Definition
Nandarō (Japanese: なんだろう, literally “What is it?”) is a mascot character created for Nippon Television (NTV), a major Japanese television network. The figure is a stylized green pig whose tail is shaped like the numeral “4,” referencing NTV’s channel number.
Overview
The mascot was introduced in 1992 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of NTV. It was designed by renowned animator Hayao Miyazaki of Studio Ghibli and debuted in a series of animated commercial spots aired on the network. Nandarō appeared in various promotional materials, including on‑air graphics, printed media, and merchandise, serving as a visual identifier for the broadcaster. The character was used prominently from its introduction until around 2012, after which NTV adopted a different mascot (Da Bear) for its branding, although Nandarō continues to be recognized as part of the network’s visual history.
Etymology / Origin
The name “Nandarō” combines the Japanese interrogative “nanda” (何だ, “what is”) with the sentence‑ending particle “rō” (ろ), creating the phrase “what is it?” This playful title reflects the ambiguous, whimsical nature of the character’s design, suggesting that even its creators were not entirely certain how to categorize the creature.
Characteristics
- Appearance: A bright green pig with large, expressive eyes. Its tail is deliberately curved to resemble the numeral “4,” alluding to NTV’s analog and digital channel assignments (channel 4).
- Design Attribution: Conceived by Hayao Miyazaki, the mascot bears the simple yet distinctive aesthetic typical of early‑1990s Japanese broadcast branding.
- Usage: Featured in a series of short animated spots titled Sora Iro no Tane (1992) and other promotional clips. The character also appeared on NTV’s logo placements, event signage, and limited merchandise.
- Evolution: While the mascot was intended for a one‑year promotional period, it remained in use for roughly two decades before being phased out in favor of newer branding elements.
Related Topics
- Nippon Television (NTV) – The broadcasting company for which Nandarō was created.
- Hayao Miyazaki – Animator and director at Studio Ghibli, responsible for designing Nandarō.
- Studio Ghibli – The animation studio that produced the original Nandarō commercial spots.
- Da Bear – The mascot that succeeded Nandarō as NTV’s primary visual emblem in the 2010s.
- Japanese Television Mascots – A broader category of brand characters used by Japanese broadcasters for identity and marketing.