Is “Nintama Rantarō” just for Japanese kids? Think again.
With the explosive success of the latest movie “Nintama Rantarō: The Strongest Tactician of the Dokutake Ninja Army”, and the massive popularity of its visual book and anime comic, this long-running franchise is making waves among nostalgic fans—and gaining attention from overseas anime lovers too. Whether you’re a total newcomer or a curious fan of retro anime, there’s something here for you.
🧑🎤 Who’s Behind the Hype?
The books are published by Poplar Publishing Co., in collaboration with the production committee behind the latest Nintama Rantarō theatrical film. The original manga by Sōbe Amako has long been a household name in Japan, and the TV anime adaptation has enjoyed a loyal following for over 30 years.
📚 What’s the Big Deal?
On March 19, 2025, Poplar released two companion books for the film: a Visual Book filled with behind-the-scenes content and a full-length Anime Comic adaptation of the movie. Fueled by pre-release buzz on Japanese social media, both books sold out almost immediately, surpassing 100,000 copies in circulation. Amazon Japan even ranked the visual book as the #1 bestseller across all book categories before its release.
📅 When Can You Get a Copy?
Due to overwhelming demand, both books are now being reprinted. The restock is scheduled to hit shelves and online stores across Japan in mid-April 2025. This is your chance to grab one before they vanish again!
🗾 Where to Find Them?
Both titles will be available at major bookstores across Japan, as well as on Amazon.co.jp. While international shipping is not always guaranteed, overseas fans can often access these books via import-friendly services or proxy shopping sites.
🎯 Why Should New Fans Care?
While Nintama Rantarō may seem niche or “too Japanese” at first glance, it actually shares the heartwarming, goofy charm found in many beloved anime like Doraemon or Crayon Shin-chan. The recent movie brings a modern animation upgrade and deeper storylines—making it more appealing to older fans and international audiences.
And the books? They’re visually rich and easy to follow, even if you’re not fluent in Japanese. The Visual Book includes character breakdowns, setting guides, and cast/staff interviews, while the Anime Comic delivers the full movie story in illustrated format.
In short: no prior knowledge required. You can dive right in.
🛠 How to Enjoy It as a First-Time Fan
-
Start with the Anime Comic if you want to follow the story directly. The art and pacing are easy to understand visually.
-
Check out the Visual Book if you’re curious about the lore, characters, or animation production.
Many overseas fans enjoy these as collector’s items—and they make for great additions to any anime bookshelf.
📦 Ready to explore the world of Nintama Rantarō?
Check out the official pages, or grab a copy via your favorite import service while supplies last.
And don’t forget to share this with fellow retro anime fans—nostalgia never gets old.