Anpanman

Anpanman, written by Takashi Yanase, a Japanese writer of children's stories, is one of the most popular Anime in Japan.

 The "Anpanman Train", Matsuyama, April 2002

Yanase Takashi has been writing Anpanman since 1968. Some of the main characters in Anpanman are:


 * Anpanman: The hero of the story, whose head is a bun made by Jam Ojisan. His name comes from the fact that he is a man with a head made of bread (Romaji: pan) that is filled with bean jam (Romaji: an).  His weakness is water.
 * Jam Ojisan: The father/creator of Anpanman, and a very kind baker.
 * Batakosan: Assistant to Jam Ojisan, a careless woman.
 * Baikinman: The villain in the story, he is the leader of the Viruses.
 * Cheese: Jam Ojisan's dog.
 * Shokupanman: A friend of Anpanman. He is sober, earnest, and narcissistic.
 * Currypanman: Another of Anpanman's friends. He is quick tempered, hot headed, and sentimental.

In each episode Anpanman fights with Baikinman and helps the people of the town. He always goes on patrol in the area around the house of Jam Ojisan. He is a symbol of justice, fighting for the cause of justice every day.

Anpanman has a long history, but the style has not lost its freshness. New characters are frequently introduced, keeping the series enjoyable.

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