Tokyo [Japan]/ Pune (Maharashtra) [India], April 3: Rian today announced a collaboration with the popular Japanese anime Bonobono. This collaboration supports the international expansion of the series. The collaboration comes at an important milestone for the series, marking 40 years since the original manga began serialization and 10 years since the long-running television anime began broadcasting.
Through this collaboration, Rian will support the localization of Bonobono for audiences in India. This initiative reflects a shared goal of expanding access to the series while preserving the unique tone, gentle storytelling style, and cultural authenticity that have been loved by viewers for many years.
About Bonobono
Bonobono was created by manga artist Mikio Igarashi and began serialization in 1986. The manga has sold more than 9.5 million copies and became the basis for the long-running television anime produced by Fuji Television and Eiken. The anime continues to be broadcast in Japan and is distributed through both television broadcasting and digital streaming.
The series follows a curious young sea otter and his friends as they explore everyday events and life’s small questions through warm and thoughtful storytelling. Known for its gentle pacing and philosophical themes, Bonobono has gained devoted fans across many generations.
About RIAN
Rian is an AI-powered localization platform designed for film, television, and digital media. The company provides AI-assisted dubbing and localization solutions such as neural voice synthesis and AI-based lip synchronization, enabling content owners to efficiently localize stories for global audiences at scale.
Rian collaborates with media production companies, studios, and distribution platforms to support international releases while maintaining creative intent, consistency, and production quality.
Collaboration Overview
As part of this collaboration, Eiken, the production company of the TV anime Bonobono, conducted auditions using AI voice samples provided by RIAN and will localize the animation for distribution in India using RIAN’s AI-assisted dubbing technology.
The series is currently available on YouTube, and expansion to additional platforms is planned. At present, the content supports the following languages:
- English
- Hindi
- Marathi
- Tamil
Further details regarding the scope of content, distribution platforms, and release schedules will be announced following ongoing coordination between the teams.
Leadership Perspectives
Comment from a RIAN Director
“Bonobono is a work characterized by warmth, simplicity, and universal appeal. We are honored to support its international expansion and to help deliver the work to new audiences while respecting the spirit of the original.”
An Eiken representative commented:
“Bonobono has continued to connect with audiences for many years through its gentle worldview. This collaboration introduces a new localization approach while maintaining the unique character of the work. Auditions were conducted using more than a dozen voice samples adapted to Indian culture, customs, and languages. The selected localized voices are directed under professional supervision, and are further translated and localized into multiple languages within India. This project represents an opportunity to explore a new approach that has not been attempted before. We hope you look forward to it.”
Distribution Status
The series is currently being distributed on YouTube in:
- English
- Hindi
- Marathi
- Tamil
Details regarding additional platforms, the scope of content, and future distribution schedules will be announced as coordination among the relevant teams progresses.
For More Information
Rian
Bonobono Collaboration Website
https://bonobono.ftbcommunications.com/
Bonobono Official Website
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@bonobono-rian
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