"Ninja Hattori-kun" is a delightful animated series centered around the misadventures of 11-year-old Kenichi Mitsuba, an ordinary boy navigating the ups and downs of secondary school life. Kenichi is characterized by his stubborn nature and laid-back attitude, often making him a source of frustration for both his parents and teachers. His tendency to seek shortcuts in everything he does leads to a myriad of comedic situations. However, his life takes an exciting turn when he befriends Hattori Kanzo, a skilled ninja from the Iga Clan, who not only becomes a crucial part of the Mitsuba household but also helps Kenichi face the challenges that come his way. Along with Hattori, Kenichi shares his home with his lovable ninja dog, Shishimaru, and his supportive brother, Shinzo, making their household anything but ordinary.
As the story unfolds, Hattori serves as a guiding light for Kenichi, assisting him with school-related troubles and personal dilemmas. The bond between the two grows stronger, even as they navigate the complexities of young friendships. However, the peace in Kenichi's life is often disrupted by the scheming Kemuzou Kemumaki, a rival Koga ninja, and his cunning ninja cat, Kagechiyo. Kemumaki's antics primarily revolve around competing for the affections of Yumeko, a girl who unwittingly finds herself at the center of their rivalry. This recurring feud fuels a comedic narrative where Kenichi frequently looks to Hattori for assistance, sometimes leading to misunderstandings that cause tension between the two friends.
The dynamic within the series is enriched by the presence of secondary characters like Jippou, Togejirou, and Tsubame, who often lend their support to Kenichi in his battles against Kemumaki. While the show is filled with comedic errors and ninja antics, it also reflects the essence of friendship, trust, and teamwork. Viewers are treated to a blend of humor and heartwarming moments as Kenichi and Hattori try to outsmart their adversaries. As they confront challenges together, the show captures the trials of growing up, highlighting the importance of having a true friend by your side, especially when facing the antics of mischievous ninjas.
Full Cast of Ninja Hattori-kun
Kenichi Ogata
Shishimaru
Kenichi Ogata delivered a memorable performance as Shishimaru in the beloved television series "Ninja Hattori-kun," a role that showcased his versatile acting skills and comedic timing. As the bumbling, lazy, but endearing ninja dog, Ogata brought a unique blend of warmth and humor to the character, often serving as a source of comic relief with his exaggerated reactions and slapstick antics. Despite his limited vocabulary, largely consisting of variations of "Woof!", Ogata's expressive voice work and the subtle nuances he infused into Shishimaru's character allowed the canine ninja to convey a wide range of emotions, from laziness and hunger to loyalty and bravery. His performance complemented the show's light-hearted tone and resonated with audiences of all ages, contributing to the enduring popularity of "Ninja Hattori-kun" and solidifying Ogata's portrayal of Shishimaru as an iconic character in the realm of Japanese children's television.
Kaneta Kimotsuki
Kemuzou Kemumaki
Kaneta Kimotsuki delivered a memorable performance as Kemuzou Kemumaki in the classic television series "Ninja Hattori-kun," a role that became one of his most recognized. His portrayal of the bumbling, self-proclaimed ninja master who constantly tries to outdo the titular character, Hattori, was characterized by a compelling blend of humor and villainy. Kimotsuki's exaggerated expressions, coupled with his over-the-top delivery of Kemumaki's schemes and complaints, provided a perfect foil to Hattori's calm and collected demeanor. Despite his frequent defeats and comical mishaps, Kimotsuki's Kemumaki remained an endearing character, largely due to the actor's ability to evoke both sympathy and laughter from the audience. His performance as Kemuzou Kemumaki contributed significantly to the show's enduring charm and the character's status as a lovable antagonist, making him a standout character in the beloved series.
Yuko Mita
Shinzu Hattori
Yuko Mita delivered a memorable performance as Shinzu Hattori in the television series "Ninja Hattori-kun," a role that showcased her versatile acting skills and timeless charm. As the quick-witted and agile ninja, Mita brought a sense of youthful exuberance and innocence to the character, seamlessly blending comedy with action. Her portrayal of Shinzu's unwavering loyalty to his friend Kenichi, coupled with his mischievous antics, endeared the character to audiences of all ages. Mita's performance was highlighted by her ability to convey a wide range of emotions, from the thrill of executing acrobatic ninja moves to the warmth of familial bonds, all while maintaining the character's humble and honorable demeanor. Her work in the series not only solidified her status as a beloved figure in Japanese entertainment but also helped to cement "Ninja Hattori-kun" as a classic in the pantheon of family-friendly television shows.
Masako Sugaya
Kenichi Mitsuba
Runa Akiyama
Yumeko Kawai (voice)
Crew of Ninja Hattori-kun
Full backstage crew list →