Utan

Fairy of the Land of Music

Puppet fairy character featured in NHK E-Television's preschool educational program 'Inai Inai Baa!!'. Appeared from 2003 to 2023 and was loved by children through songs and dances.

Quotes

  • Utan, genki! Genki!!
  • Woo, Utan!

Trivia

  • The name origin comes from liking songs, thus named 'Utan'.
  • Puppet character with the longest appearance period of 20 years in 'Inai Inai Baa!'.
  • Retired from the program in March 2023 but continued appearances in stage shows until 2024.
  • Distinctive light yellow skin and flower-patterned decoration with maracas on the head.
  • Favorite foods are norimaki and tea.

Alternate names

Utan Utan Man Utan Hand Puppet

Tags

Inai Inai Baa! NHK preschool program educational program puppet fairy music Utan plush toy

Profile

Species
fairy
Gender
Non binary
Birthday
secret

Appearance

Overall appearance
Has light yellow skin and is a small fairy. Round flower-patterned objects extend to the left and right from the head, with maracas built inside. Wears clothing in a color close to red or orange, and red, yellow, and green buttons are lined up on the clothes.
Distinguishing features
  • Round flower-patterned objects extending from the head (maracas built-in)
  • Light yellow skin
  • Red and orange clothes with tricolor buttons
Iconic items
  • Head decoration with attached maracas
  • Red cape (Utan Man form)
  • plush toy
  • hand puppet

Personality and abilities

Core personality
cheerful
Detailed personality
Basically bright, energetic, and cheerful. Sometimes shows a rowdy and mischievous side. Loves singing, and when happy, rattles the head maracas to express joy. Skilled at hide-and-seek and enjoys playing happily with children.
Keywords
  • cheerful
  • mischievous
  • energetic
  • song lover
  • curious
  • child-loving
Talents
  • singing
  • hide-and-seek
  • dance
  • communication
  • musical expression
Skills
  • puppet operation
  • stage acting
  • interaction with children
  • music performance (maracas)
Motivation
Holds the wish to deliver fun and energy to children, hoping they grow up with enriched hearts through songs and play.
Habits
Often says 'Utan, genki! Genki!!' when appearing. When happy, shakes the face left and right while rattling the maracas.
Favorite colors
yellow
Favorite foods
norimaki, tea
Hobbies
singing, hide-and-seek

History

Backstory
A small fairy living in the Music Forest of the Land of Music. Loves singing and enjoys singing while playing with children. Appeared on the program as a puppet character in 'Inai Inai Baa!' starting from April 2003. The stage changed over time to 'Forest Country', 'Sun Country', 'Play Country', and 'Smile Country', but continued to appear for 20 years. Graduated from the program in March 2023, continued appearing in stage shows afterward, but stepped down in March 2024, closing a total of 21 years of activity.
Debut date
2003-04
Work title
Inai Inai Baa!
Media type
Anime

Long-term appearance

Significant event
Long-term appearance
Description
Appeared in 'Inai Inai Baa!' from April 2003 to March 2023. Boasts the longest appearance period among puppet characters.

Stage transitions

Significant event
Stage transitions
Description
In 2007, the stage became 'Forest Country'; in 2011, 'Sun Country'; in 2015, 'Play Country'; in 2019, 'Smile Country'.

Program retirement

Significant event
Program retirement
Description
Ended program appearances in March 2023, and stage show appearances also ended in March 2024.

Journey to space

Significant event
Journey to space
Description
In a surprise guest appearance in May 2024, the setting of building a spaceship was mentioned, and formally departed to space at the NHK Hall performance in July.

Relationships

Bacon

Teammate

Mofu-

Teammate

Kukku-

Teammate

Benki-

Teammate

Rori-

Teammate

Ro-ra-

Teammate

Ti-chan

Teammate

Kyankyan

Teammate

Bakeppa

Teammate

Inai Inai Baa! characters

Inai Inai Baa! characters: unknown

Media appearances

Inai Inai Baa!

Anime / Supporting

April 2003 - March 2023 NHK E-Television

Wan Wan Wanderland

Stage play / Supporting

Appeared until March 2023

Voice cast and creators

Kurumi Mamiya

Voice actor
Kurumi Mamiya
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Inai Inai Baa! puppet version

Aya Matsui

Creator name
Aya Matsui
Role
Character Designer

NHK Educational

Creator name
NHK Educational
Role
Original author

Related goods

Utan plush toy (large/small)

Item name
Utan plush toy (large/small)
Category
Plush or doll
Availability
Regular

Utan Man plush toy

Item name
Utan Man plush toy
Category
Plush or doll
Availability
Regular

Utan hand puppet

Item name
Utan hand puppet
Category
Plush or doll
Availability
Regular