

Pokémon the Series: Gold and Silver

InSpell of the Unown: Entei, Delia played a key role. She arrived inGreenfield upon hearing about what happened toSpencer Hale, as well as the subsequent crisis in Greenfield. Soon after, she was kidnapped by the illusionaryEntei created by theUnown and taken to the crystal tower, where she was forced to act as a "mother" toMolly Hale. Ash and his friends made their way into the former Hale mansion to rescue her. In the process, they had to battle Entei and the Unown, who were feeding upon the emotions of the grieving Molly, in the process.

InGotta Catch Ya Later!, Delia gave Ashnew clothes and a new backpack, as well as a ticket for the ferry that departs fromSeafoam Island toHoenn.

Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire

InSaved by the Beldum, Delia watched Ash light the Pokémon League torch. Later, inThe Scheme Team, she was seen welcoming Ash home.

InThe Right Place and the Right Mime, she was shown wondering what to cook for dinner, beforeMay and herBulbasaur,Combusken, andMunchlax appeared at the door. Later, May and Delia went to Professor Oak's laboratory and had tea as Ash explained theBattle Frontier to everyone. After hearing this, Delia said that there areContest Halls in Kanto, which excited May. As Ash said that he would be leaving the next day, Professor Oak asked Delia if she was worried about Ash leaving on another journey, however, she said that she wasn't. When Team Rocket tried to steal Ash's Pokémon again, Delia and Professors Oak andBirch ran out of the lab. Delia stopped Professor Birch from helping Ash and his friends from getting their Pokémon back, saying that it was their fight. When Team Rocket blasted off, Delia said that she knew they could do it. Later in the episode, Delia said her goodbyes to Ash as he set off again.

InHome is Where the Start Is!, neither Delia nor Mimey were in Ash's house when he came back from his Battle Frontier journey. He went to Professor Oak's laboratory, where the Professor and Tracey were also missed. Delia was found in the sitting room alongside Mimey, Tracey,Gary, and the Professor to welcome Ash home. Delia was presented with all seven of her son's Frontier Symbols. Soon, Delia watched Ash and Pikachu's battle against Gary andhis Electivire. After Gary won and left forSinnoh, Ash announced that he will go to Sinnoh as well. Delia was seen sewing Ash's new clothes for him that night.

Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl

Ash eventually received his newclothes that Delia made for him inWhen Pokémon Worlds Collide!.

Delia made a cameo appearance in the ending credits ofGiratina and the Sky Warrior, where she was seen receiving a bouquet ofGracidea sent by Ash and Pikachu from theSinnoh region.

Delia appeared briefly inStrategy Begins at Home!. She was delivering some herbs toProfessor Oak when she noticed he was talking to Ash over the videophone. She interrupted their conversation and then started talking toDawn'smother,Johanna. As Ash was staying at Johanna's house for the duration of theTwinleaf Festival, she told her to feel free to scold Ash if needed, much to Ash's embarrassment.

Pokémon the Series: Black & White

InIn the Shadow of Zekrom!, Delia went on a trip to theUnovaregion with Professor Oak and her son by plane. Delia was separated from her son after Team Rocket tried to capture Pikachu, but they failed when their machine was destroyed by lightning. Ash and Pikachu were pulled into the storm, and they woke up on the ground with Delia and Professor Oak by their side.Professor Juniper eventually drove up and got them toNuvema Town.

Inthe next episode, Ash departed on his Unova journey, while Delia returned home to Kanto.

InThe Dream Continues!, Delia welcomed her son home and took his laundry. She said that by the look of Ash's backpack, he certainly did his best. While Ash was at Professor Oak's laboratory, she sewed some new clothes again. Later, during dinner at home with her son,Alexa, and Professor Oak, Ash decided to travel to theKalos region. Delia suddenly left, and everyone worried that she was upset. However, she returned soon with a smile and newclothes for Ash, wishing him good luck. The next day, after Ash's plane left Delia said at the airport that Ash is always ready for adventures, and that's how boys should be. At the end of the episode, she was shown with a picture of Ash andall of his Pokémon.

Pokémon the Series: XY

InTill We Compete Again!, Delia and Professor Oak spoke to Ash and his friends via a video call and toldSerena,Clemont, andBonnie that they are welcome to stop by.

Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon

InAlola to New Adventure!, Delia traveled toAlola along with Ash after Mimey won a trip to the region in the lottery. She and Ash were also asked by Professor Oak to deliver aPokémon Egg tohis cousin at thePokémon School. By the end of the episode, she had already returned toPallet Town and was seen talking to Ash over a video call.

Delia traveled to Alola again inAlolan Open House!, where she reunited with Ash atProfessor Kukui's house. She met her son's Pokémon and gave them nicknames:Rocky (JapaneseイちゃんI-chan) forRockruff,Rowlie (JapaneseモクちゃんMok-chan) forRowlet,Littie (JapaneseニャビーちゃんNyabby-chan) forLitten, andDexy Wexy (JapaneseズカンちゃんZukan-chan) for theRotom Pokédex. Later, she went to thePokémon School, which was welcoming students' relatives as part of the Visiting Day. She watched Ash's presentation and was seen chatting withSophocles's parents. She took a liking for Litten and even used it in battle againstTupp,Zipp, andRapp fromTeam Skull. She left Ash and returned to Kanto by the end of the episode.

InAlola, Kanto!, Delia welcomed her son home, along withhis classmates, Professor Kukui, andSamson Oak.

InLillier and the Staff!, Delia returned to Alola again so she could watch Ash perform in the school play.

InFinal Rivals!, Delia alongside Professor Oak arrived atManalo Stadium to watch her son'sbattle during theManalo Conference finals and was happy and proud to witness him win the Malano Conference inthe next episode. During the attack by theGuzzlord inZ-Move Showdown!, Delia was among the people that were being evacuated until anotherGuzzlord appeared, blocking the ships.

After the crisis had been resolved, Delia remained at Manalo Stadium to watch Ash and Professor Kukui'sexhibition match fromExhibition Unmasked! toFrom Z to Shining Z!. Following Ash's win, she returned to Pallet Town.

Pokémon Journeys: The Series

InLegend? Go! Friends? Go!, Delia reminded Ash to get out of bed to visit Professor Oak's Laboratory. She later met up with him in front of the lab to accompany him and Professor Oak toVermilion City. After Ash was appointed as one ofProfessor Cerise'sresearch fellows, she left Mimey atCerise Laboratory to watch over Ash before returning to Pallet Town.

InBetrayed, Bothered, and Beleaguered!, Delia visited Ash in Vermilion City and made everyone dinner. Professor Cerise invited her to stay for the night, which she accepted. Later, Delia observed Pikachu's jealousy as Ash was spending his time training with hisRiolu. Despite her attempts to cheer him up and reminding him that he will always have a special place for Ash, Delia was joined by Pikachu for the night, and they slept together. That next day, Delia prepared to leave for Pallet Town and bade everyone farewell. However, after hearing that Pikachu ran away from Ash and came to Pallet Town, Delia scolded the Mouse Pokémon for wandering off without telling his Trainer or anyone else. After that, Delia made dinner for everyone and let Ash andGoh stay in Pallet Town for the night.

She reappeared inFriends, Rivals, Lend Me Your Spirit!, inviting Ash and Goh to stay at the Ketchum household for a night before they departed for theMasters Eight Tournament.

FromBattling as Hard as Stone! onwards, Delia watched Ash'sMasters Eight Tournament matches againstSteven,Cynthia,Leon alongside Professor Oak, Tracey, and Ash's Pokémon.

InThis Could be the Start of Something Big!, Delia attended a party at the Cerise Laboratory to commemorate Ash and Goh's departure the next day. Following the party, Mimey rejoined Delia and returned to Pallet Town with her.

InThe Road Most Traveled!, Delia met Professor Oak and briefly discussed about Ash's continued travels with him.

InThe Rainbow and the Pokémon Master!, Delia welcomed Ash back home and gave him a new pair of shoes before he left on his next journey.

Character

Delia Ketchum is a relatively reserved woman. She is usually quiet and cheerful, but when angered, she makes it known. In fact, she once shouted at an illusoryEntei and said he should be ashamed of himself inSpell of the Unown: Entei.

Delia lives inPallet Town withMimey, aMr. Mime that she befriended inIt's Mr. Mime Time. She is shown to care for Ash deeply, as he is her only child. She does reprimand him sometimes, as in the first episode, when she told him to go to bed so he would be ready for his first day as aPokémon Trainer. Throughout Ash's journey, Delia has mainly stayed at home, but she traveled with Ash to theUnovaregion inIn The Shadow of Zekrom!, and she also once visited him inVermilion City inBetrayed, Bothered, and Beleaguered!. She flew home once Ash left on his quest to collect theUnova LeagueGymBadges.

Brock once commented that she would make a great Pokémon Trainer because of her perseverance. Her husband was mentioned inPokémon Emergency! as a Trainer still on hisjourney. However, he has yet to appear onscreen.

Pokémon

This listing is of Delia's knownPokémon inPokémon the Series:

On hand

Mimey

Temporary

Litten

Debut	Alola to New Adventure!
Voice actors
Japanese	Chinami Nishimura
English	Lisa Ortiz

Main article:Ash's Litten

InAlolan Open House!, Delia quickly took a liking to Ash's Litten, giving it the nicknameLitty (JapaneseニャビーちゃんNyabby-chan) and soothing the solitary Pokémon by stroking its chin. Litten was seen with Delia throughout her visit to thePokémon School during its visiting day. WhenTeam Skull Grunts attacked, Delia took command of Litten to battle theirZubat.

Voice actors

I Choose You! trilogy

Delia appeared inI Choose You!, which is set in a different continuity fromPokémon the Series. On the dayAsh was supposed to get his first Pokémon, Delia woke him up, as he had accidentally broken his alarm clock and slept late. When her son asked her why she had not awakened him sooner, she reminded him that he had told her he could wake up himself on such an important day. AfterProfessor Oak gave Ash his first Pokémon,Pikachu, Delia showed up atProfessor Oak's Laboratory to give her son new clothes and a backpack for his journey. She remarked Ash had already become friends with Pikachu, after which Pikachu shocked Ash, Delia, and Professor Oak.

She later spoke with Ash via a video conversation, worried and upset that Ash had not called her earlier. She spoke to him again later in the movie, where she was introduced toVerity andSorrel. She appeared once more near the end of the movie, cleaning Ash's room before spotting a rainbow in the sky.

Delia reappeared inSecrets of the Jungle andDistant Blue Sky!.

Voice actors

In the manga

The Electric Tale of Pikachu

Delia appearedPikachu, I See You!, where she andAsh discoveredPikachu under the floorboards of their house, chewing on the wiring to eat the electricity. Later, she gave Ash a tearful farewell as he left on his Pokémon journey.

Movie adaptations

Delia appeared inEmperor of the Crystal Tower: Entei.

She briefly appeared inI Choose You!.

Delia appeared in a flashback inICYR1.

Pokémon Newspaper Strip

Delia is a recurring character in thePokémon Newspaper Strip. She is identified as "Ash's Mom" in the list of characters, and her name is not mentioned in the strips. She lives with her sonAsh Ketchum, and often lectures him about his chores on the house, or about controlling his Pokémon.

She was first mentioned inStrip 11, when Ash said that his mom won't mind that he made protective clothing by stitching dozens of pot holders.

She debuted inStrip 14. Delia angrily told Ash to control his Pokémon (Pikachu,Bulbasaur,Charmander, andSquirtle) before they destroy the house. She also told Ash about several chores he needed to do: that his bike was in the driveway, his room was a mess, and the leaves needed to be raked. Ash said she's right, but asked if being trapped under Snorlax would earn him a little slack. Delia ignored him, and repeatedly asked where are her linens.

InStrip 23, Delia scolded Ash because his Pikachu had electrocuted herAspidistra plant, his Bulbasaur hadvine-whipped her curtains while fighting his Squirtle, and hisSnorlax had eaten ate a frozen turkey. Delia said that Ash should either learn to control his Pokémon or give up being a Pokémon Trainer. Ash's Charmander burned the curtains, while Ash said to himself that a woman can't understand a man's passions.

InStrip 24, Delia said that Ash's Snorlax ate everything from the refrigerator. She also said that she had gone shopping three times this week because of his Pokémon, so she made Ash go shopping instead.

Trivia

• A woman with astriking resemblance appeared inFrom Cradle to Save.
• InPokémon Live!, it is stated that Delia datedGiovanni and was in his gang, but took a better route in life when she metAsh's father, though this might not be the case in theanimated series.
• In the English dub, Delia and Ash have always shared the same voice actress, even afterThe Pokémon Company International changed all of the character's voice actors. Originally, both mother and son were voiced byVeronica Taylor. Since the voice actor switch, both have been voiced bySarah Natochenny.

Names

Related articles

• Mother
• Images on the Bulbagarden Archives

This article is part ofProject Anime, aBulbapedia project that covers all aspects ofPokémon animation.

• Characters
• Female characters
• Animation characters
• Electric Tale of Pikachu characters
• Pokémon Live!
• Mothers
• Characters with confirmed ages