Double Celebration: Bonobono Prepares for Major Milestones
It is really a big year for fans of Mikio Igarashi's classic series. The adorable sea otter Bonobono is gearing up to celebrate its 40th serialization anniversary in 2026. Not only that, but the TV anime is also reaching its 10th anniversary, making it a double treat for the community. To mark these special occasions, a commemorative website titled "40 years with Bonobono" officially pre-opened on April 2nd. This date holds a lot of significance because it is the exact day the anime first started airing back in 2016. Along with the site launch, a special 10th anniversary illustration has been released to the public.
Anime “Bonobono” 10th anniversary illustration
The new 10th anniversary illustration is quite heartwarming, featuring Bonobono and many of his close friends like Chipmunk, Raccoon, and Fishing Cat. If you visit the commemorative website, you can even get your hands on some cool wallpapers using this same artwork. The site also features special messages from Mikio Igarashi himself and some newly drawn illustrations that fans will surely love. For those who want to dive deeper into the series, Bonobono: the ultimate guide to the beloved anime and manga series offers a great way to catch up on the history of these characters.
Fan Projects and "Bonobono Day" Announcements
Starting from today, a very interesting participatory project has kicked off on the "Minna to no Toto" fan page within the site. Fans are being encouraged to send in their congratulatory comments and ask Igarashi questions. There is also a popularity vote happening for different Bonobono characters, which is always fun to see. Since the very first serialization appeared in Manga Life (Takeshobo) on May 17th, that specific day has now been officially designated as "Bonobono Day." It is a nice way to honour the long history of the manga.
To celebrate Bonobono Day, the anime channel Animax is planning something quite massive. On May 17th, they will air a special program called "'Bonobono' Zanmai 6 Hours - 40th Anniversary of Serialization x 10th Anniversary Special of Anime.'" This six-hour marathon will run from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., showing famous episodes and original content that looks at the global popularity and historical impact of the work.
Exclusive Anniversary Merchandise and Collaboration Goods
No anniversary is complete without some exclusive goodies. A limited "Anniversary Cheers Set" is being released by the alcohol brand UTAGE STUDIO. For those with a sweet tooth, PRIROLL is launching special cakes and macarons that use the 40th anniversary celebration artwork. These pre-orders are already live on their official site and they even come with a bonus tin badge. If you are looking for more details on why this series is so special, checking out Bonobono: the ultimate guide to the beloved anime and manga series is highly recommended.
Here are some of the key commemorative activities planned:
- UTAGE STUDIO: Online sales for the "Anniversary Toast Set" start today at 6pm, with shipping in mid-May.
- PRIROLL: Anniversary-themed cakes and macarons are available for pre-order now.
- Photomatic: Newly designed photo frames will be available at self-photo booths from May 11th to June 1st.
- Animax Special: A 6-hour dedicated broadcast on May 17th to celebrate both milestones.
It is truly amazing how Bonobono has stayed so relevant for four decades. Whether you are a long-time reader or a new fan of the anime, there is plenty to be excited about this year. These celebrations really show how much love there is for this simple yet deep story about a sea otter and his forest friends.
