“Usotantei Tomanto” Makes Grand TV Debut on NTV’s ZIP!

“Usotantei Tomanto” Makes Grand TV Debut on NTV’s ZIP!

San-X’s Adorable Detective Tomato Unravels Mysteries, Kicking Off a “Cute x Mystery” Movement

Get ready for a fresh blend of cuteness and thrilling whodunits as “Usotantei Tomanto” (Lie Detective Tomanto) is set to premiere as a new TV anime series on NTV’s popular morning show “ZIP!”. Starting March 30, 2026, viewers can tune in every Monday around 7:30 AM for “ZIP! Anime Theater ‘Usotantei Tomanto’,” promising a delightful start to the week for audiences of all ages.

This charming series, brought to life by San-X Co., Ltd. and Fanworks Co., Ltd., first captivated audiences as a short anime on “TRAIN TV®” from October 2025 to April 2026. Now, it’s being updated and brought to the small screen with new adventures. The anime features a vibrant cast of characters inspired by fruits and vegetables, embarking on exciting and heartwarming mysteries.

A “Cute x Mystery” Blend with Renowned Creators

“Usotantei Tomanto” introduces a unique genre where adorable characters meet intriguing mysteries. At its heart is Tomanto, a red, ripe tomato who, despite being a bit of a worrier, possesses an extraordinary talent for sniffing out “bright red lies” to solve cases. The series playfully combines the appeal of character-driven animation with the broad popularity of mystery narratives.

The creative team behind “Usotantei Tomanto” boasts impressive credentials. Planning producer Michihiko Suwa, known for iconic mystery anime like “Detective Conan” and “The Kindaichi Case Files,” leads the project. The series composition and script are handled by Yoichi Kato, celebrated for his work on hits like “Yo-kai Watch” and “Aikatsu!”. This combination of talent ensures a compelling yet endearing viewing experience.

Star-Studded Voice Cast Brings Characters to Life

The anime features a stellar lineup of voice actors, adding depth and charm to the colorful characters:

• Tomanto: Takako Tanaka

• Pucchi: Miyuki Sakurai

• Phantom Thief Paprika: Kikunosuke Toya

• Inspector Nasunbo: Atsuya Natsuyagi

• Forensic Shimeji: Chihiro Uno

• Momo-chan: Maria Noda

• Bro-mi: Satsuki Matsuda

• Subeel: Yobito Ikawa

• Inapple: Takaaki Torashima

• Mamango: Mariya Ise

• Onion: Ayumi Fujii

Takako Tanaka, who voices Tomanto, shared her excitement: “The day I learned I would be voicing Tomanto, I couldn’t help but exclaim, ‘Rikopin! Is that a bright red lie?!’ I’ve been captivated by Tomanto’s charm ever since. His kind heart, talent for uncovering lies, and especially his slightly anxious personality are so endearing. I’m truly thrilled to embark on this journey with Pucchi and our wonderful friends.”

Exciting Events and Merchandise to Celebrate the Premiere

To commemorate the TV anime launch, “Usotantei Tomanto” will be making appearances and hosting events:

• AnimeJapan 2026: Tomanto will visit the ShoPro booth at “AnimeJapan 2026” on March 28th (Sat) and 29th (Sun), with specific times for appearances.

• Online Talk Session: The Character Brand & License Association (CBLA) will host an online seminar on April 15, 2026, titled “Usotantei Tomanto: The Secret Behind Its Birth and Rapid Success!”. Key figures involved in the project, including San-X Managing Director Masato Suzuki and producer Michihiko Suwa, will discuss the project’s origins and development. Registration is free and available here. More details can be found here.

• Vege-Fruit Market at LaLaport Toyosu: From April 3rd (Fri) to 5th (Sun), Urban Dock LaLaport Toyosu will host “Learn! Taste! Vege-Fruit Market,” featuring “Usotantei Tomanto” characters. The event will offer immersive experiences and include the first-ever talk show with the anime’s voice actors on April 4th (Sat). For more information, visit Mitsui Fudosan’s news page.

• Tokyo Tower Collaboration: “San-X Universe x Tokyo Tower Wakuwaku Shiba-Sanpo” will take place from May 2nd (Sat) to June 25th (Thu) at Tokyo Tower. This event will feature a treasure hunt with Tomanto and other San-X characters, along with a pop-up store for exclusive merchandise. Details are expected on March 31st.

• New Merchandise: New “Usotantei Tomanto” merchandise, including popular stickers, plush badges perfect for bag decoration, and hanging plushies, will be available from around April at San-X retailers nationwide and online stores.

Where to Watch

“ZIP! Anime Theater ‘Usotantei Tomanto'” will air on NTV’s ZIP! every Monday around 7:30 AM, starting March 30, 2026.

For those who miss the live broadcast, free on-demand streaming will be available:

• TVer: Every Monday from 12:00 PM JST for one week: https://tver.jp/series/srupn8kues

• YouTube (NTV “ZIP!” Official Channel): Every Monday from 9:00 AM JST for one week: https://www.youtube.com/@-ZIP-

Stay updated with “Usotantei Tomanto” through official channels:

• Official X: https://x.com/tomanto1010

• Official TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tomanto1010

• Official HP: https://www.san-x.co.jp/tomanto

• ZIP! Broadcast Info: https://www.san-x.co.jp/tomanto/zip/ (Page opens March 24, 2026, 10:00 AM JST)

The Future of Kawaii Mystery

The debut of “Usotantei Tomanto” on a major national television program like NTV’s ZIP! marks a significant step for San-X and Fanworks. By blending the inherent charm of kawaii characters with the intellectual engagement of mystery, this series is poised to carve out a unique niche in Japanese animation. Its exploration of a “cute x mystery” genre could inspire new trends in character development and storytelling, potentially charming audiences worldwide with its fresh and engaging approach to uncovering “bright red lies.” This development suggests a vibrant future for kawaii culture, continuously evolving and surprising its global fanbase with innovative narratives.