by The long-running anime Ojarumaru is bringing the spotlight back to one of its most recognizable and entertaining characters.
Next week’s encore broadcast will feature a special “Denbo Selection,” bringing back four episodes centered on Denbo Sanjuro, Ojarumaru’s loyal caretaker and a character famous for his polite speech, hardworking personality, and tendency to fall in love at the slightest opportunity.
The four selected episodes come from the anime’s 24th and 29th series, allowing viewers to revisit some of Denbo’s funniest and most memorable stories.
The selection begins Monday, September 21, 2026, and continues through Thursday, September 24, with one Denbo-focused episode airing each morning.
For viewers who are new to Ojarumaru, this is also an easy way to understand why Denbo has remained one of the series’ most beloved supporting characters.
When Does Ojarumaru Air?
Ojarumaru currently airs on NHK E-Tele from Monday through Thursday at 8:25 a.m. JST. The program consists of short, family-friendly stories featuring Ojarumaru and the residents of Gekkō Town.
The anime has been running for decades, and its relaxed humor, gentle storytelling, and colorful cast have made it a familiar part of Japanese children’s television.
The current 2026 programming combines episodes from different series, including the newly produced 29th Series and encore broadcasts from earlier installments. NHK’s official listings also identify the 2026 programming as coming from the 29th and 24th series.
That makes the upcoming Denbo Selection a particularly fun opportunity for longtime viewers who remember older episodes while also introducing newer audiences to one of the show’s classic characters.
Who Is Denbo Sanjuro?
For beginners, Denbo Sanjuro is a small firefly-like character known in the series as a Denshobōtaru, a messenger firefly.
Denbo is 25 years old and is the 30th-born member of the Denbo family. His family has served the Sakanoue family for generations, and Denbo’s duties include delivering messages as well as taking care of Ojarumaru.
In everyday life, Denbo acts almost like Ojarumaru’s personal assistant.
He helps look after Ojarumaru, follows him around, handles various errands,s and tries to keep things under control whenever Ojarumaru causes trouble.
That is not always an easy job.
Ojarumaru is a five-year-old noble boy from the Heian-era fairy world who accidentally ends up in the modern world after obtaining Enma Daiō’s scepter. He eventually settles in Gekkō Town with Kazuma’s family, where his laid-back personality frequently creates unexpected situations.
Denbo therefore spends much of his time trying to keep up with his young master.
Denbo Is Also Famous for Falling in Love
One of Denbo’s most recognizable characteristics is his tendency to fall in love extremely easily.
He can become fascinated by all kinds of people, animals, plants, t,s and even objects. His romantic feelings often appear suddenly, and Denbo tends to give himself completely to each new crush.
Unfortunately for him, those romances frequently end in heartbreak.
This recurring joke has become an important part of Denbo’s character. His serious attitude toward every new romance contrasts with the absurd situations in which he finds himself.
That makes the upcoming selection especially appropriate because all four episodes highlight different sides of Denbo’s personality — his sense of responsibility, his romantic nature, his loyalty and, occasionally, his frustration with Ojarumaru.
September 21: “Denbo Drops the Pudding”
Series 24
The first selection episode, scheduled for Monday, September 21, is “Denbo Drops the Pudding.”
The story begins with a disaster that will immediately feel familiar to anyone who knows Ojarumaru:
Denbo accidentally drops Ojarumaru’s pudding.
Pudding is one of Ojarumaru’s favorite foods, so this is obviously a serious problem for Denbo.
Instead of immediately admitting what happened, Denbo tries to hide the mistake.
However, the Oni Trio warns him that lies eventually come to light.
Denbo begins to reconsider his decision and chooses to tell the truth.
What follows is not simply a story about a broken dessert. The episode uses Denbo’s mistake to explore a simple lesson about honesty and taking responsibility for your actions, while still maintaining the playful tone that Ojarumaru is known for.
And just when Denbo believes the situation could not get any worse, an unexpected miracle changes everything.
For longtime viewers, the episode is a good example of how Ojarumaru can turn a very small everyday problem into a surprisingly entertaining story.
September 22: “Denbo Falls in Love With a Singing Box”
Series 29
On Tuesday, September 22, viewers will get one of the most quintessentially Denbo stories in the selection.
In “Denbo Falls in Love With a Singing Box,” Denbo becomes captivated by an old music box.
The music box produces a beautiful melody, and Denbo quickly becomes fascinated by it.
As his feelings grow, Denbo begins treating the music box almost like a potential romantic partner. He wants to know its name and even starts imagining spending time together.
This is classic Denbo.
He does not slowly develop a crush. Instead, once something captures his attention, he becomes completely absorbed in his feelings.
The episode also highlights one of the character’s funniest qualities: Denbo’s definition of romance can be surprisingly broad.
Rather than falling in love only with people, Denbo’s feelings can extend to almost anything that touches his heart.
For viewers discovering Denbo for the first time, this episode provides a quick introduction to his unusual romantic personality.
September 23: “A Brief Introduction to Denbo and Usui”
Series 29
The third episode, airing Wednesday, September 23, focuses on Denbo’s familiar introduction to another memorable Ojarumaru character, Sachiyo Usui.
Denbo is known for introducing Usui with a long and very specific description.
His familiar introduction explains that Sachiyo Usui dreams of becoming a successful shojo manga artist, building a castle-like home and eventually marrying a prince on a white horse.
However, Denbo is told that his introduction is simply too long.
That creates a new challenge for him.
He must find a shorter way to explain who Usui is.
The problem is that Denbo does not want to leave out the details that he considers important.
The episode turns this simple situation into a comedy about how much information is really necessary when introducing someone.
It is also a nice example of the show’s character-based humor. Rather than depending on a complicated plot, Ojarumaru can create an entire story from a small personality conflict.
September 24: “I’ll Use the Service That Says ‘I’m Quitting’ Instead of Denbo”
Series 29
The Denbo Selection concludes on Thursday, September 24, with “I’ll Use the Service That Says ‘I’m Quitting’ Instead of Denbo.”
This episode focuses on the increasingly difficult relationship between Denbo and Ojarumaru.
Denbo is constantly ordered around by Ojarumaru, and after putting up with his master’s behavior for so long, he finally reaches his limit.
This time, Denbo decides that he wants to tell Ojarumaru that he is quitting his caretaker duties.
But there is one problem:
Denbo finds it difficult to say it directly.
Instead, he considers using a service that will communicate the difficult message for him.
The situation creates another classic Ojarumaru comedy setup. Denbo is normally extremely polite and responsible, so watching him struggle with the simple act of saying “I’m quitting” becomes part of the joke.
The episode also highlights how much Denbo actually does for Ojarumaru.
Although Ojarumaru often bosses him around, Denbo continues to look after him and remains an important part of his everyday life.
Why These Four Episodes Are Perfect for a Denbo Selection
The four episodes showcase different aspects of Denbo’s personality.
“Denbo Drops the Pudding” highlights his honesty and responsibility.
“Denbo Falls in Love With a Singing Box” focuses on his famously unpredictable romantic side.
“A Brief Introduction to Denbo and Usui” shows his attention to detail and his habit of giving extremely elaborate introductions.
“I’ll Use the Service That Says ‘I’m Quitting’ Instead of Denbo” explores his relationship with Ojarumaru and his occasional frustration with his demanding master.
Together, the four episodes provide a compact introduction to the character.
Even viewers who have never watched Ojarumaru before can understand why Denbo works so well as a supporting character: he is simultaneously a caretaker, messenger, comedian,ian and hopeless romantic.
What Is Ojarumaru About?
For new viewers, Ojarumaru follows a five-year-old noble boy named Sakanoue Ojarumaru, who comes from the Heian-era fairy world.
Ojarumaru becomes bored with his old life and eventually encounters Enma Daiō’s scepter.
After a series of events, he falls through a mysterious “Moon Hole” and arrives in the modern world, roughly 1,000 years later.
He reaches Gekkō Town, where he meets a young boy named Kazuma and eventually begins living with Kazuma’s family.
The three members of the Oni Trio — Aobee, Akane and Kisuke — also arrive in the modern world while attempting to retrieve Enma Daiō’s scepter.
From there, everyday life in Gekkō Town becomes a continuous source of gentle comedy and strange adventures.
The series is less about one large ongoing battle and more about the amusing everyday experiences of its characters.
That relaxed format is one of the reasons Ojarumaru has remained popular for so many years.
Denbo’s Role in Ojarumaru’s Everyday Life
Denbo is especially important because he helps connect Ojarumaru’s old-world origins with his modern-day life.
As a member of a messenger-firefly family serving the Sakanoue family, Denbo has responsibilities that go beyond simply following Ojarumaru around.
He carries messages between worlds and also takes care of Ojarumaru’s everyday needs.
His polite way of speaking is another defining feature.
Denbo generally speaks to others using respectful language and honorifics, which makes his reactions even funnier when he becomes excited, angry, or lovestruck.
He can be extremely formal one moment and completely overwhelmed by his emotions the next.
That contrast has made him one of the series’ most recognizable characters.
The 29th Series Is Bringing New Episodes in 2026
The Denbo Selection comes during an important year for Ojarumaru.
The anime’s 29th Series began on March 30, 2026, with new episodes airing from Monday through Wednesday and Thursday being used for an earlier-series repeat in the initial schedule.
NHK’s 2026 listings show that the program continues to combine episodes from the 29th and 24th series.
The 29th Series has also introduced new stories involving familiar characters. For example, NHK’s official streaming listings include episodes such as “Ojarumaru Goes Back to Retrieve Something He Forgot,” in which Ojarumaru returns to the Tamura household and discovers that Kazuma and Denbo are happily playing games without him.
Other 29th-Series episodes have focused on characters such as Kazuma, the Oni Trio, Otome-sensei and Usui.
This continuing mix of new stories and older favorites allows the series to remain accessible to children while also giving longtime viewers reasons to return.
New 2026 Ending Theme by Kiyoshi Hikawa
The 29th Series also introduced a new ending theme performed by Kiyoshi Hikawa.
The song is titled “Tabi de Gozansu Ojarumaru”, and it was written specifically for the anime.
According to lyricist Yukinojo Mori’s official announcement, the song has the feel of a travel-themed enka, combining a traditional Japanese musical atmosphere with the humorous and relaxed personality of Ojarumaru.
The song began with the 29th Series on March 30, 2026, adding another new element to the long-running anime.
For longtime fans, the collaboration is also notable because it connects a contemporary Ojarumaru series with the traditional Japanese musical style associated with enka.
Ojarumaru Is Preparing for Its 30th Anniversary.
Another major update surrounding the franchise is its upcoming 30th-anniversary project.
According to NHK Enterprise, Ojarumaru will reach its 30th year of broadcasting on October 5, 2027.
To begin the celebrations, the franchise launched the “Ojarumaru 30th Anniversary Project” in 2026.
One of the major activities is the anime’s first-ever character popularity vote.
Fans can choose from 123 characters, with the top five scheduled to receive merchandise based on the results. Kiyoshi Hikawa, who performs the 29th Series ending theme, cast the first vote and also shared his own character recommendation.
This gives fans another way to celebrate the huge cast that has developed throughout the anime’s long history.
And naturally, Denbo is one of the characters whose long-standing popularity makes him an especially interesting name to watch during the anniversary campaign.
A Franchise That Has Spanned Generations
Ojarumaru first premiered in 1998, meaning the series has remained part of Japanese television for nearly three decades.
The story’s basic formula has remained remarkably consistent: Ojarumaru arrives in the modern world, interacts with the residents of Gekkō Town, and finds himself involved in everyday situations that become unexpectedly funny.
However, the series has accumulated a very large cast over the years.
Characters such as Denbo, Kazuma, the Oni Trio, Usui, Otome-sensei, i and many others each have their own personalities and recurring jokes.
That long history is one reason the upcoming 30th-anniversary project is significant.
A child who watched Ojarumaru years ago can now introduce the same series to a younger family member, while new generations can discover the characters through the current episodes.
Ojarumaru Is Also Expanding Its Anniversary Content
The 30th-anniversary project is not limited to the character vote.
NHK Enterprise has also announced plans for additional products, campaigns and projects leading toward the anniversary.
In July 2026, NHK Enterprise launched “Ojarumaru Mattari Meisaku Selection,” a collection of unusual and memorable episodes made available through various streaming services. The project is part of the wider anniversary buildup.
The franchise’s production team has described the anniversary as an opportunity to thank the fans who have supported the anime over the years while looking ahead to its future.
For viewers discovering Ojarumaru today, this means there are more opportunities than ever to explore older episodes and learn about the show’s enormous cast.
Why Denbo Remains a Fan-Favorite
Denbo’s popularity comes from the fact that he is easy to understand even when the situations around him become completely absurd.
He is hardworking.
He is extremely polite.
He takes his responsibilities seriously.
He genuinely cares about Ojarumaru.
And, perhaps most importantly, he is hopelessly romantic.
His tendency to fall in love repeatedly gives the character a recurring comedic storyline, while his role as Ojarumaru’s caretaker makes him central to many everyday adventures.
Even when Ojarumaru treats him impatiently, Denbo continues doing his job.
That combination of loyalty and comedic misfortune is a major reason why a Denbo-focused selection works so well.
What to Expect From the September 21–24 Broadcast
Viewers watching the special selection can expect four very different Denbo stories.
Monday, September 21
“Denbo Drops the Pudding” — Series 24
Denbo accidentally loses Ojarumaru’s pudding and struggles with whether he should admit the truth.
Tuesday, September 22
“Denbo Falls in Love With a Singing Box” — Series 29
A beautiful old music box captures Denbo’s heart, and he becomes completely devoted to his newest “love.”
Wednesday, September 23
“A Brief Introduction to Denbo and Usui” — Series 29
Denbo is asked to shorten his detailed introduction of Sachiyo Usui, but he is unwilling to leave out the details he considers important.
Thursday, September 24
“I’ll Use the Service That Says ‘I’m Quitting’ Instead of Denbo” — Series 29
After constantly being ordered around by Ojarumaru, Denbo considers using a service to tell his master that he wants to quit.
The four-episode lineup offers a mixture of comedy, romance, character humor,r and the everyday relationship between Ojarumaru and Denbo.
The upcoming Denbo Selection gives Ojarumaru fans four mornings of stories dedicated to one of the anime’s most recognizable supporting characters.
From accidentally dropping Ojarumaru’s pudding to falling in love with a music box, Denbo’s adventures demonstrate why his character has remained entertaining for so many years.
The selection also arrives at an exciting time for the franchise. The 29th Series is currently airing, a new ending theme by Kiyoshi Hikawa has been introduced, and the franchise has already begun its 30th-anniversary project, including a 123-character popularity vote and plans for additional campaigns and merchandise.
For longtime viewers, the Denbo Selection is a chance to revisit familiar stories. For newcomers, it provides a simple introduction to a character who plays an important role in Ojarumaru’s world.
And with Ojarumaru continuing toward its 30th anniversary, Denbo and the rest of Gekkō Town still have plenty of stories waiting to be told.
