Panja
King of the Jungle
The king of the jungle and a brave lion with white fur. He is Leo's father and a being revered by the forest animals. He antagonizes humans and livestock, fighting for wild animals, but his life is tragic.
Quotes
- We have the responsibility to protect the jungle.
- Fight for the weak. That is the role of the king of the jungle.
- Fight to live. But I will not permit meaningless conflict.
- The laws of the jungle are absolute. There is no future for those who break them.
- The king is lonely, but he is the guardian of all lives.
Trivia
- There is a theory that Panja's name is an anagram of 'Japan' reversed.
- It is said that Panja is modeled after Emperor Meiji.
- Panja's white fur originated from a mistake where Osamu Tezuka painted it the color of incandescent bulb light.
- The Seibu Lions mascot design is based on Panja.
- The 1965 anime is one of Japan's first full-fledged color TV anime series.
- The TV anime depicts Panja supplying livestock as a quota.
Alternate names
Panja
King of the White Lions
Forest Demon God
White Lion Panja
Profile
- Species
- Lion
- Gender
- Male
Appearance
- Overall appearance
- A male lion covered entirely in pure white fur. He has a dignified and majestic presence, and due to his white fur, he is sometimes called a 'magical beast' or 'forest demon god'.
- Eye color
- Brown
- Hair color
- White
- Distinguishing features
-
- Pure white fur
- Mane characteristic of a male lion
- Scar on the left chest
- Iconic items
-
- Panja's pelt
- Crown (proof of the guardian deity, held by Riona)
Personality and abilities
- Core personality
- Brave
- Detailed personality
- He possesses a strong sense of mission to protect the jungle and its ecosystem, respects the laws of the wild, and combines strictness with high leadership. As the guardian of the animals, he takes a harsh attitude toward livestock and humans but is kind to his comrades.
- Keywords
-
- Brave
- Strong sense of responsibility
- Regal demeanor
- Natural leader
- Proud
- Wild
- Motto
- Protect the laws of the jungle and guard the weak
- Talents
-
- High wild instincts
- Powerful combat abilities
- Leadership
- Agile physical abilities
- Strict vigilance against livestock and humans
- Skills
-
- Hunting techniques
- Defense tactics
- Mediation between individuals
- Motivation
- To protect the jungle and its animals and embody the pride of lions as a species
- Habits
- Maintains the jungle's food chain by attacking livestock and possesses strictness in ruthlessly eliminating traitors
- Favorite places
- Jungle, Pygmy Village, Panja's Forest
- Disliked situations
- Deforestation by humans, Betrayal, Animals that betray livestock
History
- Backstory
- A white lion once revered as the guardian deity of the Pygmy village. Twenty years ago, he escaped seeking freedom and settled in the jungle. Admired as the king of the animals, he fought daily to protect the jungle's laws. He antagonized humans and livestock, showing strictness in eliminating them. His wife Eliza was captured by humans, and while heading to rescue her, he was shot by Ham Egg and lost his life. After death, he became a pelt and was retrieved by Leo, and his spirit has become a spiritual pillar for Leo and the jungle animals.
- Debut date
- October 6, 1965
- Work title
- Jungle Emperor (1965 TV Anime)
- Media type
- Anime
- Episode or chapter
- Episode 1 'Go, Child of Panja'
Wife Eliza's capture and rescue attempt
- Significant event
- Wife Eliza's capture and rescue attempt
- Description
- Panja's wife Eliza is caught in a human trap and captured; Panja is shot dead while trying to save her.
Panja's death and transformation into a pelt
- Significant event
- Panja's death and transformation into a pelt
- Description
- After death, Panja's pelt becomes an object of dispute between animals and humans and is retrieved by Leo.
Establishment of status as King of the Jungle
- Significant event
- Establishment of status as King of the Jungle
- Description
- Respected by the animals, he continues to exist as a spiritual pillar even after his death.
Relationships
Leo
Child
Panja's only son, a white lion who grew into the next king of the jungle. Inherits his father's aspirations.
Eliza
Spouse
Panja's wife and Leo's mother. Captured by humans but protected Leo with strong love.
Pygmy Tribe
Ally
Respected as the former guardian deity and maintains a cooperative relationship.
King of the Jungle
King of the Jungle: leader
Media appearances
Jungle Emperor (1965 TV Anime)
Anime / Supporting
October 6, 1965 ~ September 28, 1966, all 52 episodes
New Jungle Emperor: Go Leo!
Anime / Supporting
October 5, 1966 ~ March 29, 1967, all 26 episodes
Jungle Emperor (1989 TV Anime)
Anime / Supporting
October 12, 1989 ~ October 11, 1990, all 52 episodes
Color Feature-Length Animated Film Jungle Emperor
Movie / Supporting
Released July 31, 1966
Jungle Emperor (1997 Theatrical Version)
Movie / Supporting
Released August 1, 1997
Jungle Emperor - Courage Changes the Future -
Anime / Supporting
September 5, 2009
Voice cast and creators
Asao Koike
- Voice actor
- Asao Koike
- Language
- Japanese
- Version or series
- 1965 TV Anime version
Isao Sasaki
- Voice actor
- Isao Sasaki
- Language
- Japanese
- Version or series
- 1989 TV Anime version
Jirō Tokito
- Voice actor
- Jirō Tokito
- Language
- Japanese
- Version or series
- 2009 TV Special version
- Notes
- Voice acting debut
Osamu Tezuka
- Creator name
- Osamu Tezuka
- Role
- Original author
Osamu Tezuka
- Creator name
- Osamu Tezuka
- Role
- Character designer
Mushi Production
- Creator name
- Mushi Production
- Role
- Animation studio
Related goods
Panja Plush Toy
- Item name
- Panja Plush Toy
- Category
- Plush or doll
- Availability
- Regular
Jungle Emperor Figure Set
- Item name
- Jungle Emperor Figure Set
- Category
- Figure
- Availability
- Limited
Jungle Emperor Poster
- Item name
- Jungle Emperor Poster
- Category
- Stationery
- Availability
- Regular