Chiikawa

The anime is set in a civilized world with grasslands and forests. It follows the daily adventures of the titular protagonist, Chiikawa, and their friends. They also work at jobs – including weeding and hunting – which are given by a race referred to as Yoroi-san, who is involved in the characters' lives.

In May 2017, Nagano posted a sketch of the titular protagonist, Chiikawa, on Twitter.^[7] Chiikawa, Hachiware, and Usagi were originally named Nitori, Ikeya, and Donki, respectively.^[8] The reason that Nagano chose Twitter was because of its immediacy and accessibility. By November 2020, Kodansha collected the comics into physical volumes, the first of which was published in February 2021.^[9][10]

A separate account was created in January 2020 and the manga began serialization. A book version was published by Kodansha on February 12, 2021.^[11] Prior to that, a one-shot story was published in the eleventh issue of Morning was released on February 10.^[12]

Chiikawa (ちいかわ)

Voiced by: Haruka Aoki^[13]

Chiikawa is the titular protagonist of the franchise.^[14] Chiikawa is small-sized, has rounded ears and a teardrop-shaped tail, resembling a mouse.^[15] Early on, Chiikawa was named as Nitori.^[8] Cowardly and timid, they live in a house won in the Muchauma Yogurt lottery. Unlike some other characters, Chiikawa cannot speak in a way that is intelligible to the audience – only saying things such as "yada" and "iya" – both of which are childish ways of saying "no" in Japanese. They expresses themselves primarily through sounds, but it is understandable to the rest of the cast.^[16]

Hachiware (ハチワレ)

Voiced by: Makoto Tanaka [ja]^[13]

Hachiware, originally named Ikeya,^[8] is a friend of both Chiikawa and Usagi and lives in a cave. Hachiware's name and design are based on those of a bicolor cat, though it is not one.^[11] Hachiware is depicted as chatty, curious and optimistic, as well as being kind-hearted and willing to help its friends, especially Chiikawa.^[16]

Usagi (うさぎ; lit. 'Rabbit')

Voiced by: Ari Ozawa^[13]

Usagi, originally named Donki,^[8] is a friend of both Chiikawa and Hachiware. Depicted as high-spirited, it occasionally acts as a troublemaker, but supports its friends when they are in trouble. Similar to Chiikawa, Usagi is unintelligible to the audience, making noises such as "una" and "yaha", but can be understood to the other characters. Usagi's name and design is based on those of a rabbit, though it "may or may not" be one. Usagi is mainly known for being eccentric and a foodie.

Momonga (モモンガ; lit. 'Flying squirrel')

Voiced by: Iguchi Yuka^[17]

Momonga is a naughty and playful flying squirrel. It is always focused on acting cute and is always begging for attention. Even during dangerous situations, it would ask for food and rest. In pursuit of its aim, Momonga often "acts cute". While it lacks knowledge in social cues, it makes an active effort to imitate other characters' cute actions, notably Chiikawa. In particular, it often imitates Chiikawa's yawning and crying.

Rakko (ラッコ; lit. 'Sea Otter')

Voiced by: Yuma Uchida^[17]

Rakko is a sea otter that excels in battle, and is top of the subjugation ranking. It looks very serious, but it actually loves desserts. Rakko also has a car and is able to drive.^[18]

Kuri-Manjū (くりまんじゅう)

Voiced by: Takayuki Asai^[17]

Kuri-manjū's character design is based on a honey badger and Kuri Manju, a Japanese confectionery bun made with chestnut fillings. It is always seen drinking alcohol and eating various foods, usually emitting a loud, exaggerated breath after taking a sip from its beverage.^{[19][better source needed]}

Shisa (シーサー, Shīsā)

Voiced by: Miyuri Shimabukuro

A hard-working employee at the Rou Ramen Restaurant. It is the apprentice of Ramen no Yoroi-san. Its character design is based on the Ryukyuan cultural artifact of the same name.

Furuhonya (古本屋; lit. 'Old Book Store')

Furuhonya kind, peaceful bookseller. It is a pink critter that resembles a crab with two false claws sticking out of its head. Although initially a faceless mob character, its design was revealed after Momonga placed a crab headband onto it.^[4] Its name is officially Furuhonya (古本屋), but author Nagano subtitles Kani (かに) under it.

Chiikabu (ちいかぶ)

Chiikabu, also known as Kabutomushi, is a playful rhinoceros beetle-like creature that becomes Chiikawa's friend. It shows a cute appearance and personality towards the other critters, but in reality, Chiikabu is a mimic monster who lures the chiikawas to eat them.

Dekatsuyo (でかつよ; lit. 'Big and Strong')

Dekatsuyo is a timid and shy chimera. It does not eat Chiikawa and friends like the other chimeras. The only time they get aggressive is when they are in the presence of Momonga. Dekatsuyo had their body forcibly swapped with Momonga by an evil witch. The reason they are hostile towards Momonga is because they stole their body and want it back.

Pochette no Yoroi-san (ポシェットの鎧さん; lit. '"Body-Armor with Pochette"')

Voiced by: Tomokazu Sugita^[17]

One of the humanoid species that wears silver armor and carries a pink pouch that he crafted himself. He is often making costumes for the main trio. He is good friends with Rōdō no Yoroi-San and Ramen no Yoroi-san, with the three of them often hanging out together.

Rōdō no Yoroi-san (労働の鎧さん; lit. 'Body-Armor Labor')

Voiced by: Hiroki Tōchi^[17]

A humanoid character wearing grey armor that manages the job booth where the critters sign up for the day's tasks.

Ramen no Yoroi-san (ラーメンの鎧さん; lit. 'Body-Armor of Ramen Shop')

Voiced by: Yoshitsugu Matsuoka^[17]

A humanoid character wearing yellow armor that works at the Rou Ramen Restaurant. Shisa apprentices under them as part of the Super Part-timer Program.

With over 2.7 million copies in circulation,^[30] the manga has been nominated for the 48th Kodansha Manga Award in 2024 in the General category.^[46] The series won the 53rd Japan Cartoonists Association Award in the Manga Division.^[47] Chiikawa merchandise rose popularity in China and Hong Kong in early 2024.^[48][49]

Chiikawa has given rise to a variety of merchandise. On the official online store, there are various products designed based on the anime characters, including plush toys, stickers, clothing, and more.^[50] Co-branding between Chiikawa and other comics or companies are also well-received. The official Chiikawa website has collaborated with Sanrio, Hankyu, and Converse,^[51] among others. A wide range of themed products are also offered, including magical girl series, sushi series, and Lailai Chinese restaurants series.^[52] In July 2025, Chiikawa Park opened in Tokyo, Japan.^[53]

Chiikawa collaborated with Ariana Grande on the music video for "Santa Tell Me".^[54] Popular characters from Chiikawa were dressed as Santa Claus and the music video was animated. Since the video's release on December 6, 2023, it was viewed approximately 1.38 million times in a single day, further increasing the popularity of Chiikawa. In September 2024, Chiikawa stickers was released in Japanese Happy Meals.^[55] Chiikawa, among other Japanese brands, partnered with Major League Baseball for the 2025 Tokyo Series.^[56]

Contrary to its cute elements, Japanese website Real Sound described Chikawa as a "dark fantasy" anime, proven when the characters earn money to live by defeating the enemy and weeding. The scene where the chimera puts out the nail depicts strong will that does not pander as a family-friendly series.^[2]