Higeoyaji
Kind-hearted old man
Kenichi's uncle and a kind-hearted old man who helps Leo and others. Provides funds for the expedition team and is a supportive presence for the animals and boys.
Quotes
- The heart that cares for animals is more important than anything.
- Treating life carelessly is unforgivable.
- Let's overcome difficulties through cooperation.
- We must not forget to coexist with nature.
- We must not abandon those in need.
Trivia
- Initially afraid of Leo, but later cared for him like a parent.
- Plays an important role in the story by funding the expedition team.
- Voiced by Junji Chiba in the first version.
- Deepens bonds with animals after adventures in Africa's jungle.
- Also serves as an educator guiding the boys as the story progresses.
Alternate names
Higeoyaji
Uncle
Kenichi's uncle
Bearded uncle
Profile
- Species
- Human
- Gender
- Male
Appearance
- Overall appearance
- Elderly man with a white beard and glasses, exuding a calm and approachable atmosphere. Slightly small in stature yet dignified.
- Hair color
- White
- Distinguishing features
-
- White beard
- Glasses
- Elderly appearance
- Iconic items
-
- Glasses
- Newspaper
- Pocket watch
- Business card
- Expedition funding donation
Personality and abilities
- Core personality
- Kind
- Detailed personality
- Kind-hearted and caring old man. Holds a spirit of universal love toward animals and children, supports comrades facing difficulties. Proactive as well, providing funds for the expedition team and backing them with knowledge and advice.
- Keywords
-
- Kind
- Attentive
- Universal love
- Reliable
- Mild-tempered
- Motto
- Pay respect to all living beings
- Talents
-
- Insight
- Knowledgeable
- Communication skills
- Teaching ability
- Understanding of animals
- Skills
-
- Expedition team funding
- Animal protection knowledge
- Leadership
- Medical knowledge (basic treatments)
- Motivation
- Support Leo and his friends, maintain harmony in the jungle.
- Habits
- Calm and polite speech. Occasionally uses playful manner of speaking.
History
- Backstory
- Kenichi's uncle and a school teacher. Initially feared Leo but, at Kenichi's request, kept Leo as a cat and cared for him. Financially supported Ham Egg's expedition team and accompanied Kenichi and Leo to Africa. Thereafter, acts as a reliable supporter and understanding ally to animals and friends.
- Debut date
- October 6, 1965
- Work title
- Jungle Emperor (1st TV anime)
- Media type
- Anime
Expedition support
- Significant event
- Expedition support
- Description
- Provided funds for Ham Egg's expedition team and accompanied Leo and Kenichi
Capture in Pygmy village
- Significant event
- Capture in Pygmy village
- Description
- Captured in Pygmy village but rescued by Leo
Moonstone expedition
- Significant event
- Moonstone expedition
- Description
- Joined Leo on expedition to Moon Mountain for the moonstone and overcame harsh adventures
Survival after Leo's self-sacrifice
- Significant event
- Survival after Leo's self-sacrifice
- Description
- After Leo sacrificed himself, survived by wearing the fur
Relationships
Kenichi
Nephew
Nephew. Supports Kenichi as a caring uncle and watches over his growth.
Leo
Supporter
Supported Leo's upbringing and protection from behind the scenes, accompanied on expeditions, and overcame crises together.
Ham Egg
Rival
Cooperates financially but sometimes clashes over attitudes toward animals.
Kenichi
Guardian
Taught Kenichi human societal norms and was entrusted with Leo's care.
Expedition team
Expedition team: supporter
Media appearances
Jungle Emperor (1965 TV anime)
Anime / Supporting
October 6, 1965 - September 28, 1966
Jungle Emperor: Go Leo! (1966 TV anime)
Anime / Supporting
October 5, 1966 - March 29, 1967
Jungle Emperor (1989 TV anime)
Anime / Supporting
October 12, 1989 - October 11, 1990
Jungle Emperor (1966 theatrical)
Movie / Supporting
Released July 31, 1966
Jungle Emperor (1997 theatrical)
Movie / Supporting
Released August 1, 1997
Jungle Emperor: Courage Changes the Future (2009 TV special)
Anime / Supporting
September 5, 2009
Voice cast and creators
Junji Chiba
- Voice actor
- Junji Chiba
- Language
- Japanese
- Version or series
- 1965 TV anime version
Masato Tsujimura
- Voice actor
- Masato Tsujimura
- Language
- Japanese
- Version or series
- 1989 TV anime version (as Ban Shunsaku)
Kosei Tomita
- Voice actor
- Kosei Tomita
- Language
- Japanese
- Version or series
- 1997 theatrical version
Osamu Tezuka
- Creator name
- Osamu Tezuka
- Role
- Original author
Mushi Production
- Creator name
- Mushi Production
- Role
- Animation studio
Tezuka Productions
- Creator name
- Tezuka Productions
- Role
- Animation studio
Related goods
Higeoyaji figure
- Item name
- Higeoyaji figure
- Category
- Figure
- Availability
- Limited
Jungle Emperor goods set
- Item name
- Jungle Emperor goods set
- Category
- Apparel
- Availability
- Regular