Wanwan

Energetic big dog boy

Costume character of a large dog boy appearing in NHK's toddler program 'Inai Inai Baa!' since 1996. A popular character who has continued regular appearances over a long period.

Quotes

  • I'm always energetic Wanwan!
  • Wanwan, give me a bone!
  • Where does it go? Paku Ball!
  • Gokki?
  • ○○ de gozaansu (Tabigarasu Wan Taro)

Trivia

  • Wanwan is performed by Chō inside the costume.
  • Age remains at 5 years old without growing older.
  • Funny setting where he himself is a dog but afraid of dogs.
  • Narration and small jokes are enjoyable for adults too.
  • The costume has been renewed several times, but the basic design remains the same.
  • Glove puppets Pakupaku-san and Pakuko-san originate from Wanwan's right and left hands.

Alternate names

Wanwan Tabigarasu Wan Taro Pakupaku-san Pakuko-san Super Wan

Tags

Inai Inai Baa! Wanwan Toddler-oriented NHK Costume character Educational program Dog character Long-running character Chō

Profile

Species
Dog (new breed born from a mongrel)
Gender
Male
Birthday
January 1

Appearance

Overall appearance
Mainly white body color with green ears, arms, and legs; a large dog character. Features a fluffy texture.
Eye color
Brown
Hair color
White
Distinguishing features
  • Ears and limbs are green
  • Paw pads on the soles of the feet
  • Large eyes and round face
Iconic items
  • Red cape (Super Wan form)
  • Conical hat and traveler's attire (Tabigarasu Wan Taro)
  • Glasses and tie (Inuyama Wan Taro)
  • Pakupaku-san (right hand), Pakuko-san (left hand) gloves
  • Accessories with Wanwan mark

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Energetic
Detailed personality
Toddler-oriented energetic boy dog character. Set age of 5 years old that does not change, loves playing and has a huge appetite, but dislikes carrots. Afraid of heights and has a side that tires easily. Has the unique setting of being a dog yet afraid of dogs.
Keywords
  • Energetic
  • Cute
  • Big eater
  • Natto lover
  • Kind
  • Good at drawing
  • Shy
  • A bit clumsy
Motto
I'm always energetic Wanwan!
Talents
  • Drawing
  • Singing
  • Dancing
  • Expressions loved by children
Skills
  • Gymnastics
  • Glove puppet theater (Pakupaku-san and Pakuko-san)
  • Event performances
  • Character transformation performances
Motivation
To have fun playing with children while watching over their growth
Habits
Uses 'Wanwan' as first-person pronoun when speaking · Sometimes inserts small jokes
Favorite foods
Natto, All favorite foods in general
Favorite colors
White
Hobbies
Drawing, Singing, Gymnastics
Disliked foods
Carrots
Disliked places
High places

History

Backstory
Setting as a new breed dog born from a mongrel born in Saitama Prefecture. Appeared in 'Inai Inai Baa!' from the 1996 pilot version. The costume has been changed several times, but the basic design remains consistent. Voice and puppeteering performed by actor Chō. Set at 5 years old without aging, beloved by fans for unique humorous asides.
Debut date
January 15, 1996
Work title
Inai Inai Baa!
Media type
Anime
Episode or chapter
Pilot version

NHK Red and White Song Festival appearance

Significant event
NHK Red and White Song Festival appearance
Description
Appeared on the 69th NHK Red and White Song Festival on December 31, 2018.

Saitama Super Arena appearance

Significant event
Saitama Super Arena appearance
Description
Appeared in the 2011 'Come On! Dream Amusement Park' concert.

Wanwan birth story revealed

Significant event
Wanwan birth story revealed
Description
In 2023, broadcast history revealed at NHK Broadcasting Culture Research Institute.

J-League match sideline event participation

Significant event
J-League match sideline event participation
Description
In 2024, handled referee escort and more at Cerezo Osaka pre-match event.

Relationships

Chō

Mentor

Actor who voices and puppeteers Wanwan.

Hajime Saegusa

Supporting

Team member who sometimes serves as substitute puppeteer for Wanwan.

Janjan

Teammate

Another dog character appearing in the program, with numerous co-appearances.

Inai Inai Baa!

Inai Inai Baa!: protagonist

Media appearances

Inai Inai Baa!

Anime / Protagonist

1996 - Ongoing

Wanwan Wonder Land

Stage play / Protagonist

Live show format concert

Inai Inai Baa! Let's Play Outside!

Movie / Protagonist

DVD release

Voice cast and creators

Chō

Voice actor
Chō
Language
Japanese
Version or series
TV anime version, live shows
Notes
Voice actor and puppeteer

NHK Educational

Creator name
NHK Educational
Role
Animation studio

NHK Educational

Creator name
NHK Educational
Role
Publisher

NHK Educational

Creator name
NHK Educational
Role
Licensee

Related goods

Wanwan plush

Item name
Wanwan plush
Category
Plush or doll
Availability
Regular

Wanwan figure

Item name
Wanwan figure
Category
Figure
Availability
Regular

Wanwan goods stationery

Item name
Wanwan goods stationery
Category
Stationery
Availability
Regular