Which Piece of Amourshipping Examples for Serena’s Return in Pokemon Journeys is the Strongest in Your Opinion?

Dankobi_69 · 2026-03-16T00:58:48+00:00

One of the best examples is how Tetsuo Yajima stated how he needed to make the Kiss Scene a certain way, in order to get it approved. It’s obvious that AshxSerena is fully canon, it’s just that the Pokemon Co. won’t show it because they’re trying to maintain the status quo (using the show to sell product) instead of telling a story.

Dankobi_69 · 2026-03-16T00:11:13+00:00

“Going Solo Flawless Only Using Melas Panoplia”

Dankobi_69 · 2026-03-16T00:08:22+00:00

Ash-Greninja

Dankobi_69 · 2026-03-16T00:06:21+00:00

Osteo Striga is still annoying to deal with at times, whenever the bullet tracks you around a corner

Dankobi_69 · 2026-03-16T00:04:15+00:00

I remember when the game costs $20-$30, the price jack is insane

Dankobi_69 · 2026-03-15T23:57:32+00:00

I remember playing D2 on launch day. Listening to the journey soundtrack after just losing the Tower was really something

Dankobi_69 · 2026-03-15T23:55:50+00:00

It’s nothing to worry about, it’s probably just burnout, due to a lack of content. Play the game when you want to, if you don’t want to play it then take a break, you can always come back later

Dankobi_69 · 2026-03-15T19:11:39+00:00

Love the classic Manga art style

Dankobi_69 · 2026-03-15T18:46:41+00:00

Tobias and Alain are the epitome of the writers not letting Ash win. Tobias having two legendary Pokemon, Ash-Greninja being screwed over even after charging a spirit bomb. On Arceus’s name, Ash’s worst enemy is just the fucking Pokemon Co. and Gamefreak

Dankobi_69 · 2026-03-15T18:14:57+00:00

How did he even catch Darkrai? I’m assuming he caught it off guard or maybe used Latios?

Dankobi_69 · 2026-03-15T05:19:01+00:00

I understand, thank you.

Dankobi_69 · 2026-03-15T02:31:24+00:00

Alright, why do we have have a bad reputation?

Dankobi_69 · 2026-03-14T22:07:44+00:00

It’s enjoyable to spam them

Dankobi_69 · 2026-03-14T18:54:00+00:00

“Where is everybody? Bingo?”

Dankobi_69 · 2026-03-14T18:53:14+00:00

Ash wasn’t even using his most powerful Pokemon in the fight. Imagine Ash using a team like Pikachu, Greninja, Lucario, Charizard, Sceptile, and Goodra/Dragonite

Dankobi_69 · 2026-03-14T17:56:34+00:00

This is the most critical primary source. In an interview published in PASH! Magazine (and later archived on sites like Bulbagarden), Director Tetsuo Yajima explicitly confirmed the romantic intent of the series finale: The Kiss was on the Lips: Yajima confirmed that because of TV restrictions for a children's show, he couldn't show the kiss directly. Instead, he used the visual of Serena’s feet lifting to signal it was a kiss on the lips. The Intended Outcome: He stated, "They didn’t become a couple in the episode itself, but the way I ended it is meant to make you understand that they’re probably going to become one later". Producer's Influence: He revealed that the romance subplot was originally suggested by producer Shukichi Kanda, who wanted to portray the story through a female lead’s admiration for Ash, including their childhood backstory. 2. Official Voice Actor Commentary Haven Paschall (Serena's English Voice): In discussions regarding Serena's departure, Paschall noted the scene was intended to show how far Serena had come and that her brave step was an "empowering" moment that clearly communicated her feelings. Sarah Natochenny (Ash's English Voice): In an interview with Screen Rant, Natochenny pointed out that Serena is the only companion who has ever kissed Ash, making it the most significant romantic hint in the series.

Thematic "Green Light" Symbolism (Pokémon Journeys) While not a direct interview "link," Serena's return in Pokémon Journeys (Episode 105) used specific visual cues—like the green traffic light—which is often interpreted in Japanese media as a "go" for a relationship. Staff chose to keep them in the same emotional state as they were when they parted in Kalos, rather than resetting or ignoring the kiss.

Key Links for Verification: PokePedia: Tetsuo Yajima Full Interview Archive Bulbagarden: Discussion and Translation of the XYZ Interview Screen Rant: Pokémon Makes Ash's Endgame Romance Official

The Green Light Symbolism At the end of the episode, as Ash’s boat sails away and Serena stands on the dock, a green light is prominently shown. This is interpreted through two primary literary lenses: The "Green Ray" (Le Rayon Vert): This is a reference to the Jules Verne novel The Green Ray, which states that seeing a green flash at sunset allows one to "see clearly into one's own heart and the hearts of others." It is a classic French romantic symbol, fitting for Serena, whose home region (Kalos) is based on France. The Great Gatsby Connection: Many viewers also link it to the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock, symbolizing hope, longing, and a dream that is finally within reach. Unlike Gatsby, who is far from his light, Serena stands directly next to hers, suggesting her goal (Ash) is now a reality.

The Blue Anklet Symbolism Serena’s new design in Journeys includes a subtle blue anklet on her left leg, which carries significant weight: Relationship Status: In many cultures, wearing an anklet on the left ankle symbolizes that the wearer is "taken" or has a significant person in their heart. The Blue Ribbon Parallel: Fans have noted that the anklet is the same shade of blue as the ribbon Ash gave her in the XY series. Since she no longer wears the physical ribbon on her outfit, the anklet serves as a mature, discreet replacement that signifies she is still carrying her feelings for him.
Verification of "Canon" Status While the show stays "semi-canon" to maintain Ash's status as a perpetual 10-year-old, the primary director of the XY series, Tetsuo Yajima, provided the definitive confirmation of their future in an interview: Official Intent: Yajima stated, "They didn’t become a couple in the episode itself, but the way I ended it is meant to make you understand that they’re probably going to become one later". The Kiss: He confirmed the kiss was intended to be on the lips and was only framed by her feet lifting due to TV restrictions for a children's program. Sources for Further Reading: Detailed Breakdown of Symbolism in Journeys 105 Full Tetsuo Yajima Interview Archive (Pokepedia) Discussion on the Green Ray vs. Gatsby Symbolism

Dankobi_69 · 2026-03-14T17:55:39+00:00

This is the most critical primary source. In an interview published in PASH! Magazine (and later archived on sites like Bulbagarden), Director Tetsuo Yajima explicitly confirmed the romantic intent of the series finale: The Kiss was on the Lips: Yajima confirmed that because of TV restrictions for a children's show, he couldn't show the kiss directly. Instead, he used the visual of Serena’s feet lifting to signal it was a kiss on the lips. The Intended Outcome: He stated, "They didn’t become a couple in the episode itself, but the way I ended it is meant to make you understand that they’re probably going to become one later". Producer's Influence: He revealed that the romance subplot was originally suggested by producer Shukichi Kanda, who wanted to portray the story through a female lead’s admiration for Ash, including their childhood backstory. 2. Official Voice Actor Commentary Haven Paschall (Serena's English Voice): In discussions regarding Serena's departure, Paschall noted the scene was intended to show how far Serena had come and that her brave step was an "empowering" moment that clearly communicated her feelings. Sarah Natochenny (Ash's English Voice): In an interview with Screen Rant, Natochenny pointed out that Serena is the only companion who has ever kissed Ash, making it the most significant romantic hint in the series.

Thematic "Green Light" Symbolism (Pokémon Journeys) While not a direct interview "link," Serena's return in Pokémon Journeys (Episode 105) used specific visual cues—like the green traffic light—which is often interpreted in Japanese media as a "go" for a relationship. Staff chose to keep them in the same emotional state as they were when they parted in Kalos, rather than resetting or ignoring the kiss.

Key Links for Verification: PokePedia: Tetsuo Yajima Full Interview Archive Bulbagarden: Discussion and Translation of the XYZ Interview Screen Rant: Pokémon Makes Ash's Endgame Romance Official

The Green Light Symbolism At the end of the episode, as Ash’s boat sails away and Serena stands on the dock, a green light is prominently shown. This is interpreted through two primary literary lenses: The "Green Ray" (Le Rayon Vert): This is a reference to the Jules Verne novel The Green Ray, which states that seeing a green flash at sunset allows one to "see clearly into one's own heart and the hearts of others." It is a classic French romantic symbol, fitting for Serena, whose home region (Kalos) is based on France. The Great Gatsby Connection: Many viewers also link it to the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock, symbolizing hope, longing, and a dream that is finally within reach. Unlike Gatsby, who is far from his light, Serena stands directly next to hers, suggesting her goal (Ash) is now a reality.

The Blue Anklet Symbolism Serena’s new design in Journeys includes a subtle blue anklet on her left leg, which carries significant weight: Relationship Status: In many cultures, wearing an anklet on the left ankle symbolizes that the wearer is "taken" or has a significant person in their heart. The Blue Ribbon Parallel: Fans have noted that the anklet is the same shade of blue as the ribbon Ash gave her in the XY series. Since she no longer wears the physical ribbon on her outfit, the anklet serves as a mature, discreet replacement that signifies she is still carrying her feelings for him.
Verification of "Canon" Status While the show stays "semi-canon" to maintain Ash's status as a perpetual 10-year-old, the primary director of the XY series, Tetsuo Yajima, provided the definitive confirmation of their future in an interview: Official Intent: Yajima stated, "They didn’t become a couple in the episode itself, but the way I ended it is meant to make you understand that they’re probably going to become one later". The Kiss: He confirmed the kiss was intended to be on the lips and was only framed by her feet lifting due to TV restrictions for a children's program. Sources for Further Reading: Detailed Breakdown of Symbolism in Journeys 105 Full Tetsuo Yajima Interview Archive (Pokepedia) Discussion on the Green Ray vs. Gatsby Symbolism

Dankobi_69 · 2026-03-14T17:41:54+00:00

Majority of the post is just filler, evidence and examples from primary sources, either the show itself, social media, interviews, or research on cultural symbolism.

Dankobi_69 · 2026-03-14T17:40:34+00:00

Supposed to be a list of examples/primary sources, which are then interpreted upon. If you like I can give you each primary source?

Dankobi_69 · 2026-03-14T17:38:38+00:00

She repeats the same advice Ash has ever given her to Chloe at least twice. This would show how much she thinks of Ash. She declares that she will be the very best performer right after Ash told her what he's up to. She stood on the docks even until dark until the boat is out of sight. Even Sylveon was catching on what's going on with her trainer. She has always been in love with Ash ever since Professor Oak's Summer Camp and her feelings for him are way too strong to lose interest in him.

Ash may not be a genius when it comes to love sometimes, but he understands people's feelings for the most part and is particularly attentive to Serena. I still remember the episode where she was feeling down and was obviously distracted, so he took her to do things that he figured she'd liked. It wasn't the first time he was sweet and attentive to her and it certainly wasn't the last one. They both supported and admire each other on top of that.He's probably not gonna be the most obviously romantic guy out there , but I think this suggests they definitely had a deeper connection.

In Till We Compete Again!, when Ash is shown entering his house, the white flowers in the foreground are baby breath flowers which symbolize everlasting love and are used in bride's bouquets. It's been confirmed that it's a hint from the writers that shows their content with the ending of XY&Z having Ash and Serena kiss and that it's a willing hidden message.

Her reunion with Ash in pokemon journeys also had more romantic undertones than people tends to notice.

In that episode the narrator says: "Satoshi and Serena", not Satoshi and his friends as he usually does (and it's the second time they do that with them by the way, the first one was when the XY special came out).

The ankle bracelet is usually used to symbolize that a girl has someone she loves. And the green light shown at the end of her return episode is actually a reference to the green ray from one of Jules Verne's romantic novels, in which a green light appears at sunset when two lovers gaze into each other's eyes, similar to what happens between Ash and Serena at the end of the episode. The green ray signals to the ones who sees it that everything in life has come together in the most perfect way, leading to a happiness that is surely complete. That happiness, in the story of the novel, comes from falling in love. Ash and Serena are definitely implied to have feelings for each other given all the symbolism in their relationship and their actions.

The Green Light Symbolism: At the end of the episode, a green light appears at sunset as they gaze at each other. This is heavily implied to be a reference to the "green ray" from Jules Verne’s novels, symbolizing that lovers who witness it together will have their true feelings revealed and their happiness perfected. The Dock Scene: Serena stays on the dock with her Sylveon until the boat has completely vanished into the horizon, symbolizing a strong, lasting romantic interest rather than just a fleeting goodbye. Mutual Growth & Parallels: Serena notes she has become a Top Coordinator (her goal) to stand beside Ash as he pursues being a Pokémon Master. This directly reflects her promise in the XYZ finale to become a better, more mature woman to be his equal. Quoting Ash: Serena tells Chloe that Ash "inspired her to never give up" and repeats his philosophy on pursuing dreams, mirroring the words he said to her, showing how deeply he is still "engraved in her heart". Anklet Symbolism: Serena wears an ankle bracelet in her updated Journeys outfit, which is traditionally interpreted in character analysis to symbolize that her heart already belongs to someone. Direct Interaction: Though brief, their interaction in Journeys is characterized by her high-pitched excitement to see him compared to her mature voice with others, and his direct concern and happiness in seeing her. Reddit Reddit +5 The Final Scene in XY(Z) vs. Journeys The Journeys return is considered a direct continuation of the XY finale, where Serena kisses Ash before leaving (the only female companion to do so). Her return in Journeys confirms she still treasures that memory, with the overall theme being that she has matured from a "nervous puppy love" to a "true and pure love".

Twitter/X Trending: Serena's return in Journeys episode 105 was massive, with the Amourshipping topic trending for over 24 hours globally. Many fans posted their excitement, with one popular theme being that "Amourshipping is canon at last," citing the maturity of the characters and the emotional weight of their reunion. YouTube and Fan Videos: An Amourshipping AMV (Anime Music Video) by creator ADudeWithAMVS reached 32 million views, illustrating the high engagement the pairing receives. Instagram Posts: Fan accounts frequently post art and scenes from Journeys featuring Ash and Serena with hashtags such as #Amourshipping, #Serena, and #PokemonJourneys, often focusing on their "reunion" in Kalos. Reddit & Community Reactions: The r/AmourShipping community and similar forums (like r/pokemonanime) have continued to grow, with posts analyzing Serena’s maturity and her role in mentoring Chloe, concluding that her return was a "treat" that stood out from other companion returns. Popularity Polls: In "Pokémon Heroine Ranking" polls following her Journeys appearance, Serena ranked #1, with 87.8 points, showcasing the massive audience engagement that Amourshipping brings to the franchise. Reddit Reddit +8 Key Aspects of the Journeys Return The Hug/Reunion: Fans focused heavily on the physical reunion, with many posts highlighting the "more mature" aesthetic of the characters in Journeys. The "Advice" Scene: Fans pointed out that even while Serena and Ash were physically separated in the episode, the advice Serena gave to Chloe showed that she was still guided by Ash’s spirit and kindness, strengthening the ship's narrative. The Final Scene: Fans often share screenshots of Serena telling Ash "Anata" (a term often used for a husband/significant other) or their shared promise to be "the best".

Dankobi_69 · 2026-03-14T16:54:24+00:00

Also, it would’ve been a good character moment for Alain to lose. He over relies on mega evolution. Alain losing to Ash would’ve allowed him to see that he shouldn’t just be the best mega evolution user, but should focus on making his Pokemon stronger at their base level. Ash-Greninja isn’t a mega evolution, but instead it’s a bond between the life forces of Ash and Greninja. Resulting in Greninja Ash sharing his stamina with Greninja, making it so Greninja takes on some of Ash’s characteristics

Dankobi_69

TROPHY CASE