Non-tan 50th Anniversary: New Anime Production Announced with Latest 3DCG Design

Non-tan, the beloved picture book character that has been a household name in Japan for decades, is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a brand-new anime production. The announcement was made on July 11, Non-tan’s birthday, alongside the reveal of a fresh 3DCG design.

Non-tan first appeared in 1976 in the picture book Non-tan Buranko nosete (Let Me on the Swing, Non-tan) by Kiyono Sachiko. The series has since sold over 35 million copies and expanded into anime, musicals, and other media. Now, to mark half a century, a new anime is in the works, utilizing the latest 3DCG technology while retaining the warmth and charm of the original illustrations.

The newly released visual offers a glimpse of the updated Non-tan, now rendered with a three-dimensional feel, alongside the familiar bee character Hachi-san. The full design remains under wraps, building anticipation for the upcoming project.

In addition to the anime, a special experiential exhibition will run from July 18 to September 27, 2026, at PLAY! MUSEUM. Titled “Non-tan 50th Anniversary Exhibition,” it will take visitors through an original story built around three keywords: “no” (of), “wo” (direct object marker), and “to” (with) — representing being inside Non-tan’s dream, celebrating Non-tan, and playing with Non-tan. The exhibition will feature video works, three-dimensional installations, and about 50 original picture book artworks and rough sketches, allowing fans to trace Kiyono Sachiko’s creative journey.

Non-tan 50th Anniversary Exhibition
■ Period: July 18 (Sat) – September 27 (Sun), 2026
■ Hours: 10:00 – 18:00 (last entry 17:30), open every day
■ Venue: PLAY! MUSEUM
(C) Kiyono Sachiko / Kaiseisha

— Satou Erika