Sazae-san anime suspends broadcast for the first time in 45 years due to coronavirus

Sazae-san, the longest-running series in the history of the anime industry, will suspend the broadcast of its new episodes for the first time in 45 years starting next May 17 due to the state of emergency Japan is going through in prevention of COVID-19. The date for the return of their regular broadcasts will be announced as soon as decided. This is the first time since 1975, 45 years ago, that this family anime series has had to resort to repeating old episodes. On that occasion, the reason for its suspension was due to the fact that there were no more new episodes in production.


On April 4, voice actress Midori Kato had already stated that the production had to suspend the recording of voices to safeguard the integrity of the actors against the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is until now that the official announcement of its suspension.


Sazae-san was created by cartoonist Machiko Hasegawa and began airing on October 5, 1969, with more than 8,100 episodes to date.

The series was based on the manga with the same name, which was initially drawn by Hasegawa until his retirement in 1974. The story tells of the family life of Sazae Isono, who married Masuo Fuguta and his son Tara-Chan. The anime shows Sazae's coexistence with some members of her family such as her parents, her younger brothers, in-laws, brothers-in-law and nephews.

Sources: Comic Natalie, Sponichi Annex

（C） 長谷川 町 子 美術館