The adorable blob-like character Hoppe-chan, originally created by the accessories brand Sun Hoseki (Sun Jewelry), is set to receive its first-ever TV anime adaptation in 2026. Titled HOPPECHAN: Mystery of the Sun Kingdom and the Black-Cheek Team (Hoppe-chan ~Sun Ōkoku to Kuro Hoppe-dan no Himitsu~), the announcement was made on Tuesday with the opening of an official website, revealing a teaser visual, main cast, and staff.
Hoppe-chan’s Journey from Accessories to Anime
Hoppe-chan, characterized by its cute, often glittery, blob-like appearance with black gem eyes, flushed cheeks, and a bow, has been a popular character among elementary and junior high school girls in Japan for years. The character was initially launched by the accessories brand Sun Hoseki (Sun Jewelry), gaining significant traction with merchandise ranging from small collectible figures to various accessories. Its popularity even led to the development of Nintendo 3DS games, where players could create and customize their own Hoppe-chan characters and engage in mini-games.
The Enduring Appeal of Hoppe-chan
The charm of Hoppe-chan lies in its simple yet customizable design, allowing for numerous variations with different colors, patterns, and added accessories. This customizability resonated deeply with its target demographic, making it a highly collectible item. The character has also been known to crossover with other popular Sanrio characters, further cementing its place in the landscape of cute Japanese mascots.
Details on the Upcoming Anime Series
The newly announced anime, HOPPECHAN: Mystery of the Sun Kingdom and the Black-Cheek Team, promises to expand the world of Hoppe-chan beyond simple accessories.
Plot and Setting
The story will be set in the “magical Sun Kingdom,” a realm built on the concept of cuteness. The protagonist is Ganso Hoppe-chan, an amnesiac Hoppe-chan who finds herself embroiled in a conflict against “toxic Hoppe-chans” attempting to disrupt the world’s cuteness. She joins the Guardians, a group dedicated to defending the Sun Kingdom.
Key Staff and Cast
TOON HARBOR WORKS will be handling the animation production for the series. Shigeyuki Watanabe, also known as nabeshige, is slated to direct the anime.
The main voice cast includes:
- Rin Kusumi as Ganso Hoppe-chan
- Kyoko Kuramochi as Ohana Hoppe-chan
- Ayaka Takamura as Star Hoppe-chan
- Misatoran as Glasses Hoppe-chan
- Ayasa Ito as Heart Hoppe-chan
- Neo Tanaka as Tiara Hoppe-chan
- Sachi as Ayumu “Hoho” Sato
The announcement marks a significant step for the beloved character, bringing its whimsical world and charm to a new medium and a broader audience in 2026.
