Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jun 30, 2026

Chiikawa

Chiikawa , also known as Nanka Chiisakute Kawaii Yatsu , is a Japanese web manga series written and illustrated by Nagano. It follows the daily adventures of the titular protagonist, along with a series of animal-inspired characters. It has been serialized online via X since January 2020, and has been collected in eight tankōbon volumes by Kodansha, as of November 2025. By November 2024, Chiikawa had sold over 3.6 million copies, including digital versions in circulation.

Last revised
Jun 30, 2026
Read time
≈ 13 min
Length
2,900 w
Citations
73
Source
Wikipedia ↗
Chiikawa
Cover of the first volume
ちいかわ
Genre
Manga
Written byNagano
Published byKodansha
Original runJanuary 2020 – present
Volumes8
Anime television series
Directed byTakenori Mihara
Music byShūgo Tokumaru
StudioDoga Kobo
Licensed bySentai Filmworks
Original networkFNS (Fuji TV)
Original run April 4, 2022 – present
Episodes343
Anime film
Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of Mermaid Island
Directed byKei Oikawa
Written byNagano
StudioCypic
ReleasedJuly 24, 2026 (2026-07-24)

Chiikawa (Japanese: ちいかわ), also known as Nanka Chiisakute Kawaii Yatsu (なんか小さくてかわいいやつ; lit. 'Small and Cute'), is a Japanese web manga series written and illustrated by Nagano. It follows the daily adventures of the titular protagonist, along with a series of animal-inspired characters. It has been serialized online via X (formerly Twitter) since January 2020, and has been collected in eight tankōbon volumes by Kodansha, as of November 2025. By November 2024, Chiikawa had sold over 3.6 million copies, including digital versions in circulation.4

An anime television series adaptation was produced by Doga Kobo and premiered in April 2022. The first season aired in Japan from April 2022 to March 2025, with the second season premiering in July of that year.56 A film adaptation of the Siren Arc produced by Cypic, titled Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of Mermaid Island, is set to release in July 2026.

Synopsis

The anime is set in a civilized world with grasslands and forests. It follows the daily adventures of the titular protagonist, Chiikawa, and their friends. They also work at jobs – including weeding and hunting – which are given by a race referred to as Yoroi-san, who is involved in the characters' lives.

Production

In May 2017, Nagano posted a sketch of the titular protagonist, Chiikawa, on Twitter.7 Chiikawa, Hachiware, and Usagi were originally named Nitori, Ikeya, and Donki, respectively.8 The reason that Nagano chose Twitter was because of its immediacy and accessibility. By November 2020, Kodansha collected the comics into physical volumes, the first of which was published in February 2021.910

A separate account was created in January 2020 and the manga began serialization. A book version was published by Kodansha on February 12, 2021.11 Prior to that, a one-shot story was published in the eleventh issue of Morning was released on February 10.12

Characters

Chiikawa (ちいかわ)
Voiced by: Haruka Aoki13
Chiikawa is the titular protagonist of the franchise.14 Chiikawa is small-sized, has rounded ears and a teardrop-shaped tail, resembling a mouse.15 Early on, Chiikawa was named as Nitori.8 Cowardly and timid, they live in a house won in the Muchauma Yogurt lottery. Unlike some other characters, Chiikawa cannot speak in a way that is intelligible to the audience – only saying things such as "yada" and "iya" – both of which are childish ways of saying "no" in Japanese. They expresses themselves primarily through sounds, but it is understandable to the rest of the cast.16
Hachiware (ハチワレ)
Voiced by: Makoto Tanaka13
Hachiware, originally named Ikeya,8 is a friend of both Chiikawa and Usagi and lives in a cave. Hachiware's name and design are based on those of a bicolor cat, though it is not one.11 Hachiware is depicted as chatty, curious and optimistic, as well as being kind-hearted and willing to help its friends, especially Chiikawa.16
Usagi (うさぎ; lit. 'Rabbit')
Voiced by: Ari Ozawa13
Usagi, originally named Donki,8 is a friend of both Chiikawa and Hachiware. Depicted as high-spirited, it occasionally acts as a troublemaker, but supports its friends when they are in trouble. Similar to Chiikawa, Usagi is unintelligible to the audience, making noises such as "una" and "yaha", but can be understood to the other characters. Usagi's name and design is based on those of a rabbit, though it "may or may not" be one. Usagi is mainly known for being eccentric and a foodie.
Momonga (モモンガ; lit. 'Flying squirrel')
Voiced by: Iguchi Yuka17
Momonga is a naughty and playful flying squirrel. It is always focused on acting cute and is always begging for attention. Even during dangerous situations, it would ask for food and rest. In pursuit of its aim, Momonga often "acts cute". While it lacks knowledge in social cues, it makes an active effort to imitate other characters' cute actions, notably Chiikawa. In particular, it often imitates Chiikawa's yawning and crying.
Rakko (ラッコ; lit. 'Sea Otter')
Voiced by: Yuma Uchida17
Rakko is a sea otter that excels in battle, and is top of the subjugation ranking. It looks very serious, but it actually loves desserts. Rakko also has a car and is able to drive.18
Kuri-Manjū (くりまんじゅう)
Voiced by: Takayuki Asai17
Kuri-manjū's character design is based on a honey badger and Kuri Manju, a Japanese confectionery bun made with chestnut fillings. It is always seen drinking alcohol and eating various foods, usually emitting a loud, exaggerated breath after taking a sip from its beverage.19
Shisa (シーサー, Shīsā)
Voiced by: Miyuri Shimabukuro
A hard-working employee at the Rou Ramen Restaurant. It is the apprentice of Ramen no Yoroi-san. Its character design is based on the Ryukyuan cultural artifact of the same name.

Furuhonya (古本屋; lit. 'Old Book Store')

Furuhonya kind, peaceful bookseller. It is a pink critter that resembles a crab with two false claws sticking out of its head. Although initially a faceless mob character, its design was revealed after Momonga placed a crab headband onto it.4 Its name is officially Furuhonya (古本屋), but author Nagano subtitles Kani (かに) under it.
Chiikabu (ちいかぶ)
Chiikabu, also known as Kabutomushi, is a playful rhinoceros beetle-like creature that becomes Chiikawa's friend. It shows a cute appearance and personality towards the other critters, but in reality, Chiikabu is a mimic monster who lures the chiikawas to eat them.
Dekatsuyo (でかつよ; lit. 'Big and Strong')
Dekatsuyo is a timid and shy chimera. It does not eat Chiikawa and friends like the other chimeras. The only time they get aggressive is when they are in the presence of Momonga. Dekatsuyo had their body forcibly swapped with Momonga by an evil witch. The reason they are hostile towards Momonga is because they stole their body and want it back.
Pochette no Yoroi-san (ポシェットの鎧さん; lit. '"Body-Armor with Pochette"')
Voiced by: Tomokazu Sugita17
One of the humanoid species that wears silver armor and carries a pink pouch that he crafted himself. He is often making costumes for the main trio. He is good friends with Rōdō no Yoroi-San and Ramen no Yoroi-san, with the three of them often hanging out together.
Rōdō no Yoroi-san (労働の鎧さん; lit. 'Body-Armor Labor')
Voiced by: Hiroki Tōchi17
A humanoid character wearing grey armor that manages the job booth where the critters sign up for the day's tasks.
Ramen no Yoroi-san (ラーメンの鎧さん; lit. 'Body-Armor of Ramen Shop')
Voiced by: Yoshitsugu Matsuoka17
A humanoid character wearing yellow armor that works at the Rou Ramen Restaurant. Shisa apprentices under them as part of the Super Part-timer Program.

Media

Manga

No. Japanese release date Japanese ISBN
1February 12, 20212021978-4-06-522396-3 (regular edition)
978-4-06-522729-9 (special edition)
2August 23, 20212223978-4-06-524251-3 (regular edition)
978-4-06-524252-0 (special edition)
3March 23, 20222425978-4-06-526611-3 (regular edition)
978-4-06-527386-9 (special edition)
4July 22, 20222627978-4-06-528650-0 (regular edition)
978-4-06-528579-4 (special edition)
5January 23, 20232829978-4-06-530183-8 (regular edition)
978-4-06-530276-7 (special edition)
6December 21, 20233031978-4-06-533982-4 (regular edition)
978-4-06-533983-1 (special edition)
7November 21, 20243233978-4-06-537544-0 (regular edition)
978-4-06-537540-2 (special edition)
8November 21, 20253435978-4-06-541413-2 (regular edition)
978-4-06-541412-5 (special edition)

Anime

In October 2021, it was announced that Chiikawa would receive an anime adaptation by Doga Kobo.3 The production team decided that Chiikawa and Hachiware would be voiced by then-child actors, with Nagano taking part in the casting process.3637 It is directed by Takenori Mihara and Juria Matsumura (beginning with episode 121), with Yuma Yamaguchi and Shugo Tokumaru composing the music. The series premiered on April 4, 2022, on Fuji TV's Mezamashi TV morning news and entertainment program.3813 Sentai Filmworks licenses the series outside of Asia.39 In 2022, 120 English subtitled episodes were released on Hidive,4041 but more episodes have been released outside of the service since then. In March 2025, it was announced the anime would be on three-month hiatus.42

An anime film adaptation of the Siren Arc, titled Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of Mermaid Island (映画ちいかわ 人魚の島のひみつ, Eiga Chiikawa: Ningyo no Shima no Himitsu) was announced on November 24, 2025.43 It will be produced by Cypic and directed by Kei Oikawa, with Nagano writing the film's script. The film is set to be released on July 24, 2026.44

Video game

A mobile game titled Chiikawa Pocket was released worldwide in March 2025. It is a casual, idle RPG where players can battle enemies, pull weeds to collect items, cook dishes in Om Nom Fest, a food festival, and decorate their in-game spaces. Players can also unlock outfits and customize characters such as Chiikawa, Hachiware, and Usagi. The game is free to play, with optional in-app purchases, and supports multiple languages. It is available in 43 countries, including the United States, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.45

Cultural impact and reception

With over 2.7 million copies in circulation,30 the manga has been nominated for the 48th Kodansha Manga Award in 2024 in the General category.46 The series won the 53rd Japan Cartoonists Association Award in the Manga Division.47 Chiikawa merchandise rose popularity in China and Hong Kong in early 2024.4849

Collaborations and merchandise

A Chiikawa-themed train
A Chiikawa-themed train source ↗

Chiikawa has given rise to a variety of merchandise. On the official online store, there are various products designed based on the anime characters, including plush toys, stickers, clothing, and more.50 Co-branding between Chiikawa and other comics or companies are also well-received. The official Chiikawa website has collaborated with Sanrio, Hankyu, and Converse,51 among others. A wide range of themed products are also offered, including magical girl series, sushi series, and Lailai Chinese restaurants series.52 In July 2025, Chiikawa Park opened in Tokyo, Japan.53

Chiikawa collaborated with Ariana Grande on the music video for "Santa Tell Me".54 Popular characters from Chiikawa were dressed as Santa Claus and the music video was animated. Since the video's release on December 6, 2023, it was viewed approximately 1.38 million times in a single day, further increasing the popularity of Chiikawa. In September 2024, Chiikawa stickers was released in Japanese Happy Meals.55 Chiikawa, among other Japanese brands, partnered with Major League Baseball for the 2025 Tokyo Series.56

Reception

Contrary to its cute elements, Japanese website Real Sound described Chikawa as a "dark fantasy" anime, proven when the characters earn money to live by defeating the enemy and weeding. The scene where the chimera puts out the nail depicts strong will that does not pander as a family-friendly series.2

References

References

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External links