First Episode of New Anime "Welcome to Pai no Mi Oshino Forest!" Unveiled at Lotte's "Pai no Mi" Anime Adaptation Announcement Event

Lotte Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director, President and CEO: Hideki Nakajima; hereinafter "Lotte") held the Lotte "Pai no Mi" Anime Adaptation Announcement Event on Monday, June 1, 2026, to launch the new "Pai no Mi Oshino Forest Project" for its long-selling brand "Pai no Mi," which has been loved for 48 years since its launch in 1979. The event featured guests including original concept director Mankyu, voice actors Yumiko Kobayashi and Rie Hikisaka, Momoiro Clover Z's Kanako Momota, and the comedy duo Mayurika (Yuta Nakatani and Shogo Sakamoto).

At this event, Yuki Kubota from the Baked Goods Planning Section, First Brand Strategy Department, Marketing Headquarters of Lotte Co., Ltd., introduced the details of the noteworthy "brand IP you want to support" project, and the first episode of the animation was premiered. Talk sessions were held, including behind-the-scenes stories from the guest panelists and flip-chart talks passionately discussing their "favorite characters." Furthermore, in an "impromptu dubbing battle" synchronized with the animation video, a variety of unique expressions and professional skills were showcased, greatly exciting the audience.

From left: Kubota (Lotte), Kobayashi, Sakamoto, Momota, Nakatani, Hikisaka, Mankyu

Presentation by Yuki Kubota, Lotte Co., Ltd., Marketing Headquarters, First Brand Strategy Department, Baked Goods Planning Section

After screening the teaser video of the animation for the first time, Yuki Kubota from the Baked Goods Planning Section, First Brand Strategy Department, Marketing Headquarters of Lotte Co., Ltd., gave a presentation on the concept of the "Pai no Mi Oshino Forest Project," development stories, and the new strategy the brand aims for. Kubota revealed that the project was triggered by customer voices on social media asking, "Does the squirrel on the package have a name?" He stated, "In today's world where 'oshi-katsu' (supporting favorite characters/celebrities) is widespread, a mere fairy-tale world is not enough. More customers are saying they want to know the 'story and background' of the cute packages and characters. Based on these voices, we have transformed into a 'brand you want to support.' We will continue to aim to be a brand loved for generations to come." He also reported the launch of the "Pai no Mi Numaka Project." He expressed a strong desire to evolve "Pai no Mi," now in its 48th year, from a mere "snack to eat" into a "brand IP you want to support" that is close to people's daily lives.

New Anime "Welcome to Pai no Mi Oshino Forest!" Unveiled for the First Time at This Event!

The MC introduced the new anime "Welcome to Pai no Mi Oshino Forest!," whose information was released today. This work is a story about squirrels "Pile" and "Roxy," who love Pai no Mi, striving to "spread Pai no Mi to everyone!" It depicts a lively world filled with their overflowing "love for their oshi" and the unique forest residents. On stage, the video for the first episode, which will be released on June 4, was premiered, coinciding with the anniversary of the character "Roxy," whose birthday is June 4 and who holds the official title "64-layer Tanto (in charge)" referencing the "64 layers" characteristic of Pai no Mi.

A Stellar Lineup Takes the Stage! Director and Top Voice Actors Reveal Behind-the-Scenes Production Stories

In the talk session during the latter half of the event, a stellar lineup took the stage, including director Mankyu, who handled the original concept for this animation, Kanako Momota of Momoiro Clover Z, the comedy duo Mayurika (Yuta Nakatani and Shogo Sakamoto), and voice actors Yumiko Kobayashi and Rie Hikisaka, who voiced the main characters. Director Mankyu reintroduced the appeal of the work, saying, "It's a story about squirrels 'Pile' and 'Roxy,' who love Pai no Mi, and their adventures with the residents to spread Pai no Mi," and discussed the background of the original concept and his attention to the world-building. Voice actors Kobayashi and Hikisaka, who have supported numerous nationally beloved works, introduced their respective characters. They revealed the passionate feelings they poured into the characters during actual production and recording, greatly exciting the audience.

Kanako Momota and Mayurika Confess Their "Favorite Characters"! Engaging in Passionate "Oshi-Katsu" Talk

Next, in line with the modern "oshi-katsu" culture that is also a motif of this work, a segment was held where the guest cast members talked about their own "oshi" (favorites). On stage, the guests simultaneously revealed flip charts on which they had written their "favorite characters." Momota and the members of Mayurika used their own words to deliver unique and passionate talks while showing their flip charts, fully expressing their current "love for their oshi." In response, the director and voice actors also commented on the appeal of the favorite characters from various angles, creating a lively talk session that united the stage and the audience.

"Shout Your Ambition!" Kanako Momota and Mayurika Take on Impromptu Dubbing Challenge

On stage, a special segment titled "Shout Your Ambition Like Pile! Impromptu Dubbing Battle!" was held. This was a unique challenge where participants became the protagonist squirrel "Pile" and performed impromptu dubbing of their "own ambitions related to Pai no Mi" in sync with the animation video scheduled for release on YouTube. First up, Kanako Momota fully demonstrated her solid voice acting skills cultivated over time. She delivered a perfect dubbing performance that flawlessly matched Pile's movements. Regarding her own ambition, she mentioned that people often tell her she is "slow in her actions," and she shouted, "I'll move crispy and fast!!" (a pun on the crispy texture of Pai no Mi), earning praise from the professional voice actors. Next, Yuta Nakatani of Mayurika unleashed a full-power, "serious dubbing" that matched the character's passion. He delivered a romantic dubbing, saying, "I think the hexagonal shape of Pai no Mi looks as attractive as diamonds to Pile and Roxy, so I tried to link it with various accessories." On the other hand, Shogo Sakamoto delivered an unconventional dubbing, saying, "I want to eat a lot, but my nose is stuffy. I wonder if this is sinusitis." His passionate performance and the perfect interplay with his partner Nakatani filled the venue with laughter, and the professional voice actors serving as judges praised the quality as being on par with professionals.

Event Overview

■Name: Lotte "Pai no Mi" Anime Adaptation Announcement Event
■Date & Time: Monday, June 1, 2026, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
■Venue: Vector Studio A (Akasaka Garden City 18F, 4-15-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052)
■Presentation Content: Presentation on this project

Screening of the first episode of the animation

Guest appearance / Talk session

"Impromptu Dubbing" Challenge

Photo session

Individual interviews

■Panelists: Yuki Kubota, Baked Goods Planning Section, First Brand Strategy Department, Marketing Headquarters, Lotte Co., Ltd.

Original Concept Director: Mankyu

Voice Actors: Yumiko Kobayashi, Rie Hikisaka

Talent: Kanako Momota (Momoiro Clover Z)

Shogo Sakamoto, Yuta Nakatani (Mayurika)

[Panelist Profiles]

・Original Concept: Mankyu

Born in Kanagawa Prefecture (1