Yū Aoi Joins the Cast of 2025's Anpanman Film as Chapon!
Discover Aoi's captivating journey as the central character in this must-see film premiering on June 27!

Aoi Takes Center Stage in Upcoming Anpanman Film
The official website for Soreike! Anpanman: Chapon no Hero!, the 36th film in the beloved Anpanman franchise, has announced that actress Yū Aoi will play the lead role of Chapon. The film is set to premiere in Japan on June 27.
Image via Anpanman films' X/Twitter account
©やなせスタジオ ©やなせたかし/フレーベル館・TMS・NTV ©やなせたかし/アンパンマン製作委員会2025
Plot Overview
The story revolves around Chapon, a mysterious boy who falls from the sky with no memory of his origins. After staying with Anpanman, he discovers the joy of making others smile and dreams of becoming a hero like him. However, when Baikinman arrives and reveals the truth about Chapon's past, he must confront whether his origins or his aspirations define him.
Previous Success in the Franchise
The previous installment, Soreike! Anpanman: Baikinman to Ehon no Lulun, released last June, achieved remarkable success, ranking #1 in ticket sales despite coming in #2 for weekend earnings. It sold 137,000 tickets and grossed 170 million yen (approximately $1.16 million) in its opening weekend, marking the highest debut for an Anpanman film in the franchise's history.
A Legacy of Anpanman
The Soreike! Anpanman television series has been entertaining audiences since 1988, with new films released every summer since 1989. The 2014 film, Soreike! Anpanman: Ringo Bōya to Minna no Negai, was particularly significant as it was the first film released after the passing of the franchise's creator, Takashi Yanase.