It has been announced that an official YouTube channel will be launched for the popular series "Niko Niko Pun," which aired for 10 years from 1982 to 1992 as a puppet show segment on NHK's children's program "Okaasan to Issho."
The series has produced over 2,000 stories, with the nostalgic characters "Jajamaru," "Pikkoro," and "Porori" telling stories of courage and friendship that transcend the ages. Based on selected episodes, the puppet show "Niko Niko Pun NEO" will be re-created with new voice actors and music.
A teaser video has been released on the official YouTube channel, with the full video set to begin streaming on August 23rd. Other original video content themed around intellectual education and nutrition education is also planned. Additionally, merchandise designed to combine nostalgia with modernity, including miscellaneous goods, apparel, and stuffed toys, will be released sequentially from late August.
・Character introduction
◇ "Jajamaru" (Fukuro Koji Jajamaru)
He is the child of the Two-Faced Wildcats. He is strong and agile. He has a wild, bossy personality. He is the leader of the three. He is a realist and has a wealth of knowledge to survive. He is the only one of the three who cannot read and can only count up to four, which makes him feel inferior. He is what you would call a bully, but deep down he is kind and easily lonely. He can also show unexpected kindness at times.
◇"Piccoro" (Foltesimo Piccolo)
"Hmph." A baby Bolt penguin. Stylish and fashion-conscious. Caring and reliable, but also strong-willed and quick to speak. She thinks "cute" is the highest compliment, but gets angry and refutes any remark that belittles women. When angry, she jumps, causing a trembling sound that sends both of them staggering. (Thumpyon)
◇ "Porori" (Porori Casiliacchi III)
He is the son of a mouse. His ancestors are the famous pirate family "Nekoirazu Kajiriatchi." He is a stylist (fashionable, pretentious). He tends to brag about his family background and intelligence, but he is also intelligent, humble, and kind. He is timid and a crybaby. However, he displays genius talent when it comes to inventing things.
◇ "Uncle Oak"
He is knowledgeable and kind, and is the living encyclopedia of the island. He usually sleeps, but once awake he is an extremely reliable old man. Naturally, he cannot walk, but birds and animals act as his hands and feet. He has a weakness for palm wine.
◇ "Hanabana Girls"
These strange singing flowers are the product of the author's fanboyism and opportunism. They appear in the intermission and ending credits. Their dream is to perform at the Red and White Song Battle. They are said to be a rare species of the poppy family.
