For American children in the early 2000s, Toonami it was the best and most iconic way to enjoy action-packed anime series in the comfort of your homes. From beloved classics like Dragon ball for bizarre series like Bobobo-bo Bo-bobothis segment was young anime fans' favorite part of the day. The shows selected for Toonami were just the best of the best, with most featuring epic battles and impressive magical abilities.
However, among the many beloved programs aired during this era, one stands out for how different it was from its peers: Hamtarot. This series, aimed at children and following the story of the titular hamster, always seemed like a strange addition to the Toonami catalog. Its themes, characters, and overall atmosphere didn't match the rest of the anime in the segment.
Hamtaro's child-centric adventures were a bizarre addition to Toonami's catalog
The show has always been heavily marketed towards young children
Toonami was known among 2000s anime fans for its action-centric selection of anime, as almost every show, even those aimed at girls, included some battles. It was, in large part, thanks to this beloved segment that series like Dragon ball, Card Catcher Sakuraand naruto gained popularity among American fans. This is the main reason why the addition of Hamtarot anime remains one of the strangest choices made by the executives behind Toonami. Unlike most other series that aired during this segment, including the first introduction to the harem genre for American fans, Hamtaro was not intended for older children or teenagers.
When this wholesome, cozy show was released in 2000, it was clear that the story was primarily aimed at children and young adults. The adventures of the titular protagonist, a gentle little hamster named Hamtaro, teach viewers about sharing, friendship, and caring for others. The show contains little to no violence, a marked difference from shows like Bleachfamous for its visually stunning and expertly choreographed fights. However, that hasn't stopped the people behind Toonami's selection of shows from including it on their list.
Although the series doesn't have anything that could make it unpleasant for the public, it doesn't seem to belong in that segment. Having a cute, defenseless rodent among some of the anime's strongest characters is more than a little strange. Despite the bizarre circumstances surrounding this series' place on Toonami, it's without a doubt a genuinely entertaining show. Fans who remember watching Hamtarot hold him in high regard as he gave them many memorable moments that made their childhood better.
Hamtaro is a simple but incredible series
His adventures are genuinely moving
THE Hamtarot The anime series tells the story of a 10-year-old girl's pet named Laura, the titular hamster protagonist, who moves with her family to a new city. In his new home, the rodent meets a group of sentient hamsters called Ham-Hams. Although he is forced to act like a normal pet most of the day, he takes the opportunity to play with his friends whenever Laura is distracted. Together, they would venture out into the world, learning about life and the environment around them.
The themes covered in the show were intended to attract a younger audience. By following Hamtaro on his daily adventures, children would learn about the importance of honesty, kindness, altruism, and many other important life lessons. By your side would be a team of adorable and endearing hamsters, each with unique personalities and quirks. The animation, although simplistic, had excellent use of color that made each new adventure feel lively and cheerful. Overall, the Hamtarot anime was an interesting but worthwhile entry into the history of Toonami.
Laura's pet has stood the test of time
The lessons taught by the hamster have not become obsolete
One of the best aspects of the Hamtaro anime series is how relevant and useful its teachings are for children, despite how much time has passed. As the program does not attempt to address complex subjects, but rather focuses on broader and simpler themes, the teachings conveyed by the hamsters are as valid as they were decades ago. Allow a child to watch Hamtarot allows them to learn more about the world around them as well as how to socialize respectfully with others. As they learn, children will be enchanted by cute and happy rodents.
Even though certain aspects of the anime may seem obsolete or dated to current generations, given that the story takes place in the early 2000s, the teachings it contains are equally important. Children will never stop needing to learn to be kind, to pursue their dreams, or to make friends. The series teaches all of these lessons in a way they will never forget. Furthermore, due to the episodic nature of the series, viewers can start watching any episode as it will require almost no further explanation.
Hamtaro left a gracious legacy
Despite the sudden end, fans still love the series
Although Hamtarot was a series that fascinated a large audience when it was released, its audience began to decline rapidly after a few years. In late 2005, artists working on the series were informed that the series would be cancelled. In 2006, Cartoon Network and most other channels that used to air the show suddenly shut down its broadcast. The effects of this decision were not immediate, as most fans of the series were too young to know what happened. However, decades later, Hamtarotpopularity increased again.
The anime has become something of a cult classic, with followers of the rodent's adventures cherishing every memory they made with their furry friend. The series' merchandising also became somewhat popular, with the Game Boy games being quite expensive, despite the show being almost forgotten. The fact that the series has devoted fans nearly two decades after it ended proves how beloved the series is. It may not have become as iconic as other anime that aired on Toonami like Yu-Gi-Oh!but the hours of joy it brought children are still cherished.
Incorporating Hamtarot in ToonamiThe catalog is still considered one of the strangest ideas in this representative segment. Even so, the show still helped thousands of children who learned and laughed along with the adorable hamsters. It's a series that shouldn't be forgotten, as it's still extremely fun and wholesome.