North American streaming platform Amasian TV, operated by ODK Media, has expanded its anime catalog with the addition of 20 episodes from the popular short-form series Chiikawa. Available on-demand for free without a subscription requirement, the episodes are accessible to viewers in the United States in Japanese audio with English subtitles.
Expanding Distribution
The release comes via a partnership with Japan International Broadcasting. Alongside the initial batch of Chiikawa episodes, the agreement will bring the second and third seasons of Hyakushō Kizoku and the mascot anime Gunma-chan to Amasian TV in the coming months. The platform recently expanded its Japanese animation offerings by streaming Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.
Franchise Background
Created by artist Nagano, the original manga began as Nanka Chiisakute Kawaii Yatsu on X (formerly Twitter) in January 2020 before blossoming into a major pop culture entity in Japan. Studio Doga Kobo picked up the property for an anime adaptation that premiered in April 2022 within Fuji TV's morning program Mezamashi Terebi. Due to broadcast popularity, the show expanded to a twice-weekly schedule in 2023.
The main vocal cast features child actress Haruka Aoki as Chiikawa, Makoto Tanaka as Hachiware, and Ari Ozawa as Usagi. North American home video and streaming rights to the main series are held by Sentai Filmworks via HIDIVE, while the franchise's debut theatrical feature, Eiga Chiikawa: Ningyo no Shima no Himitsu, made its debut in Japanese theaters in July.
