As the second installment of the 55th-anniversary project for the 1972 animated film *Panda! Panda!*—directed by Isao Takahata, with original story, screenplay, and art direction by Hayao Miyazaki—the 55th-anniversary teaser visual has been unveiled.

The image is an original illustration by Yoshiharu Sato, who served as animation director on the film *My Neighbor Totoro*, and its theme is “A Fun Picnic That Never Changes, No Matter How Many Years Pass.” Starting November 6, a special collaboration with “Tokyo Christmas Advent Sponsored by au PAY” at Ueno Onshi Park will begin, and Papanda will make an appearance in Ueno.

Panda Ko Panda 55th Anniversary Teaser Visual

This is the second installment of an anniversary project commemorating the 55th anniversary of the theatrical releases of *Panda Ko Panda* in 2027 and *Panda Ko Panda: The Rainy Day Circus* in 2028. In the teaser visual, Papa Panda, wearing a hat, is relaxing on a large tree branch with a cup in his hand, while Mimi-ko swings on a swing nearby and Pan-chan is also perched on the branch. A picnic basket hangs from the branch.

Yoshiharu Sato commented, “I drew this by imagining Mimi-chan and the others still getting along happily just as they always have.” The teaser visual will be on display, and merchandise featuring the design is also planned.

*A campaign commemorating the release of the teaser visual is scheduled to be announced on the official X account on October 28, “Panda Day.”

Panda Kopanda × Tokyo Christmas Advent Sponsored by au PAY

*Panda Kopanda* was released in 1972, the year Japan was swept up in a panda craze following the donation of giant pandas to Ueno Zoo. To commemorate its 55th anniversary, Papa Panda is returning to Ueno. Papanda will participate in the lighting ceremony held at Hakama-koshi Plaza on November 6, and starting November 18, Papanda greetings and a special exhibition will take place at the venue.

Original mugs featuring characters wearing Santa hats will be available exclusively at the event venues. The mug designs vary by venue.

*Details will be announced on the Tokyo Christmas Advent official website and the Panda Kopanda official Instagram account

What is *Panda! Panda!*?

Released in 1972, when the whole of Japan was swept up in a panda craze, this animated film was directed by Isao Takahata, with the original concept, screenplay, and art direction by Hayao Miyazaki. The following year, in 1973, the sequel *Panda! Ko-Panda! The Rainy Circus* was released, and the series has continued to be loved across generations.

This site features Panda Kopanda’s Papa Bubble candies and Avail merchandise on this site.

Panda Kopanda 55th Anniversary FAQs

Who drew the teaser visual?

It’s an original illustration by Yoshiharu Sato, who served as animation director for the film *My Neighbor Totoro* and is currently affiliated with Nippon Animation. The theme is “A Fun Picnic That Never Changes, No Matter How Many Years Pass.”

What kind of collaborations are happening in Ueno?

Papanda will participate in the lighting ceremony at Hakama-koshi Plaza on November 6, 2026, and Papanda meet-and-greets and a special exhibition are scheduled to take place at the venue starting November 18. An original, venue-exclusive mug will also be on sale.

What is the admission fee for Tokyo Christmas Advent?

Admission is free (some content requires a fee).

Please check the official website for details.
*Please note that the information in this article may be out of date. We apologize for the inconvenience, but please check the official website for the latest information.

©TMS