Flatulent Japanese monster invades US

Nickelodeon is developing its first-ever original Japanese cartoon series, one of which is based on NHK’s decade-old mascot, a flatulent cave-dwelling creature who lives with a tea-loving rabbit watching TV.

Domo-kun (left, 26×2′) takes its name from the national public broadcaster’s character icon, which Japanese children have grown up with for the past 10 years and is described as a “cultural phenomenon.”

The online encyclopaedia Wikipedia describes him rather differently: “A strange monster-like creature born from an egg. He lives in an underground cave with a wise old rabbit, who loves to watch TV and drink astringent tea. Domo is known to pass gas repeatedly when nervous or in a bad mood,” it says.

All of which should go down well with the kids the new series will be aimed at. Nickelodeon is working with NHK affiliate, Domo Production Committee, to co-develop and produce the series.

The deal also includes an advance acquisition of the series by the Nicktoons Network in the US, marking the first time a Japanese-produced series will air on a Nickelodeon Network in the US. A transmission date hasn’t yet been announced.

The Viacom-owned kids broadcaster is also developing a new animated series called Akihabara@Deep, based on a Japanese graphic novel of the same name.

Nickelodeon is working with local 3D animation house Polygon Pictures. The property is described as an edgy, colourful and fast-paced cyber-detective comedy/action/drama based in Tokyo’s electronics district.