Hanada Shounen-shi (2002)
A beloved Japanese anime about a mischievous boy who gains the power to see and speak with ghosts after a head injury.
Hanada Shounen-shi - Series Information
- Original Title: 花田少年史
- First Air Year: 2002
- Last Air Year: 2003
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Drama, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Comedy
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (25 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 25
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: October 1, 2002 (Australia - PG), October 1, 2002 (South Korea - ALL)
- Networks: Nippon TV
- Alternative Titles: Hanada Shonen Shi (US), 기동아, 부탁해! (KR), 花田少年史 (JP)
- Production Companies: Madhouse
- Production Countries: Japan
Hanada Shounen-shi - Plot
Hanada Shōnen Shi is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Makoto Isshiki about a mischievous young boy, called Hanada Ichiro, who attains the ability to see and talk to the supernatural after an accident to the back of his head. It was serialized in Mr. Magazine from 1993 to 1995. Hanada Shōnen Shi received the 1995 Kodansha Manga Award for the general category. It has been adapted into a 25-episode anime series by Madhouse and premiered on NTV on October 1, 2002. The series was adapted into a 2006 live-action film subtitled Ghosts and a Tunnel of Secrets by Shochiku.
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Hanada Shounen-shi - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Junko Takeuchi
- Kazuki Yao
- Nachi Nozawa
- Aya Hisakawa
- Ayumi Kida
- Houko Kuwashima
- Ichiro Nagai
- Kappei Yamaguchi
- Kazue Ikura
- Kazuyo Aoki
Hanada Shounen-shi - FAQs
Is Hanada Shounen-shi based on a true story?
Not a true story, but rooted in a beloved manga. The series adapts Makoto Isshiki's manga, serialized in Mr. Magazine from 1993 to 1995, which won the prestigious 1995 Kodansha Manga Award in the general category. The supernatural premise is fictional, though the family dynamics and rural Japanese setting feel warmly authentic.
What is Hanada Shounen-shi about?
The series follows Hanada Ichiro, a rambunctious young boy who, after a knock to the head, suddenly finds himself able to see and communicate with ghosts. Each episode blends heartfelt supernatural encounters with comedy and family warmth, as Ichiro helps restless spirits resolve their unfinished business.
Did Hanada Shounen-shi receive any awards or recognition?
The source manga earned the 1995 Kodansha Manga Award in the general category — one of Japan's most respected comics honors. The anime adaptation by Madhouse brought the story to a wider audience, and the franchise later expanded into a 2006 live-action film by Shochiku, subtitled Ghosts and a Tunnel of Secrets.
Who are the main voice actors in Hanada Shounen-shi?
The cast features standout talent from Japanese animation. Junko Takeuchi voices Hanada Tokuko, Kazuki Yao plays the father Hanada Ojirou, and Nachi Nozawa portrays grandfather Hanada Tokujirou. Other notable voices include Aya Hisakawa, Kappei Yamaguchi, and Houko Kuwashima, all veterans of the anime industry.
Where can you watch Hanada Shounen-shi online?
Streaming availability for Hanada Shounen-shi is limited outside Japan, as the series is a niche early-2000s anime title. Your best option is to check JustWatch for the most current regional availability, as platforms and licensing can change over time.
Is Hanada Shounen-shi connected to any other anime or films?
Yes — the franchise extends beyond the anime. In 2006, Shochiku produced a live-action film adaptation titled Hanada Shounen-shi: Ghosts and a Tunnel of Secrets, bringing Ichiro's ghost-seeing adventures to the big screen. Both the anime and film are based on Makoto Isshiki's original manga series.
How many episodes does Hanada Shounen-shi have?
The anime runs for 25 episodes across a single season, each roughly 25 minutes long. It aired on Nippon TV (NTV) from October 1, 2002, through 2003. The compact, self-contained season makes it an easy binge for fans of supernatural slice-of-life anime.
What anime series are similar to Hanada Shounen-shi?
Fans of Hanada Shounen-shi often enjoy other supernatural and heartfelt anime such as Ghost Sweeper GS Mikami, Tsubasa RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE, and The Tatami Time Machine Blues. These series share a blend of comedy, emotional storytelling, and imaginative premises that complement Hanada Shounen-shi's warm, ghost-filled world.
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