The creator Yudetamago’s Shimada of the popular Japanese manga and anime series Kinnikuman has recently voiced his disappointment regarding the latest anime adaptation’s lack of popularity overseas. This revelation comes as a surprise to many fans, given the franchise’s long-standing success in Japan.
Kinnikuman Background
Kinnikuman, a beloved superhero wrestling manga, has been a cultural phenomenon in Japan since its inception in the 1980s. The series follows the adventures of Suguru Kinniku, a superhero wrestler who must win tournaments to retain his title as prince of Planet Kinniku. With over 77 million copies sold by 2021, Kinnikuman stands as one of the best-selling manga series in Japan.
Creator’s Disappointment
アニメ『キン肉マン完璧超人始祖編』が47位、、、よくわからない、漫画家辞めようかな😭😭😭「推しの子」を超す勢いで海外のファンが急増中…日本の高校を舞台にした異色の「ラノベ発アニメ」とは(プレジデントオンライン)#Yahooニュースhttps://t.co/mjGErpsojT
— ゆでたまご嶋田 (@yude_shimada) October 20, 2024
Despite the anime’s apparent success in Japan, the creator has expressed disappointment with its reception in international markets. This sentiment likely stems from the series’ historical popularity, which extended beyond Japan’s borders in various forms:
- The original 1983 anime series was highly popular, premiering with a rating over 20 percent in Japan.
- Merchandise, particularly the Kinkeshi figurines (known as M.U.S.C.L.E. in North America), was tremendously successful, with over 180 million units sold in Japan alone.
Yudetamago’s Shimada commented on Kinnikuman: Perfect Origin Arc’s 47th spot in a recent MyAnimeList
ranking on X:
“I don’t really get it, maybe I should quit being a manga creator.” Shimada also linked to an article from President Online via Yahoo! News Japan: “The Numbr of Overseas Fans Is Rapidly Growing, Beyond Oshi no Ko … What Is This Unique ‘Light Novel Anime’ Set in a Japanese High School?”
The New Anime Adaptation
In celebration of the franchise’s 40th anniversary, a new anime television series adaptation was produced by Production I.G. Based on the 2011 revival manga, the series aired from July to September 2024 on CBC and TBS’ programming block Agaru Anime, with worldwide streaming available on Netflix. A second season is already scheduled to premiere in January 2025, indicating initial confidence in the show’s performance.
Possible Reasons for Limited International Appeal
Several factors may contribute to the new anime’s struggle to gain traction overseas:
- Lack of Nostalgia: While the original series and merchandise were popular in the 1980s, the new generation of international viewers may not have the same nostalgic connection to the franchise.
- Limited Availability of Earlier Content: One significant issue appears to be the lack of availability of the older show in international markets. This absence of context may make it difficult for new viewers to fully appreciate the series’ legacy and character development.
- Cultural Differences: The superhero wrestling concept, while unique, may not resonate as strongly with international audiences as it does with Japanese viewers.
- Competitive Anime Market: The current anime landscape is highly saturated, making it challenging for even established franchises to stand out globally.
Looking Forward
Despite the creator’s disappointment, there are still opportunities for Kinnikuman to gain international traction:
- Upcoming Second Season: With a second season already planned for January 2025, there’s potential for the series to build a larger international following over time.
- Streaming Availability: The anime’s presence on Netflix provides a platform for discovery by a global audience.
- Rich Franchise History: The extensive lore and character development from decades of manga material could be leveraged to engage new fans if made more accessible.
While the creator’s disappointment is understandable given Kinnikuman’s historical success, it’s worth noting that building an international audience takes time, especially in today’s competitive anime market. As the series continues to develop and potentially becomes more available globally, it may yet find its footing with international viewers.
