Oyasumi Punpun Anime Adaptation: Why It Has Not Happened Yet?

In my opinion, the most fitting metaphor for life is a road. Although life has been compared to various other things such as a race or a battleground, a road captures its true essence. Unlike the dynamic nature implied by other metaphors, life for the average person is relatively consistent and uneventful. While there may be occasional bumps along the way, it is the everyday worries and common experiences that bring beauty to life and create lasting memories.<br><br>This might be why Oyasumi Punpun, a manga that portrays life in its rawest and most authentic form without any unrealistic expectations, has garnered such immense popularity among both Japanese and international manga enthusiasts. Despite its widespread acclaim, an anime adaptation of Oyasumi Punpun has yet to be released even after decades since its initial publication. The question remains: will this beloved manga ever be adapted into an anime?

With a rating of 9.05 on MAL and approximately 123k user ratings, the manga, Oyasumi Punpun, has garnered one of the highest scores. It was initially launched in 2007 and serialized in the Weekly Young Sunday, before moving on to the Weekly Big Comic Spirits. Inio Asano, the author and illustrator, also penned the 2009 Harvey Award nominee, Solanin. Published by Shogakukan, Oyasumi Punpun is widely regarded as one of the publishing house’s finest works. The manga consists of 13 volumes, all of which have been translated into multiple languages. Over a decade later, it continues to be hailed as a masterpiece, thanks to its relatable storyline that still resonates with readers.

Will the dream of an Oyasumi Punpun anime adaptation finally come true?

What Is Oyasumi Punpun about?

Oyasumi Punpun primarily follows the life of its protagonist, Punpun Onodera, but it also delves into various themes. At the age of 11, Punpun crosses paths with Aiko Tanaka, a new classmate, which leads him to uncover the unsettling truth about his parents when he witnesses his father abusing his mother. The manga chronicles Punpun’s transition from a young, naive boy to an adult, as he gradually loses his innocence and confronts the harsh realities of life. Through the stages of elementary school, middle school, high school, and eventually his 20s, the manga vividly portrays his journey.

The manga Punpun is narrated from Punpun’s perspective, with the main character only speaking to the audience. This is known as the Punpun effect, as the story is told from a bystander’s viewpoint. Punpun and his entire family are depicted as birds throughout most of the manga, although there are instances where their depiction changes. Many people initially mistake the manga for a simple and cute story due to the illustrations of the protagonist, but upon delving deeper into the story, they realize its profound and complex nature. As Punpun’s story progresses, he learns his first lesson about love through his relationship with Aiko Tanaka – that it is not easy. The manga further explores themes such as depression, regret, love, death, sex, and other mature issues as Punpun grows.

Asano emphasizes that Punpun is not a role model to admire but rather a character burdened with regretful choices, thereby enhancing the realism of the story.

Oyasumi Punpun Anime Adaptation

In 2022, Oyasumi Punpun by Inio Asano will be celebrating its 15th anniversary. Despite its nomination for the esteemed Eisner Award in 2017, fans have continuously questioned the absence of an anime adaptation for Oyasumi Punpun. Neither has any studio acquired the rights to the manga nor has there been any sign of it happening in the future.

Justifying the lack of an anime adaptation for the manga is understandable for multiple reasons. Adapting a complex manga like Oyasumi Punpun is a challenging task, as it requires accurately conveying the appropriate emotions. When executed correctly, there is no doubt that it would become a masterpiece. However, if mishandled, the outcome could be disastrous.

The manga adaptation has frequently been overlooked for another reason – the protagonist’s lack of speech. This raises concerns about whether the main character would have a voice actor in an anime adaptation. Since anime relies on visuals and sound, the absence of dialogue could hinder comprehension. However, allowing Punpun to speak would completely undermine the unique Punpun effect, which is a key aspect of the story’s beauty.

Given the recent trend of old mangas receiving anime adaptations, it wouldn’t be unexpected to hear news of an Oyasumi Punpun anime at this point. Nevertheless, if such an announcement were to be made, we express our desire for the anime adaptation to be crafted meticulously and passionately. It is our hope that every panel of the manga is faithfully translated onto the screen, ensuring that every hidden message within the lines is effectively conveyed.

Where to Read Oyasumi Punpun?

The English translation of Oyasumi Punpun is available through Viz Media. You can visit their official website to read the manga digitally. Additionally, you can purchase the manga from reputable platforms.

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