
Though Ted may be the most-well-known naughty teddy bear in the world, he is by no means the only one. We imagine that Monokuma, of the murder-mystery game/manga/anime Dangan Ronpa, may be a close Japanese second with its cackling and murderous tendencies. For fans of both of the animated characters, it might seem like a perfect match to have these black-humored bears on the screen together.
Alas, there’s probably no one mad enough to approve that combination, right?
Well, someone clearly is that crazy, because this collaboration is already happening!
As you probably know, Ted won fans both in the United States and abroad and became the highest grossing R-rate comedy ever. Of course, the film was a great success in Japan as well, thanks in no small part to the voice acting by popular Japanese comedian Hiroyuki Ariyoshi.
With Ted newly available on DVD and Blu-ray in Japan and the Dangan Ronpa anime DVDs and Blu-rays to be released this week as well, it was the perfect opportunity for a little bit of marketing collaboration!
The poster you see above is already up in Ikebukuro Station in Tokyo. It reads, “Over the summer of 2013, watch out for a bear infestation all over Japan!” Featuring Ted blankly enjoying a beer and Monokuma about to chow down on a raw fish, the poster does a perfect job showing off the appeal of the characters. While Ted might be a foul-mouthed, obnoxious jerk most of the time, underneath lies a guy who just likes to have fun…with hookers. But still! A guy who just likes to have fun.
▼Not pictured: clean, wholesome, family fun.
Monokuma, on the other hand, is the homicidal villain of Dangan Ronpa who keeps high school students trapped in a school while the world outside burns. For those not familiar with the franchise, the students are locked in the school until all but one has been murdered. Each time a student is killed, a trial is convened, and if the students can deduce who the murderer is, the murderer will be punished with death. If the murderer can get away with it, though, that student is allowed to leave, and everyone else is killed. A fairly gruesome concept in and of itself, Monokuma takes it one step further with its constant glee and joking at the young people’s misery. Like Battle Royale with an evil two-faced teddy bear instead of Takeshi “Beat” Kitano.
In addition to the poster, a TV commercial will also be broadcast around the beginning of September. In the commercial, Monokuma, voiced by the beloved Doraemon-voice-actor Nobuyo Ooyama, sits on a sofa, eating popcorn and watching Ted. The evil bear says “How trashy this movie is!” turning redder and redder, before adding, “I’m going to get three copies of the Blu-ray—one for pleasure, one for home, and one to smash to pieces!!”
▼Pictured: The cutest psychopath this side of Serial Killer Hello Kitty.
The TV commercial will be on TV and YouTube, so keep an eye out for it!
Internet commenters found the concept fascinating.
Arayoshi vs Ooyama Nobuyo! LOL! This looks soooo funny!!
I want to see Ted in Dangan Ronpa!
I burst out laughing at this line: “You don’t think she’s going to be expecting something big, do you?” “Like anal?”
If you just showed me silhouettes, I wouldn’t be able to tell them apart.
Ted is basically about things 30-something American guys are familiar with, so Japanese people can’t really enjoy it that much. At most, we can just laugh at the over-the-top dirty jokes.
The last comment is pretty weird, isn’t it? We’re not really sure what enjoyment people got out of the movie besides all the dirty jokes—unless he’s talking about Mila Kunis, but who doesn’t love her?!
Anyway, hide your kids! The teddy bear summer of 2013 is just beginning, and it’s clearly rated R!
▼ In case you haven’t seen Ted yet, here’s a Japanese trailer. Be warned, though, that this is not safe for work.
▼ And for those of you who haven’t heard of Dangan Ronpa, here’s a surreal trailer for your mind-bending enjoyment.
Sources: Jin115, Dengeki Online
Image sources: Kakaku, Yahoo! Japan, Jin115




Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Nephew receives SD card after his uncle passes away, finds treasure trove of gems from the past
Japan manners debate: Is it OK to put a Mister Donut donut back on the shelf after taking it?
The Ghibli theme park’s food looks good enough to be a reason to visit all by itself【Photos】
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Nephew receives SD card after his uncle passes away, finds treasure trove of gems from the past
Japan manners debate: Is it OK to put a Mister Donut donut back on the shelf after taking it?
The Ghibli theme park’s food looks good enough to be a reason to visit all by itself【Photos】
A spotlight on Japanese singles figure skating: Jumping into the 2026 Olympics【Pt. II】
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
Japanese breast size study shows rapid growth in previously smallest-busted region of county
Lawson changes its iconic egg sandwich, makes it bigger but smaller at the same time
Singapore Airlines adds country’s attractions to safety video so passengers actually watch【Video】
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
Kyoto planning surprise late-night inspections of Airbnb-style rentals to fight overtourism
Family Mart releases huge range of cute sweets for Cat Day in Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
A spotlight on Japanese singles figure skating: Jumping into the 2026 Olympics【Pt. II】
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
Japanese breast size study shows rapid growth in previously smallest-busted region of county
Lawson changes its iconic egg sandwich, makes it bigger but smaller at the same time
Singapore Airlines adds country’s attractions to safety video so passengers actually watch【Video】
Visiting Japan’s Gyarados Pokémon park in the city with a special connection to Magikarp【Photos】
Make Your Own Yoshinoya Beef Bowl at Home, Even Better Than the Original 【Recipe】
Krispy Kreme Japan’s sakura donuts are almost here!
Japanese synchronised swimmer performs routine in the pool…with blue armpits【Video】
All-you-can drink deal in Japan puts the self-serve drinks machine right on your table
Mister Donut adds curry, “Mexican Meat” donuts to its savory lineup
Why do Japanese toilets have double hooks on their doors?
Leave a Reply