Pandania’s popular four-panel manga, “Neko Mukashi Banashi” (Cat Folktales), is set to charm audiences in a new format: a web anime adaptation. Kadokawa made the announcement on Sunday, February 2nd, 2025, sending waves of excitement through manga and anime communities worldwide. The anime, titled “Ugoku! Neko Mukashi Banashi” (Move! Cat Folktales), promises to bring a fresh, feline perspective to classic stories.
Whimsical Reimagining: Cats in Classic Tales
“Neko Mukashi Banashi” has captured hearts with its simple yet brilliant premise: what if cats appeared in famous folktales and children’s stories? Pandania’s manga playfully inserts cats into well-known narratives, creating humorous and heartwarming scenarios.
The series reimagines stories from around the world, blending familiar plots with feline antics. From Cinderella to Momotaro, no tale is safe from a cat-centric twist. This unique approach has resonated with readers, establishing “Neko Mukashi Banashi” as a beloved series.
“Ugoku! Neko Mukashi Banashi”: A New Chapter
The upcoming web anime, “Ugoku! Neko Mukashi Banashi,” will bring Pandania’s vision to life with animation. The series will be distributed online, making it accessible to a global audience.
While details about the anime are still emerging, fans eagerly anticipate seeing their favorite feline-infused folktales in motion. The adaptation promises to capture the manga’s lighthearted humor and charming character designs, offering a delightful viewing experience for all ages.
Pandania Celebrates the Adaptation
In celebration of the anime announcement, Pandania shared a special illustration. The image showcases the artist’s signature style, featuring adorable cats in familiar storybook settings.
Pandania’s artwork perfectly captures the essence of “Neko Mukashi Banashi,” blending whimsy and humor with a deep appreciation for classic tales. This visual flair is expected to translate beautifully to the animated format.
Pandania: A Purr-veyor of Feline Fun
Pandania is a prolific manga artist known for their cat-themed works. Besides “Neko Mukashi Banashi,” Pandania has created several other popular series, including:
- Cats With Jobs
- The Evil Secret Society of Cats
- Yokai Cats
- Monster Cats
- Cthulhu Cat
Pandania’s talent for creating endearing cat characters and humorous situations has earned them a dedicated following. Their works have been licensed and translated into multiple languages, bringing their feline-filled stories to readers worldwide. Seven Seas Entertainment is releasing “Cats With Jobs”, “The Evil Secret Society of Cats”, “Yokai Cats” and “Monster Cats” in English, while Dark Horse Comics is releasing “Cthulhu Cat” in English.
“Neko Mukashi Banashi” Manga Series
Kadokawa has published three volumes of the “Neko Mukashi Banashi” manga:
- Neko Mukashi Banashi
- Nyanto! Neko Mukashi Banashi
- Mikke! Neko Mukashi Banashi
These volumes showcase a wide range of folktales reimagined with cats, offering readers a delightful mix of familiar stories and feline fun. The manga’s four-panel format makes it easy to pick up and enjoy, while Pandania’s charming artwork adds to its appeal.
A Global Phenomenon: Cats Conquer Culture
The popularity of “Neko Mukashi Banashi” reflects the broader cultural phenomenon of cat obsession. From internet memes to viral videos, cats have captured the hearts of people around the world.
Cats in Anime and Manga
Cats have long been a staple in anime and manga, often appearing as:
- Cute and cuddly companions
- Mystical and magical creatures
- Sarcastic and cynical observers
Characters like Hello Kitty and Jiji from “Kiki’s Delivery Service” have become iconic figures, demonstrating the enduring appeal of cats in Japanese pop culture.
The Appeal of “Neko Mukashi Banashi”
“Neko Mukashi Banashi” taps into this cultural fascination with cats, offering a unique and entertaining twist on classic stories. By placing cats at the center of familiar narratives, the manga invites readers to see these tales in a new light.
The series’ success can be attributed to several factors:
- Relatability: The stories draw upon well-known folktales and fairy tales, creating an immediate connection with readers.
- Humor: Pandania’s witty writing and charming artwork generate plenty of laughs, making the series a fun and enjoyable read.
- Cuteness: The adorable cat characters are simply irresistible, appealing to cat lovers of all ages.
The Future of Feline Folktales
As “Ugoku! Neko Mukashi Banashi” prepares to make its debut, fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter in this feline-filled saga. The web anime adaptation promises to bring Pandania’s vision to a wider audience, further solidifying “Neko Mukashi Banashi” as a beloved series.
With its unique premise, charming characters, and universal appeal, “Neko Mukashi Banashi” is poised to continue captivating audiences for years to come. Whether you’re a cat lover, a fan of folktales, or simply looking for a heartwarming and humorous story, “Neko Mukashi Banashi” offers something for everyone.
