I was inspired to write this piece after a conversation with a friend about Anpanman—a character I didn’t grow up with, but one who fascinates me deeply. I’ve only seen a handful of episodes, but they left a mark. The theme song, “Anpanman March,” really says it all:
“Anpanman, the hero of justice, has only love and courage as his friends.”
Taken from the ‘Anpanman March’ song :
For those unfamiliar, Anpanman is a beloved children’s character in Japan, with a head made of anpan—a sweet red bean bun. He’s a flying hero who offers hungry children parts of his own face to eat, helping them regain strength. It sounds unusual, even odd at first, but it carries a beautiful message: selflessness, kindness, and the fight against hunger and greed.
The name itself is a combination of anpan (the sweet bun) and man, borrowed from English and written in katakana.
Anpanman was created by Takashi Yanase, a manga artist who didn’t gain widespread recognition until in his 50s. He first introduced Anpanman in 1973 through a picture book published in a children’s magazine. At the time, many thought the concept too strange or weak compared to traditional superheroes. But Yanase persisted. He self-published the first book, and slowly, through the voices of children and parents, Anpanman’s popularity began to grow.
The character of ‘Anpanman’ reflects creator’s personal values and hardships—particularly his experience of hunger during World War II.
Despite early criticism (some adults thought the idea of eating a hero’s face was disturbing), kids liked it. They saw a hero who was kind, gentle, and real. One camera shop owner once told Yanase, “My child begs me to read him Anpanman every night.”
The anime Soreike! Anpanman first aired on October 3, 1988—a day now celebrated as Anpanman Day.
Though it began with low expectations, it quickly gained popularity, eventually becoming a national hit. Yanase was 69 at the time. The series has aired continuously since, introducing countless characters, from allies like Currypanman and Shokupanman to villains like Baikinman, all with unique personalities and lessons to share.
Bread Factory in the story is based on Yanase’s own nostalgic memories of his hometown. Even the villain, Baikinman, was modeled after his inner struggles, making him more than just an enemy. This depth is part of why the series resonates with both kids and adults.
And beyond the story, Anpanman is a commercial force. Since the anime began, it’s become a cultural and economic phenomenon:
Annual sales of ¥36.8 billion (as of 2019)
¥10 billion in profits from merchandise and events
A 2018 live-action adaptation in China grossed ¥1.7 billion
Ranked 6th worldwide in cumulative character business earnings, surpassing Marvel, Spider-Man, and Batman
The reach is stunning. As of 2025, children who grew up with the anime are now in their 30s and 40s, and many are passing it down to their own children.
Nippon.com (2021). Anpanman: The Sweet-Bean-Breadhead Hero Beloved by Japanese Children. https://www.nippon.com/ja/japan-topics/g02496/
STATION Ai × STAK. “【アンパンマンから学ぶ】成功するための秘訣は「勇気と愛」だけ。” note（ノート）, https://note.com/stak_iot/n/n26aabc35f516
小説丸編集部. “なぜ今『アンパンマン』なのか？ 人間・やなせたかしの人生から知る本当のヒーロー像.” 小説丸, https://shosetsu-maru.com/essay/anpan-man
Lifehacker Japan編集部. “週末に読みたい本：アンパンマンの生みの親・やなせたかしが大人に伝えたかったこと.” https://www.lifehacker.jp/article/2504_book_to_read_weekend_98/
アンパンマンとは？アンパンマンのあゆみ. Official Anpanman Portal, https://www.anpanman.jp/about/history.html
アンパンマンの歴史. Anpanman 30th Anniversary Special Site, https://www.anpanman.jp/30th/history/
Ina
Support dialog
