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In 1973, late Takashi Yanase started a picture book series based on a superhero, which was published by Froebel-kan. The picture book gained immense popularity and became one of the fan favorites among children in Japan. In 1988, the superhero picture book series was adapted into an anime. Not only did the anime win over hearts, but it also became a worldwide sensation.
Currently, the protagonist of the show is regarded as an icon and has attained legendary status. The superhero that became a symbol of heroism is none other than the beloved Anpanman. His show was called Sore Ike! Anpanman has been ongoing since October 3, 1988. To date, Anpanman is a media powerhouse and keeps on inspiring the young generation.
Who Is Anpanman?
Anpanman is a popular picture book series with the protagonist of the same name. He is a superhero who has the face of an anpan, which is a pastry filled with red bean paste. Anpanman was created from a dough by Uncle Jam and has the ability to fly and super-hearing. Thanks to the latter, he can listen to anyone who is calling for help or is in distress.
The superhero gives part of his head to the hungry people to feed them. However, it leaves him weakened, and only a newly baked head can restore his strength. Anpanman’s rival is Baikinman, who is an anthropomorphic germ, which is trying to spread dirt on his head so that he cannot share food with the needy people.
Anpanman’s Heroism Has Made Him A Cult Figure In Japan
Anpanman might look like a kids’ show, but it holds a lot of depth within its simple characters. The superhero uplifts heroism like no one else. Takashi Yanase showcases a side of self-sacrifice, compassion, good habits, and, more importantly, being kind and honest through Anpanman. The pieces that he shares from his anpan head leave him weakened, but that does not stop him from helping others.
He does not have a great set of super abilities, but his abilities are especially made to make him appear whenever someone is in distress. Also, he does not fight Baikinman to highlight his strength, but to save others him being affected by the germs. As a result, even while fighting, he tries to save his head so that he can feed it to others without making them come in contact with the germs.
Throughout the show, Anpanman has time and again portrayed the act of kindness and benevolence. The simple design and plot make it easier for the children to understand and enjoy. It instills a feeling of heroism within them, helping them and inspiring them to become better humans when they grow up. Proper hygiene, respecting and helping others, showing compassion, and to name a few. Due to its mighty popularity, “Anpanman” often became one of the first words of Japanese children while growing up.
Anpanman’s Anime References
Anpanman’s cultural impact in Japan is massive, and it has reached a point where several popular anime franchises have used it as a reference. In Dr. Stone Chapter 25, Gen mentions that Senku Ishigami looks similar to Anpanman; Assassination Classroom Chapter 63 features a visual illustration of Anpanman; the popular anime series, One Punch Man, is heavily inspired by Takashi Yanase’s masterpiece.
The latest anime to join the elite list is My Hero Academia. In the final season of My Hero Academia, it was shown that as a child, the former No. 1 Pro-Hero, All Might, idolized Anpanman and wanted to become a superhero like him. The one who went “Plus Ultra” every time to save innocent people, whose smile was an assurance of safety, who inspired generations of young Pro-Hero, was himself a fan of superheroes who redefined heroism.
Also Read: All Might’s Armored Suit Explained and the Quirks That Power It in MHA
Anpanman Has Become A Global Powerhouse
Anpanman has 150 picture books published by Froebel-kan, more than 1600+ episodes of the Sore Ike! Anpanman and 36 movies based on the anime. All these have helped it become a global franchise, attracting audiences from all over the world. Anpanman has sold more than 80 million copies and has generated more than 4.5 Trillion Yen in revenue sales. Currently, it is one of the leading franchises in Japan. Anpanman’s merchandise is quite popular and always in demand.
Late Takashi Yanase started Anpanman in 1973 after witnessing the horrors of the Second World War and experiencing starvation. The thought of having an anpan led to the creation of Anpanman. Surprisingly, just the thought of having an anpan not only created one of the greatest heroes ever, but it also filled thousands of stomachs throughout the years. The creator died in 2013, and the series came to an end. However, the legend of Anpanman has no bounds, with the beloved superhero becoming the true face of heroism globally and going strong even today.
The Anpanman anime movies are available to watch on Netflix.
Priyanko is currently pursuing his Master’s in Economics. He loves to read manga or watch anime in his spare time. He is a massive fan of One Piece, Naruto, and Haikyu. Amidst the Great Pirating Era, he wishes to become the greatest Hokage, even though he is short.
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