Based on the hugely popular 1986 manga written and created by Yoshinori Kobayashi, “Obocchama-kun” became a cultural phenomenon in Japan, sparking a major boom when it first aired in 1989. TV Asahi and SONY Pictures Networks India (SPNI) presented the anime sequel adaptation of Obocchama-kun (26 x 22’ or 52 x 11’) Monday morning at MIPCOM 2024.
This collaboration to produce a new sequel to the cult children’s animation series, 30 years later, stems from the series’ resurgence in popularity in India. The project will feature stories and character designs created in Japan, with animation produced in India, bringing together the creative strengths of both countries to revive a classic series for a new generation.
The new anime adaptation includes 26 brand new episodes that continue the adventures from the original series produced by TV Asahi. Targeted at children aged 6 to 11, the 2D comedy series follows the hilarious adventures of Chama, a “crazy rich” boy with an outrageous school and family life. With one of the world’s largest fortunes and a mansion so vast that one could get lost without a guide, the Obo family’s wealth is immense. It’s said that the head of the family can influence global affairs with just a word. This is the splendid and tumultuous daily drama of their only son, Chama, also known as “Obocchama-kun”.
During the presentation, Makiko Inaba and Kanon Asami, Director and International Distribution and Development Executive, Animation Sales & Development, both from TV Asahi, participated alongside Ronojoy Chakraborty, Head of Programming at Sony YAY!, Sony Pictures Networks India.
‘Obocchama-kun is originally a Japanese manga that was published in the 1980s and 1990s, created by Mr. Kobayashi. It sold an impressive 6.3 million copies in circulation. It was then adapted into an animated series that aired during TV Asahi‘s prime time slot, becoming a huge sensation in Japan’, commented Sumida from TV Asahi.
SPNI’s Chakraborty added, ‘Obocchama-kun’s success in India reflects the power of its playful charm and relatable storytelling. As an Indo-Japanese co-production, it has struck a chord with kids, fostering a strong emotional connection’.
The linguistic uniqueness of Obocchama-kun was also highlighted through the use of «chamanese,» a form of Japanese wordplay and puns that can be challenging to translate. For instance, the Japanese word «arigato» (thank you) is humorously altered to «arigacho» (thank goose), combining «gacho,» the Japanese word for goose, with «arigato.» While this is humorous in Japanese, it loses meaning in translation, underscoring the challenge of adapting culturally specific humor for international audiences.
SPNI plans to start airing the series across India next year on its children’s channel SONY YAY! TV Asahi will handle worldwide TV, VOD, and licensing and merchandising rights, excluding Japan and India.
