Hamtaro (Japanese: とっとこハム太郎 Tottoko Hamutarō, Trotting Hamtaro) is a children's anime television program whose main character is the eponymous hamster named Hamtaro (Hamutaro in the original Japanese). The anime is based on Ritsuko Kawai's animated storybooks. Hamtaro is licensed by VIZ Media in North America.

Supporting characters include other hamsters. Hamtaro is owned by a girl named Laura Haruna (Hiroko Haruna or "Roko-chan" in the original Japanese). The show also features the household's dog, Brandy (Burandon or "Don-chan" in the Japanese series). This television program teaches children about sharing, adventures, and real life situations.

The original series ended on March 31, 2006.

As of April 5, 2006, a series known as Norisuta Hai began airing five minute Hamutaro episodes known as "Tottoko Hamutaro: Norisuta Hai!" The Norisuta Hai series is animated differently from the original series and appears to appeal to a younger audience. There does not seem to be any connection between Tottoko Hamutaro and Tottoko Hamutaro: Norisuta Haai beyond the slated appearance of all fifteen original ham hams.

Hamtaro

Characters