The upcoming 2025 Anpanman film, “Go! Anpanman: Chapon’s Hero!,” has generated significant buzz with the release of its official trailer, showcasing the heartwarming story and unveiling its guest cast members. As the 36th film in the beloved Anpanman franchise, this installment promises to delve into themes of love, courage, and the meaning of life, continuing the legacy of creator Takashi Yanase. The film is set to premiere in Japan on June 27, 2025.
Storyline: Chapon’s Journey of Self-Discovery
The movie centers around Chapon, a mysterious boy who falls from the sky and has no memory of his origins. He is taken in by Anpanman and his friends, learning the joy of helping others and dreaming of becoming a hero, idolizing Anpanman as an older brother figure. However, Baikinman, the series’ main antagonist, arrives and reveals a shocking secret about Chapon’s past. Chapon then faces the dilemma of whether his origins or his dreams will define who he is. Determined to forge his own path, Chapon declares, “I will decide the meaning of my birth!” and joins forces with Anpanman to confront Baikinman.
Panther Comedy Trio Joins as Guest Voice Actors
Adding to the excitement, the comedy trio Panther, consisting of Satoshi Mukai, Takahiro Ogata, and Ryotaro Suga, will be lending their voices to the film. This marks Panther’s first foray into the Anpanman series and their first appearance in an anime film in approximately 11 years.
- Satoshi Mukai will voice Robot No. 2, a mecha created by Baikinman. Mukai has been a long-time fan of Anpanman, stating, “I fell in love with Anpanman after watching Anpanman: Dolly of the Star of Life (2006). I especially love Rollpanna.”
- Takahiro Ogata will also voice a role in Mecha Robo No. 2. As a father himself, he expressed his joy in working with Anpanman, a familiar character to his daughter. “Because I have a daughter, I’ve been to the Anpanman Children’s Museum many times. This is the happiest job I’ve ever had. I don’t have any other jobs I can be proud of (laughs). I think this is a job I can be proud of in front of my daughter,” he said.
- Ryotaro Suga will play Carrot, the mayor of Hinata Village.
Yū Aoi Voices Chapon: A Central Role
Adding to the star power, actress Yū Aoi, known for her roles in the live-action Rurouni Kenshin films and Children of the Sea, will voice the central character, Chapon.
Production Staff
The team behind the movie includes:
- Director: Katsuyoshi Yatabe (Bucchigiri)
- Producer: Toshio Nakatani (Death Note)
- Music Composer: Taku Izumi (Gegege no Kitaro)
- Character Designer: Michishiro Yamada
Anpanman: A Legacy of a Japanese Superhero
Anpanman, created by Takashi Yanase, is a beloved Japanese children’s superhero whose head is made of an anpan, a red bean-filled pastry. He protects the world from the evil Baikinman, a germ-themed villain. The Anpanman franchise, which began as a picture book series in 1973, has expanded into manga, anime, and numerous films. The anime series, Soreike! Anpanman, has been airing since 1988 and has over 1600 episodes. The franchise’s enduring popularity has made Anpanman a cultural icon in Japan, promoting themes of justice, kindness, and helping those in need. In fact, Anpanman even surpassed Hello Kitty as Japan’s top-grossing character in 2002 and has remained the country’s top-grossing character as of 2019.
Anpanman’s Origin and Powers
Anpanman was born when a shooting star landed in Uncle Jam’s oven while he was baking an anpan. He doesn’t need to eat or drink to sustain himself; the bean jam in his head provides the necessary sustenance. His weaknesses include water and anything that makes his head dirty. When his head is damaged, Uncle Jam bakes him a new one to replace it. Anpanman’s special attacks include the “An-punch” and “An-kick”.
Anpanman’s Impact
Anpanman’s influence extends beyond entertainment. The character is seen as a symbol of justice and has inspired acts of kindness and bravery in children. Takashi Yanase, the creator of Anpanman, believed in the importance of helping others, even at the cost of self-sacrifice. This message is reflected in Anpanman’s actions, as he often gives pieces of his head to starving people.
Release Date and Expectations
“Go! Anpanman: Chapon’s Hero!” is set to be released in Japanese theaters on June 27, 2025. Given the franchise’s history and the heartwarming themes explored in the film, expectations are high for another successful installment.
Guest Cast Roles
The specific roles of Takahiro Ogata and Ryotaro Suga have not been revealed yet. However, with the film’s release date approaching, fans eagerly await more details about their characters and how they will contribute to the story.
Anpanman’s Enduring Appeal
Anpanman‘s enduring appeal lies in its simple yet powerful message of love, courage, and the importance of helping others. The character’s relatability and his willingness to sacrifice himself for the sake of others have resonated with generations of children in Japan and beyond. With the release of “Go! Anpanman: Chapon’s Hero!,” this legacy is sure to continue, inspiring a new generation of viewers.
