Tubi, a branch of FOX Entertainment, has recently revealed that it will be the exclusive platform for the premiere of the beloved Anpanman franchise from TMS Entertainment, catering to audiences who speak English and Spanish. This exciting development marks a significant milestone for anime enthusiasts in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Mexico, as they will now have access to this iconic character and his adventures. The debut includes ten films, with the first one titled "Apple Boy and Everyone’s Hope" already available for streaming.
The Anpanman franchise is extraordinary, holding the Guinness World Record for the highest number of characters featured in an animated series. Anpanman, a superhero with a head made of anpan—a traditional Japanese pastry—delivers justice while flying around to assist those in need. He also keeps a watchful eye on his mischievous adversary, Baikinman, which translates to “bacteria man.” This character has become immensely popular in Japan, boasting five dedicated museums and being adored by children of both genders.
Adam Lewinson, Chief Content Officer at Tubi, expressed excitement about the franchise’s arrival: “Anime fans of all ages can now enjoy the Japanese phenomenon Anpanman in English and Spanish for the first time ever. We are thrilled for viewers to meet Anpanman and his lovable enemy Baikinman as they join our iconic roster of characters on Tubi Kids.”
The voice cast for this exciting venture includes Ghia Burns, who lends her voice to Anpanman in English, and Cristina Hernandez, who voices the character in Spanish. Baikinman is voiced by Jason Michael Kesser in English and Eduardo Garza in Spanish, both bringing their unique flair to these beloved characters.
The lineup of Anpanman films set to stream on Tubi is diverse and engaging, featuring a variety of storylines:
Apple Boy and Everyone’s Hope: In this tale, Apple Boy dreams of becoming a hero. When a witch poisons the fruit in his picturesque village, he must embark on a quest to find a magical seed, with Anpanman stepping in to save the day.
The Adventure of Happie: This film showcases Anpanman’s new apprentice, Happie, who falls under Baikinman’s influence, putting his entire village in jeopardy. Anpanman must intervene to set Happie back on the right path before disaster strikes.
Star-Spirited Dollie: Anpanman saves Dollie, who comes to life and craves fun, even at the expense of others. Meanwhile, Baikinman is busy constructing a powerful robot to thwart Anpanman’s efforts.
Purun, the Soap Bubble: Purun struggles with creating large bubbles and skips out on performing. Anpanman must help her eliminate Baikinman and his eerie bubbles from the palace.
The Secret of Fairy Rin-Rin: After Baikinman deceives the fairy Rin-Rin, who safeguards the flower that grants Anpanman his strength, the characters embark on a journey to find more of these precious flowers.
Blacknose and the Magical Song: This story revolves around an orphan named Cana, raised in darkness by the villainous Blacknose, who aims to extinguish the joys of singing, dancing, and delicious food. Anpanman’s mission is to bring light and joy back into Cana’s life.
Revive Banana Island!: In this film, the cold weather threatens the sweet fruits of Banana Island. However, queen Banna hesitates to seek Anpanman’s help, while Baikinman plots to find the legendary Giant Banana.
Nanda and Runda from the Star of Toys: Princess Runda, who is rather selfish, teams up with a kind-hearted robot named Nanda. After losing her wand that transforms items into toys, she must enlist Anpanman’s help to recover it.
Shine! Kulun and the Stars of Life: As the annual Star Festival approaches, Kulun, a mysterious figure, emerges from Baikinman’s garbage can, causing black stars to fall and endangering life in Anpanman’s universe.
- Twinkle! Princess Vanilla of Ice Cream Land: Anpanman must assist Princess Vanilla in saving her ice cream kingdom from imminent peril, as she learns an important lesson that could determine the fate of her realm.
Anpanman is now part of the extensive Tubi Kids library, which boasts nearly 2,000 child-friendly movies and TV shows, translating to over 8,000 hours of content. This rich collection includes titles like Barney, Scooby-Doo, VeggieTales, Superman, Batman, LEGO Ninjago, Sonic the Hedgehog, Strawberry Shortcake, Paddington Bear, Casper the Friendly Ghost, Garfield, The Wiggles, and many more.
The addition of Anpanman to Tubi Kids is not just a significant cultural milestone but also an opportunity for children and families to explore the enchanting world of Japanese anime. The franchise’s universal themes of friendship, courage, and the pursuit of justice resonate with viewers of all ages, making it a perfect fit for family viewing.
As the popularity of anime continues to grow, platforms like Tubi are stepping up to deliver diverse content that appeals to various demographics. With Anpanman’s arrival, Tubi is enhancing its offerings and providing an opportunity for audiences to enjoy a classic that has captured hearts in Japan and is now poised to do the same in North America and beyond.
For those looking to introduce their children to the delightful adventures of Anpanman, Tubi presents an ideal solution. With easy access to these engaging films, families can bond over the charming stories and spirited characters that have made Anpanman a household name in Japan. Whether it’s laughter, excitement, or valuable life lessons, the Anpanman films promise to entertain and inspire young viewers as they navigate the colorful world alongside their favorite characters.
In summary, Tubi’s exclusive premiere of the Anpanman franchise represents a major step forward in making this beloved character accessible to a broader audience. With the films now available for streaming, families can look forward to delightful adventures filled with humor, heart, and important lessons that will resonate with children everywhere.
