The iconic anime Sazae-san, which has been captivating audiences for over 55 years, has broken its own Guinness World Record for the longest-running animated TV series in history. The achievement comes as the beloved series celebrates its 55th anniversary and marks a major milestone in the show’s legacy.
According to Oricon News, Sazae-san surpassed its previous record, which it set several years ago, solidifying its place in history as the longest-running anime television series. In addition to the show’s success, Midori Kato, the voice actress behind the central character Sazae Fuguta, has re-earned the Guinness World Record for the longest career as a voice actor portraying the same character in an animated series.
Both Sazae-san and Kato’s record-breaking achievements coincide with the series’ 55th anniversary and the fifth anniversary of its original world record recognition. Kato, who celebrated her 85th birthday on the same day, was honored during a special ceremony at the Machiko Hasegawa Museum of Art in Tokyo on November 15. Reflecting on her journey, Kato shared with Comic Natalie, “I won the award once on the 50th anniversary, and I received it again on the 55th anniversary, 5 years later. The past 5 years have gone by in a flash, but there are many people involved in each anime, and we will cherish it as a weighty award.”
Kato also expressed her gratitude toward the fans who have supported Sazae-san over the years and voiced her hope that future generations will continue to enjoy the show.
The anime, which first premiered on October 5, 1969, was adapted from Machiko Hasegawa’s manga of the same name. It has become a staple of Japanese television, delighting viewers with its heartwarming depiction of the daily lives of Sazae Isono and her family. To mark the anniversary, Fuji TV will be hosting a special event titled Celebration and Broadcast 55th Anniversary Autumn Sazae-san Week, running from November 25 to December 1, 2024. The event will feature a curated selection of episodes from the series, culminating in a one-hour special.
In a statement, the CEO of Eiken, the animation studio behind Sazae-san, expressed gratitude for the long-running collaboration with Kato and the entire team. “I am very grateful to have been with many of you for a long time, including Midori Kato, who has been full of ‘Sazae-san’s love’ for a long time,” the CEO said. “Next time, I would like to work hard to make a program with even more love, aiming for a 60th anniversary.”
The Sazae-san Autumn Week will begin on November 25, continuing to celebrate the series’ enduring popularity and cultural impact.
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