By TAKUMI TERUI/ Staff Writer
September 25, 2024 at 17:21 JST
Obo Chama, the protagonist of the "Obocchama-kun" anime, has steadily gained fans in India over the past 10 years. (Copyright 1986 Yoshinori Kobayashi/TV Asahi)
A beloved Japanese anime series from the late 1980s is set to make a comeback, this time targeting Indian viewers.
New episodes of "Obocchama-kun," a wacky school comedy that was originally aired by TV Asahi Corp. and its affiliated companies from 1989 to 1992, will be released next spring, the broadcaster announced on Sept. 24.
The series follows the comical adventures of Obo Chama as the heir of a wealthy family navigates the ups and downs of attending an elite school. It gained immense popularity thanks to its quirky characters, bizarre storylines, silly jokes and playful puns.
Its animation style and pacing reflect other shows it shared the airwaves with, including "Dragon Ball Z" and "Ranma 1/2."
The new "Obocchama-kun" anime marks the first new production in about 30 years.
Sony Pictures Networks India is a key partner in the project, airing Hindi, Tamil and Telegu dubs of the original series on its children's channels.
The show's energetic and lighthearted world of 1980s Japan seems to resonate with audiences in India where the economy has experienced steady growth.
"We believe that the setting, such as the protagonist living in a castle-like mansion, and his carefree demeanor have struck a chord with local viewers," said Yukiko Fujimoto, a director at TV Asahi.
The popularity of the series has steadily grown over the past decade in India, and Fujimoto expressed excitement that her company is finally able to move forward with this new project.
TV Asahi subsidiary Shin-Ei Animation Co. of "Doraemon" and "Crayon Shin-chan" fame is currently working on the script under the supervision of Yoshinori Kobayashi, the creator of the original manga. Animation production is being handled in India.
The new episodes will be unveiled at the global entertainment trade show Mipcom Cannes that will be held in the French city in October.
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