Mikan
Seiyuu / Dub
Summary
Jasmine, known as Mikan in the original Japanese versions, serves as the Gym Leader of Olivine City, where she presides over the Mineral Badge, referred to as the Steel Badge in Japanese releases. Specializing in Steel-type Pokémon, she is also the caretaker of an Ampharos that illuminates the Olivine Lighthouse. Her name is derived from the word mineral or mine. In the anime, her Ampharos, named Sparkle, fell ill while performing its duty to light the shore. Jasmine requested Ash to retrieve medicine from Cianwood City, which Ash and his friends procured and delivered back via one of her students, Janina. Weeks later, upon their return from the Whirl Islands, Ash challenged her to a Gym battle. Although Pikachu defeated her Magnemite, it was subsequently beaten by Steelix. Ash’s Cyndaquil ultimately overcame Steelix in a difficult struggle, earning Ash the Mineral Badge. The anime version of Jasmine displays greater confidence than other incarnations, particularly during her second appearance where she dramatically summons Steelix after somersaulting off a cliff. She proves assertive during the match, explicitly stating she will not make the battle easy for Ash. In the Pokémon Adventures manga, Jasmine was trapped by rubble in Ecruteak City during an earthquake caused by Team Rocket. While climbing the Tin Tower to escape, she used Ampharos to send a distress flare, attracting Gold and Silver. Although the boys attempted a rescue, Ampharos freed her, leaving the rivals trapped in the tower. Jasmine later recovered and defeated Brock at the Pokémon League Tournament. During this fight, she covered Steelix in rubble to disguise it as an Onix, believing the newly discovered Steel type would be too shocking for the public. She formerly specialized in Rock-type Pokémon before Crystal and Professor Oak introduced Steel-types. Additionally, her two Togetic are the parents of Gold’s Togepi.
