GetWiki

{{Short description|Japanese adult visual novel}}

factoids

Harem (genre)>haremBERMAN >FIRST1=JENNIFER URL=HTTPS://WWW.THEMANIME.ORG/VIEWREVIEW.PHP?ID=490 ACCESS-DATE=JUNE 22, 2020, }}

factoids

factoids

| publisher = | genre = Eroge, Visual novel| platforms = Microsoft Windows| released = December 13, 2002 (limited ed.)August 1, 2003 (Popotan Po! DVD-ROM)}}

factoids

factoids

| publisher = | genre = Eroge, Visual novel| platforms = Microsoft Windows| released = July 7, 2003}}

factoids

| writer = Jukki Hanada| music = Osamu TezukaShaft (company)>Shaft| licensee = {hide}English anime licensee {edih}BS-TBS>BS-i| first = July 18, 2003| last = October 3, 2003| episodes = 12| episode_list = List of Popotan episodes}}

factoids

factoids

JP|WellMADE}}| genre = Visual novel| platforms = PlayStation 2| released = March 11, 2004}}

factoids

{{Nihongo|Popotan|ぽぽたん|lead=yes}} is a Japanese adult visual novel developed by Petit Ferret with character designs by Akio Watanabe under the alias Poyoyon Rock. It was originally released as a PC game for CD-ROM on December 13, 2002, and subsequently re-released on DVD-ROM and for the PlayStation 2 with certain scenes removed. The title Popotan is a nonsensical word meant to reflect the prominence of dandelions, spelled {{Nihongo|tanpopo|たんぽぽ}} in Japanese;In the Japanese language, nouns do not have a separate form in the plural.WEB, Beveridge, Chris, Popotan Vol. #1 (of 3), Mania: Beyond Entertainment, 2004-11-16,weblink 2008-09-12, dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20090328104605weblink">weblink 2009-03-28, WEB, Thomas, Mark, Popotan Complete Collection (of 1), Mania: Beyond Entertainment, 2007-08-14,weblink 2008-09-12, dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20090220075737weblink">weblink 2009-02-20, WEB,weblink Popotan - DVD 2: Engima, Santos, Carlo, Review, Anime News Network, 2005-04-27, 2009-03-20, Petit Ferret also produced a fan disc shortly before the DVD-ROM re-release. Popotan has been adapted to other media, including a novel series (Popotan～ Himitsu no Jumon～ Kōhen) by Sassami Yachiruda; a manga series by Yūjiro Izumi; a twelve episode anime television series directed by Shinichiro Kimura, animated by Shaft, and licensed in North America by Geneon USA and later, Sentai Filmworks; a radio drama (Poporaji); and several art and reference books.Gameplay in Popotan follows a semi-predetermined plot; major events remain the same, but personal storylines can diverge from the player's choices. The game focuses on protagonist Chris, a drifter who meets three girls, the youngest of whom is 11 years old, and their maid in a mansion near the ruins of Tokyo in the distant future.

Gameplay

(File:PopotanPo-Screenshot.png|thumb|left|The game uses character position and size to show the characters' relative relation to the protagonist. Ai (left) is closer while Mii (right) is off to the side of the room further away.|alt=A screenshot inside Chris's Japanese bedroom. Ai's and Mii's images are separate avatar images overlaying the background. A transparent textbox at the bottom displays text over all of them.)Popotan is a visual novel in which players spend most of their time in reading dynamic text, representing either dialogue between the various characters or the inner thoughts of the protagonist. After progressing through text, players either come to a "decision point" where they must choose from multiple options, or the text will end and the player must move to a new location, or, in the DVD-ROM and PS2 versions, use a shortcut option to continue to the next event.WEB,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20031016074019weblink">weblink 2003-10-16,weblink ja:ゲーム紹介, Gameplay, WellMADE, 2009-05-28, ja, dead, Time elapsed between decision points varies. The game pauses at these points and, depending on which choice the player makes, the plot will progress and may branch off in a specific direction. The player must romantically pursue the three sisters, and can seek other characters if one of the sisters' scenarios has been completed.A special music mini-game commences at certain points in Mii's scenario. The goal of the mini-game is to max out "Magical Girl Mii"'s magical power meter by hitting balls at the right moment.WEB,weblink Download, Petit Ferret, 2008-11-16, ja, dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20110722094354weblink">weblink 2011-07-22, The outcome of the mini-game affects the storyline. Successfully completing her scenarios unlock an omake option on the main menu, allowing the player to play the mini-game with different music tracks. Finishing Ai's scenario unlocks a new story featuring Unagi. The player can save the game only while text is on the screen in the PC versions; this limitation was removed in the PS2 port. The PS2 port also altered the events and scenes based on the DVD version.WEB,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20031210093435weblink">weblink 2003-12-10,weblink ja:おしえて！ぽぽたん, Oshiete! Popotan, WellMADE, 2009-05-22, ja, WEB,weblink PS2版『ぽぽたん』を予約して、 ポスター＆レアCDの2大特典を入手しよう！, The PS2's Popotan pre-order is available; it comes with 2 great items: a poster and a rare CD., News, Dengeki Online, 2008-11-14, ja,

Plot

Characters

The player assumes the role of Chris, the protagonist of Popotan. Chris is a high school dropout who dislikes the direction of society and refuses to get a job. He wanders the streets making a living as a guitar-playing busker. He feels he cannot play well without an audience, which is hard to find as a drifter.WEB,weblink ぽぽたん DVD-ROM版, Popotan DVD-ROM Version, 2008-03-25, Getchu, ja, The other main characters include three sisters and their maid who live in a western-style mansion. Ai, 18, is the eldest of the three and communicates with plants. Mai is the middle sister at 14; she is a tomboy and disapproves of Chris's behavior. Mii is the youngest at 11 and the most energetic; she often cosplays as "Magical Girl Mii" and helps people.WEB,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20031015083617weblink">weblink 2003-10-15,weblink Character, WellMADE, 2009-05-28, ja, dead, Their maid Mea appears emotionless at first, but reveals hidden depth later in the story.

Story

Popotan takes place in the distant future within the remnants of Tokyo, destroyed by a cataclysm and since altered by geological transformations.BOOK, ja:ぽぽたん ビジュアルファンブック, Popotan Visual Fan Book, Petit Ferret & Soft Bank Publishing, ja, 27, 4-7973-2348-5, 5 August 2003, The disaster was caused by a giant dandelion structure resembling a spire that arose in the city atop a hill. The main location of the game is a European-style mansion, seen as completely out-of-place in the city.WEB,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20031016074151weblink">weblink 2003-10-16,weblink ja:ストーリー, Story, WellMADE, 2009-05-28, ja, dead, Much of the daytime is spent outside the mansion wandering around town meeting characters and triggering event sequences.Popotan follows Chris's lifestyle changes, as well as the mysteries surrounding the spire-like object that caused the destruction of Tokyo in the past. The story opens as Chris desperately considers stealing food from a stand near a shrine entrance. His theft is unsuccessful, and he wanders around town looking for work. He finds a convenience store, where he gets directions leading him to the mansion. He enters without asking permission and runs into the three sisters and their lifelike android maid. Chris asks permission to stay because the rent is cheap and the girls are pretty; they consent, but force him to take a part-time job. The convenience store owner hires him, and as the story progresses, Chris opens up socially and begins caring about others as he interacts with the girls. He also meets new friends, including a classmate Konami, a local shrine maiden named Nono and a mysterious girl named Shizuku.

Development

Petit Ferret developed Popotan in 2002. Seki Hayabusa and Iwashinichi Shimizu handled scenario development, and Akio Watanabe designed its characters while working under the alias Poyoyon♥Rock.WEB,weblink Akio Watanabe - Art Works, 2009-03-22, beNippon, dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20091117122524weblink">weblink 2009-11-17, WEB,weblink ja:ぽぽたん(ぷちフェレット), Popotan (Petit Ferret), Erogescape, 2008-12-10, ja, dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20160303170618weblink">weblink 2016-03-03, Higuchi Hideki and Kajihara Masahiro composed music for the series; Under17 contributed theme music with vocals. Petit Ferret created over 1,000 two-dimensional computer graphics for backgrounds, events, and character poses. Though only characters' mouths and eyes are animated, numerous poses exist for both major and minor characters; Petit Ferret created slightly fewer graphics for the latter to reduce production costs.WEB, Yamato, Tamaki,weblink Eroge production, Canned Dogs, 2008-12-14, ja, The game uses a character placement system to display the characters relative to the protagonist; distant characters appear small, and grow larger as the player approaches them.Petit Ferret requested applications for Japanese voice actresses from May to June 2002, seeking to fill the roles of the three sisters first. Satisfied with the applicants, Petit Ferret held open auditions for other roles starting June 30, 2002.WEB,weblink ja:秋発売予定美少女ゲームの声優オーディション 秋発売予定美少女ゲームの声優オーディション, Seiyū audition for bishoujo game to be released this Autumn, ITMedia, Softbank Games, 2002-05-02, 2009-01-16, ja, WEB,weblink ja:美少女パソコンゲームヒロイン声優募集の締切迫る！, Deadline for seiyū of the main bishoujo characters in a PC-game approaches., ITMedia, Softbank Games, 2002-06-08, 2009-01-16, ja, WEB,weblink 18ゲームの公開声優オーディション観覧者募集禁, Public Call for Seiyū Auditions for an adult game (Restrictioned)Petit Ferret's looking for voice actors, ITMedia, Softbank Games, 2002-06-24, 2009-01-16, ja, WellMADE produced and distributed the PS2 port, {{Nihongo|Oshiete! Popotan|おしえて!ぽぽたん}}, based on the DVD-ROM version of the original game. Petit Ferret made Akio Watanabe project supervisor for the PS2 port.WEB,weblink ぽぽたん"恥ずかし"ポスターを予約でGET！ ぽぽたん"恥ずかし"ポスターを予約で入手！, Get Reversible Popotan "Embarrassment" Poster! Obtain the Popotan "Embarrassment" Poster by Reservation!, ITMedia, Softbank Games, 2003-12-24, 2009-01-16, ja,

Release information

Petit Ferret released a trial version of Popotan for download on November 25, 2002 and released the full PC version on one CD-ROM the following December 13.WEB,weblink ja:ぽぽたん, Popotan, 2008-10-20, Getchu, ja, To increase pre-order sales, Ferret packaged the initial CD-ROM release of Popotan with a special maxi single CD of Under17's theme songs. The firm then released a fan disc on July 11, 2003, titled {{Nihongo3|Popotan Fan Disc: Let's P-L-A-Y Together|ぽぽたんファンディスク いっしょにA・SO・BO|Popotan Fan Disc: Issho ni A-SO-BO}}.WEB,weblink ぽぽたんファンディスク いっしょにA・SO・BO, Popotan Fan Disc: Let's P-L-A-Y Together, Getchu, 2008-11-02, ja, The disc includes several character-based mini-games (including the original's "Magical Girl Mii" mini-game), new storyline content and routes based around Mii and Nono, a separate music CD containing background music from the original game, themed computer wallpaper, and desktop accessories.VIDEO GAME, ぽぽたんファンディスク いっしょにA・SO・BO, Petit Ferret, 2003-07-03, ja, ja, CD-ROM, Some of the items must be unlocked. The fan disc preceded a re-release of the main game as Popotan Po! on August 1, 2003, as a DVD-ROM with game enhancements; it would be Petit Ferret's last official release.WEB,weblink Products, Petit Ferret, 2008-11-16, ja, dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20110722094702weblink">weblink 2011-07-22, WellMADE produced a PS2 port named Oshiete! Popotan, released March 11, 2004.WEB, IGN Staff,weblink PS2 releases, IGN, Playstation 2 News, 2004-03-15, 2008-12-15, Scenes in the port were changed or removed to comply with Sony's ban on sexual content, but the release still warranted CERO 18 rating. Later, after the CERO revised its rating system, it was given a CERO D rating.WEB,weblink Video games now have the same U.S. protection as books and films, The Japan Times, 2011-09-20, Ashcraft, Brian, WEB,weblink おしえて! ぽぽたん, Sony, 2011-09-20, Oshiete! Popotan, WellMADE tried to compensate for their absence with graphics and gameplay improvements. WellMADE enticed buyers of the port with a bonus themed calling card,WEB,weblink Oshiete! Popotan, Filefactory Games, 2008-11-02, dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20110720023824weblink">weblink 2011-07-20, WEB,weblink ja:セガダイレクト、 『おしえて！ぽぽたん』に限定オリジナルテレカを付けて販売, Sega Direct, Oshiete! Popotan Limited Edition Calling Cards with Initial Sales, News, Dengeki Online, 2008-11-14, ja, reversible poster, and music CD.WEB,weblink 『おしえて！ぽぽたん』予約特典情報が明らかに！, Oshiete! Popotan Reservation Information, 2008-12-04, WellMADE also released two free spinoff games in December 2003 and March 2004, collectively named {{nihongo|Unagi Fuku Warai|うなぎ福笑い}} and featuring Unagi as the heroine.WEB,weblink Unagi Fuku Warai, ITMedia, 2003-12-26, 2008-11-29, ja, WellMADE designed the games to be humorous and fun; the second allows Unagi to transform into her humanoid form after a certain point in the story.WEB,weblink Unagi Fuku Warai, ITMedia, 2004-03-12, 2008-11-29, ja, The initial limited edition release of Popotan on CD-ROM suffered critical errors, such as graphic display issues, saving and loading issues, the inability to complete some routes and Mii's mini-game not starting. Petit Ferret issued a patch on January 10, 2003. Later versions of the game were released bug-free.WEB,weblink 『ぽぽたん』FAQ, Popotan FAQ, Petit Ferret, 2008-12-09, ja, dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20110722094744weblink">weblink 2011-07-22, Issho ni A-SO-BO also contained several serious errors. Petit Ferret addressed these issues in two patches. The first patch added missing voice data from the original game CD; customers were given the option of downloading the patch or exchanging for a new CD. Ferret released the second patch on July 7, 2003; it corrected grammatical errors, adjusted the game's difficulty, and enhanced stability. The second patch did not contain the first's fixes.WEB,weblink 『ぽぽたんファンディスク』FAQ, Popotan Fan Disc: Let's P-L-A-Y Together FAQ, Petit Ferret, 2008-12-09, ja, dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20110722094759weblink">weblink 2011-07-22,

Related media

Anime series

{{See also|List of Popotan episodes}}An anime television series adaptation of Popotan was animated by Shaft and directed by Shinichiro Kimura. A pseudonymous animator going by the name "Haruka Sakurai" (桜井はるか) designed the characters for animation; and Rondo Mizukami served as the chief animation director, with Shaft animator Yoshiaki Itou helping with episodes 6 and 9.WEB,weblink PO-PO-TAN, Bandai Visual, ja, 2009-01-31, AV MEDIA NOTES, Popotan: Vanishing House, 2003, Shinichiro Kimura, back cover, Geneon, Long Beach, California, 2004, Half of the series was animated in-house at Shaft, while the other half was outsourced to a number of other studios: episodes 4 and 10 at studios Animaru Ya and Studio Deen; episodes 5 and 11 at Studio Tama; episode 7 at Satelight; and episode 8 at A.C.G.T.{{efn|All outsourcing studios credited as {{nihongo|Production Assistance|制作協力}} in their respective episode's credits.}} Under17 composed the opening theme song in the same style used for the game; Funta wrote the ending theme song. Tokyo Broadcasting System's satellite station BS-i and the Bandai Channel aired the anime from July 18, 2003, through October 3, 2003.WEB,weblink ぽぽたん, Popotan, 2009-02-16, TV Drama Database, WEB,weblink 過去の仕事(全年齢向け）, Past Work (For All Ages), テレビアニメ, 2009-01-23, Taiki Nishimura, 2009-03-27,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20090327094825weblink">weblink dead, WEB,weblink ja:ぽぽたん, Popotan, Bandai Channel, 2008-12-04, ja, The narrative is episodic and usually focuses on one character at a time. Each of the first four episodes focuses on one of the four main characters, depicting social interaction and growth.WEB,weblink Popotan - Vanishing House, Houston, Don, Reviews, DVDtalk, 2005-01-05, 2009-03-01, The anime's use of time travel allows focus on the older versions or children of previously-featured characters, and contrasts their experiences with the protagonists' agelessness. Reviewers have experienced difficulty categorizing the Popotan anime, though it does feature an overall comedic tone. The characters are very lighthearted and eager to help new acquaintances. Nudity appears in many episodes, though no sexually explicit scenes occur. Geneon rated the series for ages 16+; Section23 Films gave its re-release a TV-MA rating.AV MEDIA NOTES, Popotan: Complete Collection, 2003, Shinichiro Kimura, bottom box cover, Geneon, Long Beach, California, 2004, Shaft released a teaser DVD entitled {{nihongo|The Secret of the 3 Sisters|ぽぽたん 送開始記念版 もうガマンできない、３姉妹のひ・み・つ|Popotan Hōsō Kaishi Kinen ban Mō Gaman Deki Nai, 3 Shimai no Hi・Mi・Tsu}} on June 27, 2003, featuring character designs by Haruka Sakurai. The DVD also contained video interviews with the anime's Japanese voice actresses, a CD of music from radio the drama,WEB,weblink DVD発売日一覧」 5月12日の更新情報, DVD Release Date List "Updates on May 12, 2009-01-16, Impress Watch, ja, {{nihongo|Poporaji|ぽぽらじ}}'s theme {{nihongo|"Poporaji no Uta"|ぽぽらじの歌}}, metallic paint illustrations, and a plushie of Unagi.WEB,weblink ja:ぽぽたん 放送開始記念版 もうガマンできない～3姉妹のひ・み・つ～, Popotan Broadcast Premier Edition: Secret of the 3 Sisters info, Getchu, 2008-11-08, ja, Bandai Visual released the anime on six Japanese DVDs containing two episodes each. Bandai staggered the discs' release over the period September 26, 2003 and February 25, 2004.WEB,weblink ja:ぽぽたん (1) 通常版, Popotan Volume 1: Limited Edition, Getchu, 2008-11-08, ja, WEB,weblink ja:ぽぽたん 6巻 通常版, Popotan Volume 6: Limited Edition, Getchu, 2008-11-08, ja, Each disc came with a promotional figurine of one of the girls;WEB,weblink ぽぽたん 1巻 あなたにア·ゲ·ルBOX 〜あい〜 初回生産限定, Popotan Volume 1:Limited Edition Box ~Ai~, Getchu, 2009-01-23, ja, WEB,weblink ぽぽたん 2巻 あなたにア·ゲ·ルBOX 〜まい〜 初回生産限定, Popotan Volume 2:Limited Edition Box ~Mai~, Getchu, 2009-01-23, ja, WEB,weblink ぽぽたん 3巻 あなたにア·ゲ·ルBOX 〜みい〜 初回生産限定, Popotan Volume 3:Limited Edition Box ~Mii~, Getchu, 2009-01-23, ja, WEB,weblink ぽぽたん 4巻 あなたにア·ゲ·ルBOX 〜メアー〜 初回生産限定, Popotan Volume 4:Limited Edition Box ~Mea~, Getchu, 2009-01-23, ja, WEB,weblink ぽぽたん 5巻 あなたにア·ゲ·ルBOX〜小奈美〜 初回生産限定, Popotan Volume 5:Limited Edition Box ~Konami~, Getchu, 2009-01-23, ja, WEB,weblink ぽぽたん 6巻 あなたにア·ゲ·ルBOX 〜雫〜 初回生産限定, Popotan Volume 6:Limited Edition Box ~Shizuka~, Getchu, 2009-01-23, ja, Bandai provided DVDs without the figurines at lower costs.WEB,weblink ja:ぽぽたん (3) 通常版, Popotan Volume 3: Limited Edition, Getchu, 2009-02-13, ja, WEB,weblink ja:ぽぽたん (5) 通常版, Popotan Volume 5: Limited Edition, Getchu, 2009-02-13, ja, A misprint on the volume 3 DVD jacket occurred during production, numbering the episodes incorrectly. Bandai Visual offered free exchanges of the jackets to purchasers.WEB,weblink Volume 3 jacket misprint, Impress Watch, 2009-01-16, ja, Geneon USA licensed the DVDs for North American release, producing three DVDs containing four episodes each between December 7, 2004WEB,weblink Popotan - Vanishing House (Vol. 1) [DVD], Target.com, 2009-02-13, and April 26, 2005.WEB,weblink Popotan, Vol. 3: Decisions of the Heart [DVD], 26 April 2005, Target.com, 2009-02-13, AV MEDIA NOTES, Popotan: Enigma, 2003, Shinichiro Kimura, back cover, Geneon, Long Beach, California, 2004, AV MEDIA NOTES, Popotan: Decisions of the Heart, 2003, Shinichiro Kimura, back cover, Geneon, Long Beach, California, 2004, Geneon USA began selling a box set on August 14, 2007,WEB,weblink Popotan: Bailey Box, Reviews, DVD Talk, 2007-08-14, 2009-02-15, WEB,weblink Popotan Complete Collection, Thomas, Mark, Anime/Manga Reviews, Mania, 2009-02-15, dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20090220075737weblink">weblink 2009-02-20, shortly before the firm's demise.WEB,weblink Geneon USA to Cancel DVD Sales, Distribution by Friday, News, Anime News Network, September 26, 2007, 2009-02-13, Sentai Filmworks licensed the anime for distribution in late 2009, having made an announcement July 28.WEB,weblink Sentai Filmworks Adds Clannad After Story, Ghost Story, He Is My Master, Anime News Network, 2009-07-28, 2009-07-28, Section23 Films re-released the complete series through a 2-disc set on October 27, 2009.WEB,weblink Popotan Complete Collection On Sale Today, Anime News Network, News, 2009-10-27, 2009-11-06, WEB,weblink Popotan Complete Collection On Sale Today, 27 October 2009, Amazon, 2009-11-06,

Setting and plot

An adaptation of the visual novel, the anime takes place in an alternate reality. The main female characters and their relations are unchanged, but the storyline is unrelated to the game's. The plot follows the perspective of the three sisters and their maid rather than the game's protagonist; all the game's major female characters appear and many of the minor characters are used in supporting or cameo roles.AV MEDIA NOTES, Popotan: Vanishing House, 2003, Shinichiro Kimura, liner notes, Geneon, Long Beach, California, 2004, AV MEDIA NOTES, Popotan: Enigma, 2003, Shinichiro Kimura, liner notes, Geneon, Long Beach, California, 2005, AV MEDIA NOTES, Popotan: Decisions of the Heart, 2003, Shinichiro Kimura, liner notes, Geneon, Long Beach, California, 2005, The story centers around the three sisters as they travel through time in a mansion, run a Christmas shop, and search for the dandelion-resembling "popotan". The sisters interact with others and try to improve their situations.WEB,weblink Popotan series review, 2008-12-16, All Movie, The anime suggests that others, including the antagonist Keith, have attempted similar journeys in the past.AV MEDIA, September 2003, Popotan (The Episode), Television Production, Shaft, Japan, 13:35-14:20, Japanese Article Number, JAN 4934569616715, AV MEDIA, September 2003, Gift, Television Production, Shaft, Japan, Japanese Article Number, JAN 4934569616951, The anime otherwise covers little backstory, obscuring the reason for why Shizuku, Keith and Mea are associated. The sisters meet Shizuku while traveling through time, who gives them the option to continue journeying or stay in the era they enjoy most; they choose the former. The story ends as they continue traveling through time, leaving unanswered questions concerning their final destination and why they were chosen.WEB, Beveridge, Chris, Popotan Vol. #3 (of 3), Mania: Beyond Entertainment, 2002-04-12,weblink 2008-09-12, dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20141026214814weblink">weblink 2014-10-26, Their bodies are connected to the mansion where they live, which allows them to travel through time.WEB,weblink Geneon Press release announcement, 2008-05-29, ICV2, Their bodies cease to age outside the mansion; even their hair stops growing. They jump five years into the future when traveling through time and always arrive in different places, except for a split-party scenario in which Mai and Mea are left behind.WEB, Beveridge, Chris, Popotan Vol. #2 (of 3), Mania: Beyond Entertainment, 2005-02-22,weblink 2008-09-12, dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20141026205240weblink">weblink 2014-10-26, AV MEDIA, August 2003, I'm Home, Television Production, Shaft, Japan, Japanese Article Number, JAN 4934569616937, WEB,weblink Shelf Life - B-b-b-b-back and Lovin' It: Popotan Vol. #2 – Enigma, Bamboo, Dong, Review, Anime News Network, 2005-05-16, 2009-03-20,

Music

The visual novel features three themes by Under17—the opening theme {{nihongo|'Say It! Popotan|いっちゃえ！ぽぽたん|Icchae! Popotan}}, the theme song for Mii's "Magical Girl Mii" cosplay ({{nihongo|Mii-tan no Mahō de Pon!!|みいタンの魔法でポン!!}}), and ending theme {{nihongo|Answer|こたえ|Kotae}}. Under17 added their theme songs to their Best Album soundtracks along with Popotan Kiss from the radio drama.AV MEDIA NOTES, UNDER17 BEST 1 美少女ゲームソングに愛を!!, Under17#Albums, UNDER17, 2003, Lantis, Japan, AV MEDIA NOTES, UNDER17 BEST 3 そして伝説へ・・・, Disc 1, Under17#Albums, UNDER17, 2004, Lantis, Japan, AV MEDIA NOTES, UNDER17 BEST 3 そして伝説へ・・・, Disc 2, Under17#Albums, UNDER17, 2004, Lantis, Japan, Under17 plays work composed for Popotan in their live events.WEB,weblink 「DVD発売日一覧」 1月19日の更新情報, "DVD Release Date List" Updated on January 19, Impress Watch, 2009-01-16, ja, Customers who pre-ordered the game received the moe theme songs by Under17 as bonus content.WEB,weblink RJP-Pro {{sic, y, Anoun, cements, Announcements, |work=News|publisher=Anime News Network|date=2004-06-08|access-date=2009-05-22}} Petit Ferret coincided the visual novel's premiere with the release of a special maxi single containing the anime's vocal theme songs and their instrumental counterparts, otherwise unavailable to listeners.WEB,weblink Under17, Moimi.info, 2008-11-20, ja, A third Popotan image album based on the visual novel was packaged as a pre-order item with the PS2 port the following year.The anime opens with {{nihongo|Popotan Hatake de Tsukamaete|ぽぽたん畑でつかまえて}} by Under17, and the closes with S–U–K–I by Funta. Petit Ferret released two full-length albums and one extended play based on the anime in late 2003. The EP, {{nihongo|Popotan e.p.|ぽぽたん e.p.}}, debuted on August 6, 2003, and featured full versions of the anime's opening and ending themes as well as Gem Stone, an image song collaboration between Under17 and Funta.WEB,weblink ぽぽたん e.p.／UNDER17、Funta、UNDER17＋Funta, Popotan e.p. ／UNDER17、Funta、UNDER17＋Funta, Getchu, 2008-11-14, ja, The first album, It's A PoPoTime!, contains original character songs by the Japanese voice actresses and was released November 6, 2003.WEB,weblink TVアニメ ぽぽたん ヴォーカルミニアルバム『It's A PoPoTime！』, TV Anime Popotan Vocal Mini-Album It's a PoPoTime!, Getchu, 2008-11-14, ja, The second album, Popo Music, comprised the anime's original soundtrack by Ozamu Tezuka and was released on the 27th.WEB,weblink TVアニメ ぽぽたん オリジナルサウンドトラック "POPO MUSIC", Original TV Anime CD Soundtrack Popo Music, Getchu, 2008-11-14, ja,

Radio drama and publications

Petit Ferret developed a radio drama named Poporaji, based on a song used in the anime's broadcast premiere DVD, The Secret of the 3 Sisters. The show focused on the three sisters and Mea with their respective Japanese voice actresses playing their roles. It was broadcast by Osaka Broadcasting Corporation in two segments; the first ran from April to September 2003 and the second from October to December 2003. TBS Radio rebroadcast the drama later in its debut week. Petit Ferret announced on January 22, 2004, that Poporaji would be replayed on BEAT NetRadio on Bandai Visual's websiteWEB,weblink バンダイビジュアルのインターネットラジオ局 「BEAT☆Net Radio！」が開局！, Bandai Visual's Internet Radio Station "BEAT☆Net Radio！" Started broadcasting., Comptiq, 2009-10-11, ja, dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20081202071654weblink">weblink 2008-12-02, and compiled into two CDs, {{nihongo|Poporaji Popoi CD|ぽぽらじっぽいCD}} and Poporaji Popoi CD2.AV MEDIA NOTES, Poporaji Popoi CD 1, Masumi Asano, Mai Kadowaki, Haruko Momoi & Sayaka Ohara, 2003, Lantis (company), Lantis, Japan, AV MEDIA NOTES, Poporaji Popi CD2, Masumi Asano, Mai Kadowaki, Haruko Momoi & Sayaka Ohara, 2004, Lantis (company), Lantis, Japan, Sasami Uachiruda and SPIRITE wrote and illustrated two novels, entitled {{nihongo|Popotan～ Himitsu no Jumon～ Kōhen|ぽぽたん ～ひみつのじゅもん～ 後編}} and published by Softgarage on June 20 and August 22, 2002. These novels follow the plot of the series, involving all notable characters and combining their personal storylines.BOOK, ja:ぽぽたん ～ひみつのじゅもん～ 後編, Yachiruda, Sasami, 2002-06-20, Softgarage, Japan, 4-921068-97-6, 1, ja, BOOK, ja:ぽぽたん ～ひみつのじゅもん～ 後編, Yachiruda, Sasami, 2002-08-22, Softgarage, Japan, 4-921068-98-4, 2, ja, Magazine Z published a two-part Popotan manga series by Yūjiro Izumi whose story revolved around the three sisters.WEB,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20051125064456weblink">weblink 2005-11-25,weblink ぷちフェレット Official Homepage, Petit Ferret's Official Homepage, Petit Ferret, 2008-11-16, ja, BOOK, ぽぽたん 1 (マガジンZコミックス) (コミック), Poporan 1 (Magazine Z Comics) (Comics), {{ASIN, 4063491544, jp, |language=ja}}BOOK, ぽぽたん 2 (マガジンZコミックス) (コミック), Poporan 2 (Magazine Z Comics) (Comics), {{ASIN, 4063491781, jp, |language=ja}} The manga was released in two volumes on December 19, 2003WEB,weblink ja:ぽぽたん（１）, Popotan (1), Kodansha, 2015-10-25, ja, and August 23, 2004.WEB,weblink ja:ぽぽたん（2）, Popotan (2), Kodansha, 2015-10-25, ja, Two Popotan reference books have been released—{{nihongo|Popotan Visual Fan Book|ぽぽたん ビジュアルファンブック|Popotan - Bijuarufanbukku}}, published by Petit Ferret and SoftBank Publishing, and distributed by Raspberry Books;BOOK, Akio Watatanabe - Art Works, Softbank Creative, Watanabe, Akio, July 2006, Japan, 978-4-7973-3562-0, ja, BOOK, ja:ぽぽたん ビジュアルファンブック, Popotan Visual Fan Book, 2003, Petit Ferret & SoftBank Publishing, Japan, ja, 4-7973-2348-5, and {{nihongo|Popotan - Official Anthology Manga Book |ぽぽたんオフィシャルビジュアルコミックアンソロジー|Popotan - Ofisharubijuarukomikkuansorojii}} by Air Publications.BOOK, Popotan - Official Manga Artbook, Air Publication, November 2003, Japan, 978-4-7767-9001-3, ja, The Popotan Visual Fan Book featured a new side-story printed in western format.The book is printed to be read from left to right. Traditional Japanese writing is written from right to left. Kadokawa Shoten published an art book for the series entitled {{nihongo|Popotan - Kadokawa Game Collection|ぽぽたん ろっくちゃんのひみつの絵本|Popotan Rock-chan no Himitsu no Ehon}}.BOOK, Popotan -Kadokawa Game Collection, 30 September 2003, Kadokawa Shoten, Japan, 978-4-04-707125-4, ja, Popotan illustrations also appear in {{nihongo|Akio Watanabe - Art Works|ART WORKS (アートワークス)|Art Works (Aato Waakusu)}}.BOOK, Popotan - Visual Art Book, 5 August 2003, Raspberry Books, Japan, 978-4-7973-2348-1, ja, A fan book by {{nihongo|ムービック|Muubiki}} for the television series was released March 5, 2003, entitled {{nihongo|Popotan - Exciting ROM Book|ぽぽたん どきどきROMぶっく|Popotan Dokidoki ROM Bukku}} and containing a Microsoft Windows CD-ROM with extra content.BOOK, Popotan - Exciting ROM Book, Muubikki, March 2004, Popo House/Petit Ferret, Japan, 978-4-8443-5735-3, ja,

Legacy, reception and sales

Visual novel

{{Video game reviews| title = Oshiete! Popotandate=September 2021}}}} (File:Caramelldansen.gif|thumb|left|This dancing scene from the opening of the visual novel is one of the most widely recognized images of Popotan.|alt=An animated image of Mai and Mii doing a simple dance. They hold their hands on the sides of their heads flapping them while shaking their hips sideways.)Popotan visual novels released by Petit Ferret enjoyed strong initial sales. PCNews' national rating of bishōjo games listed Popotan{{'}}s initial CD-ROM release at ninth place around one-and-a-half months after its release;WEB,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20051227194949weblink">weblink 2005-12-27,weblink 全国美少女ソフト売り上げランキング TOP50 PC NEWS No.114（ 1/1～1/15）, Top 50 National Bishōjo Sales Ranking - PC NEWS No.114 (1/1 - 1/15), Ranking, PCnews, 2008-11-12, ja, dead, it stayed on the charts another half-month at twenty-first.WEB,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20051227181706weblink">weblink 2005-12-27,weblink 全国美少女ソフト売り上げランキング TOP50 PC NEWS No.115（ 1/1～1/15）, Top 50 National Bishōjo Sales Ranking - PC NEWS No.115 (1/1 - 1/15), Ranking, PCnews, 2008-11-12, ja, dead, It returned six months after release for a brief stay at forty-sixth shortly before the fan disc was released.WEB,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20051227185728weblink">weblink 2005-12-27,weblink 全国美少女ソフト売り上げランキング TOP50 PC NEWS No.123（ 5/1～5/15）, Top 50 National Bishōjo Sales Ranking - PC NEWS No.123 (5/1 - 5/15), Ranking, PCnews, 2008-11-12, ja, dead, The DVD-ROM re-release rose to twenty-fourth in overall sales one month after its debut.WEB,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20051227190159weblink">weblink 2005-12-27,weblink 全国美少女ソフト売り上げランキング TOP50 PC NEWS No.129（8/1～8/15）, Top 50 National Bishōjo Sales Ranking - PC NEWS No.129 (8/1 - 8/15), Ranking, PCnews, 2008-11-12, ja, dead, The fan disc's release propelled it to eleventh among the most sold bishōjo games within one month.WEB,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20051227190836weblink">weblink 2005-12-27,weblink 全国美少女ソフト売り上げランキング TOP50 PC NEWS No.127（7/1～7/15）, Top 50 National Bishōjo Sales Ranking - PC NEWS No.127 (7/1 - 7/15), Ranking, PCnews, 2008-11-12, ja, dead, The PS2 port Oshiete! Popotan received a score rating of 22 / 40.{{from whom?|date=September 2021}}{{citation needed|date=September 2021}} The visual novel featured a dance in its opening that became an Internet phenomenon.WEB,weblink Caramell Dansen Masivo!, Festival Kamen 2011, 2011-07-25, gl,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20110720034240weblink">weblink 2011-07-20, dead, Massive Caramell Dansen!, {{Unreliable source?|date=July 2023}} The dance features Mai and Mii swinging their hips sideways while holding their hands near the sides of their heads and flapping them, as if making a "goodbye" motion representing cat earsAV MEDIA, 2003, Popotan Po! Opening,weblink MPG (LHA (file format), LHA compressed), Visual Novel, Petit Ferret, Japan, 2008-12-08, 1:42-1:44, 1:54-:155, dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20110722094808weblink">weblink 2011-07-22, Internet users set the dance to a sped-up chorus of the song Caramelldansen by Caramell. The scene's popularity helped the Popotan franchise and Caramell attain a cult following.WEB,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20100121180403weblink">weblink 2010-01-21,weblink Interview of Jorge Vasconcelo, Bubblegum Dancer, 2015-10-25, The dance is performed by individuals (especially in Japan)AV MEDIA, フ○テレビ (ﾟ∀ﾟ)ｳｯーｳｯーｳﾏｳﾏ,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20140609141314weblink">weblink 2014-06-09, dead,weblink flash, News report, Fuji News Network, Japan, 2008-12-01, at anime conventions,AV MEDIA, Otakon Masquerade participants, Otakon '08 - Carmelldasen,weblink 2016-04-16, live,weblink flash, Baltimore, Maryland, Documentary, UndeadTiger, 2009-01-26, and in advertising, video gamesAV MEDIA,weblinkweblink 2021-12-13, live, ルーハーCMちゃんねる3, Luu-Haa (Lucent Heart) CM Channel 3, Gamania, 2009-06-28, 2010-04-13, ja, {{cbignore}} and other unrelated anime. The popularity of Popotan in Japan brought Haruko Momoi and her band Under17 to prominence.JOURNAL, Michelle Tymson, Dennis A. Amith, March 2007, Momoi Haiko, J!-ENT, 3,

Anime

The first English Popotan DVD met mixed reviews in the United States. Anime Jump gave it 1½ stars, stating that beyond the pretty pictures, "it is created specifically to sell DVDs, tiny figurines, and other merchandise to introverted adult men."WEB, Toole, Mike, Popotan vol. 1, Anime Jump,weblink 2008-11-16,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20071108010224weblink">weblink November 8, 2007, DVDtalk gave it a final rating of "recommended" and only criticized the bonus content. The reviewer remarked that the first disc "[...]was full of surprises for even a jaded old reviewer like myself." Anime News Network held mixed attitudes towards the second DVD, citing certain characters and the level of nudity. Its reviewers praised Popotan{{'}}s storyline, considering it especially complex for a video game-based anime. Popotan has proven notoriously difficult for English reviewers to categorize, leading several to praise its multi-genre style and appeal.Critics who reviewed only the first DVD gave the series more negative marks than those who reviewed it in full. Of the latter, Allmovie gave Popotan 4/5 stars and DVDtalk awarded it "recommended" status, citing the first two discs.WEB,weblink Popotan - Enigma, Houston, Don, Reviews, DVDtalk, 2005-02-22, 2009-03-01, Examining the Sentai Filmworks re-release, Theron Martin concurred that the anime improved towards the end despite rushed plot development. He gave the series low marks overall, feeling its quality varied wildly each episode.WEB,weblink Popotan: DVD - Complete Collection, Martin, Theron, Review, Anime News Network, 2009-11-01, 2010-05-29, The level of nudity and its importance to the storyline have been widely debated. John Oppliger of Anime Nation feels explicit nudity ruined the Popotan anime, overshadowing its character depth and complex storyline.WEB,weblink Ask John: Why Do Americans Hate Harem Anime?, John, Oppliger, AnimeNation.net, May 20, 2005, April 25, 2008,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20080711022804weblink">weblink July 11, 2008, Anime News Network and Mania agreed that it was excessive; one reviewer from the former likened it to "kiddie porn" and another attributed its re-release to demand for nudity. DVDtalk's reviewers were mixed; one claimed the nude scenes were out-of-place, and another considered them appropriate. Both considered the overall use of nudity to be "minor".Critics have generally praised the animation and Akio Watanabe's character design. Despite chiding the plot, Mike Toole found the character design "memorable"; reviewer Theron Martin disagreed. {{nihongo|Ozamu Tezuka|手塚理|Tezuka Ozamu}}Ozamu Tezuka is a composer of anime music and should not be confused with Osamu Tezuka, one of the founding Japanese animators. found praise for his minimalist approach to the score. Geneon's voice acting also elicited good reception, credited to Rob Beckwell, Popotan{{'}}s English voice director. Mii is the only protagonist criticized for her voice acting; reviewers particularly praised Mea's voice.

See also

• Caramelldansen

Notes

{{notelist}}

References

General

• VIDEO GAME, Popotan, ja:ぽぽたん, Petit Ferret, 2002-12-13, Personal computer, PC, 2.0, ja, ja,
• VIDEO GAME, Popotan Po!, ja:=ぽぽたん Po!, Petit Ferret, 2003-08-01, Personal computer, PC, DVD-ROM, ja, ja,
• VIDEO GAME, Oshiete! Popotan, ja:おしえて！ぽぽたん, Success, WellMADE, 2004-03-11, PS2, ja, ja,

Specific

{{reflist|2}}

External links

• {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722094338weblink |date=July 22, 2011 |title=Petit Ferret's official website }} {{in lang|ja}}
• Popotan anime at Bandai Visual {{in lang|ja}}
• {{vndb|196}}
• {{vndb|4975|title=Popotan Fan Disc: Issho ni A-SO-BO}}
• {{anime News Network|anime|2082}}

{{Popotan}}{{Shaft Animation Studio}}{{Jukki Hanada}}{{Good article}}