📺 Since 1969, "Sazae-san" has aired every Sunday at 6:30 PM in Japan—for over 55 years without interruption. Holding the Guinness World Record for "longest-running animated TV series," this beloved family anime finally made its overseas debut in January 2026. Why now? Will international audiences embrace it? We explore the possibilities with insights from experts on which characters might go viral abroad.
A 55-Year Milestone: Sazae-san Arrives in Taiwan's Living Rooms
On January 26, 2026, the anime "Sazae-san" began broadcasting on Taiwan's cable channel "MOMOTV." Airing from Monday to Friday at 7 PM—prime family viewing time—the daily routines of the Isono household are now reaching Taiwanese audiences.
This marks the first-ever overseas expansion in the show's half-century history. For Japanese viewers who've taken Sazae-san for granted as part of their cultural landscape, the news came as a surprise.
Why Taiwan? MUSE's Strategic Choice
The Taiwan release is handled by MUSE (木棉花國際股份有限公司), a major Taiwanese company specializing in Japanese anime licensing. MUSE has been a key player in bringing hits like "Demon Slayer," "SPY×FAMILY," and "Frieren: Beyond Journey's End" to Asian markets.
Explaining their interest in "Sazae-san," MUSE stated:
"In Taiwan, family-oriented content consistently enjoys high popularity. Shows like 'Crayon Shin-chan' and 'Atashinchi' have been beloved by viewers for many years. TV stations also express strong demand for content that families can watch together safely. Given that 'Sazae-san' is a long-established classic in Japan, we believe it has high compatibility with the Taiwanese market and can expect stable performance."
In an era saturated with stimulating content, the demand for "safe, family-friendly anime" may actually be increasing in value.
Honoring Machiko Hasegawa's Legacy: Why No Overseas Expansion Until Now?
The reason "Sazae-san" remained Japan-exclusive for 55 years traces back to the wishes of its creator, Machiko Hasegawa. She maintained strict control over copyrights, even refusing to allow reruns—a philosophy now upheld by the Hasegawa Machiko Art Museum.
This approach reflected her belief in cherishing each broadcast as a unique moment. However, with the 55th anniversary milestone, new possibilities began to be explored.
Expert Predictions: Which Characters Will Go Viral Overseas?
Will "Sazae-san" resonate with Taiwanese audiences? We asked experts who have studied the show for years.
Sazae-san researcher Takashi Akiba predicts Namihei (the father) will be a hit:
"The stern Japanese father figure might be uniquely Japanese, but his loving 'Bakkamoon!' (You fool!) outbursts could definitely go viral."
Meanwhile, the director of the fan research circle "Sazae-san Janken Research Institute" nominates Anago, Norisuke, Horikawa, and Katsuo:
"The world of Sazae-san is fundamentally peaceful, but occasionally characters appear that make viewers exclaim 'What was that!?' These episodes perform well on social media in Japan. They might similarly become memes overseas."
Particularly Horikawa-kun has become a meme in Japan for his unpredictable, arguably "psychopathic" behavior—making him a strong candidate for international virality.
Challenges for International Success: Can It Transcend "Sazae-san Time"?
Experts also candidly identified potential challenges:
1. Complex Family Relationships
The fact that Sazae is Katsuo and Wakame's older sister, and that Tara-chan is their nephew, confuses even Japanese viewers. Given that Tara-chan appears to be a similar age to his uncle and aunt, international audiences may find these relationships even harder to grasp.
2. Wordplay in Episode Titles
Episode titles like "Anago-san, the Pen is Mightier than the Sword" or "Who Eats the Marital Quarrel?" rely on Japanese linguistic nuances that don't translate directly. This will test the skills of translators.
3. Japanese Seasonal Customs
Cherry blossom viewing, carp streamers, Tanabata, roasted sweet potatoes, New Year's cards—these need no explanation for Japanese viewers but frequently drive episode plots. While this might create confusion abroad, it could also position the show as a "textbook of Japanese culture."
4. The "Sazae-san Time Paradox"
The show's world is fundamentally set in the Showa era, yet occasionally features modern elements like Tokyo Skytree. This unique temporal blend—called "Sazae-san Time" by fans—could be perceived as either charmingly nostalgic or oddly anachronistic by overseas viewers.
The Japanese Anime Market: A ¥3.5 Trillion Industry
Sazae-san's overseas debut connects to broader trends in Japanese anime. According to the Association of Japanese Animations, the 2023 anime market reached a record ¥3.3465 trillion, with overseas revenue accounting for ¥1.7222 trillion—about 51.5% of the total.
Global streaming platforms like Netflix and Crunchyroll have enabled Japanese anime to reach worldwide audiences with "one-click simultaneous global releases." Following the international success of "Demon Slayer," anime has become a flagship of Japan's soft power, with the government targeting ¥20 trillion in content industry exports by 2033.
Taiwan Version Cast: Preserving the Seafood Theme
The Taiwan version maintains the original's playful seafood-themed naming:
- 海螺 (Sazae) - Conch shell
- 鱒男 (Masuo) - Trout
- 鰹魚 (Katsuo) - Bonito
- 海帶芽 (Wakame) - Seaweed
- 鱈男 (Tarao) - Cod
- 波平 (Namihei) - Wave + calm
- 舟 (Fune) - Boat
The preservation of these maritime references demonstrates respect for the original creator's whimsical vision.
Conclusion: What's Your Country's "National Anime"?
For 55 years, "Sazae-san" has symbolized Sunday evenings in Japan. Its first overseas expansion opens new possibilities for Japanese anime while prompting reflection on what "national" truly means in entertainment.
America has "The Simpsons," Britain has "Wallace & Gromit," and various countries have their own long-running animated traditions. How "Sazae-san" is received in Taiwan will be an important litmus test for Japanese anime's international potential.
Does your country have a "national anime" that families watch together every week? If so, we'd love to hear about it!
References
Reactions in Japan
When I heard Sazae-san was expanding to Taiwan, I first thought 'Why now?' But thinking about it, maybe it was abnormal that a Guinness record holder was never broadcast overseas for 55 years. Is there any other anime with that distinction?
I can only see a future where Horikawa-kun goes viral in Taiwan. His psychopathic behavior transcends language barriers.
Would Machiko Hasegawa have allowed this if she were alive? She didn't even permit reruns. But maybe trying something new for the 55th anniversary shows they cherish the work.
Honestly, isn't it scary to release Sazae-san, packed with Showa-era values, to overseas audiences in Reiwa? The gender dynamics might get criticized.
I wonder if Katsuo will become popular in Taiwan as a mischievous kid or be seen as a problem child. Cultural reception differs.
A house with a garden in Setagaya, a housewife, three generations living together... It's fantasy even for modern Japanese, so maybe Taiwanese viewers can enjoy it as isekai.
I knew an exchange student who studied Japanese through Sazae-san. They said it was 'perfect as a textbook for daily conversation.' There might be demand among Japanese learners in Taiwan too.
Does Taiwan have stray cat culture? The concept of 'a cat stealing fish' from the opening theme... feels like it won't click without that cultural understanding.
I work in the anime industry, and Sazae-san's overseas expansion surprised us too. Since it's not a production committee system, rights are simpler—maybe it was actually easier to expand internationally.
Broadcasting Monday to Friday is a totally different experience from Japan's Sunday evening tradition. 'Sazae-san syndrome' won't exist in Taiwan.
I'm so curious how Namihei's 'Bakamoon!' will be translated in Taiwan. Can that nuance even be translated?
I grew up watching Sazae-san with my grandmother. Imagining Taiwanese grandparents and grandchildren watching together... it's kind of moving.
Crayon Shin-chan sometimes gets backlash for crude humor, but Sazae-san is so safe it doesn't make waves. Worried it might become background noise in Taiwan too.
How will Tara-chan's 'desu~' sentence ending be reflected in Chinese? Can they capture that toddler speech nuance?
Living in Taiwan—Crayon Shin-chan and Doraemon have high recognition here. But Sazae-san is completely unknown. Building awareness from zero will be tough.
Will they do the rock-paper-scissors ending in the Taiwan version? Can that sense of unity competing for viewership ratings nationwide be exported?
'Oshin' was a hit worldwide, so maybe Sazae-san can succeed too? But Oshin's hardship story was easy to relate to—Sazae-san might be called 'too peaceful and boring.'
It would be funny if Norisuke becomes recognized as the 'inconsiderate character' in Taiwan too. Might resonate as the universally relatable 'troublesome relative.'
I live in Taiwan and watched it when it started on MOMOTV. Honestly, the old-style animation was confusing at first, but the family warmth came through and made me feel cozy. Safer to watch with kids than Crayon Shin-chan.
As an American anime fan, Sazae-san is known as 'Japan's Simpsons.' Can't believe a 55-year show never had international broadcast until now. Hope Crunchyroll picks it up.
I'm a Japanese studies major in France. My professor said Sazae-san is the best material for learning Japanese home culture. You can see living culture like Tanabata and Obon that textbooks can't teach.
In Germany, 'Chibi Maruko-chan' was broadcast in the 90s and became popular. Sazae-san has a similar vibe, so I hope for European expansion. Though Germans might see 'Namihei's anger' as too harsh.
Three-generation households are common in India too, so I feel familiar with the Isono family's life. However, Sazae being a housewife might feel slightly out of touch with modern urban Indian sensibilities.
I'm a Korean anime fan. It's a historic moment for Japan's 'national anime' to go overseas for the first time. I'd love it to be broadcast in Korea, but given Japan-Korea relations, it might be difficult...
In Mexico, we grew up with Dragon Ball and Captain Tsubasa. Sazae-san has no action, so it might not resonate in Latin America. But for those wanting to learn about Japanese daily life, it's perfect.
I'm British. Sazae-san seems to have the quiet humor of 'Wallace & Gromit.' There are viewers worldwide who prefer this 'slice of life' style over flashy action.
Japanese anime regulations are strict in mainland China, but Sazae-san has no political content, so maybe it could be broadcast? The family love theme would resonate in China too.
In Vietnam, Doraemon is super popular—everyone knows it. Sazae-san has zero recognition, but demand for family content is high, so I hope for Vietnam expansion too.
From Egypt. In the Arab world, 'Grendizer' and 'Captain Tsubasa' are famous, but family anime like Sazae-san is rare. Broadcast in Islamic regions would depend on content.
I'm a Japanese teacher in Australia. I've wanted to show Sazae-san to my students, but there was no legal way to watch until now. If it succeeds in Taiwan, hoping for English distribution.
In Italy, we value family bonds, so we could understand Sazae-san's worldview. But a weekly show lasting 55 years—that's unimaginable patience for Italians! (laughs)
I'm Polish. Growing up with 'Moomin' during communist times, this calm style of anime feels nostalgic. Seeing a 'normal Japanese household' is anthropologically fascinating.
I'm a second-generation Japanese-American. My parents will probably feel nostalgic. I haven't watched much myself, but happy it could be a conversation topic with my grandparents in Japan.
From Sweden. In Scandinavia, interest in 'Japanese lifestyle' is high. After Muji and KonMari, maybe more people will learn about Japanese home life through Sazae-san.
I'm Taiwanese living in Singapore. When I mentioned Sazae-san to my family in Taiwan, they said 'What's that?' Need social media buzz to increase awareness.
I'm an Irish anime otaku. The cultural phenomenon of Sazae-san 'marking Sunday's end' is fascinating. In Ireland, Sunday night dramas give us the same feeling.