**Anpanman** is a beloved national hero anime created by Takashi Yanase.
Airing since 1988, it has broadcast over 1,600 episodes, making it one of Japan's most iconic long-running anime. It holds the Guinness World Record for "most characters in an animated series" with over 2,000 characters!
Anpanman, a hero with a head made of anpan (red bean bread), tears off pieces of his own face to feed hungry people — a story of ultimate self-sacrifice and courage.
The theme song "Anpanman no March" is one of the most recognized songs in Japan, with its profound message "What were you born for? What do you live for?" loved across generations 🍞
Produced by TMS Entertainment and Nippon Television, Anpanman continues to deliver "love and courage" to children's hearts — a truly eternal hero!
✨ Highlights
🧑 👥 Main Characters
❓ FAQ
🌟 注目コメント
01① The Ultimate Self-Sacrificing Hero
When Anpanman finds someone who is hungry and in trouble, he tears off a piece of his own face (made of anpan bread) and gives it to them to eat.
Even though giving away his face makes him weaker, he helps people without hesitation — this is the "true hero" that creator Takashi Yanase wanted to depict.
Unconditional love and courage that asks for nothing in return — there is no better role model as the first hero a child ever meets 🦸
02② Guinness Certified! Over 2,000 Characters
In Anpanman's world, everything from food, animals, nature, to everyday items becomes a character.
With over 2,000 characters, it holds the Guinness World Record. Currypanman, Shokupanman, Tendonman, Katsudonman... the food characters alone are countless!
Because children can find characters based on their favorite foods and things, everyone can discover their own personal favorite — that's the charm ✨
03③ The Profoundly Deep Message of "Anpanman no March"
"What were you born for? What do you live for? I don't want to be unable to answer that!" — there is no one in Japan who hasn't heard these lyrics.
Despite being a children's anime theme song, countless adults realize its profound depth later in life and are moved to tears.
During the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, many survivors were encouraged by this song — truly a song of Japan's heart 🎵
04④ One of Japan's Longest-Running Anime Since 1988
Broadcasting continuously since October 1988 for over 30 years, it is one of the longest-running anime in history.
With over 1,600 episodes and more than 30 theatrical films released, many families enjoy it across three generations!
Because its universal themes never fade regardless of the era, it has been loved for so long 🌟
05⑤ Takashi Yanase's "True Justice"
Having experienced war, Takashi Yanase created Anpanman from his belief that "true justice is sharing food with the hungry."
Being a hero isn't just about defeating evil with violence — the philosophy that reaching out to those in need is what makes a true hero flows throughout the entire series.
Because this profound philosophy is naturally embedded within a children's work, Anpanman holds a truly special place 💛
06① The Story of Anpanman's Birth
When the "Star of Life" fell upon the anpan bread baked by Uncle Jam at his bakery, Anpanman was born.
From the moment of his birth, he carries the mission to "help hungry people," flying through the sky to reach those in need.
Based at the bakery, he patrols every day together with Batako-san and Cheese the dog 🍞
07② The Endless Battle with Baikinman
Baikinman causes trouble for Anpanman and his friends with various schemes every episode.
But strangely, Baikinman is not purely evil — he's a somehow lovable character. His mischievous nature and determined efforts despite being pushed around by Dokinchan are full of charm.
The relationship between Anpanman and Baikinman symbolizes "the coexistence of good and evil," reflecting a deep theme ⚡
08③ A Hero Reborn with a "New Face"
Anpanman loses his power when his face gets wet or dirty. Baikinman exploits this weakness in his attacks.
In times of crisis, Batako-san throws a new face baked by Uncle Jam, and Anpanman revives with the cry "Full Power Anpanman!"
This concept of a "hero with weaknesses" conveys the message to children that "anyone can be a hero" 💫
09④ Helping Each Other with Friends
Anpanman doesn't fight alone. Currypanman, Shokupanman, Tendonman, and many other friends join forces to stand against Baikinman.
Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. But by cooperating, they become a great force — illustrating the importance of teamwork.
"You're not alone" and "Let's help each other" — these warm messages resonate every episode 🤝
10⑤ The Eternal Theme of Love and Courage
At the foundation of Anpanman's story flows the simple yet powerful theme of "love and courage."
Help those who are hungry. Rush to those in trouble. Act for someone else's smile, even if you get hurt — this message is universal across all eras.
Anpanman teaches children the first lessons in life: "compassion" and "courage," every single week 💛
Anpanman
The protagonist of this series. A hero born when the "Star of Life" entered the anpan bread baked by Uncle Jam. He tears off pieces of his own face to feed hungry people. Though he weakens when his face gets dirty, he revives with a new face crying "Full Power!" — a hero of love and courage 🍞
Baikinman
Anpanman's archenemy. An incarnation of germs who came from Baikin Planet, always scheming to defeat Anpanman. A mechanical genius who invents amazing robots every episode. He has a soft spot for Dokinchan and his helpless submission to her whims makes him endearing 😈
Dokinchan
Baikinman's partner. Selfish and tomboyish, she secretly harbors a crush on Shokupanman. While she treats Baikinman like her minion, there's something resembling friendship in their relationship. A cute character with her trademark red ribbon 🎀
Shokupanman
Anpanman's ally, a hero with a bread-slice face. Gentlemanly and kind, his job is delivering school lunches. He's the object of Dokinchan's affections, though he's completely oblivious. His dashing arrivals in the Shokupanman-go vehicle are always cool 🍞✨
Currypanman
Anpanman's ally, a hot-blooded hero with a curry bread face. Short-tempered and quick to fight, but with an exceptionally strong sense of justice. His special move "Curry Spew" shoots curry from his mouth. He loves cooking and serving curry rice to everyone 🍛
Uncle Jam (Jam Ojisan)
The creator of Anpanman who bakes his bread face at the bakery. Together with Batako-san, he supports Anpanman and bakes new faces to save him in times of crisis. A warm and kind uncle figure, he serves as the father figure of the Anpanman world. His bread-making skills are second to none 👨🍳
