- The following is content from the press release -
The popular series "Nikoniko, Pun", which ran for 10 years from 1982 to 1992 as the puppet show section of NHK's "Okaasan to Itto" (with Mom) and produced a total of over 2,000 episodes, returns in a new form in the 2021 era. Based on selected episodes, the puppet puppet show "Nikoniko, Pun NEO" has been reconstructed with new voice actors and music. The nostalgic characters "Jajamaru," "Pikkoro," and "Porori" will once again deliver a story filled with courage and friendship that transcends time.
Official YouTube channel opened!
An official YouTube channel has been established and a teaser video is now available. The full-length video will be distributed sequentially from August 23 (Sat.). In addition, original video content on the themes of intellectual and dietary education will also be distributed.
Goods development is decided!
Sundries, apparel, plush toys, and other goods designed with a blend of nostalgia and novelty will be available. Sales are scheduled to begin sequentially in late August 2025.
Jajamaru" appeared at the event!
To commemorate the start of "Nikoniko Pun NEO," "Jajamaru" will appear at the Kodomo-Mannaka Kids' Fest! Original postcards will be given away at the event.
Date] August 23 (Sat.) and 24 (Sun.), 2025
Venue] Saitama Super Arena Community Arena
*For further information on "Nikoniko Pun NEO", please visit the "NHK Heisei Retro Characters" installation!
https://www.instagram.com/nhk_heiseiretrocharacters/
Production Team
Old series "Nikoniko, Pun".
Script and Lyrics: Takao Ide
Composed by Nobuyoshi Koshibe
Character Design: Hisayoshi Okabe
New series "Nikoniko Pun NEO
Doll design, set design, animation: Tomomi Komazaki
Music production cooperation: 164 40mP monaca:factory Akiko Tateyama
Voice Actor:
Jajamaru: Kogure Koishi
Pikkoro": Chiyuri Ito
Porori": Ryu Fujisaki
Uncle Kashinoki": Ryusei Nakao
Hanabana Girls: HARMONICs (Eirina Koga, Ruka Yashiro, Shiori Nakasaki, Yuri Ichinose)
© "Nikoniko Pun NEO" Production Committee / Studio Japipo
Character Introductions
Jajamaru" (Fukurokouji, Jajamaru)
A child of the Uraomote wildcat. He is strong and agile. He is a wildcat with a strong parental nature.
He is the leader of the three, a pragmatist with plenty of knowledge to survive. He is a realist and has plenty of knowledge to survive, but he feels inferior because he is the only one among the three who cannot read and can only count numbers up to 4. He is a bully, but at heart he is a kind and lonely person. Sometimes, he shows unexpected righteousness.
Pikkoro" (Furteshimo Pikkoro)
A young Bolt penguin. He is fashion-conscious and fashionable. She is caring and firm, but also strong-willed and outspoken. She considers "cute" to be the greatest compliment she can receive, but she will turn colorful and retort to any comments that disrespect women. When she gets angry, she jumps, causing the ground to shudder and sending them both staggering. (DONPYON)
"Porori" (Porori Kazilliacci III)
The child of a mouse. Ancestor of the famous pirate family "Neko Irenai/Kajiriatchi". He is a stylist (fashionable and pretentious). He tends to put on his nose about his family background and intelligence in any way, but he is smart, humble, and kind. He is timid and whiny. However, when it comes to inventions, she is a genius.
Uncle Oak Tree.
He is knowledgeable and kind, and is the island's living persona. He is usually asleep, but once he wakes up, he is an extremely reliable old man. Naturally, he cannot walk, but birds and animals work as his hands and feet. He is a sucker for coconut wine.
Hanabana Girls.
Bizarre singing flowers created by the author's meekness and opportunism.
Appeared in Intermission and Ending. Dreams of appearing in the Kohaku Uta Gassen.
It seems to be a rare species in the poppy family.
