Legendary manga Obocchama-kun returns in new anime 2027

The 1986 manga series "Obocchama-kun" will return as a completely new anime titled "Obocchama-kun REBORN" airing on Asahi Television in 2027, marking its first television appearance in 35 years. The revival was prompted by the original anime's viral popularity in India during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a Japanese-Indian co-production with original creator Yoshinori Kobayashi overseeing production and voice actor Chie Kojiro reprising her role as protagonist Obou Chama.

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New anime series announcement for 'Obocchama-kun REBORN'
Completely original animation production
Serialization milestone celebration (40 years)
Original anime's viral success in India during COVID-19
Voice actor continuation

The classic manga "Obocchama-kun," which originally aired as an anime from 1989 to 1992, will return to television in 2027 as "Obocchama-kun REBORN," marking its first new animated series in 35 years. The announcement coincides with the manga's 40th anniversary since serialization began in 1986 in Monthly CoroCoro Comic.

The original 1989–1992 anime series experienced an unexpected resurgence in 2021 when it aired in India during the COVID-19 pandemic, becoming a major hit. For 40 out of 52 weeks that year, the show ranked first in viewership on children's channels in India. This international success prompted Indian broadcasters to request new content, leading to the REBORN project as a Japanese-Indian co-production.

The new series will be produced entirely as original animation, overseen by original creator Yoshinori Kobayashi (age 73). It will include previously unadapted manga episodes alongside new original stories developed under Kobayashi's full supervision. The protagonist, Obou Chama (Obocchama-kun)—a wealthy elementary schooler who travels via his "turtle squad"—will be voiced again by Chie Kojiro (age 65), who has played the character since the original 1989 broadcast. Kojiro stated she still has the energy and voice to deliver the role authentically.

Kobayashi has described generating abundant ideas for the series, including concepts involving time travel to ancient and future settings where the protagonist confronts artificial intelligence. He noted that while modern compliance standards require some self-censorship compared to the original's edgier humor, the core appeal of making people laugh remains his priority. He expressed hope that the series will inspire a new generation of aspiring manga artists and achieve enough success to keep him indoors.

The broadcast will air on Asahi Television network in 2027. The series represents a revival of a work that became a social phenomenon in its original run, with the protagonist's distinctive speech patterns—called "Chama-go"—having become catchphrases among 1980s–1990s children who are now parents themselves.

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#manga #Reborn #Yoshinori Kobayashi #revival #Asahi Television #2027 #voice actor #Japan #Obocchama-kun #anime

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Why This Matters

A classic Japanese manga-anime property from the 1980s–1990s is returning to broadcast after 35 years, driven by measurable international viewership demand. The original series ranked #1 on Indian children's channels for 40 of 52 weeks in 2021, prompting Indian broadcasters to commission new content. This revival marks the first Japanese-Indian anime co-production of the franchise and will introduce the character to a new generation, with production scheduled for 2027 on Asahi Television. Industry observers track this as a case study in how legacy content can be revived through unexpected geographic demand and digital-era redistribution.

Timeline & Sources

Jan 1, 1986

Wire

Manga 'Obocchama-kun' serialization begins in Monthly CoroCoro Comic

Jan 1, 1989

Wire

Original anime adaptation begins broadcast on Asahi Television; voice actor Chie Kojiro begins voicing protagonist

Sep 30, 2026

Wire

Announcement of new anime 'Obocchama-kun REBORN' for 2027 broadcast

Jan 1, 2027

Wire

'Obocchama-kun REBORN' new anime broadcasts on Asahi Television

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