"Sirotan" set for TV anime adaptation!
Premiering on TV Asahi in autumn 2026
ーExpanding global awareness to further enhance IP valueー

Creative Yoko Co., Ltd. (Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture; President and CEO: Takeyuki Kitahara) announces that its original character "Sirotan," beloved by many since its debut in 1999, will be adapted into a TV anime scheduled to air on TV Asahi from autumn 2026.

Using this anime broadcast as a hook, Creative Yoko will drive multifaceted business expansion to further enhance the value of its intellectual property (IP) and accelerate its entry into the global market.

■Background to the launch of TV anime broadcasting

・Advancement of media strategy: The company is launching this long-awaited anime broadcasting as a cornerstone of its media strategy. Through TV and streaming platforms, we will deliver soft, soothing moments of comfort to a wide audience, while spreading Sirotan's appeal to people of all ages, from children to adults.

 ・Expansion of licensing tie-ups: Creative Yoko views the enhancement of IP value through anime broadcasts as a stepping stone to the next stage and is promoting the expansion of its licensee base across multiple sectors. The company will create opportunities for people to interact with Sirotan more closely in every aspect of daily life.

 ・Social media marketing: In tandem with the anime broadcast, Creative Yoko is launching a campaign via Sirotan's official social media channels. It aims to win over new fans by deepening engagement with Sirotan's existing fan base while also strengthening its outreach to the digital native generation.

■ Store opening and events as part of a TV anime tie-in: Taking meetable Sirotan across Japan and beyond to the world

Creative Yoko plans to roll out large-scale, limited-time events and pop-up shops in major cities across Japan on a sequential basis, offering special experiential value in tandem with the anime broadcast.

■About Sirotan

Sirotan is an original character inspired by a harp seal that embodies Creative Yoko's philosophy of comfort, healing, encouragement, and connection. Since its debut in 1999, Sirotan has been merchandised primarily through soft, huggable plush toys along with other stuffed animals, bringing a sense of healing and comfort to customers of all ages with its rounded form and gentle expression. Sirotan's licensing business began in 2017, and since then has been featured in a wide range of household goods and apparel, and is loved both in Japan and overseas as a comforting presence that brings peace of mind.