The Laughing Salesman (1989)
A darkly compelling Japanese anime anthology in which a sinister salesman exploits human desires, one soul at a time.
The Laughing Salesman - Series Information
- Original Title: 笑ゥせぇるすまん
- First Air Year: 1989
- Last Air Year: 1992
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 10 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 103
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: October 17, 1989 (Australia - M)
- Networks: TBS
- Alternative Titles: Warau Salesman (JP)
- Production Countries: Japan
The Laughing Salesman - Plot
Based on the horror manga created by duo Fujiko Fujio, The Laughing Salesman tells the story of a salesman named Moguro Fukuzo, whose job is to help people fill gaps in their soul. However, in reality, he ruins people's lives if his clients backstab him or never ask him for help.
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The Laughing Salesman - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Tōru Ōhira
Writers
- Fujiko A. Fujio
The Laughing Salesman - FAQs
What is The Laughing Salesman about?
The Laughing Salesman follows Moguro Fukuzo, a mysterious and unsettling salesman who claims to fill the voids in people's souls. Each episode presents a new client whose hidden desires are exploited, ultimately leading to their downfall when they break Moguro's rules or take his generosity for granted.
Is The Laughing Salesman based on a manga?
The series is adapted from the horror manga Warau Salesman, created by the legendary duo Fujiko Fujio. The manga ran from 1968 to 1994 and is celebrated for its dark, morality-tale format, where human greed and weakness are exposed and punished in each self-contained story.
When did The Laughing Salesman first air?
The Laughing Salesman premiered on October 17, 1989, on TBS in Japan. The series ran until 1992, spanning three seasons and accumulating 103 episodes, making it one of the more enduring anthology-style anime series of its era.
How many seasons and episodes does The Laughing Salesman have?
The series comprises three seasons: Season 1 with 44 episodes, Season 2 with 47 episodes, and Season 3 with 12 episodes, totaling 103 episodes. There is also a Specials collection of 25 additional episodes, bringing the full episode count even higher for dedicated fans.
Why is Moguro Fukuzo such an iconic anime villain?
Moguro works as a villain precisely because he never forces anyone to do anything. He simply offers people exactly what they secretly want, then watches them destroy themselves. His wide grin and calm demeanor make him deeply unsettling — a mirror reflecting humanity's worst impulses rather than a monster imposing his will.
Who voices Moguro Fukuzo in The Laughing Salesman?
The iconic role of Moguro Fukuzo is brought to life by Tōru Ōhira, a veteran Japanese voice actor whose deep, resonant voice perfectly captures the character's unsettling charm. Ōhira's performance is widely regarded as one of the defining elements of the series' lasting atmosphere.
What genre is The Laughing Salesman?
The Laughing Salesman is an animated anthology series rooted in dark psychological horror and social satire. Each episode functions as a standalone morality tale, drawing heavily from the tradition of cautionary fables. It targets adult audiences rather than the typical demographic associated with anime of its era.
Where can viewers watch The Laughing Salesman online?
Streaming availability for The Laughing Salesman varies by region. For the most up-to-date information on where to stream, rent, or purchase the series, JustWatch offers a comprehensive and regularly updated overview of all available platforms in your country.
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