Hello! Spank (1981)
A heartwarming 1981 Japanese anime about a resilient girl named Aiko whose world is transformed by the arrival of an irrepressible dog called Spank.
Hello! Spank - Series Information
- Original Title: おはよう!スパンク
- First Air Year: 1981
- Last Air Year: 1982
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Comedy, Family
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (24 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 63
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: March 7, 1981 (Germany - 6)
- Networks: TV Tokyo, Tokyo Channel 12
- Alternative Titles: Ohayô! Supanku (JP), Spank, tenero rubacuori (IT)
- Production Companies: Tokyo Movie Shinsha
- Production Countries: Japan
Hello! Spank - Plot
Morimura Aiko is a junior high school student who is short for her age. Her father went on a yacht ten years ago and his whereabouts remained in obscurity. Her mother, a designer for hats, left for Paris, leaving Aiko in the care of her uncle, Mr Fujinami. Aiko had a pet dog, Papi, but it died in a car accident. Around the same time, another dog, Spank, appears before her. Having gone through so many unfortunate events in her life, Spank's presence begins to brighten up Aiko's life and put a smile on her face.
Where to Watch Hello! Spank
Looking for where to watch Hello! Spank?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Hello! Spank - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Kei Tomiyama
- Mari Okamoto
- Noriko Tsukase
Writers
- Masaaki Sakurai
- Yutaka Kaneko
- Yoshimi Shinozaki
Hello! Spank - FAQs
What is Hello! Spank about?
Hello! Spank follows Aiko, a junior high school girl coping with her father's disappearance and her mother's move to Paris. Left in her uncle's care and grieving the loss of her dog Papi, Aiko finds unexpected comfort and joy when a lively new dog named Spank enters her life.
Is Hello! Spank based on a manga or book?
Hello! Spank is adapted from a manga series by Shizue Takanashi, originally serialized in the shojo manga magazine Nakayoshi. The manga ran from 1975 to 1982, and the anime adaptation aired on TV Tokyo from 1981 to 1982, bringing Aiko and Spank's heartwarming story to a wider audience.
Who are the main voice actors in Hello! Spank?
The series features Kei Tomiyama voicing Fujinami, Mari Okamoto bringing the lead character Aiko to life, and Noriko Tsukase voicing the lovable dog Spank. Their performances give the show its warm, emotionally resonant quality that made it a beloved classic of early 1980s Japanese animation.
Where can you watch Hello! Spank today?
Hello! Spank is a vintage 1981 anime series, so mainstream streaming availability is limited. Your best bet is to check dedicated anime platforms and region-specific services. You can also explore JustWatch to compare any available viewing options in your region for the most up-to-date information.
How many episodes does Hello! Spank have?
Hello! Spank ran for a single season comprising 63 episodes, each approximately 24 minutes long. The series aired on TV Tokyo (then known as Tokyo Channel 12) from March 1981 to March 1982, giving the show a full year-long run that allowed Aiko and Spank's bond to develop richly.
What makes Hello! Spank a classic shojo anime?
Hello! Spank stands out for blending genuine emotional depth with lighthearted comedy. Aiko's resilience in the face of family hardship resonated strongly with young audiences, while Spank's mischievous antics provided consistent warmth and humor. Its faithful adaptation of Shizue Takanashi's manga earned it a lasting place in shojo anime history.
Who composed the music for Hello! Spank?
The music for Hello! Spank was composed by Koji Makaino, a prolific anime composer known for his work on numerous Japanese animated productions of the era. His score contributes to the show's gentle, emotionally engaging atmosphere, complementing the tender story of Aiko and her spirited canine companion Spank.
What are some anime series similar to Hello! Spank?
Fans of Hello! Spank often enjoy Princess Sarah (1985) and Kodocha (1996) for their emotionally rich stories centered on resilient young heroines. For more lighthearted family animation in a similar spirit, Life with Louie (1994) and Pepper Ann (1997) offer comparable warmth, humor, and coming-of-age charm.
More About Hello! Spank
Explore further details about Hello! Spank on these trusted resources.