
You just can’t keep a good otter down.
Fans around the world were disheartened to hear that beloved otter yurukyara mascot Chiitan was disowned by her adoptive city of Susaki. After months of skateboarding on treadmills and smashing things with bats, all without fulfilling any civic duty whatsoever, they simply felt it was better to amicably part ways.
Luckily, Chiitan’s strong social media presence on Twitter and YouTube has buoyed her over to her next venture: her own animated series. Set to air on TV Tokyo starting 3 April, Yosei Chiitan (Fairy Chiitan) will feature practical humor like the stunts she performs in real life, such as shaking a giant bottle of cola and then riding it into outer space.
For those who might not be up to speed on Chiitan’s consubstantiality, she now exists simultaneously in three forms. Most recently we have the anime Chiitan as seen above, which is an extension of the yurukyara Chiitan which has become a hit online.
But Chiitan is also a living, breathing, pet Asian small-clawed otter who is also a social media darling in her own right.
This means Chiitan can run the gamut from magical adventures, Jackass-like stunts, and good old-fashioned cuteness all at the same time. Needless to say she is a character that transcends space and time, providing us with entertainment on multiple fronts.
Yosei Chiitan will be shown Wednesday mornings at 7:30 as a part of TV Tokyo’s Kinder TV block of programming, and the debut episode will follow the cola-bottle trip to space in its entirety. The voice of Chiitan will be done by Moa Tsukino, a bass player and member of Kamen Joshi who you may remember as the idol group whose various smells and textures are the inspiration for a line of fried chicken.
▼ The voice of Chiitan, Moa Tsukino, playing bass
So fans of Chiitan can rest easy knowing that her star is shining brighter than ever. The only question is what can she become next? A hologram? A vocaloid? Only time will tell.
Source: Big Globe News
Top image: YouTube/Chiitan

Chiitan the otter rejected as mascot character for Japan’s Susaki City due to reckless behavior
It’s WAR! Susaki City demands Chiitan suspend all activities over copyright violation
Chiitan’s management speaks out about copyright issues and future with Susaki City
Chiitan the otter mascot poised for mainstream success with fun videos of everyday tasks
Free Chiitan! Japanese otter mascot starts new English account after total Twitter suspension
Tokyo sweets store has a “350% Pudding Soft Serve”, and people are going wild for it
Studio Ghibli adds new Jiji’s baby plush toy to its anime merchandise range in Japan
Beautiful off-the-beaten-path spot near samurai castle in rural Japan looks like a Monet painting
The Japanese city where ordering grilled chicken doesn’t guarantee you’ll actually get chicken
Japanese figure skating star Yuzuru Hanyu and Winne-the-Pooh announce crossover merch line [Pics]
Shinto shrine in downtown Tokyo announces cosplay ban
Wagyu ramen for foreign tourists appears in Kabukicho, with a very high price tag
Hello Kitty x Godzilla Happy Meals are coming to McDonald’s, but not in Japan [Video]
This beautiful Okinawa beach gives you the best of both worlds when visiting the prefecture [Pics]
McDonald’s Japan’s new Chiikawa Happy Meal figures are here![Photos]
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Anime fan in Japan arrested for ordering and cancelling over 4.3 billion yen in anime merch
Starbucks Japan teams up with Traveler’s Company for new stationery and goods collection
Japan’s new beer glass is designed to force you to drink…water [Video]
Beautiful Totoro bonsai figure needs no watering, makes soothing rain showers whenever you want
End of a manga era as Weekly Shonen Jump’s circulation drops under one million
This beautiful rural Japan river is a great alternative to touristy summer retreats [Photos]
Studio Ghibli releases new Kiki’s Delivery Service Jiji music box for anime fans
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Meet Japan’s adorable otter YouTuber, Chiitan!【Video】
Chiitan needs your help! Japanese mascot suspended on Twitter after John Oliver feud
Chiitan vs John Oliver: Talk show host responds to Japanese mascot’s challenge to battle 【Video】
Black Lives Matter protests receive support from Japanese mascot Chiitan【Video】
Otter mascot character Shinjo-kun kicks butt at Street Fighter tournament in full costume【Video】
Japanese mascot Shinjo-kun joins ChiiJohn for a trip to the U.S. to see John Oliver 【Video】