Rica Matsumoto
Satoshi (voice)
Overview
In the Forest of Okoya, Koko is a feral child who has been raised as a Pokémon by the Mythical Pokémon Zarude. Koko has grown up never doubting that he is a Pokémon even though he can't really use any sort of moves. Ash Ketchum and Pikachu meet Koko and help him protect the Great Tree from the crooked scientist Dr. Zed.
Cast
9 people
Reviews
5 min readThe Boy Who Was a Pokémon
I didn’t expect to cry during a Pokémon movie. Not because the franchise is incapable of emotion—far from it—but because the films have, for decades, followed a reliable formula: Ash and Pikachu arrive in a new town, a legendary Pokémon needs saving, the villain’s motives are thin but serviceable, and by the end, everyone learns a lesson about friendship that’s as predictable as it is heartwarming. Secrets of the Jungle (or Coco, as it’s known in Japan) doesn’t abandon that formula entirely, but it does something far riskier: it asks what happens when the bond between human and Pokémon isn’t just about friendship, but about identity itself.
The film’s premise is deceptively simple. Koko, a boy raised by the Mythical Pokémon Zarude in the Okoya Forest, has never questioned his place in the world—until he meets Ash and Pikachu. Koko doesn’t just believe he’s a Pokémon; he moves like one, his body language a mix of childlike curiosity and primal instinct.
He doesn’t walk so much as bound, his fingers splayed like claws, his eyes wide with the kind of wonder that only comes from never having seen the world beyond the trees. When he first speaks, it’s not in coherent sentences but in a series of chirps and growls, a language that exists somewhere between human and Pokémon. It’s a performance that could have easily tipped into caricature, but Moka Kamishiraishi (who voices Koko in Japanese) grounds it in something achingly real.
There’s a moment early on when Koko tries to use a Pokémon move—any move—and fails, his face crumpling not in frustration, but in confusion. Why can’t I do what they do? That question lingers over the entire film, a quiet ache that never quite resolves.
What makes Secrets of the Jungle different from its predecessors isn’t just its willingness to sit with that ache, but its refusal to offer easy answers. The film’s central conflict isn’t just about saving the forest from a greedy scientist (though it is that, too); it’s about Koko’s struggle to reconcile two parts of himself that shouldn’t logically coexist. He’s not a boy who loves Pokémon.
Audience Opinions
Audience 7.2/10
"A heartfelt and visually stunning return to form for the Pokémon franchise, though some may find its story overly simplistic."
Viewers praise the movie for its emotional depth, particularly in its exploration of family and belonging, as well as its vibrant animation that brings the jungle setting to life. latestnetflix.com's view is that however, some note that the plot feels predictable and lacks the complexity of earlier Pokémon films, making it more appealing to younger audiences or nostalgic fans.
What viewers praise
- Emotional storytelling The film’s focus on themes of family and self-discovery resonates strongly with audiences, adding depth to the adventure.
- Stunning animation The jungle environment is beautifully rendered, with vibrant colors and detailed character designs that enhance the visual experience.
- Nostalgic appeal Longtime fans appreciate the return to the franchise’s roots, with familiar characters and a classic Pokémon adventure feel.
- Strong voice acting The cast delivers performances that bring warmth and authenticity to their roles, particularly in emotional scenes.
- Family-friendly The movie’s positive messages and lack of intense action make it accessible and enjoyable for younger viewers.
Common complaints
- Predictable plot The story follows a familiar formula, with few surprises for those familiar with the Pokémon franchise.
- Simplistic themes Some viewers feel the movie’s messages about family and belonging are delivered in a heavy-handed or overly simplistic way.
- Pacing issues A few scenes drag, particularly in the first act, which may test the patience of older or more casual viewers.
- Underdeveloped side characters Supporting characters, including some Pokémon, lack depth and feel like missed opportunities for richer storytelling.
- Limited appeal for non-fans Those unfamiliar with or indifferent to the Pokémon franchise may find little to engage with beyond the visuals.
Recommended for
Pokémon fans Families with young children Animation enthusiasts Nostalgic viewers Fans of emotional adventures Casual movie watchers
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsPokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle – Behind the Scenes of the 23rd Pokémon Film
Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle (2020) marked the 23rd installment in the long-running animated franchise, but its journey to screens was anything but routine. While details about its production remain scarce, the film’s unique premise and Netflix debut have sparked curiosity among fans. latestnetflix.com's take is that here’s what we know—and what’s still shrouded in mystery.
A Shift to Netflix and Global Release
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWQf3h8IZXc
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Unlike previous Pokémon movies, which often premiered theatrically in Japan before trickling to international audiences, Secrets of the Jungle took a different path. The film was released directly on Netflix in most regions, bypassing traditional theatrical distribution . This move aligned with the streaming giant’s push into anime content, but it also raised questions about whether the franchise was testing new distribution models.
The Netflix release date varied by region, with some territories getting the film as early as October 2020, while others had to wait until early 2021 
. This staggered rollout was unusual for Pokémon, which typically aimed for synchronized global releases. Rumors suggest the shift was partly due to pandemic-related delays, though neither The Pokémon Company nor Netflix confirmed this.
The Voice Cast: Familiar Faces and Newcomers
The film’s Japanese cast featured a mix of franchise veterans and fresh talent. Rica Matsumoto and Ikue Ōtani reprised their iconic roles as Ash Ketchum and Pikachu, respectively, continuing a tradition that dates back to the original Pokémon anime . Megumi Hayashibara, known for voicing Jessie of Team Rocket, also returned, alongside Shin-ichiro Miki (James) and Inuko Inuyama (Meowth) .
Newcomer Moka Kamishiraishi lent her voice to the film’s human protagonist, Koko, a boy raised by Pokémon in the jungle . Her casting was a rare break from the franchise’s tendency to rely on established voice actors, though details about her audition process remain unconfirmed. Meanwhile, Shoko Nakagawa and Koichi Yamadera, both well-known in Japanese entertainment, joined the cast in undisclosed roles .
The English dub, however, saw a notable change: Sarah Natochenny replaced longtime Ash voice actor Veronica Taylor, marking one of the few times the character’s voice shifted in the franchise’s history . The decision sparked debate among fans, though no official explanation was given.
A Standalone Story with Franchise Ties
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByzhuRr8StU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLDiMM7vRL8
Secrets of the Jungle broke from the formula of recent Pokémon films by focusing on a self-contained story rather than tying directly into the anime’s ongoing arcs. The plot follows Ash and Pikachu as they encounter Koko, a human boy raised by the mythical Pokémon Zarude in the Okoya Forest . This standalone approach was a gamble, as previous movies often relied on cross-promotion with new Pokémon games or anime storylines.
The film’s director, Tetsuo Yajima, was a relative unknown in the Pokémon franchise, having previously worked on Yo-kai Watch and Digimon projects . His involvement suggested an attempt to bring fresh creative energy to the series, though reviews were mixed. Critics praised the animation and emotional moments, but some fans found the plot predictable, with SensCritique giving it a modest 5.9/10 rating .
Fan Reactions and Legacy
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The movie’s reception was polarized. Some viewers appreciated its heartfelt themes of family and belonging, while others criticized its pacing and lack of major Pokémon battles . YouTube reviews highlighted "WTF moments," including a controversial scene where Pikachu briefly speaks in full sentences—a rarity in the franchise . The film’s ending, which saw Koko leaving the jungle to live among humans, also divided audiences, with some calling it rushed .
Despite the mixed reactions, Secrets of the Jungle remains a notable entry in the Pokémon filmography for its Netflix debut and departure from traditional storytelling. Whether it signals a permanent shift in the franchise’s approach remains to be seen.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.