Tama

The white cat of the Isono-Fuguta family, characterized by the bell on its collar

The white cat kept by the Isono-Fuguta family in Sazae-san. The distinctive bell on its collar is its trademark, and it is a soothing presence around the house.

Trivia

  • Tama is the beloved pet cat of the Isono-Fuguta family, loved in the work for a long time.
  • The collar bell is a characteristic item intended by the author and depicted as a symbolic presence of the family.
  • In the story, there are depictions of Tama making sounds to inform of situations or prompt family reactions.
  • In stage versions, human actors often play the cat role or it is anthropomorphized.
  • The third-generation Tama appeared in Ezaki Glico's CM series 'OTONA GLICO ~25 Years Later Isono Family~'.
  • The first-generation Tama has appeared from the early days of the original manga serialization and is integrated into the Isono-Fuguta family life.

Alternate names

Tama Tama-chan White cat

Tags

Sazae-san Isono family Fuguta family Cat Pet Anime character National character White cat Collar bell

Profile

Species
Cat
Gender
Male

Appearance

Overall appearance
A cat with white fur. Relatively small and cute in appearance. Characterized by a large bell on its collar.
Hair color
White
Distinguishing features
  • White fur
  • Large bell on the collar
Iconic items
  • Collar bell

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Soothing
Detailed personality
Gentle and mild-tempered, staying close to the Isono-Fuguta family and providing moments of peace. It brings calm to the noisy household.
Keywords
  • Gentle
  • Approachable
  • Charming
  • Healing type
  • Loyal
Talents
  • Staying close to the family
  • Attracting attention with meows
  • Flexible mobility
Skills
  • Patrolling the house
  • Mouse catching
  • Communication
Motivation
To be loved as a family member and protect a safe environment
Habits
Often makes the sound of the collar bell
Favorite foods
Fish, Milk, Cat food
Favorite places
Isono family veranda, Garden, Sunny windowsill
Disliked insects
Cockroach, Mosquito, Bee

History

Backstory
As the pet cat of the Isono-Fuguta family, it shares daily life as a family member. It continuously appears in the original manga and anime series, often getting involved in family or neighborhood troubles or providing healing.
Debut date
April 22, 1946
Work title
Sazae-san
Media type
Manga

Manga serialization start

Significant event
Manga serialization start
Description
Serialization began in 1946 by Machiko Hasegawa.

TV anime broadcast start

Significant event
TV anime broadcast start
Description
TV anime adaptation started from 1969, with Tama appearing as a family member.

Stage play appearance

Significant event
Stage play appearance
Description
In the 2019 stage version of Sazae-san and others, it appears in anthropomorphized performances.

Copyright issues with derivative works

Significant event
Copyright issues with derivative works
Description
Copyright management became stricter due to unauthorized use and fanfiction troubles.

Use in various advertisements

Significant event
Use in various advertisements
Description
Appears as a character in CMs for Ezaki Glico, House Foods, etc.

Relationships

Isono-Fuguta family

Guardian

Cherished as the family's pet, providing daily healing.

Fuguta Sazae

Family member

As a family member, it stays close to and supports Sazae and others.

Isono Katsuo

Family member

Occasionally appears as a playmate for the mischievous Katsuo.

Isono Wakame

Family member

Often receives care from Wakame or spends time together.

Isono-Fuguta family

Isono-Fuguta family: mascot

Media appearances

Sazae-san

Manga / Supporting

Serialized 1946-1974

Sazae-san

Anime / Supporting

TV anime series started in 1969

Sazae-san series movies

Movie / Supporting

Toho-Takarazuka films 1948-1961

Stage Sazae-san

Stage play / Mascot

Appeared in stage adaptations from 2019-

Ezaki Glico 'OTONA GLICO ~25 Years Later Isono Family~'

Commercial / Mascot

CM series 2008-2009

House Foods Sazae-san Family series

Commercial / Mascot

1980s-1990s

Radio drama

Radio / Supporting

1950s to 1970s

Voice cast and creators

Toshiya Sakai

Voice actor
Toshiya Sakai
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Stage Sazae-san

Machiko Hasegawa

Creator name
Machiko Hasegawa
Role
Original author

Shimaisya

Creator name
Shimaisya
Role
Publisher

Asahi Shimbun

Creator name
Asahi Shimbun
Role
Publisher

Related goods

Tama plush toy

Item name
Tama plush toy
Category
Plush or doll
Availability
Regular

Cat accessory with collar

Item name
Cat accessory with collar
Category
Accessory
Availability
Limited

Sazae-san goods set

Item name
Sazae-san goods set
Category
Apparel
Availability
Regular