Ikkyū-san (1975)
A beloved Japanese anime classic following a clever young monk who outsmarts everyone with wit, wisdom, and a warm heart.
Ikkyū-san - Series Information
- Original Title: 一休さん
- First Air Year: 1975
- Last Air Year: 1982
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Comedy
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (30 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 296
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Networks: NET
- Production Companies: Toei Animation
- Production Countries: Japan
- Alternative Titles: 聪明的一休 (CN), อิคคิวซัง (TH), Ikkyu-san (JP), Ikkyu the Little Monk (US)
Ikkyū-san - Plot
The mischievous adventures of a young Ikkyū during his stay at Ankoku Temple. He relies on his intelligence and wit to solve all types of problems, from distraught farmers to greedy merchants.
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Ikkyū-san - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Toshiko Fujita
- Reiko Katsura
- Kohei Miyauchi
- Sanji Hase
- Keaton Yamada
- Mari Shimizu
- Keiichi Noda
- Rihoko Yoshida
- Eiko Masuyama
Ikkyū-san - FAQs
What is Ikkyū-san about?
Ikkyū-san follows the mischievous adventures of a young Buddhist monk named Ikkyū living at Ankoku Temple. Using sharp intelligence and clever wordplay, he helps everyone from struggling farmers to greedy merchants, blending humor with gentle life lessons rooted in Japanese history and Zen philosophy.
Is Ikkyū-san based on a real person?
Yes. Ikkyū-san is inspired by the real historical figure Ikkyū Sōjun (1394–1481), an eccentric and iconoclastic Zen Buddhist monk of the Muromachi period in Japan. The anime takes creative liberties with his childhood, presenting him as a witty, problem-solving young novice.
Where can you watch Ikkyū-san online?
Streaming availability for Ikkyū-san varies by region. You can check current platforms, rental options, and purchase availability for your country using JustWatch, which aggregates all legal viewing options in one place.
Who voices the main character in Ikkyū-san?
The main character Ikkyū is voiced by Toshiko Fujita, a celebrated Japanese voice actress known for her ability to portray young, energetic characters. The cast also includes Reiko Katsura, Kohei Miyauchi, Sanji Hase, Keaton Yamada, and Eiko Masuyama as narrator.
How many episodes does Ikkyū-san have?
Ikkyū-san ran for a single season comprising 296 episodes. The series aired on NET (now TV Asahi) in Japan from 1975 to 1982, making it one of the longest-running anime series produced by Toei Animation during that era.
Who produced the Ikkyū-san anime series?
Ikkyū-san was produced by Toei Animation, one of Japan's most iconic and prolific animation studios. The series aired on the NET television network (now known as TV Asahi) and featured music composed by Seiichirou Uno throughout its seven-year run.
What genre is the Ikkyū-san anime?
Ikkyū-san is primarily an animated comedy series with strong historical and slice-of-life elements. Set in feudal Japan, it blends lighthearted humor with Zen Buddhist themes, making it appealing to children while also offering cultural and philosophical depth for adult viewers.
What are shows similar to Ikkyū-san?
If you enjoy Ikkyū-san, you might also like other anime series such as Gugure! Kokkuri-san, Death Note, and Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works]. For broader animated comedy recommendations, The Simpsons and similar long-running series share its episodic, character-driven storytelling format.
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