Based on the manga *Rakudai Ninja Rantarō*, which long-running Japanese anime series follows the comedic misadventures of Rantaro, Shinbei, and Kirimaru as they train to become ninjas at the Ninja Academy?

The long-running Japanese anime series that follows the comedic misadventures of Rantaro, Shinbei, and Kirimaru as they train to become ninjas at the Ninja Academy, based on the manga *Rakudai Ninja Rantarō*, is officially titled *Ninjaboy Rantaro* in English. Known in Japan as *Nintama Rantarō*, the anime first premiered on NHK on April 10, 1993, and has since become the network (Review)'s longest-running animated program, with over 2,500 episodes across more than 32 seasons as of 2025. The series is set during Japan's Sengoku period and focuses on the humorous daily lives of first-year students, affectionately called "nintama" (a portmanteau of "ninja no tamago," meaning "ninja eggs"), at Ninjutsu Academy.

The central trio consists of Rantarō Inadera, a clumsy boy from a low-ranking ninja family who dreams of becoming an elite ninja; Kirimaru Settsuno, an orphan obsessed with earning money due to losing his family in war; and Shinbei Fukutomi, a gluttonous son of a wealthy merchant who loves to eat and sleep. Despite their aspirations, Rantaro and his friends (Review) often find themselves failing exams and classes, leading to constant slapstick comedy and hilarious mishaps. The manga, *Rakudai Ninja Rantarō*, which translates to "Failure Ninja Rantarō," was created by Sōbē Amako and serialized from 1986 to 2019. The anime adaptation, produced by Ajia-do Animation Works, maintains the manga's gag humor, historical parody, and subtle educational elements, making it a beloved series for audiences of all ages.

The show's enduring popularity is also due to its eccentric teachers, rival ninja schools, and a cast of unique characters who contribute to the daily chaos at Ninjutsu Academy. While the anime is targeted at a young audience, its lighthearted depiction of friendship and perseverance, combined with its comedic timing and anachronisms for humorous effect, has garnered a broad fanbase in Japan and beyond. The franchise has expanded beyond the television series to include feature films, stage musicals, and video games, solidifying its cultural impact.