Ninja Hattori is a Japanese television show originally based on a manga by Motoo Abiko. The series features Kanzo Hattori, an 11-year-old skilled ninja from the Iga mountains who moves to Tokyo and lives with the Mitsuba family. The show follows his adventures and friendship with Kenichi Mitsuba, a regular boy, along with the rivalry with another young ninja Kemaki. Hattori is known for his blue ninja robes, signature cheek swirls, and his catchphrases like "degozaru" or "nin nin"
. The show has had several adaptations:
- A live-action drama aired on TV Asahi (then NET) from 1966 to 1968, with two seasons and 52 episodes in total
- An anime series produced by Shin-Ei Animation aired from 1981 to 1987, spanning 694 episodes. This version introduced Hattori's brother Shinzo and their ninja dog Shishimaru. It was popular in Japan and later broadcast in other countries, including India
- A newer anime adaptation was released in 2012
The 1981 anime series is well-known for its comedic and family-friendly portrayal of ninja life in a modern setting, with Hattori helping Kenichi solve everyday problems and teaching life lessons
. In summary, Ninja Hattori is a classic Japanese television show about a young ninja living in modern Japan, originally airing as a drama in the 1960s and later as a long-running anime series in the 1980s, with continued popularity internationally.
