The long-running Japanese TV anime Sazae-san is officially expanding its reach overseas. Eiken Inc., the animation production company behind the beloved series, has announced that Sazae-san will begin regular broadcasts in Taiwan starting Monday, January 26, 2026. This marks a major milestone for one of Japan’s most iconic family anime franchises.
Broadcast Details in Taiwan
In Taiwan, Sazae-san will be aired under the localized title “Miss Conch”, making it more accessible to local audiences.
Taiwan Broadcast Information
- Start Date: Monday, January 26, 2026
- Broadcast Days: Monday to Friday
- Time: 7:00 PM (local time)
- Channel: MOMOTV (Taiwanese cable TV)
The series will be broadcast in a weekday evening slot, positioning it as a family-friendly program that parents and children can enjoy together after school and work.
Local Distribution and Voice Cast
The Taiwanese broadcast and localization of Sazae-san will be handled by MUSE (Momohana International Co., Ltd.), a leading company specializing in the distribution, licensing, and dubbing of Japanese anime across Asia.
MUSE has confirmed that:
- A Taiwanese voice cast has been prepared for the series
- The dubbing emphasizes natural dialogue and cultural familiarity
- The goal is to preserve the warmth and humor of the original while making it easy for first-time viewers in Taiwan to connect with the characters
MUSE is well known in the region for successfully bringing major Japanese anime titles to local audiences, making them a trusted partner for this expansion.
Why “Sazae-san” Is a Perfect Fit for Taiwan
According to MUSE and local broadcasters, family-oriented anime has consistently performed well in Taiwan. Long-standing favorites such as:
- Crayon Shin-chan
- Atashin’chi
have proven that slice-of-life, family comedy anime resonates strongly with Taiwanese viewers.
Key Reasons for Strong Market Compatibility:
- High demand for safe, family-friendly content
- Popularity of everyday-life comedies
- Broad appeal across multiple generations
- Minimal reliance on cultural barriers like fantasy lore or complex backstories
Given this environment, Sazae-san—a show that has been loved in Japan for decades—is expected to blend naturally into Taiwan’s TV landscape.
About “Sazae-san” (Beginner-Friendly Introduction)
Sazae-san is a classic Japanese anime based on the four-panel manga by Machiko Hasegawa. The story follows the daily life of Sazae Fuguta, a cheerful and outspoken housewife, along with her extended family.
What Makes “Sazae-san” Special:
- Focus on ordinary family life
- Gentle humor rooted in everyday situations
- Themes of family bonds, community, and tradition
- Stories that reflect changing society while maintaining timeless values
First broadcast in 1969, Sazae-san holds the Guinness World Record as the longest-running animated TV series in the world. In Japan, it has become a cultural symbol, often associated with Sunday evenings and family time.
A Strategic Step in Global Expansion
While Sazae-san has been deeply rooted in Japanese culture, this move signals a renewed effort to introduce the series to overseas audiences—particularly in regions where Japanese lifestyle anime already has a strong fanbase.
Industry observers note that:
- Taiwan serves as a gateway market for wider Asian expansion
- Success on Taiwanese cable TV could open doors to other regions in Asia
- Classic, low-risk content like Sazae-san offers long-term broadcast stability
This overseas expansion also reflects a broader trend of Japanese legacy anime gaining new international life through localization and modern distribution strategies.
What Viewers Can Expect
For Taiwanese audiences—especially those new to Japanese anime—Sazae-san offers:
- Short, easy-to-follow episodes
- Light comedy with universal themes
- No complex continuity or prior knowledge required
For longtime anime fans, the series provides a nostalgic and relaxing viewing experience, contrasting with today’s action-heavy or high-concept anime
Final Thoughts
The launch of Sazae-san in Taiwan is a significant step for one of Japan’s most treasured anime franchises. With a trusted distributor, a prime family-friendly time slot, and a market that appreciates everyday-life storytelling, the series is well positioned for success.
As Miss Conch begins its weekday run on MOMOTV from January 26, 2026, this expansion highlights how timeless stories about family and daily life can cross borders—and generations—with ease.
