Japanese Favorite Character

Someone is more popular than Hello Kitty

Do you know what character most little toddler like in Japan? Hello Kitty? Pokemon? 

No. It's Anpanman. I can say 99% of Japanse toddler like Anpanman.  

Anpan means Red beans bread. He is created by Takashi Yanase and his face is made by bunch of circle shapes. I guess that's why children is attracted by Anpanman's face. 

Story of Anpanman

Anpanman gives his own face to the hungry people. And then, Anpanman loses his power when he gives his face. Then, Jamuojisan(means jam bread uncle) bakes the new Anpanman face and gives new power to Anpanman. 

That may sounds surrealistic but that is about the story of Anpanman. His enemy is Baikinman(means germs man) doing bad things to knock down Anpanman. In the end of every story, Anpanman wins and comes to the happy ending.

However, most toddler don't know about the story of Anpanman. They just like the look of him and find him really attractive. So, if you are not Japanese, try to show Anapanman to your kids or any toddlers and see if they are attracted. I would really like to know if toddler in the world also loves Anpanman or not... :)  

If you are traveling to Japan, I would really recommend you to get Anpanman goods for your kids. 

Anpanman's Popular Characters

Baikin man

Dokin chan(Red girl with a horn)

Kokin chan(Blue version of Dokinchan)

Shokupan man(Square bread)

Kareipan man(Curry bread)

Melonpanna chan(Melon bread)

Cream panda(Custard bread)