Anpan Spin-off (2025)

Cute side stories but...

First, I want to say that I'm very grateful that the fansubber also subbed these special episodes. It's rare that they get subbed at all! I kinda put off watching the "Anpan" spin-off because so far any asadora specials have been kinda useless... Then before I knew it, several months have passed since I finished "Anpan." I will say that some distance may have increased my enjoyment a bit, though maybe not for the third episode...

Episode one is probably my favorite and the most enjoyable. Set in 1948, Kentaro (Takahashi Fumiya) proposes to Meiko (Hara Nanoka) on her birthday with some help from her sister Ranko (Kawai Yuumi). This entry portrays a moment that viewers likely wanted to see, but was skipped over in the main series for whatever reason. It's also just a really cute story.

The second episode is kind-of a half useless storyline. Set in 1976, Meiko is helping out behind the scenes at the "Anpanman" musical. For example, Hirame (Hamano Kenta) suddenly has a problem with the way his Anpanman costume looks. When Meiko is asked to step in for one of the sick dancers, Nobu (Imada Mio) gives her some encouragement with their father's old hat. The scene between Meiko and Nobu makes this episode worth watching imo, but it's still half useless.

Episode three is easily the worst as it's just full of characters I don't remember that well or didn't care for much to begin with. Set in 1974, Takuya (Ohmori Motoki) is having a hard time with his new song. Takashi (Kitamura Takumi) stops by and helps him. They sing the song at the end. I admit that I fell asleep and I had to go back and skim it for this review lol. Extremely skippable.

The fourth episode is the second best. Set in 1989, Nobu asks Seiko (Furukawa Kotone) to look after Takashi after she has passed on. There's not much plot to speak of if we're being honest. Instead the episode serves as a sentimental goodbye to "Anpan" with several callbacks to Anpanman and earlier moments and characters. I cried watching Nobu reminiscing about her memories with Takashi.

In conclusion, the "Anpan" spin-off is four (mostly) cute side stories but it is not required viewing. Anyway, I'd still recommend it if you're a big fan of "Anpan."

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