Chiikawa (ちいかわ) is a manga that originated on X (formerly Twitter), created by illustrator Nagano. Serialized since 2020, it follows a cast of small, endearing characters through days that are fun, bittersweet, and occasionally quite tough. The series has won fans of all ages and earned a place in the Japan Character Award Grand Prix Hall of Fame.

The anime, which began airing in 2022, has surpassed 500 million views in catch-up streams on YouTube. The franchise’s first theatrical film, Chiikawa the Movie: Secret of Mermaid Island (映画ちいかわ 人魚の島のひみつ), opened on July 24 and grossed ¥3.33 billion with 2.28 million admissions in its first seven days (through July 30).

The Film Adapts the “Siren Arc” from Volume 8

The movie is based on the “Siren (セイレーン) Arc” — the longest story in Chiikawa history, which caused a sensation on X when it ran. The arc is collected in full in Volume 8. Chiikawa and friends receive a flyer inviting them to a special island, where their mission is to defeat the legendary creature known as the Siren. A grand adventure on the Mermaid Island begins.

About the Work and Its Creator

The manga’s full title is Chiikawa: Nanka Chiisakute Kawaii Yatsu (ちいかわ なんか小さくてかわいいやつ) — roughly, “Those Small, Cute Little Things.” Nagano is known for a soft, analog-style line art that gives characters a loose, free-spirited charm. In addition to Chiikawa, Nagano created the popular LINE sticker series Jibun Tsukkomi Kuma and has collaborated with numerous brands and local governments on character design.

Characters and Voice Cast

• Chiikawa — CV: Aoki Haruka — The protagonist; a little crybaby but kind-hearted, earning a living by weeding and monster-slaying.
• Hachiware — CV: Tanaka Masato — Chiikawa’s cheerful, upbeat best friend who lives in a cave.
• Usagi — CV: Ozawa Ari — Another close friend, known for shouting things like “Ura!” and “Yaha!” at the top of her lungs.
• Momonga — CV: Iguchi Yuka — Always acting cute and asking others for things.
• Kurimanju — CV: Asai Takayuki — Looks adorable but hides something beneath the surface; a foodie who looks after those around him.
• Rakko — CV: Uchida Yuma — A skilled and powerful monster-slayer whom Chiikawa and friends admire.
• Shisa — CV: Shimabukuro Miyuri — Assistant at the ramen restaurant “Ro (郎),” calls the owner “Oshisho.”
• Furuhon-ya (Used Bookstore Owner) — CV: Harumi Momono — Sells secondhand books; wears a crab hair clip given by Momonga.
• Yoroi-san (Pochette) — CV: Sugita Tomokazu — Loves cute things; sells handmade pochettes and pajamas.
• Yoroi-san (Labor) — CV: Higashichi Hiroki — Handles the labor reception desk; close friends with Pochette Yoroi-san.
• Yoroi-san (Ramen) — CV: Matsuoka Yoshitsugu — Owner of the ramen restaurant “Ro,” known for its unique menu and ordering system.
• Pajama Parties — CV: Morohoshi Sumire (Midori), Naganawa Maria (Pink), Shinohara Yu (Shiro), Uchiyama Mari (Murasaki) — A singing and dancing group who wear pajamas made by Pochette Yoroi-san.

Manga Volume Summaries

Volume 1

Chiikawa wants to live a gentle, loved life — but the world is full of mysterious beings too. Still, spending time with Hachiware and Usagi, eating good food, and working toward small rewards keeps every day full of smiles.

Volume 2

Chiikawa works hard while occasionally being frightened by eerie presences. Hachiware finds a study guide for the “Weeding Certification Level 5” exam at Chiikawa’s home and comes up with a plan to help his friend pass — so they can earn more and buy gifts for everyone.

Volume 3

A new friend joins the trio! Chiikawa meets a tiny beetle and thinks they’ll be together forever… This volume collects the widely talked-about “Small Friend” arc in full, along with new bonus content.

Volume 4

The Pajama Parties are set to perform at the “Mucha Fes” festival, but a giant bird snatches the members away! Chiikawa and friends step in as stand-ins, determined to hold the stage until everyone returns.

Volume 5

In the forest, Chiikawa meets a large man named “Ode.” While eating mushrooms together, they’re captured by goblins and thrown in a dungeon — and if they don’t escape, they’ll be eaten! Also includes the “Slot” and “Black Shooting Star” arcs.

Volume 6

Usagi brings back a beautiful stone as a souvenir. Chiikawa and Hachiware follow her trail to an old inn, but the stone starts affecting everyone strangely, sending them into a major crisis.

Volume 7

Chiikawa is challenged to a staring contest and loses — and from that day on, suffers terrible nightmares. Teaming up with Usagi to fight back, Chiikawa watches helplessly as Usagi is captured. Features the much-discussed “Nightmare (Akumu)” arc and exclusive bonus content.

Volume 8

The complete “Siren Arc” — the longest story in Chiikawa history. Chiikawa and friends answer an invitation to a special island to defeat the legendary Siren. Their greatest adventure yet begins!

Anime Broadcast and Streaming Information

TV Broadcast

Airs on Fuji TV’s morning program Mezamashi TV every Tuesday and Friday at approximately 7:36 a.m.

Free Catch-Up Streaming

Available free for one week after broadcast (from 8:00 a.m.) on YouTube, TVer, and FOD. Episodes 1–5 remain freely available for an extended period.

Paid Streaming Platforms

• Amazon Prime Video
• FOD
• dAnime Store
• DMM TV
• U-NEXT
• ABEMA
• Hulu
• Netflix