Kodoani.com – Japan-based confectionery company Lotte announced on Saturday that its Bikkuri-Man line of sponge cakes will feature an anime titled Bikkuri-Men. The anime will air with a “completely original story.” Shaman King manga creator Hiroyuki Takei is sketching the original character designs, and he drew the image below:
The tagline on the image reads: “This is the Bikkuri-Man of the Reiwa era.”
The announcement coincides with “Bikkuri-Man Day” in Japan (April 1). The new anime will feature characters appearing on collectible stickers packed with snacks. The product’s website is streaming an introductory video featuring Takei’s designs for Yamato, Ushiwaka, Jack and Phoenix.
Bikkuri-Man snacks have been a huge hit in Japan since their 1977 debut, and they have been adapted for various relationships, including five TV anime and two movies. The original television anime Bikkuri-Man premiered in 1987.