To mark the anime adaptation of the beloved picture-book series Pan-dorobou (パンどろぼう), KADOKAWA has announced a special limited edition of its TV magazine Monthly The Television (月刊ザテレビジョン) December 2026 issue, set to go on sale on October 23, 2026, priced at 990 yen. The cover features Pan-dorobou and friends holding lemons — a first for the franchise on this magazine.

About Pan-dorobou

Pan-dorobou is a wildly popular picture-book series by Keiko Shibata (柴田ケイコ), with cumulative series sales surpassing 6 million copies. The story follows a charming, lovable master thief who roams the land in search of the most delicious bread, getting into all sorts of mischief along the way.

The anime adaptation is produced by Shin-Ei Animation under the direction of Naohiko Kyogoku, and will air on NHK Eテレ from October onward. The voice cast includes:

• Ayaka Asai (朝井彩加) as Pan-dorobou
• Junichi Suwabe (諏訪部順一) as the bakery uncle
• Aoi Toyosaki (豊崎愛生) as the fake Pan-dorobou

The ending theme is performed by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu (きゃりーぱみゅぱみゅ).

Special Limited Edition Magazine

The limited edition issue will include an in-depth feature on the anime adaptation, exploring what makes the series so special, as well as an interview with voice actress Ayaka Asai. Buyers will also receive a B5-size clear file featuring newly drawn original artwork as a bonus insert. Those who purchase through Amazon.co.jp will additionally receive an original postcard using the same illustration.

• Release date: October 23, 2026 (Friday)
• Pre-orders open: September 1, 2026
• Price: 990 yen (special price)
• Publisher: KADOKAWA

SHOWA Hotcake Mix Collaboration Campaign

From September 1, 2026, a collaboration campaign with SHOWA Funwari Hotcake Mix (600g) is underway. Customers who purchase at least one box can enter a lottery for a chance to win one of 1,000 prizes total, split across two campaign rounds:

• Round 1 (Sep. 1 – Dec. 3, 2026): Cushion pouch — 200 winners
• Round 2 (Dec. 1, 2026 – Mar. 3, 2027): Blanket — 200 winners
• W Chance: QUO Card Pay worth 500 yen — 600 winners

All prizes feature original artwork drawn exclusively for this campaign. Entry is made via the campaign website by uploading a photo of the purchase receipt.

Birthday Book: 20 Years of Precious Memories

On October 16, 2026, the book Pan-dorobou Your Birthday Book: The World’s Most Beloved 20-Year Record (パンどろぼう Your Birthday Book せかいいち いとしい 20ねんのきろく) will be released. This keepsake record book lets families document milestones and memories from birth through age 20, with Pan-dorobou and friends appearing throughout the pages as warm, endearing companions on the journey of growing up. It makes an ideal gift for newborns, birthdays, or milestone occasions such as school enrollment.

• Price: 1,980 yen (1,800 yen before tax)
• ISBN: 9784046605740

Events Across Japan

The Pan-dorobou excitement extends to live events around Japan:

• Pan-dorobou Festival in Arao, Kumamoto: September 18 – November 23, 2026
• Pan-dorobou Hiroba Sapporo in Sapporo, Hokkaido: October 2 – November 23, 2026

With the anime launch, a special magazine cover, a nationwide campaign, and a heartfelt birthday book all arriving in quick succession, Pan-dorobou is shaping up to be one of the hottest properties of the season.