NHK’s highly anticipated live-action TV series, Anpan, has recently unveiled its additional cast, staff, and premiere date of March 31. The series, set to air for 26 weeks with a total of 130 episodes, follows the life story of Anpanman manga creator Takashi Yanase and his wife Nobuo Komatsu. Inspired by their childhood and the creation of Anpanman, the series stars Takumi Kitamura as Takashi Yanai and Mio Imada as Nobu Asada.
The series’ “poster visual,” featuring the protagonist Nobu Asada, was also revealed by NHK, along with the announcement that Japanese television announcer Risa Hayashida will serve as the series’ narrator. Additionally, Akio Izutsu, known for his work on anime series like Akuma Kun and Phi-Brain – Puzzle of God, will be composing the music for Anpan.
This heartfelt portrayal of Takashi and Nobu’s journey will be brought to life by a stellar cast, including Ryo Kase, Noriko Eguchi, Yūmi Kawai, and Nanoka Hara. The series also features renowned actors like Kazunari Ninomiya and Kōichi Yamadera in key roles.
Miho Nakazono will be handling the scriptwriting duties, with Ken Kurasaki serving as the chief producer. Froebel-kan Co., Ltd. is behind the production of this touching biographical series, which aims to capture the essence of Yanase’s legacy and the beloved character of Anpanman.
This project comes on the heels of a television biographical anime special about Yanase released in 2019, titled “Yūki no Hana ga Hiraku Toki: Yanase Takashi to Anpanman no Monogatari.” The special was based on Kumiko Kakehashi’s novel and offered a glimpse into the life and inspiration behind Anpanman.
Yanase’s creation, Soreike! Anpanman, has been a cultural phenomenon in Japan since its inception in 1988, spawning a long-running anime series and 35 films to date. The character’s popularity extends beyond Japan’s borders, making Anpanman a beloved figure worldwide. Yanase’s legacy continues to live on through his timeless creation, touching the hearts of audiences young and old.
As NHK continues to produce compelling content like Anpan, the Renzoku TV Shōsetsu franchise remains a beacon of storytelling excellence. With each series running for 15 minutes every weekday morning, these shows offer a deep dive into the lives and experiences of remarkable individuals, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.
Stay tuned for the premiere of Anpan on March 31, as audiences prepare to embark on a heartwarming journey through the life of Takashi Yanase and the creation of a beloved childhood icon.
