Fans of the long-running anime Nintama Rantarou have a new treat to look forward to: a special collaboration guidebook with the popular travel guide series Rurubu. Titled Rurubu Nintama Rantarou, the book will go on sale at bookstores and online retailers nationwide starting June 4, 2026.
Nintama Rantarou is a ninja comedy manga by Amako Soubee. Set at the Ninjutsu Academy, it follows the daily struggles of Rantarou, Shinbe, and Kirimaru as they train to become top-class ninja. The TV series first aired in 1993 and has been beloved by generations of viewers.
In December 2024, the franchise saw a theatrical release: Gekijouban Nintama Rantarou: Dokutake Ninja Tai Saikyou no Gunshi, an adaptation of the popular novel Rakushin Nintama Rantarou Dokutake Ninja Tai Saikyou no Gunshi. The film began with Doi-sensei disappearing after heading for a duel with Tasogaredoki ninja Shosen Izumimon, unfolding a more serious storyline than usual.
Now, Rurubu Nintama Rantarou introduces the world of the anime from the unique perspective of the Rurubu travel guide, promising to be “fun, detailed, and easy to understand.” It is packed with must-see information for fans.
Character Introduction & Daily Life
In the “Character Introduction no Dan” section, a total of 94 characters from around the Ninjutsu Academy make an appearance. The “Nintama-tachi no Ishoujuu no Dan” section introduces the academy buildings, the daily life of the young ninja students (their clothing, food, and housing), as well as spots outside the school grounds.
Special Interviews & Amagasaki Focus
The “Amagasaki ni Irasshai no Dan” section features a special interview with Okano Kosuke, the voice actor of Yamada Rikichi, as well as interviews with the sixth-year cast members of the musical Nintama Rantarou (affectionately called “Ninmu”). The book also includes a “Chimei Meguri” (place name tour) that visits locations connected to the original manga Rakushin Nintama Rantarou and spots that inspired character names, along with sightseeing information for Amagasaki City in Hyogo Prefecture.
Ninja Study & Special Talk
In the “Ninja no Benkyou ga Shitai no Dan” section, readers can enjoy a special conversation about ninja between original author Amako Soubee and Kitao Hiroshi, honorary director of the Kudoyama Sanada Museum. The section also features ninja experience facilities from around Japan and spots where fans can immerse themselves in the Muromachi to Sengoku period settings of Nintama Rantarou.
Sticker Appendix
The book comes with a sticker sheet as a bonus. The stickers feature illustrations of the characters in travel-inspired casual clothes, as well as cuts of characters whose names are derived from Amagasaki place names, taken from the anime’s 31st series episode “Amagasaki ni Goshoutai no Dan.” The stickers can be peeled and stuck anywhere, displayed, or cut out and slipped into a smartphone case.
Rurubu Nintama Rantarou will be available at bookstores nationwide, online shops such as Amazon and Rakuten Books, and as an e-book edition. Don’t miss this must-have volume for any Nintama Rantarou fan.
Product Information
- Title: Rurubu Nintama Rantarou
- List Price: 1,760 yen (paperback), 1,496 yen (e-book, both including 10% tax)
- Specifications: AB size, 96 pages, includes sticker appendix
- Release Date: June 4, 2026 (Thursday)
- Publisher: JTB Publishing Inc.
- Distribution: Bookstores nationwide, online bookstores (e-book via major e-book stores)
(C) Amako Soubee / NHK · NEP
