NHK’s long-running anime Ojarumaru and the network’s beloved nature documentary series Darwin ga Kita! are joining forces in a special crossover collaboration. The project was conceived to mark the 20th anniversary of Darwin ga Kita!, and will see characters from both shows appear in each other’s programmes, culminating in a brand-new collaboration anime special.
Broadcast Schedule
October 25 — Darwin ga Kita! (7:30 PM)
The crossover kicks off on the Darwin ga Kita! side. Ojarumaru appears as a guest in the next-episode preview anime segment “Manūru no Yūbe,” dressed in a traditional mino (straw raincoat) and introducing the secrets of bagworm cases in his signature laid-back style.
October 28 — Ojarumaru (8:25 AM) — Episode: “Tabisuru Minomushi”
Higejii, the beloved character from Darwin ga Kita!, makes his first-ever appearance in Ojarumaru. Together with Ojaru and friends, he sets out to find Misa, a bagworm being carried along on the wind.
November 1 — Darwin ga Kita! — Episode: “Minomushi de Ojaru”
Darwin ga Kita! airs a mini-anime created exclusively for this collaboration. The episode also features a real-world outdoor segment in which a costumed Ojarumaru and Higejii search for bagworms together.
November 3 — Collaboration Anime Special (9:00 AM)
The centrepiece of the collaboration is the special anime “Darwin ga Kita! × Ojarumaru: Darwin ga Kita de Ojaru.” Higejii arrives in Kokuchō (月光町) with the Darwin ga Kita! production crew to investigate rumours of a mysterious plesiosaur said to lurk in Tsukiyo-ga-Ike pond. Determined to capture the scoop and uphold the show’s proud record of world-first footage, Higejii deploys cutting-edge specialist equipment — though whether the mission succeeds is another matter entirely.
The special will also feature a large ensemble of Ojarumaru regulars, including the Kooni Trio, Chicchai Mono Club, Usui Sachiyo, the Director, and Tsukki.
Cast Comments
Tatsuta Naoki (voice of Higejii)
“Chotto matta de ojaru! I’m Tatsuta Naoki, the voice of Higejii. Darwin ga Kita! turns 20 this year, and Ojarumaru is heading into its 30th year next year — what a wonderful coincidence! Having two long-running shows collaborate like this is the greatest happiness. Recording was so much fun — I can’t remember the last time I got to talk this much in a single episode. The story and the wordplay were both delightful, and the Ojarumaru team welcomed us so warmly. I’d love to pop back in again!”
Toyoshima Machiko (voice of Dā-san, Darwin ga Kita! staff member)
“I’m truly delighted to be part of this collaboration with Ojarumaru at such a milestone for Darwin ga Kita!. I usually serve as narrator on the show, so being cast as ‘Dā-san,’ a director character, and stepping into the world of Ojarumaru was genuinely exciting. While recording, I thought back to the real directors I’ve accompanied on location shoots — their passion and dedication to filming animals — and tried to bring that energy to the role.”
Nishimura Chinami (voice of Ojarumaru)
“Congratulations to Darwin ga Kita! on 20 years! My kids used to watch it every week when they were little, so being part of this wonderful collaboration means a great deal to me. Higejii fits right into Kokuchō — the town is already full of extraordinary characters, so he blends in perfectly! The special anime really captures the charm of Darwin ga Kita!, and I hope everyone enjoys it. Recording was lively and warm, with both teams having a great time together. I could have listened to Higejii’s puns all day. I’m also personally very fond of the episode subtitle, so please do pay attention to it — and I’ll be eagerly waiting with a long neck for the Darwin team to visit Kokuchō again!”
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