Hit Japanese anime series to debut on June 27 on Turner’s Toonami channel.
HONG KONG -- Yo-Kai Watch, the number-one rating cartoon sensation from Japanese creators Dentsu, will makes its debut across South and Southeast on Toonami later this month. The kids network has snapped up 65 half-hour episodes and will be available on an exclusive basis in almost all countries around the region.
Yo-Kai Watch follows the adventures of Keita, a boy who unearths a magical watch that allows him to meet and befriend friendly Yo-kai. Originating from Japan, YO-KAI WATCH has inspired a massive loyal following among kids and adults alike – leading to a nationwide dance sensation to one of the show’s featured tunes.
Starting on June 27, Toonami will air the quirky series as part of its Anime Siege primetime programming block which runs on weekends from 9:30am and also includes Beast Saga, Beywheelz, Beywarriors Beyraiderz, Inazuma Eleven Go Galaxy, Beywarriors Cyborg and Dragonball Z Kai.
“Yo-Kai Watch is the perfect complement to Toonami’s dynamic anime line-up. We’ve seen kids in North Asia react so positively to this unique series with its eccentric and surprising characters -- and uplifting music,” said Toonami’s Mark Eyers in commenting on the acquisition. “In both Japan and Korea, the franchise’s success has extended way beyond the screen to become a genuine phenomenon loved by both kids and families. We can’t wait to see Yo-Kai Watch enthrall Toonami’s audiences in South and Southeast Asia.”
The IP first began as a Nintendo computer game and contains the catchy theme song, “Gera Gera Po,” which is sung and danced to by thousands of children around the world. The franchise has so far generated an estimated US$1.5 billion in merchandise. Video sales have so far exceeded 6.5 million units, one million CDs, complemented by 4 million comic sales. Last December, the Yo-Kai Watch movie premiered in 347 screens in Japan garnering more than 6.5 billion yen from the box office in 3 weeks.
What is a Yo-Kai? They’re not ghosts or monsters or creatures. You see, Yo-kai are, quite simply, Yo-kai. They can’t be seen by the human eye, but they’re everywhere. Whether born from the soul of a deceased human, or an everyday object discovering its higher purpose, their personalities are distinctly humanlike. That’s what makes Yo-kai special.
Here’s the synopsis:
Keita Amano is just a regular boy living in a regular place called Sakura New Town. One summer’s day, he encounters a strange white Yo-kai called Whisper, who starts following him around. Whisper gives Keita a strange timepiece known as the Yo-kai Watch, and with it, he starts finding Yo-kai all over his hometown!
Keita soon learns that most everyday troubles are caused by Yo-kai, and that by persuading and sometimes battling with them, he can solve people’s problems, and make new Yo-kai friends in the process!
A special 90-second Gera Gera Po music video is also airing, teasing the premiere, as well as a watch-and-win competition. Toonami is a 24-hour action and anime destination designed for fanboys and girls -- young and old -- seeking a full-tilt, rollercoaster ride of adventure and fun:
Source: Toonami
Formerly Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network, Jennifer Wolfe has worked in the Media & Entertainment industry as a writer and PR professional since 2003.
