Taiwan’s adorable ‘Takokuma’ sets sail for global shores with heartwarming adventures

From the small island where he was born, Takokuma—the lovable “Octopus Bear” from Taiwan—is making waves far beyond home. With his simple yet expressive design and stories rooted in friendship, kindness and self-discovery, Takokuma holds the potential to become one of Asia’s most promising character IPs.

The character IP was presented by Sunthingood Studio during the Elevator Pitch held at Asean Digital Content Summit (ADCS) 2025, taking place in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Sunthingood Studio’s project manager Alice Lee and design director Owen Tsai showcased the IP’s global appeal and expansion into animated series and merchandise.

“Alongside his friends—Buddy Raccoon, Captain 22, and Little Hedgehog Hari Hari—Takokuma embarks on heartwarming adventures that celebrate the beauty of everyday life,” said Lee. “Whether helping a friend, learning something new, or chasing after his favourite apples, Takokuma’s stories are filled with gentle humour and heartfelt lessons.”

The brand has already made its mark in Taiwan with three published picture books and an expanding line of merchandise. “Takokuma was born from the world of picture books — a journey about discovering oneself and embracing differences. He doesn’t belong to any animal encyclopedia, yet with curiosity and kindness, he’s always finding ways to bring the world a little closer together,” shared Lee and Tsai.

Now, the IP is extending its reach into 2D animation with two series: Takokuma Mini Theater and Takokuma’s Adventure Story.

Takokuma Mini Theater is a completed 26-episode series of 1.5-minute episodes designed for children aged four to seven. “Told entirely without dialogue, the show communicates through expressive animation, making it ideal for international audiences,” mentioned Lee. “This dialogue-free format not only eliminates dubbing costs but also ensures seamless storytelling across cultures. Its universal themes of friendship and playfulness make it a perfect choice for family viewing, engaging both children and parents alike.”

The second series, Takokuma’s Adventure Story, is currently in production and set for completion in 2027. Comprising 26 episodes of seven minutes each, it follows Takokuma as he falls from the sky and begins a magical journey filled with laughter, friendship, and enchanted apples.

Each of Takokuma’s friends brings their own charm to the stories: Buddy Raccoon, the shy yet greedy “Apple King”; Captain 22, the brave but rigid rabbit leader with a strong sense of justice; and Hari Hari, the fiery hedgehog who suffers from insomnia but has an unmistakable warmth beneath his spikes. Together, they travel from Takokuma’s island home to the peaks of Mount Aras, discovering courage, compassion, and joy along the way.

In the past two years, Takokuma’s popularity has grown rapidly, with licensing deals across Taiwan, Japan, and China, and representation now expanding to Korea as well. These partnerships have positioned the character for international recognition and further global collaborations.

“What sets our character apart from typical heroes is his worldview. His stories do not revolve around saving the world, but around finding wonder in simple moments and embracing differences,” highlighted Lee. “The two core messages—“Being different is something to celebrate” and “It’s more fun to have fun together”—resonate deeply with audiences of all ages.”

As the creators continue to expand Takokuma’s universe, they are seeking more international partners to join this growing adventure. “At ADCS, we were deeply inspired by the diversity and sincerity of the creators we met. The feedback we received strengthened our belief that even though Takokuma’s story is simple, it can cross cultures and resonate with people everywhere,” expressed Lee and Tsai.

With his endearing personality, emotional warmth, and strong global potential, Takokuma is fast becoming a symbol of kindness, friendship, and self-acceptance for audiences around the world.