Hamtaro

Hamtaro , Tottoko Hamutarō?, lit. Trotting Hamtaro) is a children and family anime television program, that fits for All Ages. The main character is the eponymous hamster named Hamtaro. The anime is based on Ritsuko Kawai's storybooks. Supporting characters include a large clan of hamsters, known as the Ham-Hams. Hamtaro is owned by a girl named Laura Haruna (Hiroko Haruna or "Roko-chan" in Japanese version). The show also features the household's dog, Brandy (Brandon in the Japanese version). Hamtaro is licensed by Viz Media in North America, who dubbed it in a format aimed at a younger audience.

The original series ended on March 31, 2006 in Japan. As of April 5, 2006, a series known as Norisuta Hai began airing five minute Hamtaro episodes known as "Tottoko Hamutaro: Norisuta Hai!" The Norisuta Hai series is animated differently from the original series, most notably how the head-to-body ratio is off, and is designed to appeal to a younger audience. There does not seem to be any connection between Tottoko Hamutaro and Tottoko Hamutaro: Norisuta Haai beyond the planned appearance of all fifteen original Ham-Hams.