37 years of Anpanman

On this day, October 3rd, 1988 the first ever "Sore Ike Anpanman" aired. To this day it is very much loved by children all across Japan. It is not internationally known, but it does hold the Guinness World Record for the most characters in one TV show, with more than 1700 different characters. The Guinness World Record records state that the show has aired since 1968, but its definitely 1988! But preceding the television show, Anpanman was a picture book series, from 1973. 

Anpanman is a flying hero whose face is made of sweet red bean bread. In the featured photo of this post he is on the right of the photo. 'An' is the Japanese for red bean and 'pan' is the word for bread; 'red bean bread man'! Anpanman's signature move is to give part of his face to the hungry! When he needs a new face, Jamu-ojichan (Uncle Jam) bakes one for him. Baikin-man is the villain of the story. Baikin means germ, so Mr Germ or Germ man in English!

For people in Japan, Anpanman needs little introduction. But for people overseas who have not yet been to Japan, its hard to describe just how renowned the cartoon series is. I think every child in Japan knows who Anpanman is, even if they don't have a TV. He is everywhere! There are even Anpanman museums; one in Yokohama, pictured, and others in at least Sendai and Nagoya. In  addition there is a Takashi Yanase hall with an Anpanman section in Kochi Prefecture. Takashi Yanase was the creator of Anpanman. He ran a superhero picture book series until his death in 2013.

You can buy Anpanman themed goods, particularly baby and infant goods, in most supermarkets and malls around Japan. There are Anpanman drinks and snacks. Some restaurants serve kids meals on Anpanman plates or design part of the meal to look like Anpanman. You can pick up Anpanman designed bread in a lot of bakeries. The list goes on and on.

Are you familiar with Anpanman? Have you ever watched any of the cartoons? If you are familiar with the series; head over to the Q&A section and tell us who your favorite Anpanman character is!