Hamtaro

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Hamtaro
Promotional image for "Tottoko Hamutaro: Norisuta Hai!"
とっとこ ハム太郎
(Tottoko Hamutarō)
Genre Kodomo
TV anime
Directed by Osamu Nabeshima
Studio Shogakukan Productions Co., Ltd.
TMS
Network Flag of Japan TV Tokyo
South Korea SBS
The Netherlands Jetix
Flag of Philippines GMA Network , QTV
Flag of Malaysia NTV7
Flag of United States Cartoon Network (formerly)
Original run 7 July 2000 – 31 March 2006
No. of episodes 296

Hamtaro (とっとこハム太郎 Tottoko Hamutarō?, lit. Trotting Hamtaro) was a children's anime television program. The main character is the eponymous hamster named Hamtaro (Hamutaro in the original Japanese). The anime is based on Ritsuko Kawai's storybooks. Hamtaro is licensed by Viz Media in North America. Supporting characters include a large clan of hamsters, known as the Ham-Hams. Hamtaro is owned by a girl named Laura Haruna (Hiroko Haruna or "Roko-chan" in the original Japanese). The show also features the household's dog, Brandy (Burandon or "Don-chan" in the Japanese series).

The original series ended on March 31, 2006 in Japan. As of April 5, 2006, a series known as Norisuta Hai began airing five minute Hamutaro episodes known as "Tottoko Hamutaro: Norisuta Hai!" The Norisuta Hai series is animated differently from the original series and is designed to appeal to a younger audience. There does not seem to be any connection between Tottoko Hamutaro and Tottoko Hamutaro: Norisuta Haai beyond the planned appearance of all fifteen original Ham-Hams.

Contents

[edit] Characters

[edit] List of main hamsters

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.
A Hamtaro screenshot showing Hamtaro and Bijou with a drawing of "kompeito", a Japanese confectionery, on a chalkboard
A Hamtaro screenshot showing Hamtaro and Bijou with a drawing of "kompeito", a Japanese confectionery, on a chalkboard

The English name is listed after the Japanese name. The English Wikipedia will refer to Hamtaro characters by the names used in the English-language editions.

  • Hamutaro (ハム太郎 Hamutarō, sometimes ハム太郎くん Hamutarō-kun) / Hamtaro (Seiyuu: Kurumi Mamiya, Voice Actress: Chiara Zanni) - Owned by Laura, Hamtaro is the object of Bijou's affection, but often does not seem to realize this. It is uncertain whether he loves Bijou back, however it is suggested that he does. One of the more courageous Ham-Hams, Hamtaro is always ready to help out his friends and his owner Laura. However, he cannot stand being ignored by Laura. He is clueless about many things, especially love (much to Bijou and Sparkle's dismay). In the Japanese version, Hamtaro ends his sentences with 'na no da', a phrase often used by playful characters (such as Sakuma Ryuichi from Gravitation (anime), or Pudding Fong from Tokyo Mew Mew).
  • Ribon (リボンちゃん Ribon-chan) / Bijou (Seiyuu: Kazusa Murai, Voice Actress: Chantal Strand) - Owned by Maria. She is a somewhat unworldly hamster who loves her blue ribbons, but she is not above getting dirty when she needs to help her friends, and has been known to be generous and helpful. She used to live in France before moving to where she is now (most likely Japan), but she feels attached to Japan and has even refused to go back to France. In the Japanese version, she speaks normal Japanese and adds the words 'dechuwa' (most likely a hamster version of "desu wa") at the end of her sentences, while the American version of Bijou has a French accent.
  • Taisho (大将君 or タイショーくん Taishō-kun) / Boss (Seiyuu: Kentaro Ito, Voice Actor: Ted Cole) - a field hamster. The self-proclaimed leader of the Ham-Hams, Boss has a crush on Bijou. He often tries to look like he knows everything, only to have it backfire in his face. He has a bit of a temper, but he is very dependable, courageous, and nice, even shy at times (especially around Bijou). Because he is a field hamster, he is more familiar with nature, and is more independent compared to the other Ham-Hams. He has even developed a field hamster sense that tells him what kind of weather is approaching. However, he cannot deal with the sea as he is prone to sea sickness. Near the end of "Ham-Ham Heartbreak" (video game) it is himted that he has a small crush on Harmony.
  • Koushi (こうしくん Kōshi-kun) / Oxnard (Seiyuu: Rikako Aikawa, Voice Actor: Saffron Henderson) - Owned by Kana. One of Hamtaro's best friends in the series, he has the biggest appetites of the Ham-Hams, and also has a crush on Pepper. He was originally an easily frightened Ham-Ham, but he has been braver and more dependable in recent episodes. He has a talent for tarot card reading, which soon attracts the girls, much to the dismay of the other boys. Most of the time, Oxnard's predictions come true, especially for Boss (and usually end in Boss getting hurt in some way). In the final episode, he marries Pepper.
  • Maido (まいどくん Maido-kun) / Howdy (Seiyuu: Yuu Sugimoto, Voice Actor: Paul Dobson) - Owned by Goldie. A Ham-Ham notorious for telling bad jokes, especially at the wrong times. In the English version, he has a Southern accent, and has a kansai accent in the Japanese version. He often rivals for Pashmina's affection with Dexter, causing many fights between them.
  • Megane (めがねくん Megane-kun) / Dexter (Seiyuu: Chihiro Suzuki, Voice Actor: Samuel Vincent) - Owned by Curtis. A refined hamster, who is incredibly smart. He loves Pashmina, but often battles with Howdy for her affection. However, their differing personalities also contribute to their many fights, especially when it comes to Howdy's jokes. His Japanese name is a pun: Megane means "glasses" (in reference to his spectacles).
  • Mafura (マフラーちゃん Mafura-chan) / Pashmina (Seiyuu: Rei Sakuma, Voice Actress: Jocelyne Loewen) - Owned by June. Considered to be a very maternal Ham-Ham, as she takes care of Penelope. She loves the color pink and always wears her pink scarf. Dexter and Howdy often fight for her affection, but she does not seem to notice. She feels that she is too young for a relationship anyway (she actually wishes for love in the Japanese version, however).
  • Chibimaru (ちびまるちゃん Chibimaru-chan) / Penelope (Seiyuu: Kaori Matoi, Voice Actress: Cathy Weseluck) - Owned by Kylie. Considered the youngest of all the Ham-Hams, Penelope is usually never seen without the cover of her yellow blanket (though a few seconds in the opening theme show her blanket coming off, revealing her brown fur). Although she is friendly to everyone, she feels particularly attached to Pashmina. Being innocent and naive, due to her age, she gets into trouble more often than most of the other Ham-Hams. In season two, she has shown some cross-species affection for Herbert the Pig, a boy by the name of Ethan, and a rabbit at Ethan's school. Unlike the other Ham-Hams, and perhaps because of her young age, Penelope can't say anything more than 'Ookwee!' or 'Ookyoo!' ('Ukyu!' in the original version).
  • Noppo (のっぽくん Noppo-kun) / Maxwell (Seiyuu: Takako Honda, Voice Actor: Brad Swaile) - Owned by the eldest son of a bookstore owner (though it seems that the bookstore owner's daughter is the one who cares for him). He always carries a book with him, and is often turned to for information. He is a little taller than the Ham-Hams, partially due to his larger head. He has a crush on Sandy, though it is never initiated until Hamtaro tells him about Sandy's feelings.
  • Torahamu-chan (トラハムちゃん Torahamu-chan) / Sandy (Seiyuu: Haruna Ikezawa, Voice Actress: Brittney Wilson) - Owned by Hillary. A sporty young girl Ham who carries a ribbon. Her interest in gymnastics have been influenced by Hillary, who is a gold medal gymnast. She has a crush on Maxwell. While in the English version it might seem that the two have confessed their affections, a Japanese episode confirms that they are not romantically involved yet. In the English version, she has a valley girl accent.
  • Torahamu-kun (トラハムくん Torahamu-kun) / Stan (Seiyuu: Kouki Miyata, Voice Actor: Noel Fisher) - Owned by Noel. Sandy's twin (older) brother, who is often caught flirting with the other girls. As a result, he is often an annoyance to the other guys, especially Boss, Howdy, and Dexter. Initially, Sandy and Stan were separated, after Noel (who had a crush on Hillary) offered to take care of one of her hamsters. He is often seen shaking his maracas or riding his skateboard.
  • Neteru (ねてるくん Neteru-kun) / Snoozer (Seiyuu: Yuu Sugimoto, Voice Actress: Cathy Weseluck) - A mysterious hamster that Boss found in his hideaway (which would soon become the clubhouse). It is unknown where he came from. He is always sleeping, but often utters some helpful advice when the Ham-Hams are in need of it.
  • Panda (パンダくん Panda-kun) (Seiyuu: Yuko Saito, Voice Actor: Jillian Michaels)- Owned by Mimi. A Ham-Ham whose fur matches his name, he is the builder/carpenter of the Ham-Hams. Has built and repaired many things throughout the duration of the anime as well as the in the game.
  • Kaburu (かぶるくん Kaburu-kun) / Cappy (Seiyuu: Ai Uchikawa, Voice Actress: Tabitha St. Germain) - Owned by Kip and Sue. One of the younger Ham-Hams, Cappy loves hats. The two hats he mostly commonly carries are his green swimming cap, and the giant saucepan that he usually is hiding under. While he loves his home, he does not like being spoiled, and looks up to Boss due to Boss's independence as a field hamster. He has developed some sort of a rivalry with Stucky, especially when it comes to hide and seek.
  • Tongari (トンガリくん Tongari-kun) / Jingle (Seiyuu: Yuu Asakawa, Voice Actor: Brian Drummond) - a field hamster. Appears occasionally throughout the series. He speaks in rhymes, which often confuse the other Ham-Hams. He is clueless about many things, but tends to give wise advice. Always seen carrying his guitar. In 'Hamtaro, Please Come Home' and all other appearances afterwards, he is seen with Herbert the Pig. He also has a habit of forgetting names. Whenever he appears, he usually mispronounces someone's name (Hamtaro most of the time). Whenever he is corrected, he usually replies "You changed your name again?"
  • Lapis or (in Japan) Lapis-chan (ラピスちゃん Rapisu-chan) (Seiyuu: Saeko Chiba) - owner unknown, has not yet made her television debut outside Japan, other than small appearances in "Hamtaro: Ham-Ham Games". She, along with Lazuli, has magic powers. Her powers stem from her indigo cape. They try to be helpful, but sometimes their powers get them into trouble.
  • Lazuli or (in Japan) Lazuli-chan (ラズリーちゃん Razuri-chan) (Seiyuu: Akane Omae) - owner unknown, has not yet made her television debut outside Japan, but she was in "Hamtaro: Ham-Ham Games." Like Lapis, Lazuli has her own magic powers. Her power comes from the blush on her cheeks, and usually makes sweets appear. Unfortunately, this power does get the Ham-Hams into trouble from time to time.

[edit] Supporting Hamsters

Nin-Ham/Ninhamu-kun/ニンハムくん: a Ninja hamster who comes from a far-away valley. Being the worst ninja in his home, he left so he could be appreciated by non-ninja Hams.

Stucky/Nukenai-kun/ぬけないくん: A run-away hamster stuck in a hamster tube toy. He chants "roly-poly" as he rolls to get around. Rivals Cappy in hide and seek, though the two have become the best of friends lately. Stucky is also known as a terrible flirt when it comes to girls.

Sparkle/Kururin-chan/くるりんちゃん: Owned by Glitter. Sparkle is a spoiled pop star hamster. She did not like the Ham-Hams at first, but she gradually became attached to them. In the Japanese episodes, Sparkle began to have a crush on Hamtaro, and has since then been trying to get him to notice her. She has been unsuccessful. For this and many other reasons, she sees Bijou as a rival.

Pepper/Jajahamu-chan/じゃじゃハムちゃん: Pepper is the girlfriend of Oxnard. She is the pet hamster of Kana's cousin, who lives in the country. Compared to Oxnard, she is a lot braver and can be very rough. She ends up marrying Oxnard in the final episode.

Omar/Oashisu-kun (or "Oasis-kun") /オアシスくん: A hamster from a far-away land who looks exactly like Snoozer. Left his wealthy owner to travel the world.

Sabu/サブ: Hamster with a dove named Françoise. He appears in the series from time to time with different roles. Mainly, he's a seed vendor who feeds anyone he sees. At one point, Boss considered him more of a man than he was.

Auntie Viv/Ohamubaa-san/おハムばあさん: Extremely fit elderly hamster with an attitude. Used to be involved with Elder Ham.

Elder Ham/Chorohamu/長老ハム: A narcoleptic elderly hamster, he is always falling asleep while talking. Despite this, he is a source of wisdom for the Ham-Hams.

Hannah/Hana-chan/ハナちゃん: Childhood friend of Howdy. Develops a short-lived crush on Dexter. She is one of the very few who can stand Howdy's jokes.

Robo Joe/Mecha Jirou/メカージロウ: Created by Laura's Grandfather, Robo Joe is a robot hamster whose appearance seems to be based on Hamtaro. Robo Joe's main function is the ability to learn and mimic what he hears; both human language and Ham-Ham language. In a later Japanese episode, Laura's Grandfather places a slightly modified Robo Joe in a Battlebots-like tournament.

Chef Ham/Kokku-kun (or "Cook-kun") /コックさん: A chef hamster with an Italian accent and many children.

Flora/Naasu-chan (or "Nurse-chan") /ナースちゃん: A nurse hamster who never made an appearance in the English TV show, but made an appearance in Hamtaro: Rainbow Rescue (Video Game) and Hamtaro: Ham-Ham Games (Video game). She is willing to cure any hamster she sees, with the big needle she carries around. She also seems to like Stan.

Harmony/Enjeru-chan (or "Angel-chan") /エンジェルちゃん: Hamster in an angel costume, who fights Spat and tries to save love for all hamsters. Never made an appearance in English TV series; she was a major character in Hamtaro: Ham-Ham Heartbreak(Video game).

Spat/Debihamu-kun (or "Devi-hamu-kun") /デビハムくん: Hamster in a devil costume, who fights Harmony and tries to ruin love for all hamsters. Never made an appearance in English TV series; made an appearance in Hamtaro: Ham-Ham Heartbreak(Video game). In the Japanese version, Spat appears from time to time with different evil plots. Just as in Ham-Ham Heartbreak, the Ham-Hams always thwart his plans.

Barette/Poniiteru-chan (or "Ponytail-chan") /ポニーテールちゃん: Runs the photo studio in the Ham-Ham Clubhouse with her boyfriend Seamore. Never makes an appearance in English TV series; makes an appearance in Hamtaro: Ham-Ham Heartbreak(Video game).

Seamore/Kamehamu-kun/カメハムくん: Hamster with a turtle shell on his back (hence his Japanese name); can swim (unlike most hamsters). Seamore never makes an appearance in the English TV series, but appears in Hamtaro: Ham-Ham Heartbreak(Video game). He also runs a photo studio in the Ham-Ham Clubhouse with his girlfriend, Barette. Some fans think that his shell holds air which allows him to swim by making it easier for him to float, he seems to say something like this in one of the endings of Hamtaro: Ham-Ham Heartbreak when Barette asks him how a shell allows him to swim.

Ook-Ook/Ukihamu-kun/ウキハムくん: A hamster who wears a monkey costume. Never appears in English TV series. He seems to make an appearance in 'Ham-Ham Heartbreak'.

Buster/Taiho-kun/たいほくん: Never appears in English TV series.

Little Hams/Chibi-chanzu/ちびちゃんず: Never appear in English TV series.

Potato/Poteto-kun/ポテトくん: Never appears in English TV series.

Shake/Sheiku-chan/シェイクちゃん: Never appears in English TV series.

Solara/Himawari-chan/ひまわりちゃん: Never appears in English TV series, but makes an appearance in Hamtaro: Rainbow Rescue (Video Game)

Nassu-kun/ナッスーくん: Never appears in English TV series.

Tomy-T/Tomato-kun/トマトくん: Never appears in English TV series, but makes an appearance in Hamtaro: Rainbow Rescue (Video Game)

Chibikuri-chan/ちびくりちゃん: Never appears in English TV series.

Prince Bo/Nijihamu-kun/にじハムくん: Prince of Rainbow Land. Never appears in English TV series (with the exception of the Ham-Ham Games episode), but appears in Hamtaro: Ham-Ham Games(Video game) and Hamtaro: Rainbow Rescue.

Oshare-chan/おしゃれちゃん: Never appears in English series. She, like Bijou, came from France. Boss once had a crush on her, but now it seems like she has a crush on Hamtaro. This, of course, gets her in trouble with both Bijou and Sparkle.

Leo/Raion-san (or "Lion-san") /ライオンさん: Member of Team Djungle; never appears in English TV series (with the exception of the Ham-Ham Games episode), , appears in Hamtaro: Ham-Ham Games(Video game).

Sabotenburazasu ("Saboten Brothers") /サボテンブラザース: Never appear in English TV series.

Warts/Kaeru-san/カエルさん: Member of Team Djungle. Primarily wears a frog outfit, but often changes. Never appears in English TV series (with the exception of the Ham-Ham Games episode), ; appears in Hamtaro: Ham-Ham Games(Video game).

Bunny/Usagi-san/ウサギさん: Member of Team Djungle. Never appears in English TV series (with the exception of the Ham-Ham Games episode), ; appears in Hamtaro: Ham-Ham Games(Video game).

Stripes/Zebura-san (or "Zebra-san") /ゼブラさん: Member of Team Djungle. Never appears in English TV series (with the exception of the Ham-Ham Games episode), ; appears in Hamtaro: Ham-Ham Games(video game).

Rainbow Girls/レインボーガールズ(Rosy:Beauty-chan, Daisy:Pretty-chan, and Ivy:Cutie-Chan): Three members of Team Rainbow; Prince Bo is the leader of Team Rainbow. They never make an appearance in English TV show (with the exception of the Ham-Ham Games episode); appear in Hamtaro: Ham-Ham Games(video game). They were jealous that the Ham-Hams got to carry the everlasting torch, so they pursued them to steal it.

Radar/Mimiyori-kun/みみよりくん: News reporter hamster. Never appears in English TV show; appears in Hamtaro: Ham-Ham Heartbreak(video game).

Kinoko-chan/きのこちゃん: Never appears in English TV series.

Kurohamu-kun/くろハムくん: News reporter hamster. Never appears in English TV show; appears in Hamtaro: Ham-Ham Heartbreak(video game).

Gelato/Jeraado-chan/ジェラードちゃん: Never appears in English TV series.

Broski/Safua-kun (or "Surfer-kun") /サーファーくん: Surfing hamster. Never appears in English TV series; appears in Hamtaro: Ham-Ham Heartbreak(video game) and "Hamtaro: Rainbow Rescue" (video game).

Sky Ham/Sorahamu-kun/そらハムくん: Never appears in English TV series.

Ohkiny-chan/オーキニーちゃん: Never appears in English TV series.

Mystery/Misuteri-chan/ミステリーちゃん: Never appears in English TV series.

Magical/Majikaru-kun/マジカルくん: Never appears in English TV series.

Ice/Aisu-kun/アイスくん: Never appears in English TV series.

Lolly/Kyandii-chan (or "Candy-chan") /キャンディーちゃん: Never appears in English TV series, but makes an appearance in Hamtaro: Rainbow Rescue (Video Game)

Moguru-kun/もぐるくん: Never appears in English TV series.

How/Nande-kun/なんでくん: Never appears in English TV series.

Tux/Penhamu-kun/ペンハムくん: Never appears in English TV series, but makes an appearance in Hamtaro: Rainbow Rescue (Video Game)

Salia/Azarashi-chan/あざらしちゃん: Never appears in English TV series, but makes an appearance in Hamtaro: Rainbow Rescue (Video Game)

[edit] Humans

  • Hiroko Haruna (春名ヒロ子 Haruna Hiroko), also known as Roko-chan (ロコちゃん) / Laura Haruna (Seiyuu: Haruna Ikezawa, Voice Actress: Moneca Stori) - Hamtaro's owner and the main human character. Laura cares for Hamtaro very much, just as Hamtaro cares for her. Several episodes involve the Ham-Hams trying to help Laura with whatever problem she is facing. Best friends with Kana. She has a huge crush on her friend Travis.
  • Hiromi Haruna (春名ヒロミ Haruna Hiromi) / Marian Haruna - Laura's mother.
  • Yumetaro Haruna (春名ユメ太郎 Haruna Yumetarō) / Forrest Haruna - Laura's father.
  • Yume Haruna / Willow Haruna - Laura's grandmother.
  • Kana Iwata (岩田カナ Iwata Kana) (Seiyuu: Aii Uchikawa, Voice Actress: Daniella Evangelista) - Oxnard's owner. Kana met Laura the day Laura moved in and they have become the best of friends since then. She is also a very talented artist.
  • Momo Iwata (岩田モモ Iwata Momo) / Mimi (Voice Actress: Brenna O'Brien) - Panda's owner. The only human character who can actually talk to the Ham-Hams.
  • Taichi Kimura (木村太一 Kimura Taichi) / Travis (Seiyuu: Yuu Asakawa, Voice Actor: Matt Smith) - Laura's friend and the school's best soccer player. Laura has a crush on him.
  • Maria (マリアちゃん Maria-chan) - The owner of Bijou. Maria is a talented pianist. She and Laura only became friends in season 2 (they never meet in season 1)
  • Kyoko (キョウコちゃん Kyōko-chan) / Kylie - Penelope's owner. Best friends with June.
  • Hikari (ヒカリさん Hikari-san) / Hillary (Voice Actress: Kelly Sheridan) - Sandy's owner. A very athletic girl who has won several gold medals in gymnastics. Her athleticism has inspired Sandy's own athletic efforts.
  • Jun (ジュンちゃん Jun-chan) / June (Seiyu: Kaori Matoi) - Pashmina's owner. Best friends with Kylie.
  • Norio (ノリオさん Norio-san) / Noel (Voice Actor: Kirby Morrow) - Stan's owner. Has a crush on Hillary, but unfortunately is very shy, the opposite of Stan.
  • Yu (ユウさん Yū-san) and Sae (サエさん Sae-san) / Kip and Sue - Cappy's owners who run a craft store. They love Cappy very much, and constantly spoil him.
  • Ichiro Yamada (山田一郎 Yamada Ichirō), later Ichiro Inatori (稲鳥一郎 Inatori Ichirō) / Mr. Philip Yoshi (Voice Actor: Scott McNeil- Laura's teacher. A young and enthusiastic teacher, who is very good at his job. Outside of his job, he is more wimpy and has a morbid fear of chickens. However, he has conquered his fear several times to win the heart of Charlotte Rooster. He is now married to her, and they even have a child (in the Japanese version), whom the Ham-Hams often try to protect.
  • Sakura Inatori (稲鳥さくら Inatori Sakura) / Charlotte Rooster (Voice Actress: Venus Terzo) - Laura's teacher's girlfriend, who later becomes his wife. She is the daughter of Chairman Rooster, who is very strict. They have one child (in the Japanese version).
  • Kurumi Kurihara (栗原くるみ Kurihara Kurumi) / Glitter (Voice Actress: Kelly Sheridan) - The owner of Sparkle. A spoiled haughty pop star who is used to always getting her way. She tries to win over Travis, who is more interested in Laura. Because of this, she hates Laura very much. Unlike Sparkle, however, her attitude never changes, so she is much meaner than her hamster.
  • Roberto (Seiyuu: Sachi Matsumoto, Voice Actor: Matt Hill) - Becomes Laura's classmate in season 2. Roberto is a very arrogant but talented soccer player on the school soccer team. He often argues with Travis and Laura, but Roberto is really a nice guy who is often misunderstood. He is also a dog lover, and is fond of Laura's dog Brandy.

[edit] Other characters

  • Tonkichi (トン吉) / Herbert - Jingle's pet pig. Jingle uses Herbert as his mode of transportation. Since Jingle rarely cares about where he's going or where he'll stop, he usually lets Herbert decide. However, if he sees some corn, Herbert will charge at immense speeds. He also seems to like Penelope a lot.
  • Burandon/Brandon (ブランドン), also known as Don-chan (どんちゃん) / Brandy - Laura's dog. Brandy rarely does anything, but he has been considered a great friend to the Ham-Hams (He saved the Ham-Hams from drowning in one episode and the Ham-Hams made him his own scarf in another). In many of the dreams that the Ham-Hams have, Hamtaro rides Brandy. In several of those cases, he can fly.


[edit] DVD Releases

Hamtaro 1.1 - 1.12 were released in Australia, with 3 episodes on each DVD. But there are no plans for further releases for the other episodes. [1]

[edit] Movies

As of 2006, there are 4 Hamtaro movies. All movies were distributed by Toho. None were ever released outside of Japan, especially in the United States (because the show was cancelled by Cartoon Network, and likely because of legal issues surrounding the involvement of Japanese pop group Mini Moni in the first three movies).

Hamu Hamu Rando Daibouken/Adventures in Ham-Ham Land:

It is Laura's birthday, and Hamtaro is feeling neglected. The Ham-Hams then tell him about a magical sunflower seed that will grant you any wish you want-- Hamtaro is determined to find it so that he can tell Laura how much he loves her. However, an evil devil hamster is after it too! Will Hamtaro ever get his wish?

Hamu Hamu Hamu Maboroshi no Purincess/Princess of Vision:

Hamtaro and the Ham-Hams are peacefully sleeping when Hamtaro suddenly has a vision. It is a princess called Saro-shina calling for help! Suddenly, the Ham-Hams are taken right out of their dreams and taken to a faraway land called Hamu Ja! Saro-shina is being forced to marry an evil cat genie named Sabaku-nya! Can the Ham-Hams save the land from danger?

Hamu Hamu Guran Purin/Ham-Ham Grand Prix:

Bijou is called to a distant land, and Hamtaro follows. Bijou makes friends with the village hamsters (who regards her as the 'snow princess'), when a group of pirate hamsters suddenly show up! The captain falls in love with Bijou, and Hamtaro is upset. Now Hamtaro must race the captain for Bijou's freedom!

Hamutaro to Fushigi no Oni no Ehon Tou/Hamtaro and the Mysterious Ogre's Picture Book Tower:

This story is based off of the old Japanese folk tale of Momotaro (Peach Boy). However, Hamtaro floats down the river in a sunflower instead of a peach; thus they call him Himawaritaro (Sunflower Boy).

[edit] OVAs

There are also four Hamtaro OVAs. The first two OVAs plus the fourth OVA were shown in America (though the first one was heavily edited).

Tottoko Hamutaro: Hamutaro no Otanjoubi ~Mama wo Tazunete Sanzen Techitechi/Happy Birthday, Hamtaro!~: Laura tells Hamtaro where he came from yet Laura thinks it is not true, just in time for his birthday, Hamtaro sets out with Boss and Oxnard to visit his mother to see if what Laura said is true, while the other Ham-Hams set up a surprise birthday party for him. While it was shown in America, the entire adventure was edited out, showing only the beginning where the Ham-Hams were telling everyone to keep Hamtaro's birthday a secret and the ending where all the Ham-Hams are singing for Hamtaro's birthday. The second OVA is shown instead.

Tottoko Hamutaro: Hamuchanzu no Takara Sagashi Daisaku/Ham-Hams Ahoy!: As Laura heads out to summer camp, Hamtaro and Oxnard come across a young girl by the name of Heibi, who's trying to find the ocean. Heibi found a treasure map while searching through her grandmother's place and is now willing to do this to help her ailing grandmother. The Ham-Hams, who are more than willing to help her, pack their things and set out to find the treasure. Unlike the first OVA, the second was shown in its entirety in America.

Tottoko Hamutaro: Hamuchanzu to Niji no Kuni no Oujisama/Rainbow Rescue: Based on the third Hamtaro game (fourth in Japan), Prince Bo falls from the sky when the rainbow disappears. Now Hamtaro and the Ham-Hams must help him bring back the rainbow. The only OVA not shown in America.

Tottoko Hamutaro: Hamuchanzu no Mezase! Hamuhamu Kin Medal/Ham-Ham Games: Considered the prequel to the fourth Hamtaro game (fifth in Japan). In this tribute to the 2004 Olympics, Hamtaro and the Ham-Hams are tasked by Prince Bo with lighting the everlasting torch to Hamcropolis. However, the Rainbow Girls will not allow this and pursues the Ham-Hams. This was the last Hamtaro episode shown in America before Cartoon Network cancelled the series.

[edit] Games

There are several Hamtaro games, mostly released for various Nintendo handheld and for Windows/Macintosh.

Tottoko Hamtaro: Tomodachi Daisaku Ikusa Dechu (Game Boy Color): This was the very first Hamtaro game, and was not released anywhere outside of Japan (although fans outside Japan could usually get the game by means of importing it or getting it from import stores. Lack of a region-locking mechanism on Nintendo's handheld machines means that the game can be run trouble free on any Game Boy Color/Game Boy Advanced handhelds). It is a virtual pet simulation. The fully translated name is Hamtaro: The Great Friendship Plan, if it were released to America, although the name is not confirmed from Japanese to English.

Hamtaro: Ham-Hams Unite! (Game Boy Color): The second game released in Japan, but it was the first game released in the United States. Taking place in a full hamster world, Hamtaro is tasked with finding all the Ham-Hams and bringing them together in the clubhouse. The game introduced the use of the ham chat. While it is simply the Ham-Ham language in the game, the ham chat in the game allows different uses of each expression, which include Hamspar (rival) to set things ablaze. This was the final Game Boy Color game released in Europe.

Hamtaro: Ham-Ham Heartbreak (Game Boy Advance): The second game in America (third in Japan). Hamtaro has a nightmare one day about an evil Ham-Ham in a devil costume. He runs around and tears apart any couple he sees. However, this nightmare turns out to be a vision of his upcoming struggle against the evil Ham-Ham, Spat. Luckily, he's not alone, for Bijou is going to help him set things right. More of an enhancement of the first game, Ham-Ham Heartbreak slightly improves Ham-Hams Unite's graphics and colors and adds an interesting story, more ham chat vocabulary, and Bijou as Hamtaro's partner.

Hamtaro: Rainbow Rescue (Game Boy Advance): A game released in Japan and was translated for an American release, but it did not actually get released in America. It was released in Europe however, fully playable in English and several other languages. Prince Bo was happily crossing the rainbow, when suddenly, the rainbow disappeared and he soon fell from sky. Luckily, he happened to "bump" into Boss. Prince Bo wanted to return home, but without the colors of the rainbow, he was unable to return. Willing to help the prince, the Ham-Hams set out to find the seven colors of the rainbow. Rainbow Rescue improved on almost every aspect over its predecessors. It is graphically superior to the other two games. However, unlike the previous games, the gameplay relies more on multiple mini games. It is also currently the only Hamtaro game that allows usage of all the Ham-Hams (with the exception of Snoozer and Jingle).

Hamtaro: Ham-Ham Games (Game Boy Advance): The third Hamtaro game in America (fifth in Japan). Prince Bo has invited many Ham-Hams to compete in a tournament known as the Ham-Ham Games. The Ham-Hams wish to win the tournament, but they must face fierce competition from their three rival teams. Focuses on story the least, but it is graphics are slightly superior to Rainbow Rescue's. The game relies on mini games, but is less heavier on them than Rainbow Rescue. However, the mini games in Ham-Ham Games tend to be slightly more challenging the some of the games in Rainbow Rescue.

Wake Up Snoozer!: A Learning Adventue (CD-ROM,Windows/Macintosh) Was released mainly in the United States by Riverdeep and The Learning Company on August 30th, 2006. The game is based around five learning activities including simple addition and subtraction, geometric shapes, phonics, letter recognition and more. You join Hamtaro, Boss, Bijou and the others in the search for the youngest ham-ham, Penelope and help save the day. The game also includes multiple levels of difficulty, auto-leveling and printable activities. This game is aimed at children ages 4-7.

Hamtaro: Nazo Nazo Q (Nintendo DS): This is the newest Hamtaro game. It hasn't been released outside of Japan, and probably never will be due to various factors (low popularity of the show/cancellation, last game not being translated, etc). It is a Quiz/RPG, and not much else in known. There is a chance that this will be release outside Japan as various American websites like IGN has the games for an American release date but currently it is TBA.

Tottoko Hamtaro Hai! Ham-Chans no Ham Ham Challenge! Atsumare wa! (Nintendo DS): A new Hamtaro game comes in Japan after "Nazo Nazo Q" coming in March 2007, dedicated to the new series. The genre is still a mystery and it will maybe never get into America or Europe because of low popularity of the show/cancellation.

Hamtaro E-Reader: It is rumored that there might have been a Hamtaro card series released for the Nintendo E-Reader System.

[edit] Broadcasters & World airing information

This is just a partial list of channels. Full list of channels carrying Hamtaro is available on both the Japanese site and the English site

[edit] Manga

In Japan, Hamtaro manga is published by Shogakukan, and serialized in Ciao.

[edit] Licensed products

Hamtaro plush from Hasbro
Hamtaro plush from Hasbro

The full list of licensees can be found on both the Japanese and American, Korean, Asian, European Hamtaro websites.

[edit] Trivia

  • Several Japanese fan artists have drawn the Ham-Hams in human form. These have been called either human Ham-Hams or Ham-Ham gijinkas. The human Ham-Ham fan-art by the artist Chicko is the most well known, depicting the Ham-Hams as preteens to teens.
  • In the anime show Gakuen Heaven ends with a segment called Ham-Ham Heaven with the cast looking much like Hamtaro and his friends.
  • Many of the English voice actors in Hamtaro can be linked to characters in the popular Rumiko Takahashi series Inuyasha.
  • Most of the background music used in several episodes were re-used from another anime series, Monster Rancher.
  • The first known reference to Ham-Ham as a nickname was given to Carl Van Vechten by his wife on April 20, 1969.
  • Boss is the tallest Ham-Ham, at 12 cm tall; Maxwell is in second place, at 10.5 cm; and Penelope is dead-last at a fragile 6.2--it therefore comes as no surprise that her name in the Japanese version is Chibimaru, which translates to "Tiny Circle" or "Tiny Dot."
  • Mr Yoshi and Charlotte's relationship can be compared to Silverbolt and Blackarachnia's relationship in Beast Wars, as both Mr Yoshi and Silverbolt are voiced by Scott McNeil, and both Charlotte and Blackarachnia are voiced by Venus Terzo.

[edit] External links

USA & Canada
Japan
Korea
Fansites/Other
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