Long-running public broadcaster NHK favorite Ojarumaru recently celebrated its broadcast anniversary with a massive character popularity poll that surprised both fans and production staff alike. Originally premiering back in 1998, the timeless slice-of-life comedy follows the aristocratic fairy child Ojarumaru Sakanoe as he flees from the Great King Enma into the quirky community of Tsukiyo-cho, sparking decades of whimsical television history.
The Shocking Poll Results
Marking the official anniversary on October 5, the series' official social media channels published the definitive ranking of favorite characters, chosen by a passionate fan base. To the delight of internet communities, the top tier eschewed conventional lead roles in favor of beloved eccentric side characters. The veteran library director, voiced by prominent talent Kenjiroro Tsuda, surged to a resounding first-place victory with 8,342 votes.
Following closely behind were a selection of unique residents: the cow Ushi claimed second place, followed by the chick Koo-chan in third, the enigmatic Bicycle Old Man in fourth, and the poverty sprite Bin-chan in fifth. Due to an extraordinarily close margin of just nine votes separating fifth place and the iconic dragonfly Denbo in sixth, producers announced a special expansion to include the top six characters in an upcoming official merchandise collection.
Voice Actor Reaction and 30th Anniversary
The unexpected triumph of the library director quickly ignited online discussions, catching the attention of his acclaimed voice actor, Kenjiroro Tsuda. Surprised and delighted by the community's dedication, the industry veteran publicly shared his astonishment, writing, "Eh! I'm surprised! So happy!"
Held as the second major project leading toward the upcoming Ojarumaru 30th Anniversary Project, the poll ran throughout September. As the franchise prepares to celebrate three decades of broadcast history heading into its landmark anniversary, production teams promise further updates regarding the commemorative merchandise line.
