Nissan, known for its innovative ideas like self-parking slippers, is diversifying its business interests beyond automobiles. The latest move sees the company becoming the main sponsor of the beloved Japanese anime, Sazae-san, which tells the story of a 24-year-old woman named Sazae and her family living in the Japanese suburbs.
Originally created as a manga by Machiko Hasegawa in 1946, Sazae-san made its television debut in 1969. The show is broadcast on Fuji TV, a network that also features other popular anime such as Dragonball Super and the Monster Hunter series.
With Nissan stepping in as the primary sponsor, Toshiba will be exiting its role after an 18-year partnership, a decision made in November due to financial difficulties. Toshiba reportedly faced a staggering loss of $8.4 billion in 2017 and is in debt to several Japanese banks due to past financial mismanagement. Nissan will be joined by nine other sponsors, including Amazon Japan, Nishimatsuya Chain Co., and Daiwa House Industry, in supporting the show.
Toshiba’s sponsorship will conclude in March, while the new sponsors will officially begin their collaboration in April.
The anime, which airs on Sunday evenings, is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2019, and it currently holds the Guinness World Record for being the longest-running animated television series.
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