# Pan Dorobou media franchise expansion

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/pan-dorobou-media-franchise-expansion
> Updated: 2026-10-16T12:00:03.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

The popular children’s book series ‘Pan Dorobou’ by Keiko Shibata has transitioned into a television animation. The series began broadcasting on NHK E-Tele on October 2, 2026, featuring voice actress Ayaka Asai as the titular character, Aki Toyosaki as the fake Pan Dorobou, and Kana Hanazawa as the narrator.

Following the anime premiere, the franchise has expanded commercially. The retailer Avail announced a new line of merchandise scheduled for release on October 17, featuring items such as cushions, aprons, and room shoes based on the series’ designs.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-16: Pan Dorobou series expands with NHK anime and Avail merchandise

The ‘Pan Dorobou’ children's book series is expanding through an NHK anime broadcast and new merchandise releases at Avail.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pan-dorobou-series-expands-with-nhk-anime-and-avail-merchandise

### 2026-10-02: Pan Dorobou anime premieres on NHK E-Tele

The popular picture book series ‘Pan Dorobou’ by Keiko Shibata premiered as an NHK E-Tele anime on October 2, 2026, featuring voice talent Ayaka Asai, Aki Toyosaki, and Kana Hanazawa.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pan-dorobou-anime-premieres-on-nhk-e-tele

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Cite as: Pan Dorobou media franchise expansion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/pan-dorobou-media-franchise-expansion