TV Asahi Launches First Short Anime Brand ‘PicoAni’ with New Time Slots and Upcoming Shows

TV Asahi has announced the launch of its first short anime brand, PicoAni (ピコアニ), along with new broadcast time slots on Saturdays and Sundays. The brand name combines “Pico” (small) and “Anime,” aiming to develop and nurture new characters through a variety of short-form anime. The lineup will include SNS-popular character adaptations, original works with notable creators, and 3D animation projects co-developed with overseas companies. Content will be delivered via terrestrial TV, social media, portals, events, and with global expansion in mind.

The PicoAni logo is formed by small puzzle pieces coming together, with the catchphrase ♪ Pico tto Hamaru Anime dake! (Only anime that you’ll get hooked on in a jiffy!). The design represents these sparkling pieces—the short anime themselves—gradually assembling into a movement. The brand targets young people and children familiar with TikTok and YouTube Shorts, as well as busy modern adults, offering content that can be enjoyed in spare moments and that introduces lovable characters.

Alongside the existing Sunday 8:00 a.m. slot airing Koupen-chan, two new slots have been added: Saturday at 4:29 p.m., leading into Crayon Shin-chan and Doraemon, and Sunday at 10:00 a.m. (dubbed PicoAniTime), following the Kamen Rider and tokusatsu block. These three slots will broadcast short anime packed with creator passion and character appeal, aiming to build brand recognition and cultivate long-term fans.

The first two shows launch in October 2026. On Saturdays at 4:29 p.m., Shirotan will begin—a heartwarming tale of a fluffy white harp seal. Born in 1999 and beloved across generations, the character finally gets a TV anime. Aoi Yuuki voices Shirotan, alongside friends Raccoinu, Sheru, and Ramune.

On Sundays at 10:00 a.m. (within PicoAniTime), Pop Pap Porters (ポップパップポルターズ) premieres. Created by acclaimed miniature artist Mozu, this stop-motion miniature anime follows three little ghost brothers—Pop, Pap, and Porta—living inside a wall. Their mischievous antics explain everyday mysteries like a moved remote or missing snacks.

For January 2027, two new series will air back-to-back during PicoAniTime. Jose Maru (じょせまる) is a handmade “zero-year-old dog stuffed toy” by IP creator Inochiya, depicting a small life living in the real world. Jose Maru is a Bichon Frise puppy who works five days a week, pays rent and utilities, and struggles with money and relationships—using a unique three-word vocabulary (“Jose-go”) that has captivated mainly Gen Z women on social media. The anime uses a hybrid of 2D animation and stop-motion with real plushies to bring the character to life.

Momomo! Ninimo (モモモ！ニニモ) is a co-production between TV Asahi and The Pinkfong Company, the global family entertainment giant behind Baby Shark Dance. The series stars Ninimo, a familiar character from Pinkfong videos, alongside a small friend named Mo. This non-verbal 3DCG short anime follows the chaotic, frantic adventures of the lovable cat Nini and Mo, designed to transcend language and generational barriers.

Comments from the Creators

Yukiko Shirakura (TV Asahi General Producer)

“PicoAni aims to be a short anime brand where you can discover anime that you’ll ‘pico-tto’ get hooked on in the gaps of your daily life. I hope it creates new encounters where you unexpectedly find yourself engrossed in a character you happened to see. Because they are small (pico) anime, the creators’ dedication and the characters’ charm are tightly condensed, making each work like a sparkling glass puzzle piece. We will deliver a diverse lineup—from SNS-popular characters and characters beloved for over 20 years to original anime co-developed with creators and overseas IP companies—so that people of all ages can find their ‘favorite piece.’ I’m delighted if PicoAni becomes a chance for you to meet your new favorite character. Many more charming short anime are coming soon. Please look forward to them.”

Inochiya (Creator of Jose Maru)

“Thank you always for watching over Jose Maru with me. I’m so happy about the anime adaptation, which was a dream of mine, and I’m living days that feel like I could lose it. I’m really looking forward to watching Jose Maru on TV together with everyone!”

Hye-min Ju (Chief Business Officer of The Pinkfong Company & CEO of Pinkfong Japan Inc.)

“We feel it is very meaningful to bring Momomo! Ninimo to Japanese viewers through our collaboration with TV Asahi. This project also holds great significance in delivering a new form of animation through the partnership between our two companies. We hope that Momomo! Ninimo brings fun smiles to a wide audience across languages and generations, and provides a fresh content experience for children and families in Japan.”

Broadcast Schedule:
Koupen-chan: Sundays at 8:00 a.m. (currently airing on TV Asahi network)
Shirotan: Starts October 2026, Saturdays at 4:29 p.m.
Pop Pap Porters: Starts October 2026, Sundays at 10:00 a.m. within PicoAniTime
Momomo! Ninimo and Jose Maru: Start January 2027, Sundays at 10:00 a.m. within PicoAniTime
*All except Koupen-chan are Kanto local broadcasts.

Jose Maru (C) Inochiya / TV Anime “Jose Maru” Production Committee