The beloved anime character Anpanman, created by manga artist Takashi Yanase, has inspired a new television drama titled "Anpan," which aired its childhood arc finale on April 11, 2025. The series, written by Mihoko Nakae, is based on the life of Yanase and his wife, Aiko Komatsu, and has captivated audiences since its debut.
In the latest episode, viewers witnessed the transition of the lead roles, with Yuzuna Nagase passing the torch to Mio Imada as Nobu, and Yura Kimura being replaced by Izuumi Kitamura as Yanase. This change has led to a wave of "child actor loss" among fans, who have grown attached to the young performers.
The drama opened with the impactful line from Yanase, "Justice reverses," a reflection of the profound changes in societal values following World War II. Yanase, who experienced the war firsthand, articulated that "true justice that does not reverse" means helping those in need, such as delivering bread to the hungry and suffering. This theme is central to the narrative, which chronicles the journey of Nobu and Yanase as they embody the ideals of Anpanman.
Since its premiere, "Anpan" has achieved remarkable viewership, recording the highest ratings among all dramas available on NHK Plus. In Kochi Prefecture, where the story is set, the show garnered an astonishing 41.6% viewership rate, indicating a strong connection with local audiences. Fans have expressed their appreciation, with many noting that the series feels like a comforting return to traditional morning dramas.
The first two weeks of the show depicted the poignant meeting of Nobu and Yanase, both of whom faced the tragedy of losing their parents. Their relationship blossoms in Kochi Prefecture, supported by the nurturing presence of Kusao Yamamura, a baker played by Sadao Abe, who introduces them to the joys of bread-making.
The storytelling in "Anpan" is characterized by its gentle, heartfelt exploration of childhood experiences, allowing viewers to connect deeply with the characters' emotional journeys. This marks the first time in three years that a morning drama has featured child actors, bringing a sense of nostalgia to long-time fans.
Visually, the character of Nobu draws inspiration from Dokin-chan, another beloved character from the Anpanman universe. Nobu's vibrant orange kimono and her distinctive hairstyle reflect this connection, and her spirited personality aligns with the energetic traits of Dokin-chan. As described, Nobu is a "tomboy" who cannot ignore those in need, exemplified by her support for Yanase when he faces bullying shortly after transferring schools.
Meanwhile, the biographical book "Takashi Yanase's Life: Anpanman and I," released in March 2025, sheds light on both Yanase and Aiko's lives, based on extensive research conducted by nonfiction writer Kumiko Hakoishi. Hakoishi, who worked closely with Yanase during her early career, paints a picture of Aiko as a vibrant and proactive individual, contrary to her initial impression of her as a reserved and refined woman.
Hakoishi revealed that Aiko was not only an energetic person but also engaged in activities such as mountain climbing and tea ceremony, showcasing her dynamic personality. She noted that Yanase and Aiko maintained distinct personal and professional lives, with Yanase never mixing his work with leisure. After a day of work in his studio, he would return home to share dinner with Aiko, emphasizing the couple's close bond.
Feedback from parents has been overwhelmingly positive, especially after children encountered Yanase's story through Hakoishi's children's biography "When the Flower of Courage Blooms: The Story of Takashi Yanase and Anpanman," included in fifth-grade language textbooks. Many mothers expressed their gratitude for the lessons and values imparted by Anpanman, which they shared with their children, highlighting how Yanase's difficult childhood and wartime experiences shaped the beloved character's narrative.
In conjunction with the airing of "Anpan," Kochi Prefecture has launched a tourism campaign titled "Monobesuto," which aims to promote the region's attractions linked to Yanase's legacy. The campaign kicked off on March 29, 2025, and will run for one year, featuring events that showcase the area’s unique nature, culture, and cuisine.
The campaign's slogan, inspired by Yanase's philosophy that "life is a continuous game of joy," invites visitors to experience the charm of the Monobe region through various activities and interactions. Attractions include the "Gomenmachi Yanase Takashi Road" in Nankoku City, where fans can explore locations relevant to Yanase's life, and the Yanase Takashi Bokunoki Park, which serves as the resting place for the couple.
Additionally, the Kaiyodo Space Factory in Nankoku City offers diorama-making experiences, while the Nishijima Horticultural Land allows visitors to enjoy seasonal fruits and flowers throughout the year. The local railway services, including JR Shikoku and Tosa Kuroshio Railway, feature characters designed by Yanase, enhancing the travel experience for visitors.
To facilitate exploration, JR Shikoku has introduced the "Kochi Monobe Round Trip Pass," allowing unlimited travel on select train and bus routes for two days, along with discounts at approximately 50 facilities in the area. The pass is priced at 3,500 yen for adults and 1,750 yen for children, valid until March 31, 2026.
The Yanase Takashi Memorial Hall, which showcases Yanase's works, recently underwent renovations and reopened on March 28, 2025. The memorial hall aims to serve as a "first museum" for children, offering a welcoming environment with engaging exhibits. The renovations include enhanced Wi-Fi access and the introduction of a reservation system for electronic tickets.
Visitors will also find a newly placed statue of "Yanase Usagi," a character created by Yanase, at the entrance of the memorial hall. The nearby "The Shikisai Kahoku Hotel and Resort" has also been renovated, featuring Anpanman illustrations throughout the facilities, including the large bath area. The hotel now offers card keys adorned with characters from Kami City, which guests can take home as souvenirs.
As the popularity of "Anpan" continues to grow, both the drama and the surrounding initiatives in Kochi Prefecture highlight the enduring legacy of Takashi Yanase and the beloved character of Anpanman, bringing joy to audiences and visitors alike.
