Japanese broadcaster TV Asahi is introducing a new short-form anime brand and programming block, PicoAni, targeting the Gen Z, kids, and YA demos with content intended to travel across platforms and spawn L&M opportunities.
The move brings TV Asahi’s short-form anime titles under a unified PicoAni umbrella, with new titles arriving later this year and into the start of 2027. The slate includes a new co-pro with The Pinkfong Company, alongside social-media-born characters and kawaii IPs.
With Pinkfong, originator of Baby Shark, TV Asahi is developing momomo! Ninimo, a non-verbal CG comedy—”cat-medy,” producer Ayako Mitarai called it. In October, PicoAni will roll out Sirotan, based on the beloved Japanese kawaii character, to be followed by Josemaru, born on social media, in January. For the Gen Z set, the 2D and stop-motion show centers on a stuffed dog dealing with grown-up problems. Also in the works are Koupenchan and Pop Pap Polters.
The PicoAni lineup will be showcased by TV Asahi’s global business department as it seeks international partners for the properties. The team will be at MIPCOM and Annecy, among other markets.
