Anime film Panda Kopanda and its sequel Panda Kopanda: Amefuri Circus no Maki are about to celebrate 55 years since their theatrical release. To mark the occasion, a “55th Anniversary Project” will begin on October 1, 2026, and is planned to continue through 2028. The first wave of information includes the official anniversary logo, collaboration details, and event announcements.
Panda Kopanda was released in 1972, right in the middle of Japan’s panda boom, as an original mid-length anime from the celebrated duo of director Takahata Isao and animator Miyazaki Hayao. Its sequel followed in 1973. Together, the two works are often considered the creative source for many later Takahata and Miyazaki projects, and they remain loved across generations.
For the 50th anniversary in 2022, many notable figures sent congratulatory messages, and commemorative goods and collaborations were released. That year also saw the start of the traveling exhibition “Panda Kopanda-ten,” which has so far visited seven venues—including the currently running Kitakyushu Manga Museum—and drawn major responses. Now the 55th anniversary project continues that momentum.
The newly revealed 55th anniversary logo uses the iconic image of Papanda, Mimiko, and Pan-chan peeking out from a door, redesigned as a door opening onto the 55th anniversary. It carries the hope that through activities planned through 2028, more people will feel the warm charm of the work and discover small happiness in daily life.
“Panda Kopanda Book Circus” to Tour Four Cities
From October 8, a bookstore pop-up event titled “Panda Kopanda Book Circus” will visit four major cities: Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Hokkaido. The event is themed “What if that circus came to a bookstore?”—a reference to the sequel Panda Kopanda: Amefuri Circus no Maki, where a circus troupe arrives in town and Papanda and friends take center stage through their encounter with Tora-chan. Original designed goods will be sold at each location.
At the M&C Cafe Marunouchi Oazo, adjacent to the Maruzen Marunouchi main store, collaboration menu items will be offered, including a special Panda Kopanda curry inspired by the curry rice that appears in the film.
Event Schedule
- Maruzen Marunouchi Main Store: October 8 – November 3, 2026
- MARUZEN & Junkudo Bookstore Umeda: October 8 – November 1, 2026
- Maruzen Hakata: November 11 – November 29, 2026
- MARUZEN & Junkudo Bookstore Sapporo: November 11 – November 29, 2026
Lawson Collaboration Begins October 8
A collaboration with convenience store chain Lawson has also been announced. Starting October 8, original collaboration goods featuring Lawson’s corporate blue as the base color will be sold in book corners at Lawson stores nationwide. The “Lawson Print” multi-copy machine service will also offer original sticker designs. Please note that availability and release dates may vary by store, and items are limited in quantity.
55th Anniversary Goods: First Batch
Several commemorative products will be released in October 2026 as the first wave of 55th anniversary merchandise:
- Tora-chan plush mascot (adorable sitting pose): 2,200 yen (tax included), October 2026
- Blind Mini Mini Tote (8 types): 880 yen each (tax included), October 2026
- Soefumi letter set, 2 designs (Itadakimasu / Ongakutai): 660 yen each (tax included), October 2026
- Deco sticker, 2 designs (Part 1 / Part 2): 605 yen each (tax included), October 2026
(C)TMS
