Quiz about anime: trivia and fun facts from beloved national anime series.

Momoko Sakura

The original creator of Chibi Maruko-chan is Momoko Sakura. The series began serialization in Ribon in 1986 and depicts the everyday lives of the main character, Maruko, along with her family and friends. The anime became a major hit—so popular it’s often called a national anime—and is loved by people of all ages.

Kakarot

Son Goku, beloved as the protagonist of the anime Dragon Ball, is actually an alien called a Saiyan who was sent to Earth, though he himself had forgotten this. It was revealed at the time of the Saiyans’ arrival that his Saiyan birth name is “Kakarot.” Since few people other than Vegeta call him by that name afterward, many fans might not be familiar with it.

Class 1-H

In the anime Nintama Rantarō, the main character Rantarō belongs to Class 1-Ha. The anime is based on Sōbee Amako’s work Rakudai Ninja Rantarō, and it portrays the daily life and growth of Rantarō and his classmates at a ninja school. As a member of the Ha class, Rantarō studies various ninja techniques while enjoying a fun—and sometimes chaotic—school life with his friends and teachers.

Shaku

In the anime Ojarumaru, the protagonist Ojarumaru steals a staff called the “Shaku,” which belongs to King Enma. The Shaku is originally used by King Enma to measure the sins of the guilty, but Ojarumaru spends his days using it for various pranks and adventures. Little ogres come to retrieve the Shaku, and so this Shaku can be considered a key item that forms the core of the story.

Pallet Town

In the anime Pokémon, the protagonist Ash is a Trainer who sets out from a fictional town called Pallet Town. This town also appears in several works, including the original games Pokémon Red and Green, and is depicted as the protagonist’s hometown. Serving as the place where Ash receives his first Pokémon and takes his first step into adventure, it plays an important role early in the story.

Fuguta

In the beloved national anime Sazae-san, the protagonist Sazae’s family name is Fuguta. It’s an easy point to mix up because her maiden name is Isono, and many of the family members she lives with also have the Isono surname. Along with Sazae’s radiant smile, the family’s everyday life has endeared itself to many viewers, continuing to bring laughter and heartwarming moments to households across Japan.