Fans of Hiromi Morishita’s beloved Ashibe series have reason to rejoice as it has been officially announced that her Shō 3 Ashibe QQ Goma-chan manga will be adapted into a TV short anime, set to premiere in Spring 2026. This latest adaptation will bring the adventures of Ashibe and his adorable spotted seal, Goma-chan, to a new audience and returning fans alike, focusing on their lives as Ashibe enters his third year of elementary school.
New Anime Details: A Fresh Take on a Classic Duo
The upcoming TV short anime will focus on Ashibe and Sugao as newly minted third graders, capturing their slightly more mature daily lives, with Goma-chan continuing to be an energetic central figure in the story. Animation production for the series will be handled by DLE, a studio known for its work on titles such as Secret Society Eagle Talon. A teaser promotional video has already been released, building anticipation for the Spring 2026 debut. The anime is categorized as a short-form series, falling under the comedy and slice-of-life genres.
The Enduring Legacy of Ashibe and Goma-chan
The Ashibe series, created by Hiromi Morishita, boasts a rich history, beginning with its first installment, Shonen Ashibe, which was serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Young Jump from 1988 to 1994. This original manga followed the daily life of first-grader Ashibe Ashiya and his pet baby spotted seal, Goma-chan. The charming dynamic between Ashibe and Goma-chan quickly garnered a massive following, sparking a “spotted seal boom” and leading to multiple adaptations.
The first anime adaptation of Shonen Ashibe aired in 1991 and 1992. Later, the series was revived with Shonen Ashibe GO! GO! Goma-chan, which broadcast across four seasons from 2016 to 2019. Hiromi Morishita launched Shō 3 Ashibe QQ Goma-chan in 2020, which is currently serialized in Futabasha’s Manga Action. This iteration specifically depicts Ashibe as a third-grade student, a detail that will be central to the new anime’s narrative.
What to Expect from the Spring 2026 Release
With DLE at the helm of animation, fans can anticipate a fresh and engaging visual style for the beloved characters. The decision to focus on Ashibe as a third grader suggests an exploration of new challenges and experiences as he and Sugao navigate a slightly older stage of elementary school life. The short-form format is ideal for capturing the episodic, heartwarming, and often humorous slice-of-life moments that define the Ashibe series. The upcoming anime promises to deliver more of the endearing and sometimes bizarre adventures that have captivated audiences for decades, providing a fun experience for the whole family.
The announcement of this new adaptation underscores the enduring popularity of Hiromi Morishita’s creation and the timeless appeal of the bond between Ashibe and Goma-chan. As Spring 2026 approaches, both long-time devotees and newcomers will have the opportunity to dive into the latest chapter of this iconic duo’s journey.
