It has been announced that Shirotan, a popular character modeled after a harp seal, will be made into a TV anime. The TV anime, titled "Shirotan," will air on TV Asahi in the fall of 2026. Aoi Yuki, who voices Shirotan in the web anime, will reprise the role in the TV anime.
Shirotan is a character created in 1999, and its pure white, fluffy form and gentle expression have made it very popular.
The anime is being planned and produced by TV Asahi and Shin-Ei Animation, with animation production by Lesprit. Arisa Okada will direct, and Iku Yoshizuki will be in charge of series composition and scriptwriting.
Yuuki, who voices Shirotan, said, "Shirotan is going to be in the anime again! I'm so happy! I hope everyone will enjoy Shirotan's gentle and soft world and find it very soothing. I'm also very happy to be able to continue voicing Shirotan. In this turbulent world, where everyone is busy every day, I will do my best to bring a little bit of comfort to your lives, while also finding some comfort myself!"
Original creator Yoko said, "The day has finally come when 'Shirotan' can deliver fluffy comfort on terrestrial television! I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the fans who have supported 'Shirotan' and walked alongside us all this time, which has given us this wonderful opportunity. The production team also deeply understands the charm of 'Shirotan,' and I am confident that its soft and gentle worldview will reach even more people through the anime. I hope you will look forward to the comforting daily lives of 'Shirotan' and his friends 'Rakkoinu,' 'Shell,' and 'Ramune' with excitement."
Director Okada said, "My first encounter with Shirotan was when a friend had a large, squishy plush toy that had a mysterious presence. I'm very excited to be able to depict Shirotan, with its round white face and innocent eyes, in animation. I hope you will enjoy this story that will warm your heart, just like Shirotan, who is always there for you!"
Yoshizuki, who is in charge of series composition and scriptwriting, said, "I hope to deliver an anime that will lighten your heart just by watching it, by putting Shirotan's fluffy and gentle worldview directly into the story. I will do my best to depict a time when Shirotan and his friends are always there to gently comfort you when you feel a little tired in your hectic daily life. Thank you for your support!"
