Enka Singer Kiyoshi Hikawa Joins Ojarumaru's 29th Season

The beloved children's anime series Ojarumaru is bringing some musical flair to its 29th season with the addition of renowned enka singer Kiyoshi Hikawa. The new visual for the season reveals that Hikawa will not only lend his voice to a character in the show but also perform the new ending theme song titled "Tabi Degozansu Ojarumaru."

Ojarumaru, which first premiered in 1998, follows the adventures of a young Heian-era prince who travels to modern-day Japan and lives with an ordinary family. The series has become a staple of NHK's children's programming, consistently entertaining young viewers with its gentle humor and colorful cast of characters.

Hikawa, known for his traditional enka singing style and flamboyant stage presence, brings an interesting musical element to the series. Enka is a traditional Japanese ballad style that often focuses on themes of love, loss, and nostalgia, though Hikawa's contribution to Ojarumaru will undoubtedly be tailored to the show's family-friendly audience.

The collaboration represents an exciting crossover between traditional Japanese music and contemporary anime. For families watching the series, this season promises to offer both familiar charm and fresh entertainment as Ojarumaru continues its decades-long run on Japanese television.

With nearly three decades of episodes under its belt, Ojarumaru remains one of Japan's longest-running anime series, proving that quality children's programming has lasting appeal across generations.