Pandorobo: Japan's Bread Thief

The Pandorobō (パンどろぼう), literally “Bread Thief”, is one of Japan’s most whimsical and heartwarming children’s picture book series. Created by Keiko Shibata (柴田ケイコ), a Japanese picture book author and illustrator known for her playful art style and humorous storytelling, the series was first published by Kadokawa in April 2020. Since then, the mischievous bread bandit has captured the imagination of readers young and old, becoming a cultural phenomenon well beyond its intended preschool audience.

At the heart of the series is Pandorobo, a clever, playful thief who sneaks into bakeries to steal the most delicious bread. The very first book revealed a surprising twist: Pandorobo isn’t a human at all, but a tiny mouse disguised as a fluffy loaf of bread. This unique and humorous premise set the stage for the series’ signature blend of visual gags, interactive puzzles, and playful storytelling. Over time, the main character, initially a literal bread thief, finds redemption and a new path as a baker, turning his passion for bread into a positive pursuit.

Each new volume introduces fresh characters to join Pandorobo’s adventures. From rivals like Nisepandorobo (Fake Pandorobo) to charming allies such as Onigiri Boy and even a mobile bread stand named Hokkahokka Car, the series has expanded into a colourful cast of 20 characters to date.

This year marks the 5th anniversary of Pandorobo, celebrated with the release of the seventh book, Pandorobo and the Sweets Prince (パンどろぼうとスイーツおうじ), on September 10, 2025.

The complete series so far includes:

• Pandorobo - パンどろぼう - April 2020

• Pandorobo vs. Nisepandorobo (“Nisepandorobo” means “Fake Pandorobo”) - パンどろぼうvsにせパンどろぼう - January 2021

• Pandorobo and Mysterious French Bread - パンどろぼうとなぞのフランスパン - November 2021

• Pandorobo: Onigiri Boy’s Journey - パンどろぼう おにぎりぼうやのたびだち - September 2022

• Pandorobo and Hokkahokka Car - パンどろぼうとほっかほっカ - September 2023

• Pandorobo and Ringokamen ("Ringokamen" means "Apple Mask") - パンどろぼうとりんごかめん - September 2024

• Pandorobo and the Sweets Prince - パンどろぼうとスイーツおうじ - September 2025

Over its five years, the series has been recognised with multiple prestigious awards: Pandorobo — 11th Libro Picture Book Award (Grand Prize), 1st TSUTAYA Picture Book Award; Pandorobo vs. Fake Pan Dorobo — 5th Miraiya Picture Book Award (Grand Prize), 2nd TSUTAYA Picture Book Award; Pandorobo and Hokkahokka Car — 16th MOE Picture Book Award 2023, 1st place.

Pandorobo’s charm extends far beyond the page. The large-format books are ideal for group readings in kindergartens, and many editions come with interactive elements such as mazes, hidden pictures, and even coloring opportunities. In fact, the colouring editions encourage children to sign their names next to the author’s, transforming each copy into a unique co-created work.

The franchise also ventures into lifestyle and culinary fun. The Pandorobo MOOK: Fun & Delicious! Cookie Cutters & Cooking Book includes four custom cookie cutters — two Pandorobo shapes, a bread slice, and a French bread loaf. Fans can bake cookies, dorayaki, and even savory meals like curry and chirashi sushi in adorable bread-thief form. Recipes are categorised by difficulty (Easy / Medium / Hard) and written in an easy-to-read format, so children can enjoy the book on their own. The MOOK also answers fun questions kids might have, such as “Why does bread rise?” and “How can I make soft, fluffy bread?”

Merchandise is equally diverse, ranging from plush toys to clothing for all ages. Superfans can join the official Pandorobo Club here, gaining access to exclusive content and community activities.

Perhaps the most exciting development for fans is the confirmation of an anime adaptation. With Pan Dorobo’s visual humour, quirky characters, and heartwarming adventures, the move to animation feels like a natural next step in the franchise’s evolution.

The series is scheduled to air on NHK Educational TV (NHK E-Tele) starting in October 2026.

Staff: Original Work – Pandorobo by Keiko Shibata (KADOKAWA); Director – Takahiko Kyogoku; Assistant Director – Chie Yamashiro; Character Design – Miyako Mako; Series Composition – Mariko Mochizuki; Animation Studio – Shin-Ei Animation (known for Doraemon and Crayon Shinchan). More information about the anime is available on the official website.

All Pandorobo characters… so far:

• Pandorobo: A master thief in search of delicious bread. His special skill: the art of stealth.

• Bakery Owner: The cheerful manager of the forest bakery with the impressive bread-making skills.

• Nisepandorobo (Fake Pandorobo): The “imposter bread thief” who sneaks into the forest bakery. Loves raisin bread more than anything.

• Mysterious French Bread: A mysterious French bread who holds a grudge against Pandorobo. Whenever he sees a cardboard box, he can’t help but want to get inside.

• Onigiri Boy: Born into a family that runs an onigiri (rice ball) shop. He doesn’t dislike onigiri at all!

• Onigiri Boy’s Father: Runs the village’s onigiri shop. Stubborn and clumsy, but full of love.

• Onigiri Boy’s Mother: Also runs the village onigiri shop. Calm and collected no matter what happens.

• Traveling Gentleman: A wanderer who travels the whole world. Loves delicious bread.

• Three Crows: Triplet siblings who are always hungry and looking for snacks.

• Little Pig: Runs a car shop called Bu Bu. When excited, he blows everything away with his snorts.

• Little Pig’s Older Brother: Manager of Bu Bu Croquette Bread. Works at the mobile bread stand made by his little sister.

• Hokkahokka Car: A mobile bread stand created by Pandorobō and the little pig. Also known as “The World’s Tastiest Forest Bakery on the Road”.

• Ringokamen (Apple Mask): Protects the peace of Kokko Farm. Has 100 secret techniques.

• Rooster Father: Runs Kokko Farm with his wife. Struggles to keep up with their mischievous daughter.

• Hen Mother: Runs Kokko Farm with her husband. Believes it’s fine for children to be naughty as long as they grow up healthy.

• Boar Brother (Older): A wild boar who causes trouble at Kokko Farm. Wears red stripes and his catchphrase is “Buhi!”

• Boar Brother (Younger): Another wild boar that rampages Kokko Farm. Wears a blue-stripes, his catchphrase is “Buho!”

• Sweets Prince: He refuses to eat anything but sweets, until Pandorobo arrives to change his ways.

Official Pandorobo Website