Coji-Coji (1997)
A surreal and tender Japanese animated series exploring pure existence through the eyes of an unclassifiable, endlessly curious creature.
Coji-Coji - Series Information
- Original Title: さくらももこ劇場 コジコジ
- First Air Year: 1997
- Last Air Year: 1999
- Created by: Jun Takagi, Koichi Motohashi et al.
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Comedy, Animation
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 30 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 101
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: October 4, 1997 (South Korea - 7)
- Networks: TBS
- Alternative Titles: Sakura Momoko Gekijō: Cojicoji (JP), Sakura Momoko Theatre: Kojikoji (US)
- Production Companies: Nippon Animation
- Production Countries: Japan
Coji-Coji - Plot
They are neither animals nor humans. They cannot be distinctly categorised as boys or girls. They are also not considered to be Earthlings or space creatures. There are no such specific titles in the world of Coji-Coji. Instead, it boils down to the meaning of "existence", an emphasis on the root of a character. This world hinges on all things natural, the pure existence of life. The protagonist, Coji-Coji, represents a perfect existence where truths of life are constantly being delivered and no words of malice can be spoken.
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Coji-Coji - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Jun Takagi
- Koichi Motohashi
- Momoko Sakura
- Kei Kataoka
Main Cast
- Sayaka Aoki
- Urara Takano
- Umi Tenjin
- Etsuko Tokunaga
- Hiroki Takahashi
- Jun Akiyama
- Kayo Aoyama
- Kazuhiko Nishimatsu
- Kimiko Koyama
- Miwa Matsumoto
Writers
- Kei Kataoka
- Shinji Obara
- Toru Hosokawa
Coji-Coji - FAQs
Is Coji-Coji based on a manga?
Yes, Coji-Coji is directly adapted from the manga of the same name by Momoko Sakura, the beloved creator behind Chibi Maruko-chan. The manga was serialized in Ribon magazine and is known for its surreal humor and philosophical undertones about the nature of existence.
What is Coji-Coji about?
Coji-Coji follows a mysterious, childlike creature who defies easy categorization — neither human nor animal, neither boy nor girl. Set in a whimsical world, the series uses gentle comedy and surreal storytelling to explore themes of pure existence, the meaning of life, and the innocence of simply being.
Who voices Coji-Coji in the anime?
The title character Coji-Coji is voiced by Sayaka Aoki. Other notable voice cast members include Urara Takano as Jiroh, Umi Tenjin as Harehare-kun, Etsuko Tokunaga as Tommy, and TARAKO — famous for voicing Chibi Maruko-chan — as Susie.
Why is Coji-Coji considered a philosophical anime?
Unlike typical children's anime, Coji-Coji centers on the concept of pure existence rather than plot-driven adventures. The protagonist embodies an ideal being incapable of malice, and each episode subtly reflects on what it means to simply exist — making it unexpectedly profound beneath its playful, absurdist surface.
When did Coji-Coji first air?
Coji-Coji first aired on October 4, 1997, on TBS in Japan. The series ran until 1999, completing a single season of 101 episodes. It remains a fondly remembered title among fans of late-1990s Japanese animation.
How many episodes does Coji-Coji have?
Coji-Coji consists of 101 episodes across one season. Each episode has an average runtime of approximately 30 minutes. The series concluded in 1999 after its original run on TBS, and it has since gained a cult following among anime enthusiasts.
What are shows similar to Coji-Coji?
Fans of Coji-Coji may enjoy other whimsical or character-driven anime such as The House Spirit Tatami-chan, Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai, and Bobby's World. For more slice-of-life charm, Tsukigakirei and Kaguya-sama: Love Is War offer engaging, warmly crafted storytelling in a similar spirit.
Who created the Coji-Coji anime series?
The Coji-Coji anime was created by Jun Takagi, Koichi Motohashi, Momoko Sakura, and Kei Kataoka. Momoko Sakura, the original manga artist, was central to the project. The series was produced by Nippon Animation and broadcast on TBS in Japan.
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