The Legendary Gag Anime 'Obocchama-kun' Gets a New Series in India After 30 Years – "Go Bananas!?"
The legendary anime series 'Obocchama-kun' (1989–1992), based on the original manga by Yoshinori Kobayashi, which was serialized in Shogakukan's 'Monthly CoroCoro Comic' starting in 1986 and broadcast on TV Asahi, is experiencing a new boom in popularity in India. As a result, TV Asahi and Sony Pictures Networks India have teamed up to co-produce a new series (22 minutes × 26 episodes / 11 minutes × 52 episodes).
The series depicts the "glamorous and turbulent days" of Chama, the heir of the world-famous Obouzaibatsu family, who transfers to an elite school attended by children from wealthy families. The story is filled with over-the-top humor and absurd situations. "Ohayogurt" (a coined term combining the Japanese word for 'good morning' and yogurt) and "Sonna Banana" (a coined term combining the Japanese phrase for 'such nonsense' and banana) are some of Chama's unique catchphrases, contributing to the anime's massive popularity.
Thirty years later, in the present day—a time when common sense has dramatically changed—the unthinkable has happened (?!) as 'Obocchama-kun' has rekindled its popularity beyond time and borders. The series gained huge popularity on an Indian kids' channel, prompting numerous requests for a new season.
Responding to these enthusiastic requests from India, along with the original author Kobayashi's approval, a major project was set in motion. TV Asahi and Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) have teamed up to co-produce a new series of 'Obocchama-kun' (22 minutes × 26 episodes / 11 minutes × 52 episodes).
The new series, slated to air next year across India on SPNI's dedicated kids' channel "SONY YAY!", is being created with scripts by Shin-Ei Animation, a subsidiary of TV Asahi that handled the original Japanese version of 'Obocchama-kun', while animation production is taking place in India. The series aims to bring together the creative strengths of both countries.
Meanwhile, at MIPCOM 2024, one of the world's largest international TV and video content distribution markets held in Cannes, France, a world premiere screening of 'Obocchama-kun' was held on October 21. Selected episodes from the new series were screened, followed by a talk session with SPNI, TV Asahi, and India's animation studio "Green Gold Animation".
Source : ORICON NEWS