Professor Oak
Professor Oak, also known as Professor Samuel Oak, is a distinguished Pokémon researcher based in Pallet Town in the Kanto region. He resides and operates from his research laboratory.
Gender: | Male |
Region: | |
Position: | Pokémon Trainer (formerly) Pokémon Professor |
Generation Appearance: | Generation I, II, III, IV, VII and VIII |
Debut Appearence | Pokémon – I Choose You! |
He makes occasional appearances to offer guidance to Ash Ketchum in his quest to become the ultimate Pokémon Master.
Anime appearances
Pre-series
Professor Oak is one of the leading authorities on Pokémon in the Pokémon world. He is widely respected for his extensive knowledge of Pokémon biology, behavior, and habitats.
In “Will the Real Oak Please Stand Up?”, Professor Oak shared his childhood nickname, “Flying Finger Sammy”, earned for his gaming prowess. He was once a lecturer at Celadon University, mentoring students like Foster and Professor Elm. Oak’s fascination with Pokémon began when he encountered an Omanyte fossil. He hosted Pokémon Summer Camps, imparting knowledge to attendees like Goh, Chloe, Ash, and Serena.
Original series
As a professor, Oak plays a pivotal role in the Pokémon journey of young trainers. He is responsible for providing new trainers with their first Pokémon and Pokédex, essential tools for embarking on their journey to become Pokémon Masters. Oak’s laboratory serves as a starting point for many aspiring trainers, where they receive guidance, education, and encouragement before setting out into the vast world of Pokémon.
Professor Oak made his debut in “Pokémon, I Choose You!” as a renowned Pokémon Professor. He introduced the first partner Pokémon on a TV show. The next day, Gary Oak and others sought Pokémon from Oak’s lab. Gary received Squirtle. When Ash arrived late, he was left with Pikachu, leading to their iconic journey together.
Throughout Ash and Gary’s adventures, Professor Oak cared for the Pokémon they sent to his lab. He occasionally boasted about Gary’s progress, igniting Ash’s competitive spirit. Despite Gary’s loss at the Indigo Plateau Conference, Oak remained optimistic, believing it was a learning experience. He attended the conference to support Ash, arriving with Ash’s mother.
Aside from his role in mentoring trainers, Professor Oak is deeply committed to Pokémon research.
After the Indigo Plateau Conference, Professor Oak tasked Ash with retrieving a mysterious Poké Ball from Professor Ivy on Valencia Island. He encouraged Ash to compete in the Orange League for further training. Alongside Ash’s journey, Oak gained an admirer in Pokémon Watcher Tracey Sketchit, who later became his assistant. Unable to solve the mystery of the GS Ball, Oak enlisted Ash’s help to deliver it to Kurt in the Johto region. Ash completed the task in ”Going Apricorn!”, leaving the Ball with Kurt for further study.
In “Will the Real Oak Please Stand Up?”, Oak and DJ Mary announced a live show in Maroon Town. In “Hatch Me If You Can”, Oak and Delia visited New Bark Town to see Ash and Professor Elm before the Silver Conference. They later traveled to Silver Town to watch Ash and Gary compete. After Ash’s departure to Hoenn, Oak provided him with an updated Pokédex and wished him luck.
Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire appearences
In “Gonna Rule the School” Oak taught at Rustboro’s Pokémon Trainers’ School via satellite. Later, in “A Six Pack Attack!” he visited Hoenn to meet Professor Birch, bringing Kanto’s first partner Pokémon. When Team Rocket kidnapped the Pokémon, Oak, May, and Max joined forces to rescue them. In subsequent episodes, Oak entrusted a Squirtle to May and agreed to care for her Bulbasaur.
In “The Unbeatable Lightness of Seeing!” Professor Oak uplifted Ash with a thoughtful package and news about Gary‘s research in Sinnoh. He later judged a Contest Battle between May and Drew, resulting in Drew’s victory.
Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl appearences
In Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl, Professor Oak continues his role as a knowledgeable and supportive figure for Ash and his friends. He offers guidance and assistance remotely from his lab in Pallet Town, but he occasionally visits other regions to conduct research and interact with other Pokémon professors, further expanding his contributions to the world of Pokémon training and research.
Throughout Ash’s journey in the Sinnoh region, he maintained regular communication with Professor Oak, seeking advice and updates on Pokémon-related matters. Despite being known for his Pokémon poetry rather than his research, Oak provided valuable insights and suggestions to Ash and his friends. He recommended visiting the Old Chateau to try the renowned Old Gateau and encouraged Ash to learn from Johanna, a Top Coordinator, during his stay in Twinleaf Town. Additionally, Oak attended the Twinleaf Festival as a special guest, further showcasing his involvement in Ash’s adventures.
During the Twinleaf Festival in Sinnoh, Professor Oak embarked on a journey to give a lecture on Pokémon and Evolution stones. However, his plans were disrupted when his car had a flat tire near a marshland. While waiting for repairs, Oak encountered a depressed Lombre. Understanding its plight, Oak offered a Water Stone, prompting Lombre to evolve into Ludicolo and lifting its spirits. This act of kindness showcased Oak’s empathy and connection with Pokémon.
In Twinleaf, James, disguised as Professor Oak, schemed to steal attendees’ Pokémon at the town’s auditorium. Upon Oak’s arrival, confusion ensued as James claimed to be the real Oak. After resolving the situation, Professor Oak proceeded with his lecture.
Pokémon the Series: Black & White appearences
In Pokémon the Series: Black & White, Professor Oak appears mainly through phone calls and video chats, providing guidance and support to Ash and his friends as they journey through the Unova region.
Professor Oak’s plans to visit the Unova region with Ash and Delia were interrupted, but he remained involved in Ash’s journey through frequent phone calls and video chats. He offered support and guidance, even as Ash faced setbacks like losing at the Vertress Conference. Oak also facilitated Ash’s decision to switch Pokémon, welcoming Charizard to his lab and approving of Unfezant’s addition to Ash’s team.
In the Decolore Islands, Professor Oak aimed to capture a Rotom for study, eventually succeeding with Ash’s help. He also assisted Ash by sending his Unova Pokémon to him when needed.
In “The Dream Continues!”, Professor Oak enjoyed an interview with Alexa, a Kalos reporter, providing him the opportunity to see Pokémon from the region. He witnessed Ash’s decision to challenge Kalos’s league with Alexa’s support. Once again, Ash entrusted his Unova Pokémon and Charizard to Oak’s care, the latter now permanently staying at the lab.
Pokémon the Series: XY appearences
In Pokémon the Series: XY, Professor Oak primarily remains in Kanto, overseeing his laboratory. He occasionally communicates with Ash and his friends, offering advice and support as they journey through the Kalos region.
In “A Battle of Aerial Mobility!”, Professor Oak encountered Froakie, Ash’s Greninja, and was surprised by Rotom’s antics. Later, in “Battling on Thin Ice!”, it was revealed that both Ash and Serena attended Professor Oak’s Pokémon Summer Camp in their childhood. In “Till We Compete Again!”, he joined Delia in a video call with Ash and his friends, discovering Ash’s imminent return to Pallet Town.
Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon appearences
Upon winning a trip to Alola, Delia and Ash visited Professor Oak’s lab, where he received Ash’s Pokémon and entrusted Delia with a special Egg. The Egg was to be delivered to his cousin, Samson Oak, at the Pokémon School on Melemele Island. Upon confirming the safe arrival of the Egg, Professor Oak kept its contents a mystery until it hatched into a Vulpix, revealed in ”Getting to Know You!” when Samson introduced the newly hatched Pokémon to Ash.
In ”Alola, Kanto!”, Ash and his companions visited Professor Oak’s lab to study the differences between Kantonian and Alolan Pokémon. He briefly appeared in ”When Regions Collide!” as Kukui and his students returned to Alola. Later, Professor Oak was seen on television in ”Night of a Thousand Poses!”. In ”Show Me the Metal!”, Ash contacted him about discovering Meltan, and Professor Oak identified it as a new species, naming it “Meltan“, the Hex Nut Pokémon, and classifying it as a Steel-type.
In ”Final Rivals!”, Professor Oak and Delia arrived at Manalo Stadium to support Ash during the Manalo Conference finals. They met Ash’s Meltan for the first time and witnessed its evolution into Melmetal. Oak was thrilled when Ash won the conference in the next episode. During Guzzlord’s attack in ”Z-Move Showdown!”, Oak joined the evacuation but faced another Guzzlord blocking the ships. After the crisis, he stayed for Ash and Professor Kukui’s exhibition match before returning to Pallet Town with Delia.
Pokémon Journeys: The Series appearences
In Pokémon Journeys: The Series, Professor Oak continues to play a supportive role. Oak remains a trusted mentor, aiding Ash and his companions on their adventures and research endeavors across various regions.
In “Legend? Go! Friends? Go!”, Professor Oak journeyed to Vermilion City for the inauguration of Cerise Laboratory and invited Ash to join him. After Ash became one of Professor Cerise’s research fellows, Oak and Delia returned home. Later, in “Advice to Goh!”, Oak met Ash and Goh at his lab, where he commended Goh on his extensive Pokémon captures and shared insights about Project Mew. In “Friends, Rivals, Lend Me Your Spirit!”, Professor Oak welcomed Ash and Goh back to his lab. He observed the intense battle between Ash and Paul and informed them that Paul had visited to learn more about Pokémon, as he was asked to become a Gym Leader.
In several episodes, Professor Oak, along with Delia and other characters, watches Ash’s tournament battles. He expresses pride in Ash’s achievements and congratulates him on his victories. Later, he attends events at Cerise Laboratory and interacts with other trainers, including Gary and Horace. In one instance, he helps Ash and Gary search for a missing Charmander, showing his ongoing involvement in their adventures.
About Professor Oak
Professor Oak is renowned as a leading authority on Pokémon in the Pokémon world. He resides in Pallet Town, where he operates a research laboratory dedicated to studying Pokémon behavior, habitats, and biology. Oak is the leading authority on Pokémon in the Kanto region, residing in Pallet Town, just a stone’s throw away from Ash Ketchum and his mother Delia.
In the novelizations by Takeshi Shudō, Professor Oak hails from a distinguished lineage. His family includes a mayor and a postmaster in Pallet Town, and his grandfather was a renowned Trainer. Oak gained recognition with his research paper on Pokémon at 20 and became a Celadon University professor at 25. His research primarily explores human-Pokémon interactions.
With decades of experience in Pokémon research, Professor Oak possesses extensive knowledge about various species of Pokémon, their habitats, and their abilities. Professor Oak plays a crucial role in guiding and mentoring young Pokémon trainers, particularly Ash Ketchum.
Oak is portrayed as a kind and compassionate individual who deeply cares about Pokémon and their well-being. He often emphasizes the importance of forming strong bonds with Pokémon and treating them with respect and kindness. Despite his advancing age, Professor Oak retains an adventurous spirit and a curiosity about the Pokémon world. He occasionally embarks on research expeditions to different regions, eager to study new Pokémon species and phenomena.
Oak has a close relationship with his family, including his grandson Gary Oak and his cousin Samson Oak. He frequently appears alongside Delia, who is not only Ash’s mother, but also his good friend.
His well-known forgetfulness and other quirky behaviors are quite famous. Additionally, he enjoys composing senryū, which are poems resembling haiku but focused on Pokémon or Pokémon-related topics.
Throughout the Pokémon series, Professor Oak commands respect from trainers, researchers, and other members of the Pokémon community. His insights and expertise are highly valued, and he is regarded as a pillar of the Pokémon research community.
Professor Oak's Pokémon team
In the Pokémon anime and related media, Professor Oak typically doesn’t engage in battles or capture Pokémon like trainers do. Instead, he serves as a Pokémon researcher and mentor to trainers.
Throughout the series, Professor Oak has interacted with and studied numerous Pokémon.
Core series games appearances
Professor Oak operates from his Laboratory in Pallet Town with the help of his aides. In Pokémon Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, FireRed, and LeafGreen, he provides Red and Blue with their first partner Pokémon. In FireRed and LeafGreen, he also awards the player the National Pokédex after they have captured at least 60 Pokémon. An inspiration to many Trainers and researchers, including Professor Elm, Oak consistently plays a significant supporting role in the games he appears in.
During his childhood, Oak was friends with Agatha. They remained close and were top-tier Pokémon Trainers until Oak shifted his focus from battling to researching Pokémon. He also has many others old friends.
Though always prominent in Kanto, by Generation II and Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, he evolves into more of a celebrity, becoming known as a “star Pokémon Researcher”. His fame extends to Johto, in part due to his Radio Show with DJ Mary.
In Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!, Professor Oak reprises his role for Chase/Elaine and Trace, similar to his role for Red and Blue. Initially, he offers two first partner Pokémon, but after the player catches their partner Pokémon, the third Pokémon remains undisclosed.
Spin-off games appearances
Professor Oak appeares in: ”Hey You, Pikachu!”, Pokémon Trading Card Game series, Pokémon Snap, Puzzle series (Pokémon Puzzle Challenge, Pokémon Puzzle League), Play It! series, PokéROM, Pokémon Channel, Pokémon GO and Pokémon Masters EX.
Manga appearances
Ash & Pikachu
In the eleventh chapter of this manga, ”Do Your Best Bulbasaur!!”, Professor Oak made his debut.
In this manga, Pokémon seen in Professor Oak’s lab are: Gloom, Vileplume, Bellossom, Poliwag, Wooper, Skiploom, Jumpluff, Oddish, Poliwhirl and Hoppip.
The Electric Tale of Pikachu
In this manga, Professor Oak plays a role as a mentor to Ash and guides Bill. Unlike the anime, he didn’t initially give Ash his Pikachu. They meet later, with Oak aiding Ash during a journey at Mt. Moon, introducing him to Bill and Clefairy. Oak then upgrades Ash’s Pokédex, providing valuable assistance.
Ash meets Professor Oak again in “Clefairy in Space,” investigating strange Clefairy activity. Oak also serves as an announcer at the Indigo Plateau Conference. Their last encounter before Ash’s Orange Archipelago journey is at the Pokémon Research Center, where they research a giant Slowpoke. In this canon, Oak started his Pokémon journey at six years old, catching a Charmander that evolved into Charmeleon and then Charizard.
Pokémon belonging to Professor Oak in this manga are Sandshrew and Char.
Movie adaptations
Professor Oak appears in “Mirage Pokémon Lugia’s Explosive Birth”, the manga adaptation of the movie of the same name, serving the same function as in the movie.
Professor Oak returned in “Emperor of the Crystal Tower: Entei”, the manga adaptation of the movie of the same name, playing the same role as in the movie.
Professor Oak, known as Sam in his childhood, returned in “Celebi: a Timeless Encounter”, the manga adaptation of the movie of the same name, serving the same role as in the movie.
In the manga adaptation of the 20th movie, ”I Choose You!”, Professor Oak welcomed Ash to his lab, but all the starter Pokémon were already given to other Trainers. Cross took the Charmander, leaving Ash with Pikachu, who wasn’t initially fond of him.
In the first chapter of Pocket Monsters the Movie: I Choose You! Remix (a collection of several short tie-in manga adaptations of the twentieth Pokémon movie), ICYR1, Professor Oak welcomed Ash to his lab, but the three Pokémon Ash wanted were taken. Ash ended up with Pikachu, but their relationship started off rocky when Pikachu used an Electric-type move on him.
Pokémon Journeys: The Series
In the first chapter of the Pokémon Journeys: The Series manga, ”Legend? Check! Friends? Check!”, Professor Oak made an appearence.
Summary
Professor Oak remains a cornerstone of the Pokémon universe, revered for his extensive expertise, unwavering commitment to understanding Pokémon, and nurturing guidance to aspiring trainers like Ash Ketchum.
As a Pokémon Professor, his contributions to research and education have shaped the world of Pokémon. His kind and supportive nature, coupled with his occasional absent-mindedness, endears him to fans worldwide, making him an enduring and beloved character in the franchise.