by Obocchama—kun, a comedy anime popular in Japan in the late 1980s and 1990s, is creating a new boom in India today. It was announced that new episodes for the Indian market will be co-produced by TV Asahi and Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) in 2024, which became a hot topic.
Why is “Obocchama-kun” in India now? What is its background? This time, we conducted an exclusive interview with Anvesh Tiwari, head of SPNI’s Kids & Animation Business, and asked him about the background of this unique project.
What is the secret behind this hit in India?
The first thing to be concerned about is whether “Obocchama-kun” is attracting attention in India.
The show is currently being broadcast on the paid channel “Sony YAY!※” operated by SPNI, and according to Tiwari, its popularity is extremely high. “Obocchama-kun has been popular with young Indian audiences since 2021. Careful localization and a relatable story were key. We carefully adapted the work to familiar cultural nuances and local language, making it easy for children across India to enjoy,” he explained.
The primary target audience is said to be “4 to 13 years old,” which is not much different from Japan. When asked why a gag anime like “Obocchama-kun” has been accepted across borders, he cited “humor” as the most critical factor.
“Humor has always been a big draw for Indian audiences, and kids especially love exaggerated expressions, wordplay, and slapstick comedy. Shows with quirky, exaggerated characters have consistently resonated with kids, and ‘Obocchama-kun’ fits that demand perfectly,” he said. “Moreover, the main character’s character is also a big draw.
His playful behavior and exaggerated personality are hilarious and lovable.” Such popularity led to the production of a new series, and the reason for this was the significant local demand: “Indian children consume content at a faster rate than ever before, and the demand to see more episodes of ‘Obocchama-kun’ is overwhelming.” *Sony YAY! is a pay TV channel operated by SPNI that broadcasts children’s content.
The anime “Obocchama-kun” is translated into Hindi, Tamil, and other languages and broadcast on Sony YAY!, which is owned by SPNI.
