A new TV short anime adaptation of Hiromi Morishita’s manga series, Shō 3 Ashibe QQ Goma-chan, has been officially announced and is set to premiere in Spring 2026. The series will depict protagonist Ashibe as a third-grade student alongside his beloved spotted seal, Goma-chan.
A New Chapter for Ashibe and Goma-chan
The upcoming short anime will focus on Ashibe’s adventures as a third grader, offering a fresh perspective on the heartwarming and often humorous daily lives of Ashibe and his adorable pet, Goma-chan. This latest adaptation continues the enduring legacy of Morishita’s beloved series, which has charmed audiences for decades.
The Enduring Popularity of Shōnen Ashibe
The original Shōnen Ashibe manga, written and illustrated by Hiromi Morishita, first captivated readers when it was serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Young Jump from 1988 to 1994. It chronicled the daily life of elementary schoolboy Ashibe and his unusual pet, Goma-chan, a spotted seal pup. The series quickly garnered a significant following, leading to a “spotted seal boom” due to Goma-chan’s popularity.
Previous Anime Adaptations
The Shōnen Ashibe franchise has a rich history of anime adaptations:
- Original Video Animation (OVA) and TV Series (1991-1993): An initial six-episode OVA was released in 1991, followed by a 37-episode anime television series that aired on TBS from April to December 1991. A second season, comprising 25 episodes, was broadcast from 1992 to 1993.
- ** Shōnen Ashibe Go! Go! Goma-chan (2016-2019):** A second anime television series, Shōnen Ashibe Go! Go! Goma-chan, ran for four seasons on NHK Educational TV from 2016 to 2019. This series also inspired a manga adaptation.
Shō 3 Ashibe QQ Goma-chan Manga Details
Hiromi Morishita launched the Shō 3 Ashibe QQ Goma-chan manga series in Manga Action on March 17, 2020. This iteration specifically follows Ashibe as a third-grade student. Futabasha began releasing the collected volumes, with the first volume published on April 25, 2022. As of November 13, 2025, four volumes have been released.
Production Team for the New Anime
The upcoming Shō 3 Ashibe QQ Goma-chan short anime will be animated by DLE. Kōtarō Yamawaki is set to direct the series and will also be responsible for character designs. Kyōhei Matsuno will compose the music, and Ayumi Kanno will serve as the producer. The series is slated for a Q2 2026 premiere.
Fans eagerly await the return of Ashibe and Goma-chan, looking forward to new slice-of-life adventures with the charming duo in this latest animated installment.
