lead=yes, also known as 'literally translated to: Something Small and Cute', is a Japanese Webcomic manga series written and illustrated by Nagano. It follows the daily adventures of the titular protagonist, along with a series of animal-inspired characters. It has been serialized online via Twitter (formerly Twitter) since January 2020, and has been collected in eight volumes by Kodansha, as of November 2025. By November 2024, Chiikawa had sold over 3.6 million copies, including digital versions in circulation.
An anime television series adaptation was produced by Doga Kobo and premiered in April 2022. The first season aired in Japan from April 2022 to March 2025, with the second season premiering in July of that year.
Synopsis
Set in a
Civilization with
grasslands and
, the series follows the daily adventures of the titular protagonist, Chiikawa, and their friends. They also work at jobs, including
Weed control and
hunting, which are given by a race referred to as Yoroi-san, who is involved in the characters' lives.
Production
In May 2017, Nagano posted a sketch of the titular protagonist, Chiikawa, on Twitter.
Chiikawa, Hachiware, and Usagi were originally named Nitori, Ikeya, and Donki, respectively.
The reason that Nagano chose Twitter was because of its immediacy and accessibility. By November 2020, Kodansha collected the comics into physical volumes, the first of which was published in February 2021.
A separate account was created in January 2020, and the manga began serialization. A book version was published by Kodansha on February 12, 2021.
Characters
- ちいかわ
- Chiikawa is the titular protagonist of the manga and the anime series.
- ハチワレ
- Hachiware, originally named Ikeya,
- Usagi, originally named Donki,
- Momonga is a naughty and playful critter resembling a flying squirrel. It is always focused on acting cute and is always begging for attention. Even during dangerous situations, it would ask for food and rest. In pursuit of its aim, Momonga often "acts cute". While it lacks knowledge in social cues, it makes an active effort to imitate other characters' cute actions, notably Chiikawa. In particular, it often imitates Chiikawa's yawning and crying.
- A brave sea otter–like critter that excels in battle, and is top of the subjugation ranking. It looks very serious, but it actually loves desserts. Rakko also has a car and is able to drive.
- くりまんじゅう
- Kuri-manjū's character design is based on a honey badger and Kuri Manju, a Japanese confectionery bun made with chestnut fillings. It is always seen drinking alcohol and eating various foods, usually emitting a loud, exaggerated breath after taking a sip from its beverage.
- シーサー
- A hard-working employee at the Rou Ramen Restaurant. It is the apprentice of Ramen no Yoroi-san. Its character design is based on the Ryuku cultural artifact of the shisa.
4=lit. 'Old Book Store'
- A kind, peaceful bookseller. It is a pink critter that resembles a crab with two false claws sticking out of its head. Although initially a faceless mob character, its design was revealed after Momonga placed a crab headband onto it.
- ちいかぶ
- Chiikabu, also known as Kabutomushi, is a playful Dynastinae-like creature that becomes Chiikawa's friend. It shows a cute appearance and personality towards the other critters, but in reality, Chiikabu is a mimic monster who lures the chiikawas to eat them.
- 4=lit. 'Big and Strong'
- Dekatsuyo is a timid and shy chimera. It does not eat chiikawas like the other chimeras. The only time they get aggressive is when they are in the presence of Momonga. Dekatsuyo had their body forcibly swapped with Momonga by an evil witch. The reason they are hostile towards Momonga is because they stole their body and want it back.
- One of the humanoid species that wears silver armor and carries a pink pouch that he crafted himself. He is often making costumes for the main trio. He is good friends with Rōdō no Yoroi-San and Ramen no Yoroi-san, with the three of them often hanging out together.
- A humanoid individual wearing grey armor that manages the job booth where the critters sign up for the day's tasks.
- A humanoid individual wearing yellow armor that works at the Rou Ramen Restaurant. Shisa apprentices under them as part of the Super Part-timer Program.
Media
Manga
Anime
In October 2021, it was announced that
Chiikawa would receive an
anime adaptation by
Doga Kobo The production team decided that Chiikawa and Hachiware would be voiced by child actors, with Nagano taking part in the casting process.
It is directed by Takenori Mihara and Juria Matsumura (beginning with episode 121), with Yuma Yamaguchi and Shugo Tokumaru composing the music. The series premiered on April 4, 2022, on
Fuji TV's
Mezamashi TV morning news and entertainment program.
licenses the series outside of Asia.
In 2022, 120 English subtitled episodes were released on
Hidive,
although more episodes have been released outside of the service since then. In March 2025, it was announced the anime would be on a hiatus for three months.
An anime film adaptation of the Siren Arc, titled Eiga Chiikawa: Ningyo no Shima no Himitsu was announced on November 24, 2025. It will be produced by CygamesPictures and directed by Kei Oikawa, with Nagano writing the film's script. The film is set to be released in Q3 2026.
Video game
Chiikawa Pocket is a mobile game that was released globally in March 2025. It is a casual,
Idle games RPG Games where players can battle enemies, pull weeds to collect items, cook dishes in Om Nom Fest, a
food festival, and decorate their in-game spaces. Players can also unlock outfits and customize characters such as Chiikawa, Hachiware, and Usagi. The game is free to play, with optional in-app purchases, and it supports multiple languages. Currently, the mobile game is available in 43 countries, including the United States, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and others.
Cultural impact and reception
The manga series has over 2.7 million copies in circulation.
The series has been nominated for the 48th Kodansha Manga Award in 2024 in the General category.
The series won the 53rd Japan Cartoonists Association Award in the Manga Division.
Chiikawa merchandise experienced a surge in popularity in China and Hong Kong in early 2024.
During the announcement of Chiikawa Pocket, there were 2 million pre-registrations, and it topped the free app charts in multiple regions.
Collaborations and merchandise
Chiikawa has given rise to a variety of merchandise. On the official online store, there is a variety of products designed based on the anime characters, including plush toys, stickers, clothing, and more.
Co-branding between Chiikawa and other comics or companies are also well received. The official Chiikawa website has collaborated with
Sanrio,
Hankyu, and Converse,
among others. A wide range of themed products are also offered, including
Magical girl series, sushi series, and Lailai Chinese restaurants series.
In July 2025, the Chiikawa Park opened in Tokyo Japan.
Chiikawa collaborated with Ariana Grande on the music video for "Santa Tell Me".
External links
