Rica Matsumoto, born November 30, 1968, in Yokohama, Japan, is a multifaceted Japanese actress, voice actress, and singer whose career has left an indelible mark on the world of anime and music. She is best known internationally for her iconic role as Satoshi, the original main character of the long-running anime series Pokémon, a part she has voiced since the show's debut in 1997. Her name is sometimes romanized as Rika Matsumoto, and she is also recognized as one of the founding members of the influential anison band JAM Project, a group dedicated to performing theme songs for anime and video games.

Matsumoto began her career in the entertainment industry with stage work before transitioning into voice acting and singing. Her early stage experience provided a strong foundation for her vocal performances, allowing her to excel in both fields simultaneously. She gained widespread recognition for her role as Satoshi in Pokémon, a character she has voiced for over two decades, making her synonymous with the franchise in Japan. In addition to her work on Pokémon, Matsumoto has delivered memorable performances in other notable series, including her role as Rumi Hidaka in the psychological thriller Perfect Blue, Ryo Bakura in Yu-Gi-Oh!, Midori Kodama in Azuki Chan, and Aoi Futaba in You're Under Arrest. Her versatility as a voice actress has allowed her to take on a wide range of characters, from heroic protagonists to complex supporting roles.

Beyond voice acting, Matsumoto has had a significant impact as a singer. She has performed numerous theme songs for the Japanese version of Pokémon, including the beloved opening "Mezase Pokémon Master," which has become an anthem for fans worldwide. In 2000, she co-founded JAM Project alongside fellow anison artists Hironobu Kageyama, Masaaki Endoh, Eizo Sakamoto, and Ichiro Mizuki, a supergroup that has released countless albums and performed at major events across Asia. Matsumoto's involvement with JAM Project showcased her powerful vocal range and cemented her status as a leading figure in anison music. However, in April 2008, she announced that she would be taking time off from the group to focus on her solo work, a decision that allowed her to pursue personal projects and further develop her individual artistry.

Throughout her career, Matsumoto has also hosted a radio show in Japan and has lent her voice to dubbing work for American films and television series, demonstrating her adaptability across different media. Her contributions to the entertainment industry have earned her a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim, particularly for her enduring portrayal of Satoshi, which has influenced generations of viewers. While she remains active in voice acting and music, Matsumoto's legacy as a pioneer in anime and anison music continues to inspire new artists and entertain audiences around the world.