Anpanman
Encyclopedia
is one of the most popular anime
cartoon series for young children in Japan
. , the titular Anpanman is the most popular fictional character
among people age 0 to 12 years in Japan in 10 consective years, according to research by Bandai
. The series is written by Takashi Yanase
, a Japanese writer of children's stories, and based on the manga he began in 1968. It is produced by Nippon Television
and Tokyo Movie Shinsha
. Each animated cartoon
is approximately 24 minutes long split into 2 episodes of approximately 12 minutes each. The show has been on the air in Japan
since 1988; , 1,065 episodes have been created.
Heavily merchandised, the Anpanman characters appear on virtually every imaginable children's product, from clothes to video games to toys to snack food
s. , the Anpanman books have collectively sold over 50 million copies in Japan.
The Anpanman character was inspired by Yanase's struggles to survive as a soldier in World War II
. Many times, he became faced with the prospect of starvation, which made him dream about eating Anpan
(a bean-jam
filled pastry).
Kōichi Yamadera
and Mika Kanai
, the voice actors for Cheese and Melonpanna respectively, were married. This is also translated in a way to the cartoon as Cheese spends most of his time in Melonpanna's company in the episodes she's in. Yamadera also does voices for recurring characters in the show, such as Kamameshidon. They divorced in Spring of 2006.
The series spawned a short lived spin-off
show after one of the more popular recurring characters on the show, Omusubiman.
, fighting for the cause of justice every day. Anpanman has a long history and new characters are frequently introduced, keeping the series fresh. In 2009, Anpanman became the verified Guinness World Record Holder for the highest number of characters in an animated franchise; as of March 27, 1,768 characters have appeared in the first 980 episodes of the TV series and the first 20 Anpanman films.
Anime
is the Japanese abbreviated pronunciation of "animation". The definition sometimes changes depending on the context. In English-speaking countries, the term most commonly refers to Japanese animated cartoons....
cartoon series for young children in Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
. , the titular Anpanman is the most popular fictional character
Fictional character
A character is the representation of a person in a narrative work of art . Derived from the ancient Greek word kharaktêr , the earliest use in English, in this sense, dates from the Restoration, although it became widely used after its appearance in Tom Jones in 1749. From this, the sense of...
among people age 0 to 12 years in Japan in 10 consective years, according to research by Bandai
Bandai
is a Japanese toy making and video game company, as well as the producer of a large number of plastic model kits. It is the world's third-largest producer of toys . Some ex-Bandai group companies produce anime and tokusatsu programs...
. The series is written by Takashi Yanase
Takashi Yanase
is the Japanese creator of the anime series Anpanman, illustrator, poet. This character, like many popular manga heroes, is extremely popular with young children and is found on numerous products in Japan....
, a Japanese writer of children's stories, and based on the manga he began in 1968. It is produced by Nippon Television
Nippon Television
is a television network based in the Shiodome area of Minato, Tokyo, Japan and is controlled by the Yomiuri Shimbun publishing company. Broadcasting terrestrially across Japan, the network is commonly known as , contracted to , and abbreviated as "NTV" or "AX".-Offices:*The Headquarters : 6-1,...
and Tokyo Movie Shinsha
Tokyo Movie Shinsha
, formerly known as , is a Japanese animation studio, founded on October 1946. One of the oldest and most prominent anime studios in Japan, it has also produced numerous animated series airing in other countries such as France, the United States, and Italy. The company currently uses "TMS...
. Each animated cartoon
Animated cartoon
An animated cartoon is a short, hand-drawn film for the cinema, television or computer screen, featuring some kind of story or plot...
is approximately 24 minutes long split into 2 episodes of approximately 12 minutes each. The show has been on the air in Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
since 1988; , 1,065 episodes have been created.
Heavily merchandised, the Anpanman characters appear on virtually every imaginable children's product, from clothes to video games to toys to snack food
Snack food
A snack is a portion of food oftentimes smaller than that of a regular meal, that is generally eaten between meals. Snacks come in a variety of forms including packaged and processed foods and items made from fresh ingredients at home....
s. , the Anpanman books have collectively sold over 50 million copies in Japan.
The Anpanman character was inspired by Yanase's struggles to survive as a soldier in World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. Many times, he became faced with the prospect of starvation, which made him dream about eating Anpan
Anpan
is a Japanese sweet bun most commonly filled with red bean paste. Anpan can also be prepared with other fillings, including white beans , sesame and chestnut .- History :...
(a bean-jam
Red bean paste
Red bean paste or Azuki bean paste is a sweet, dark red bean paste originating from China. It is used in Chinese cuisine, Japanese confectionery, and Korean cuisine. It is prepared by boiling and mashing azuki beans and then sweetening the paste with sugar or honey...
filled pastry).
Kōichi Yamadera
Koichi Yamadera
is a Japanese voice actor, actor, tarento, narrator, master of ceremonies and impressionist from Shiogama, Miyagi Prefecture. He graduated from Tohoku Gakuin University's economics school, and is currently affiliated with Across Entertainment. Before that, he was affiliated with the Tokyo Actor's...
and Mika Kanai
Mika Kanai
is a Japanese voice actress and singer from Tokyo. She is currently attached to Ken Production. Her pet name is . She is best known for her roles in Idol Tenshi Yōkoso Yōko , Tanoshii Mūmin Ikka , Goldfish Warning! , Soreike! Anpanman , Yadamon , After War Gundam X , Tokyo...
, the voice actors for Cheese and Melonpanna respectively, were married. This is also translated in a way to the cartoon as Cheese spends most of his time in Melonpanna's company in the episodes she's in. Yamadera also does voices for recurring characters in the show, such as Kamameshidon. They divorced in Spring of 2006.
The series spawned a short lived spin-off
Spin-off (media)
In media, a spin-off is a radio program, television program, video game, or any narrative work, derived from one or more already existing works, that focuses, in particular, in more detail on one aspect of that original work...
show after one of the more popular recurring characters on the show, Omusubiman.
Characters
In each episode, Anpanman fights with Baikinman and helps the people of the town. He always goes on patrol in the area around the house of Uncle Jam. He is a symbol of justiceJustice
Justice is a concept of moral rightness based on ethics, rationality, law, natural law, religion, or equity, along with the punishment of the breach of said ethics; justice is the act of being just and/or fair.-Concept of justice:...
, fighting for the cause of justice every day. Anpanman has a long history and new characters are frequently introduced, keeping the series fresh. In 2009, Anpanman became the verified Guinness World Record Holder for the highest number of characters in an animated franchise; as of March 27, 1,768 characters have appeared in the first 980 episodes of the TV series and the first 20 Anpanman films.
- The main character of the animeAnimeis the Japanese abbreviated pronunciation of "animation". The definition sometimes changes depending on the context. In English-speaking countries, the term most commonly refers to Japanese animated cartoons....
, whose head is a bun made by Uncle Jam. His name comes from the fact that he is a man with a head made of bread (Japanese: pan, a loanword from the Portuguese word meaning "bread") that is filled with Red bean pasteRed bean pasteRed bean paste or Azuki bean paste is a sweet, dark red bean paste originating from China. It is used in Chinese cuisine, Japanese confectionery, and Korean cuisine. It is prepared by boiling and mashing azuki beans and then sweetening the paste with sugar or honey...
(Japanese: an) called an anpanAnpanis a Japanese sweet bun most commonly filled with red bean paste. Anpan can also be prepared with other fillings, including white beans , sesame and chestnut .- History :...
. He doesn't need to eat or drink to sustain himself and has never been seen eating. It is believed the bean jam in his head gives him sustenance. His weakness is water or anything that makes his head dirty. He regains his health and strength when Jam Ojisan bakes him a new head and it is placed on his shoulders. Anpanman's damaged head, with Xs in his eyes, flies off his shoulders once a new baked head lands. He was created when a shooting star landed in Uncle Jam's oven while he was baking. He has two special attacks called: An-punch and An-kick (with stronger variations of both). When Anpanman comes across a starving creature or person, he lets the unfortunate creature or person eat part of his head. He also has super hearing in that he can respond to anyone that calls his name out in distress from anywhere in the world.
- The father of Anpanman, and a very kind baker. A skilled cook with knowledge of nearly everything in the world.
- Assistant to Uncle Jam. She's dedicated and hard working, but sometimes forgetful. Her Japanese name means "Butter Girl". She makes and mends the capes Anpanman and the other heroes use to fly with.
- The villain from "Germ World" is the leader of the Viruses. His Japanese name means "Bacteria Man". His ambition is to destroy Anpanman and spread bacteria all over the latter's world, yet he is perfectly content to play tricks, steal, and bully those weaker than him. He and Anpanman were born at the same time, making them physical representations of moral dualismDualismDualism denotes a state of two parts. The term 'dualism' was originally coined to denote co-eternal binary opposition, a meaning that is preserved in metaphysical and philosophical duality discourse but has been diluted in general or common usages. Dualism can refer to moral dualism, Dualism (from...
. He has a weakness to soapSoapIn chemistry, soap is a salt of a fatty acid.IUPAC. "" Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 2nd ed. . Compiled by A. D. McNaught and A. Wilkinson. Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford . XML on-line corrected version: created by M. Nic, J. Jirat, B. Kosata; updates compiled by A. Jenkins. ISBN...
, which shrinks him to the size of a fly. He constructs machines and thinks of intricate plans to counteract Anpanman's strength. His two famous phrases are signature cackle, "Ha-hee-hoo-hey-hoo!"; and "Bye-baikiiin!", which he utters out whenever he's sent flying by Anpanman.
- Baikinman's female partner in crime. She is selfish, demanding, childish, and greedy, but sometimes shows kindness. She has a crush on Shokupanman. Her Japanese name is a combination of "Doki", the Japanese onomatopoeia for a quickly beating heart, "baikin" (meaning "germ"), and the diminutive/affectionate suffix "-chan".
- These are Baikinman's little henchmen. They can rot Anpanman's head with mildewMildewMildew refers to certain kinds of molds or fungi.In Old English, it meant honeydew , and later came to mean mildew in the modern sense of mold or fungus....
/moldMoldMolds are fungi that grow in the form of multicellular filaments called hyphae. Molds are not considered to be microbes but microscopic fungi that grow as single cells called yeasts...
(Japanese: kabi).
- A dogDogThe domestic dog is a domesticated form of the gray wolf, a member of the Canidae family of the order Carnivora. The term is used for both feral and pet varieties. The dog may have been the first animal to be domesticated, and has been the most widely kept working, hunting, and companion animal in...
that lives in bread factory. He became a loyal friend after Anpanman saved his life in the manga. In the anime, a young Anpanman feeds Cheese, who is starving, a part of his head as a part of his very first patrol and became inseparable afterwards. Cheese tends be an effective sidekick when he's around.
- A friend of Anpanman. His head is made from sliced white breadWhite breadWhite bread is made from wheat flour from which the bran and the germ have been removed through a process known as milling. Milling gives white flour a longer shelf life by removing the bran which contains oil, allowing products made with it, like white bread, the ability to survive storage and...
(Japanese: shoku pan). He is handsome and level-headed and kind, but narcissistic. Tends to be the thinker of the trio. His job when not helping Anpanman is serving lunch to the schoolchildren. Dokin-chan has a crush on him. Wields the Shoku-punch and Shoku-kick, which are similar to Anpanman's fighting techniques. He also has a multi-functional delivery vanVanA van is a kind of vehicle used for transporting goods or groups of people.In British English usage, it can be either specially designed or based on a saloon or sedan car, the latter type often including derivatives with open backs...
known as the Shokupanman-go with many implements to help avoid trouble.
- Another of Anpanman's friends. His head is made from CurryCurryCurry is a generic description used throughout Western culture to describe a variety of dishes from Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Thai or other Southeast Asian cuisines...
(curry filled breadCurry breadCurry bread , also called curry doughnut, is a popular Japanese food. An amount of Japanese curry is wrapped in a piece of dough, and the dough breaded in panko, and deep fried. On occasion it is baked instead of deep fried, but deep frying is the most common method of cooking...
in Japanese anime). He is quick tempered and hot-headed on the surface, but gives way to a kind and sentimental interior. Tends to be the strongman of the trio. Wields the Curry-punch and Curry-kick, which are similar to Anpanman's fighting techniques. He can also use the hot curry concealed in his head as a weapon, using it to burn the bad guys' eyes.
- Anpanman's friend. Her head is made from melon bread. She is extremely softhearted, being caring and sensitive, and is sometimes clever. When she's in trouble, she usually needs Anpanman or somebody else to save her, or if there is no one available, she calls out for her sister, Rollinggirl. Sometimes she likes hanging out with Cheese. Her special attack, the Melo-Melo Punch, makes bad guys woozy with affection or awakens others from deep sleep.
- Melonpanna's older sister who has two hearts: A red one of goodness, and thanks to Baikinman, a blue one of evil. The sight of Anpanman can trigger her evil heart while the sight of Melonpanna can trigger her good one. She started out in the series as a loner at Baikinman's beck and call, but she broke from his power and wanders the world doing good deeds, but stays away from others for fear of what she would do if her black heart is triggered. Her nickname is "The tragic heroine". Uses a gymnastics ribbonRibbon (rhythmic gymnastics)Ribbon is a component of rhythmic gymnastics.-The stick:This can be of any colour and made of wood, bamboo, plastic or fibreglass with a maximum diameter of 1cm at its widest, a cylindrical or conical shape and should have a length of 50–60cm...
as her main weapon. She can use it to wrap up her enemies or cause tornadoes.
- The youngest of Anpanman's friends and the foster brother of Melongirl and Rollinggirl. His head made from a cream bun and his eyes that looks like those of a panda's. Despite his immaturity and relative weakness as compared to Anpanman and his hero friends, he is courageous, protective of his friends, and has a "never say die" attitude. His immature character causes him to sometimes get into petty squabbles and competitions of one-upsmanship with the other younger characters on the show. Because his head resembles a hand, he has a special headbuttHeadbuttA headbutt is a strike with the head, typically involving the use of robust parts of the cranium as areas of impact. Effective headbutting revolves around striking a sensitive area with a less sensitive area, such as striking the nose of an opponent with the forehead...
attack called the "Guu-Choki-Panchi" (Guu-Choki-Pa means Rock, Scissors, Paper in English). Relatively powerful when it connects, it fails to connect more often than not.
- A skeleton who often works with Baikinman and Dokin-chan. Although he seems scary on the outside, he is very weak and often falls to pieces. He is neither a hero or a villain. His special attack is the Bone Boomerang, where he takes off one of his bones and throws it. He is also in love with Dokin-chan and often stalksStalker-In media:* Stalker , a 1995 dark ambient album by Lustmord & Robert Rich, inspired by the film* Stalker , an episode of the American television series CSI...
her. He often says "Hora" in most of his sentences.
Movies
There has been a total of 22 Anpanman movies with each movie having the same general plot - A person (usually a princess) comes from a foreign land. Baikinman unlocks some dark secret and controls a weapon or monster able to polymorph people. And with the help of the aforementioned person, Anpanman defeats the said weapon or monster. Sometimes the person dies, but is brought back to life by a tearful song from the characters. Since at least 1995, the films have been released concurrently with storybook versions written and illustrated by Takashi Yanase himself.- March 11, 1989:
- July 14, 1990:
- July 20, 1991:
- March 14, 1992:
- July 17, 1993:
- July 16, 1994:
- July 29, 1995:
- July 13, 1996:
- July 28, 1997:
- July 25, 1998:
- July 24, 1999:
- July 29, 2000:
- July 14, 2001:
- July 13, 2002:
- July 12, 2003:
- July 17, 2004:
- July 16, 2005:
- July 15, 2006:
- July 14, 2007:
- July 12, 2008:
- July 4, 2009:
- July 10, 2010:
Animated shorts
These are short subject Anpanman anime of around 24 minutes that were shown in conjunction with the full length movies above. The shorts made in 1989 and 1993 are the only ones made not involving the world of Anpanman.- Robotan and Onegai Samia Don (ロボタン おねがい!サミアどん) 1989
- Soreike! Anpanman: Omusubiman (それいけ! アンパンマン おむすびまん) 1990
- Soreike! Anpanman: Dokinchan's Doki Doki Calendar (それいけ! アンパンマン ドキンちゃんのドキドキカレンダー) 1991
- Soreike! Anpanman: Anpanman and His Funny Friends (それいけ! アンパンマン アンパンマンとゆかいな仲間たち) 1992
- Soreike! Anpanman: Everyone Get Together! Anpanman World (それいけ! アンパンマン みんな集まれ! アンパンマンワールド) 1994
- Soreike! Anpanman: Anpanman on Hapii's Birthday (それいけ! アンパンマン アンパンマンとハッピーおたんじょう日) 1995
- Soreike! Anpanman: Baikinman and the San-"Bai" Punch (それいけ! アンパンマン ばいきんまんと3ばいパンチ) 1996
- Soreike! Anpanman: We're Heroes (それいけ! アンパンマン ぼくらはヒーロー) 1997
- Soreike! Anpanman: Anpanman and His Strange Friends (それいけ! アンパンマン アンパンマンとおかしな仲間) 1998
- Soreike! Anpanman: Anpanman and His Fun Friends (それいけ! アンパンマン アンパンマンとたのしい仲間たち) 1999
- Soreike! Anpanman: Yakisobapanman and Burakkusabotenman (それいけ! アンパンマン やきそばパンマンとブラックサボテンマン) 2000
- Soreike! Anpanman: The Amazing Naganegiman and Yakisobapanman (それいけ! アンパンマン 怪傑ナガネギマンとやきそばパンマン) 2001
- Soreike! Anpanman: Tekkanomakichan and Gold Kamameshidon (それいけ! アンパンマン 鉄火のマキちゃんと金のかまめしどん) 2002
- Soreike! Anpanman: The Amazing Naganegiman and Princess Doremi (それいけ! アンパンマン 怪傑ナガネギマンとドレミ姫) 2003
- Soreike! Anpanman: Tsukiko and Shiratama: Heartracing Dancing (それいけ! アンパンマン つきことしらたま〜ときめきダンシング〜) 2004
- Soreike! Anpanman: Snow Black and Motemote Baikinman (それいけ! アンパンマン くろゆき姫とモテモテばいきんまん) 2005
- Soreike! Anpanman: Kokinchan and the Blue Tears (それいけ! アンパンマン コキンちゃんとあおいなみだ) 2006
- Soreike! Anpanman: Horāman and Horāhorako (それいけ! アンパンマン ホラーマンとホラーホラコ) 2007
Famicom
- Oeka Kids: Anpanman to Oekaki Shiyou!!
- Oeka Kids: Anpanman no Hiragana Daisuki
- Soreike! Anpanman - Minna de Hiking Game!
Playstation
- Kids Station: Soreike! Anpanman
- Kids Station: Soreike! Anpanman 2: Anpanman to Daibouken
- Kids Station: Soreike! Anpanman 3
- Kids Station: Oshaberi Oekaki Soreike! Anpanman
Game Boy Color
- Soreike! Anpanman: Fushigi na Nikoniko Album
- Soreike! Anpanman: 5tsu no Tou no Ousama
Nintendo DS
- Soreike! Anpanman: Baikinman no Daisakusen
- Anpanpan to Asobo: Aiueo Kyoushitsu
- Anpanman to Asobo: ABC Kyoushitsu
- Anpanman to Touch de Waku Waku Training
- Anpanman to Asobu: Aiueo Kyoushitsu DX
Sega Pico
- Soreike! Anpanman Eigo to Nakayoshi Youchiende ABC
- Soreike! Anpanman Eigo to Nakayoshi 2 Tanoshii Kaanibaru
- Soreike! Anpanman - Anpanman to Kotoba Asobi
- Soreike! Anpanman: Anpanman to Suuji Asobi
- Gakken Anpanman to Chinou Appu!
- Soreike! Anpanman: Anpanman no Chie no Waarudo
- Soreike! Anpanman Hajimete Asobu Pico Soft: Anpanman Noiro-Kazu-Katachi Nuriemo Dekichauzo!
- Soreike! Anpanman: Anpanman no Hitori de Dekichatta!
- Soreike! Anpanman no Gemu de Asobou Anpanman
- Soreike! Anpanman no Ohanashi Daisuki Anpanman
- Soreike! Anpanman no Medarin Pikku Waarudo
- Soreike! Anpanman no Minna de Kyousou Anpanman!
- Soreike! Anpanman no Medarin Pikku Waarudo 2
- Soreike! Anpanman: Anpanman to Denwa de Asobou!
- Soreike! Anpanman - Anpanman to Tanoshii Drive!
- Anpanman no Hajimete Mouse Pico with Anpanman to Pasokon renshuu!
- Anpanman Pico Wakuwaku Pan Koujou
Advanced Pico Beena
- Soreike! Anpanman hajimete kaketa yo! Oboeta yo! Hiragana katakana ~gojūon bōdo kinō-tsuki~
- Shoku Iku shirīzu 1 Soreike! Anpanman: sukikirainai ko genki na ko!
- Anpanman no wakuwaku gēmu oekaki
- Anpanman o sagase!
- Soreike! Anpanman kādo de tanoshiku ♪ ABC
- Soreike! Anpanman dokidoki! Resukyū doraibu ~ kānabi-tsuki ~
- Soreike! Anpanman o mise ga ippai! TV de oryōri tsukutchao
Outside Japan
- In the Arab WorldArab worldThe Arab world refers to Arabic-speaking states, territories and populations in North Africa, Western Asia and elsewhere.The standard definition of the Arab world comprises the 22 states and territories of the Arab League stretching from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the Arabian Sea in the...
, it is known as "ar-ragheef al'ajeeb" (الرغيف العجيب), or wonder loaf. - In IndiaIndiaIndia , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
, it started on PogoPogo TVPogo, which launched on 1 January 2004, is a cable and satellite television channel created by Turner Broadcasting, a unit of Time Warner for India which primarily shows animated programming and some live-action shows based in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It is a family entertainment channel in India...
in 2009 and is broadcast as "Anpanman Breadman". - In South KoreaSouth KoreaThe Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
, it is known as “Narara Hoppangmaen” (hangul: 날아라 호빵맨). - In ChinaChinaChinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
, it is known as "面包超人(miànbâochâorén)".