FC Ryukyu mascot story 'Jinnbenyo's Dream' becomes an anime

The picture book Jinnbenyo's Dream, starring the official FC Ryukyu mascot, is getting an anime adaptation. Kayac, the company that owns the J-League club, announced on October 29 the production of an anime based on the story, with a trailer released today and the full episode premiering on November 4 on YouTube, for free.

The project has a clear goal: to take Jinnbenyo's story beyond Okinawa. The book, published by Poplar Publishing, aims to teach children the importance of having dreams and supporting others. As Kayac explains, the idea came after noticing that many kids struggle to imagine their future.

In fact, they cite data from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry: only 60% of Japanese 18-year-olds say they have a dream, a figure far below the 80-90% seen in other countries. In contrast, in football they see every day how fan support drives players and teams forward. That's where the phrase at the heart of the book comes from: "Support becomes the strength of dreams."

A story funded by fans

The book wouldn't exist without a crowdfunding campaign on CAMPFIRE. The initiative raised 1,569,264 yen, far exceeding the initial goal of one million. Since August 5, 2026, the book has been on sale on Amazon and in Okinawa bookstores, and free distribution to all elementary schools in the prefecture is already being prepared.

The trailer released today offers a first look at the anime's visual style, with the Okinawan sea as the setting and Jinnbenyo surrounded by his marine friends. The animation is handled by Akina Yanagi, who also takes on direction, script, and music. The original character design is by Hideki Shiroma, and executive production is credited to Daisuke Yanagisawa, CEO of Kayac.

Two sea creatures in a colorful underwater setting, as seen in the trailer.kayac.com

A turtle with big teary eyes looks at another creature in a scene from the anime.kayac.com

A mascot that goes beyond football

Jinnbenyo is no ordinary mascot. His official profile describes him as a boy from Okinawa, calm and gluttonous, whose favorite food is pineapple and who earns a salary of six pineapples a year. His catchphrase, "danyo," and his position as a playmaker have given him a very recognizable personality within the J-League.

His popularity has soared in recent years: in 2024, his followers on X (formerly Twitter) went from 4,000 to 21,000 in just twelve months. And his activity isn't limited to the stadium. He's part of the rap duo "Chiruchiru Nyonhyonyo" with Okinawan rapper Ebi Chiru, with whom he released the album Nyo in August 2025, the first from a J-League mascot. He has also collaborated with Unko Museum Okinawa, served as director of the DMM Kariyushi aquarium for a month, and has been a Naha tourism ambassador since August 2026.

A Jinnbenyo plush toy, a smiling colorful fish.kayac.com

With the anime, Jinnbenyo now aims to reach children across Japan with a simple but powerful message: dreams grow when someone supports them. The full episode will be available on YouTube starting November 4, at no cost.