Anpanman and baby

from JoeUser Forums

Anpanman is a much-loved Japanese super hero.  His target audience is children under the age of five.  In Japan, one can find all sorts of consumer goods featuring his image.  Due to the number of goods, I'd bet that Anpanman products are the number one-selling licensed childrens' merchandise in Japan.  (Anpanman is up there with Doraemon and Hello Kitty.)

Our son Kenny has: Anpanman clothes, dishes, cutlery, cups, stuffed toys, rubber toys, DVDs, a calendar (actually mine), and books.  -He had an Anpanman ball, but Kenny bit its' nose off and choked on it.  Scary.

The baby really seems to like Anpanman.  Whenever Kenny sees him, he points and tries to say, "Anpanman."  (However it comes out as something like: "Amba...ba...aba...")  It is awfully cute.

910 views 8 replies
Reply #1 from JoeUser Forums Top
Hasn't "Anpanman" been released in America yet?
Why don't you suggest some companies? It might make a good deal.
Reply #2 from JoeUser Forums Top

I would think so too, but we don't have anko or anpan here.  (I don't think that Americans would like it.)

Maybe we could call him: "Jelly doughnut man."

+++On a similar note: I really wish that we had Curry-pan here.  That is one of my favorites!

Offworld Trading Company
Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top
What is anpan?  What is anpanman's super power or is he basically like the Toys 'R Us giraffe?  He is cute and I can see why babies would like him.
Reply #4 from JoeUser Forums Top

 

What is anpan?

Anpan is breaded sweet bean paste.  It is like a doughnut with a bean filling.  It is a yummy pastry treat.

What is anpanman's super power

Anpanman can fly, and he has a strong "An"-Punch.  He also is able to slice off a piece of his head in order to give it to someone who needs quick energy.

Anpanman's weakness is water.  If he gets his head wet, he can't function.  In that case, the guy who created him has to bake a new replacement head for Anpanman.  Then he is good to go!

I can see why babies would like him.
 

I also noticed that he resembles a breast, thus increasing his appeal to babies.

 

Reply #5 from JoeUser Forums Top
Bite his nose off! Yikes. I don't know if items purchased in Japan have the same safety standard the the USA does when it comes to items meant for children. Certainly something to be careful of.

After all my years working with kids, I still can't predict what things they would like and why.

Teenage Muntant Nija Turtles - who thinks of this stuff and what drugs influenced it? At least Anpanman looks friendly and happy. My favorite was underdog.
Reply #6 from JoeUser Forums Top

My favorite was underdog


Oh!  I loved Underdog.  Everything he said was in verse.


Riff Raff was my favorite bad guy.  (Or is it bad-wolf?)


Not bird, nor plane, nor even frog


Its just good old me: Underdog!


 

Reply #7 from JoeUser Forums Top
Bake him a new head, huh? That just made me laugh. Funny stuff.
Reply #8 from JoeUser Forums Top

Riff Raff was my favorite bad guy. (Or is it bad-wolf?)
It is indeed Riff Raff.  He is one of my old favorites too.


Now that you mention it, Anpanman does resemble a breast