Rica Matsumoto

Rica Matsumoto, born on November thirtieth, nineteen sixty-eight, in Yokohama, Japan, is a multifaceted talent known for her work as a singer, voice actress, actor, and radio personality. Often romanized as Rika Matsumoto, she has made significant contributions to the world of anime and music, particularly as one of the founding members of the renowned anison band JAM Project.

Her career took off with early stage performances, leading her to establish herself in both voice acting and singing. Matsumoto is perhaps best recognized for her iconic role as Satoshi, known as Ash Ketchum in English adaptations, in the beloved anime series Pokémon. Her impressive portfolio also includes notable characters such as Rumi Hidaka in Perfect Blue, Ryo Bakura in Yu-Gi-Oh!, Midori Kodama in Azuki Chan, and Aoi Futaba in You're Under Arrest.

In addition to her voice acting roles, Matsumoto has lent her vocal talents to numerous opening themes for the Japanese Pokémon anime, further solidifying her status in the industry. With lead and supporting roles in dozens of series, she has become a familiar voice to many fans. Beyond acting, she has hosted a radio show in Japan and has participated in dubbing American films and television series into Japanese.

In April two thousand eight, Matsumoto announced her decision to take a break from JAM Project to concentrate on her solo endeavors, showcasing her dedication to her craft and her desire to explore new artistic avenues.