Popotan: Difference between revisions

{{Nihongo|'''''Popotan'''''|ぽぽたん|lead=yes}} is a Japanese [[eroge|adult]] [[visual novel]] developed by Petit Ferret with [[character creation|character design]]s by [[Akio Watanabe]] under the alias Poyoyon Rock. It was originally released as a [[Personal computer game|PC game]] for [[CD-ROM]] on December 13, 2002, and subsequently re-released on [[DVD-ROM]] and for the [[PlayStation 2]] with certain scenes removed. The title ''Popotan'' is a nonsensical word meant to reflect the prominence of dandelions, spelled {{Nihongo|''tanpopo''|たんぽぽ}} in [[Japanese language|Japanese]];<ref group=n>In the Japanese language, nouns do not have a separate form in the plural.</ref><ref name="Early Vol1 Popotan Review">{{cite web|last=Beveridge|first=Chris|title=''Popotan'' Vol. #1 (of 3)|publisher=Mania: Beyond Entertainment|date=2004-11-16|url=http://www.mania.com/popotan-vol-1_article_76424.html|access-date=2008-09-12|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090328104605/http://www.mania.com/popotan-vol-1_article_76424.html|archive-date=2009-03-28}}</ref><ref name="Popotan Collection Review">{{cite web|last=Thomas|first=Mark|title=''Popotan'' Complete Collection (of 1)|publisher=Mania: Beyond Entertainment|date=2007-08-14|url=http://www.mania.com/popotan-complete-collection_article_79241.html|access-date=2008-09-12|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090220075737/http://www.mania.com/popotan-complete-collection_article_79241.html|archive-date=2009-02-20}}</ref><ref name="Carlo Santos">{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/popotan/dvd-2|title=Popotan - DVD 2: Engima|last=Santos|first=Carlo|work=Review|publisher=Anime News Network|date=2005-04-27|access-date=2009-03-20}}</ref> PetitePetit Ferret also produced a [[fan disc]] shortly before the DVD-ROM re-release. ''Popotan'' has been adapted to other media, including a [[novel]] series (''Popotan～ Himitsu no Jumon～ Kōhen'') by Sassami Yachiruda; a [[manga]] series by Yūjiro Izumi; a twelve episode [[anime]] television series directed by [[Shinichiro Kimura]], animated by [[Shaft (company)|Shaft]], and licensed in North America by [[Geneon Entertainment|Geneon USA]] and later, [[Sentai Filmworks]]; a [[radio drama]] (''Poporaji''); and several art and reference books.

[[Gameplay]] in ''Popotan'' follows a semi-predetermined plot; major events remain the same, but personal storylines can diverge from the player's choices. The game focuses on protagonist Chris, a drifter who meets three girls, the youngest of whom is 11 years old, and their maid in a mansion near the ruins of Tokyo in the distant future. The player's goal is to make available [[hentai|sexual scenes and images]] that the player can view or replay at any time, depicting the [[protagonist]] having [[sexual intercourse]] with one of the girls. The player can pursue other girls once they have finished one of the sisters' storylines.

A special [[music video game|music mini-game]] commences at certain points in [[List of Popotan characters#Mii|Mii]]'s scenario. The goal of the [[mini-game]] is to max out "Magical Girl Mii"'s magical power meter by hitting balls at the right moment.<ref name="WellMADE gameplay archive"/><ref name="PetitePetit Ferret">{{cite web|url=http://www.petitferret.co.jp/docs/dl/index.htm|title=Download|publisher=PetitePetit Ferret|access-date=2008-11-16|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722094354/http://www.petitferret.co.jp/docs/dl/index.htm|archive-date=2011-07-22}}</ref> The outcome of the mini-game affects the storyline.<ref name="WellMADE gameplay archive"/> Successfully completing her scenarios unlock an ''[[omake]]'' option on the main menu, allowing the player to play the mini-game with different music tracks. Finishing [[List of Popotan characters#Ai|Ai]]'s scenario unlocks a new story featuring [[List of Popotan characters#Unagi|Unagi]]. The player can save the game only while text is on the screen in the PC versions; this limitation was removed in the PS2 port.<ref name="Wellmade Popotan Dec 2003"/> The PS2 port also altered the events and scenes based on the DVD version.<ref name="WellMADE gameplay archive"/><ref name="Wellmade Popotan Dec 2003">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031210093435/http://www.wellmade.jp/products/popotan/index.html|archive-date=2003-12-10|url=http://www.wellmade.jp/|script-title=ja:おしえて！ぽぽたん|trans-title=Oshiete! Popotan|publisher=WellMADE|access-date=2009-05-22|language=ja}}</ref><ref name="new content">{{cite web|url=http://dol.dengeki.com/data/news/2003/12/24/36af31001f9291cea804b870d437585d.html|title=PS2版『ぽぽたん』を予約して、 ポスター＆レアCDの2大特典を入手しよう！|trans-title=The PS2's ''Popotan'' pre-order is available; it comes with 2 great items: a poster and a rare CD.|work=News|publisher=Dengeki Online|access-date=2008-11-14|language=ja}}</ref>

Petit Ferret developed ''Popotan'' in 2002. Seki Hayabusa and Iwashinichi Shimizu handled scenario development, and [[Akio Watanabe]] designed its characters while working under the alias Poyoyon♥Rock.<ref name="Akio Watanabe">{{cite web|url=http://benippon.com/en/akio-watanabe-art-works|title=Akio Watanabe - Art Works|access-date=2009-03-22|publisher=beNippon|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091117122524/http://benippon.com/en/akio-watanabe-art-works|archive-date=2009-11-17}}</ref><ref name="Erogescape POpotanCD">{{cite web|url=http://erogamescape.ddo.jp/~ap2/ero/toukei_kaiseki/game.php?game=2482|script-title=ja:ぽぽたん(ぷちフェレット)|trans-title=Popotan (Petit Ferret)|publisher=Erogescape|access-date=2008-12-10|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303170618/http://erogamescape.ddo.jp/~ap2/ero/toukei_kaiseki/game.php?game=2482|archive-date=2016-03-03}}</ref> Higuchi Hideki and Kajihara Masahiro composed music for the series; [[Under17]] contributed theme music with vocals.<ref name="PetitePetit Ferret"/><ref name="Erogescape POpotanCD"/> PetitePetit Ferret created over 1,000 [[2D computer graphics|two-dimensional computer graphics]] for backgrounds, events, and character poses. Though only characters' mouths and eyes are animated, numerous poses exist for both major and minor characters; Petit Ferret created slightly fewer graphics for the latter to reduce production costs.<ref name="Costs">{{cite web|last=Yamato|first=Tamaki|url=http://zepy.momotato.com/2008/09/09/eroge-production/|title=Eroge production|publisher=Canned Dogs|access-date=2008-12-14|language=ja}}</ref> The game uses a character placement system to display the characters relative to the protagonist; distant characters appear small, and grow larger as the player approaches them.

Petit Ferret released a trial version of ''Popotan'' for download on November 25, 2002<ref name="PetitePetit Ferret"/><ref name="PetitePetit Ferret 2005"/> and released the full PC version on one CD-ROM the following December 13.<ref name="Popotan">{{cite web|url=http://www.getchu.com/soft.phtml?id=16444|script-title=ja:ぽぽたん|trans-title=Popotan|access-date=2008-10-20|publisher=Getchu|language=ja}}</ref> To increase pre-order sales, Ferret packaged the initial CD-ROM release of ''Popotan'' with a special [[maxi single]] CD of Under17's theme songs.<ref name="Moimi"/> The firm then released a [[fan disc]] on July 11, 2003, titled {{Nihongo3|Popotan Fan Disc: Let's P-L-A-Y Together|ぽぽたんファンディスク いっしょにA・SO・BO|'''Popotan Fan Disc: Issho ni A-SO-BO'''}}.<ref name="A-So-Bo">{{cite web|url=http://www.getchu.com/soft.phtml?id=26749|title=ぽぽたんファンディスク いっしょにA・SO・BO|trans-title=Popotan Fan Disc: Let's P-L-A-Y Together|publisher=Getchu|access-date=2008-11-02|language=ja}}</ref> The disc includes several character-based mini-games (including the original's "Magical Girl Mii" mini-game), new storyline content and routes based around Mii and Nono, a separate music CD containing [[background music]] from the original game, themed [[computer wallpaper]], and desktop accessories.<ref>{{cite video game|title=ぽぽたんファンディスク いっしょにA・SO・BO|developer=Petit Ferret|date=2003-07-03|language=ja|isolang=ja|platform=CD-ROM}}</ref> Some of the items must be unlocked. The fan disc preceded a re-release of the main game as ''Popotan Po!'' on August 1, 2003, as a DVD-ROM with game enhancements; it would be Petit Ferret's last official release.<ref name="Popotan DVD-ROM"/><ref name="PetitePetit Ferret 2005"/><ref name="PetitePetit Ferret Titles">{{cite web|url=http://www.petitferret.co.jp/docs/products/index.htm|title=Products|publisher=PetitePetit Ferret|access-date=2008-11-16|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722094702/http://www.petitferret.co.jp/docs/products/index.htm|archive-date=2011-07-22}}</ref> WellMADE produced a PS2 port named ''Oshiete! Popotan'', released March 11, 2004.<ref name="IGN news">{{cite web|author=IGN Staff|url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/498/498987p1.html|title=PS2 releases|publisher=IGN|work=Playstation 2 News|date=2004-03-15|access-date=2008-12-15}}</ref> Scenes in the port were changed or removed to comply with Sony's ban on sexual content, but the release still warranted [[Computer Entertainment Rating Organization|CERO]] 18 rating. Later, after the CERO revised its rating system, it was given a CERO D rating.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nc20110706ba.html | title=Video games now have the same U.S. protection as books and films | publisher=[[The Japan Times]] | access-date=2011-09-20 | author=Ashcraft, Brian }}<br>{{cite web | url=http://www.jp.playstation.com/software/title/slpm65535.html | title=おしえて! ぽぽたん | publisher=[[Sony]] | access-date=2011-09-20 | trans-title=Oshiete! Popotan | archive-date=2012-10-19 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019042101/http://www.jp.playstation.com/software/title/slpm65535.html | url-status=dead }}</ref> WellMADE tried to compensate for their absence with graphics and gameplay improvements. WellMADE enticed buyers of the port with a bonus [[theme (arts)|themed]] [[telephone card|calling card]],<ref name="Oshiete">{{cite web|url=http://www.gwn.com/games/gameinfo.php/id/38376/platform/playstation2/title/Oshiete_Popotan.html|title=Oshiete! Popotan|publisher=Filefactory Games|access-date=2008-11-02|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720023824/http://www.gwn.com/games/gameinfo.php/id/38376/platform/playstation2/title/Oshiete_Popotan.html|archive-date=2011-07-20}}</ref><ref name="Oshiete!">{{cite web|url=http://dol.dengeki.com/data/news/2004/01/15/56ddda8bcac69b08c865c2650f444a2a.html|script-title=ja:セガダイレクト、 『おしえて！ぽぽたん』に限定オリジナルテレカを付けて販売|trans-title=Sega Direct, ''Oshiete! Popotan'' Limited Edition Calling Cards with Initial Sales|work=News|publisher=Dengeki Online|access-date=2008-11-14|language=ja}}</ref> reversible poster, and music CD.<ref name="new content"/><ref name="PS2 Supervisor"/><ref name="Famitsu poster">{{cite web|url=http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/1144920_1124.html|title=『おしえて！ぽぽたん』予約特典情報が明らかに！|trans-title=''Oshiete! Popotan'' Reservation Information|access-date=2008-12-04}}</ref> WellMADE also released two free spinoff games in December 2003 and March 2004, collectively named {{nihongo|''Unagi Fuku Warai''|うなぎ福笑い}} and featuring Unagi as the [[hero]]ine.<ref name="Unagi Minigame 1">{{cite web|url=http://gamez.itmedia.co.jp/games/gsnews/0312/26/news30.html|title=Unagi Fuku Warai|publisher=ITMedia|date=2003-12-26|access-date=2008-11-29|language=ja}}</ref> WellMADE designed the games to be humorous and fun; the second allows Unagi to transform into her humanoid form after a certain point in the story.<ref name="Unagi Minigame 2">{{cite web|url=http://gamez.itmedia.co.jp/games/gsnews/0403/12/news01.html|title=Unagi Fuku Warai|publisher=ITMedia|date=2004-03-12|access-date=2008-11-29|language=ja}}</ref>

The initial limited edition release of ''Popotan'' on CD-ROM suffered critical [[computer bug|errors]], such as [[computer graphics|graphic]] display issues, [[save game|saving and loading]] issues, the inability to complete some routes and Mii's mini-game not starting. PetitePetit Ferret issued a patch on January 10, 2003. Later versions of the game were released bug-free.<ref name="PetitePetit Ferret FAQ Popotan">{{cite web|url=http://www.petitferret.co.jp/docs/faq/popotan/index.htm|title=『ぽぽたん』FAQ|trans-title=''Popotan'' FAQ|publisher=PetitePetit Ferret|access-date=2008-12-09|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722094744/http://www.petitferret.co.jp/docs/faq/popotan/index.htm|archive-date=2011-07-22}}</ref>

''Issho ni A-SO-BO'' also contained several serious errors. Petit Ferret addressed these issues in two patches. The first patch added missing voice data from the original game CD; customers were given the option of downloading the patch or exchanging for a new CD. Ferret released the second patch on July 7, 2003; it corrected grammatical errors, adjusted the game's difficulty, and enhanced stability. The second patch did not contain the first's fixes.<ref name="PetitePetit Ferret FAQ A-SO-BO">{{cite web|url=http://www.petitferret.co.jp/docs/faq/asobo/index.htm|title=『ぽぽたんファンディスク』FAQ|trans-title=''Popotan Fan Disc: Let's P-L-A-Y Together'' FAQ|publisher=PetitePetit Ferret|access-date=2008-12-09|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722094759/http://www.petitferret.co.jp/docs/faq/asobo/index.htm|archive-date=2011-07-22}}</ref>

An [[anime]] television series adaptation of ''Popotan'' was animated by [[Shaft (company)|Shaft]], featuringand directed by [[Shinichiro Kimura]]'s. directingA andpseudonymous storyboards,animator Harukagoing Sakurai'sby characterthe designsname "Haruka Sakurai" (based桜井はるか) ondesigned Akiothe Watanabe'scharacters originalfor concept),animation; and Rondo Mizukami's served as the chief animation oversightdirector, with Shaft animator [[Yoshiaki Itou]] helping with episodes 6 and 9.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bandaivisual.co.jp/popotan/|title=PO-PO-TAN|publisher=[[Bandai Visual]]|language=ja|access-date=2009-01-31}}</ref><ref name="Popotan 1 ENG notes">{{cite DVDAV media notes|title=Popotan: Vanishing House|orig-year=2003|others=Shinichiro Kimura|type=back cover|publisher=[[Geneon]]|location=Long Beach, California|year=2004}}</ref> Half of the series was animated in-house at Shaft, while the other half was outsourced to a number of other studios: episodes 4 and 10 at studios Animaru Ya and [[Studio Deen]]; episodes 5 and 11 at Studio Tama; episode 7 at [[Satelight]]; and episode 8 at [[A.C.G.T]].{{efn|All outsourcing studios credited as {{nihongo|Production Assistance|制作協力}} in their respective episode's credits.}} Under17 composed the opening theme song in the same style used for the game; [[Funta]] wrote the ending theme song. [[Tokyo Broadcasting System]]'s satellite station BS-i and the [[Bandai|Bandai Channel]] aired the anime from July 18, 2003, through October 3, 2003.<ref name="TVDrama/Airdate">{{cite web|url=http://www.tvdrama-db.com/drama_info/p/id-36824|title=ぽぽたん|trans-title=Popotan|access-date=2009-02-16|publisher=TV Drama Database}}<br>{{cite web|url=http://mfy.jp/work_ani.html|title=過去の仕事(全年齢向け）|trans-title=Past Work (For All Ages)|work=テレビアニメ|access-date=2009-01-23|publisher=Taiki Nishimura|archive-date=2009-03-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090327094825/http://mfy.jp/work_ani.html|url-status=dead}}<br>{{cite web|url=http://animejapan.cplaza.ne.jp/b-ch/popotan/popotan_tva.html|script-title=ja:ぽぽたん|trans-title=Popotan|publisher=[[Bandai Channel]]|access-date=2008-12-04|language=ja}}</ref>

The narrative is episodic and usually focuses on one character at a time. Each of the first four episodes focuses on one of the four main characters, depicting social interaction and growth.<ref name="Popotan Collection Review"/><ref name="Bailey Box"/><ref name="Don Houston 1">{{cite web|url=http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/13911/popotan-vanishing-house/|title=Popotan - Vanishing House|last=Houston|first=Don|work=Reviews|publisher=DVDtalk|date=2005-01-05|access-date=2009-03-01}}</ref> The anime's use of [[time travel]] allows focus on the older versions or children of previously-featured characters, and contrasts their experiences with the protagonists' agelessness.<ref name="Popotan Collection Review"/> Reviewers have experienced difficulty categorizing the ''Popotan'' anime, though it does feature an overall comedic tone. The characters are very lighthearted and eager to help new acquaintances.<ref name="Don Houston 1"/> Nudity appears in many episodes,<ref name="Popotan Collection Review"/><ref name="Don Houston 1"/> though no sexually explicit scenes occur.<ref name="Bailey Box"/> Geneon rated the series for ages 16+; Section23 Films gave its re-release a [[TV Parental Guidelines#TV-MA|TV-MA]] rating.<ref name=Section23/><ref name="DVD box cover">{{cite DVDAV media notes|title=Popotan: Complete Collection|orig-year=2003|others=Shinichiro Kimura|type=bottom box cover|publisher=[[Geneon]]|location=Long Beach, California|year=2004}}</ref>

Shaft released a teaser DVD entitled {{nihongo|''The Secret of the 3 Sisters''|ぽぽたん 送開始記念版 もうガマンできない、３姉妹のひ・み・つ|Popotan Hōsō Kaishi Kinen ban MouMō Gaman Deki Nai, 3 Shimai no Hi・Mi・Tsu}} on June 27, 2003, featuring character designs by Haruka Sakurai. The DVD also contained video interviews with the anime's Japanese voice actresses, a CD of music from radio the drama,<ref name="Anime Based on PC">{{cite web|url=http://av.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20030513/newdvd.htm|title=DVD発売日一覧」 5月12日の更新情報|trans-title=DVD Release Date List "Updates on May 12|access-date=2009-01-16|publisher=Impress Watch|language=ja}}</ref> {{nihongo|''Poporaji''|ぽぽらじ}}'s theme {{nihongo|"Poporaji no Uta"|ぽぽらじの歌}}, metallic paint illustrations, and a [[Stuffed toy|plushie]] of [[List of Popotan characters#Unagi|Unagi]].<ref name="Special DVD">{{cite web|url=http://www.getchu.com/soft.phtml?id=25889|script-title=ja:ぽぽたん 放送開始記念版 もうガマンできない～3姉妹のひ・み・つ～|trans-title=Popotan Broadcast Premier Edition: Secret of the 3 Sisters info|publisher=Getchu|access-date=2008-11-08|language=ja}}</ref> [[Bandai Visual]] released the anime on six [[DVD region code|Japanese]] DVDs containing two episodes each. Bandai staggered the discs' release over the period September 26, 2003 and February 25, 2004.<ref name="Jap DVD1 w/o figure">{{cite web|url=http://www.getchu.com/soft.phtml?id=29334|script-title=ja:ぽぽたん (1) 通常版|trans-title=Popotan Volume 1: Limited Edition|publisher=Getchu|access-date=2008-11-08|language=ja}}</ref><ref name="Jap DVD6 w/o figure">{{cite web|url=http://www.getchu.com/soft.phtml?id=40667|script-title=ja:ぽぽたん 6巻 通常版|trans-title=Popotan Volume 6: Limited Edition|publisher=Getchu|access-date=2008-11-08|language=ja}}</ref> Each disc came with a promotional figurine of one of the girls;<ref name="Jap DVDs w/ figure">{{cite web|url=http://www.getchu.com/soft.phtml?id=29333|title=ぽぽたん 1巻 あなたにア·ゲ·ルBOX 〜あい〜 初回生産限定|trans-title=Popotan Volume 1:Limited Edition Box ~Ai~|publisher=Getchu|access-date=2009-01-23|language=ja}}<br>{{cite web|url=http://www.getchu.com/soft.phtml?id=30222|title=ぽぽたん 2巻 あなたにア·ゲ·ルBOX 〜まい〜 初回生産限定|trans-title=Popotan Volume 2:Limited Edition Box ~Mai~|publisher=Getchu|access-date=2009-01-23|language=ja}}<br>{{cite web|url=http://www.getchu.com/soft.phtml?id=30223|title=ぽぽたん 3巻 あなたにア·ゲ·ルBOX 〜みい〜 初回生産限定|trans-title=Popotan Volume 3:Limited Edition Box ~Mii~|publisher=Getchu|access-date=2009-01-23|language=ja}}<br>{{cite web|url=http://www.getchu.com/soft.phtml?id=34613|title=ぽぽたん 4巻 あなたにア·ゲ·ルBOX 〜メアー〜 初回生産限定|trans-title=Popotan Volume 4:Limited Edition Box ~Mea~|publisher=Getchu|access-date=2009-01-23|language=ja}}<br>{{cite web|url=http://www.getchu.com/soft.phtml?id=34614|title= ぽぽたん 5巻 あなたにア·ゲ·ルBOX〜小奈美〜 初回生産限定|trans-title=Popotan Volume 5:Limited Edition Box ~Konami~|publisher=Getchu|access-date=2009-01-23|language=ja}}<br>{{cite web|url=http://www.getchu.com/soft.phtml?id=34615|title= ぽぽたん 6巻 あなたにア·ゲ·ルBOX 〜雫〜 初回生産限定|trans-title=Popotan Volume 6:Limited Edition Box ~Shizuka~|publisher=Getchu|access-date=2009-01-23|language=ja}}</ref> Bandai provided DVDs without the figurines at lower costs.<ref name="Jap DVD1 w/o figure"/><ref name="Jap DVD6 w/o figure"/><ref name="Jap DVD3 w/o figure">{{cite web|url=http://www.getchu.com/soft.phtml?id=33089|script-title=ja:ぽぽたん (3) 通常版|trans-title=Popotan Volume 3: Limited Edition|publisher=Getchu|access-date=2009-02-13|language=ja}}</ref><ref name="Jap DVD5 w/o figure">{{cite web|url=http://www.getchu.com/soft.phtml?id=36830|script-title=ja:ぽぽたん (5) 通常版|trans-title=Popotan Volume 5: Limited Edition|publisher=Getchu|access-date=2009-02-13|language=ja}}</ref> A misprint on the volume 3 DVD jacket occurred during production, numbering the episodes incorrectly. Bandai Visual offered free exchanges of the jackets to purchasers.<ref name="DVD3 Jacket">{{cite web|url=http://av.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20031202/bandai2.htm|title=Volume 3 jacket misprint|publisher=Impress Watch|access-date=2009-01-16|language=ja}}</ref> Geneon USA licensed the DVDs for [[DVD region code|North American release]], producing three DVDs containing four episodes each between December 7, 2004<ref name="Early Vol1 Popotan Review"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002Q9VYI/ |title=Popotan - Vanishing House (Vol. 1) [DVD] |date=7 December 2004 |publisher=Target.com|access-date=2009-02-13}}</ref> and April 26, 2005.<ref name="Popotan 1 ENG notes"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00079I092/ |title=Popotan, Vol. 3: Decisions of the Heart [DVD]|date=26 April 2005|publisher=Target.com|access-date=2009-02-13}}<br>{{cite DVDAV media notes|title=Popotan: Enigma|orig-year=2003|others=Shinichiro Kimura|type=back cover|publisher=[[Geneon]]|location=Long Beach, California|year=2004}}<br>{{cite DVDAV media notes|title=Popotan: Decisions of the Heart|orig-year=2003|others=Shinichiro Kimura|type=back cover|publisher=[[Geneon]]|location=Long Beach, California|year=2004}}</ref> Geneon USA began selling a box set on August 14, 2007,<ref name="Bailey Box">{{cite web|url=http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/30142/popotan-bailey-box/|title=Popotan: Bailey Box|work=Reviews|publisher=DVD Talk|date=2007-08-14|access-date=2009-02-15}}</ref><ref name=DVD3set>{{cite web|url=http://www.mania.com/popotan-complete-collection_article_79241.html|title=Popotan Complete Collection|last=Thomas|first=Mark|work=Anime/Manga Reviews|publisher=[[Mania]]|access-date=2009-02-15|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090220075737/http://www.mania.com/popotan-complete-collection_article_79241.html|archive-date=2009-02-20}}</ref> shortly before the firm's demise.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-09-26/geneon-usa-to-cancel-dvd-sales-distribution-by-friday|title=Geneon USA to Cancel DVD Sales, Distribution by Friday|work=News|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|date=September 26, 2007|access-date=2009-02-13}}</ref> Sentai Filmworks licensed the anime for distribution in late 2009, having made an announcement July 28.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-07-28/sentai-filmworks-licenses-clannad-after-story-ghost-hound-and-he-is-my-master|title=Sentai Filmworks Adds Clannad After Story, Ghost Story, He Is My Master|work=Anime News Network|date=2009-07-28|access-date=2009-07-28}}</ref> [[Section23 Films]] re-released the complete series through a 2-disc set on October 27, 2009.<ref name=Section23>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2009-10-27/popotan-complete-collection-on-sale-today|title=Popotan Complete Collection On Sale Today|publisher=Anime News Network|work=News|date=2009-10-27|access-date=2009-11-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002K2KMGI/ |title=Popotan Complete Collection On Sale Today|date=27 October 2009 |publisher=Amazon|access-date=2009-11-06}}</ref>

An adaptation of the visual novel,<ref name="Early Vol1 Popotan Review"/><ref name="Carlo Santos"/><ref name="Bailey Box"/> the anime takes place in an [[parallel universe (fiction)|alternate reality]]. The main female characters and their relations are unchanged, but the storyline is unrelated to the game's.<ref name="Anime Based on PC"/> The plot follows the perspective of the three sisters and their maid rather than the game's protagonist; all the game's major female characters appear and many of the minor characters are used in [[supporting character|supporting]] or [[cameo appearance|cameo]] roles.<ref name="DVD1+2 liner">{{cite DVDAV media notes|title=Popotan: Vanishing House|orig-year=2003|others=Shinichiro Kimura|type=liner notes|publisher=[[Geneon]]|location=Long Beach, California|year=2004}}<br>{{cite DVDAV media notes|title=Popotan: Enigma|orig-year=2003|others=Shinichiro Kimura|type=liner notes|publisher=[[Geneon]]|location=Long Beach, California|year=2005}}</ref><ref name="DVD3 liner">{{cite DVDAV media notes|title=Popotan: Decisions of the Heart|orig-year=2003|others=Shinichiro Kimura|type=liner notes|publisher=[[Geneon]]|location=Long Beach, California|year=2005}}</ref>

The visual novel features three themes by Under17—the opening theme ''{{nihongo|'Say It! Popotan|いっちゃえ！ぽぽたん|Icchae! Popotan}}'', the theme song for Mii's "Magical Girl Mii" cosplay (''{{nihongo|Mii-tan no MahouMahō de Pon!!|みいタンの魔法でポン!!}}''),<ref name="PetitePetit Ferret" /> and ending theme ''{{nihongo|Answer|こたえ|Kotae}}''. Under17 added their theme songs to their ''Best Album'' soundtracks along with ''Popotan Kiss'' from the radio drama.<ref name="UNDER17 Best">{{cite AV media notes |title=UNDER17 BEST 1 美少女ゲームソングに愛を!! |title-link=Under17#Albums |others=UNDER17 |year=2003 |publisher=Lantis |location=Japan }}<br>{{cite AV media notes |title=UNDER17 BEST 3 そして伝説へ・・・, Disc 1 |title-link=Under17#Albums |others=UNDER17 |year=2004 |publisher=Lantis |location=Japan }}<br>{{cite AV media notes |title=UNDER17 BEST 3 そして伝説へ・・・, Disc 2 |title-link=Under17#Albums |others=UNDER17 |year=2004 |publisher=Lantis |location=Japan }}</ref> Under17 plays work composed for ''Popotan'' in their live events.<ref name="Live Tour DVD">{{cite web|url=http://av.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20050120/newdvd.htm|title=「DVD発売日一覧」 1月19日の更新情報|trans-title="DVD Release Date List" Updated on January 19|publisher=Impress Watch|access-date=2009-01-16|language=ja}}</ref> Customers who pre-ordered the game received the [[moe (slang)|moe]] theme songs by Under17 as bonus content.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2004-07-08/rjp-pro-anouncements|title=RJP-Pro {{sic|nolink=y|AnouncementsAnoun|cements|expected=Announcements}}|work=News|publisher=Anime News Network|date=2004-06-08|access-date=2009-05-22}}</ref> Petit Ferret coincided the visual novel's premiere with the release of a special maxi single containing the anime's vocal theme songs and their instrumental counterparts, otherwise unavailable to listeners.<ref name="Moimi">{{cite web |url=http://momoi.info/discography/under17/ |title=Under17 |publisher=Moimi.info |access-date=2008-11-20 |language=ja}}</ref> A third ''Popotan'' [[image album]] based on the visual novel was packaged as a pre-order item with the PS2 port the following year.<ref name="new content" />

The anime opens with ''{{nihongo|Popotan Hatake de Tsukamaete|ぽぽたん畑でつかまえて}}'' by Under17, and the closes with ''S–U–K–I'' by Funta. Petit Ferret released two full-length albums and one [[extended play]] based on the anime in late 2003. The EP, ''{{nihongo|Popotan e.p.|ぽぽたん e.p.}}'', debuted on August 6, 2003, and featured full versions of the anime's opening and ending themes as well as ''Gem Stone'', an [[image song]] collaboration between Under17 and Funta.<ref name="Popotan ep">{{cite web |url=http://www.getchu.com/soft.phtml?id=27431|title=ぽぽたん e.p.／UNDER17、Funta、UNDER17＋Funta|trans-title=Popotan e.p. ／UNDER17、Funta、UNDER17＋Funta|publisher=Getchu|access-date=2008-11-14 |language=ja}}</ref> The first album, ''It's A PoPoTime!'', contains original character songs by the Japanese voice actresses and was released November 6, 2003.<ref name="PoPo Time">{{cite web|url=http://www.getchu.com/soft.phtml?id=32529 |title=TVアニメ ぽぽたん ヴォーカルミニアルバム『It's A PoPoTime！』|trans-title=TV Anime ''Popotan'' Vocal Mini-Album ''It's a PoPoTime!''|publisher=Getchu |access-date=2008-11-14|language=ja}}</ref> The second album, ''Popo Music'', comprised the anime's original [[soundtrack]] by Ozamu Tezuka and was released on the 27th.<ref name="Popo Music">{{cite web|url=http://www.getchu.com/soft.phtml?id=34554|title=TVアニメ ぽぽたん オリジナルサウンドトラック "POPO MUSIC"|trans-title=Original TV Anime CD Soundtrack ''Popo Music''|publisher=Getchu|access-date=2008-11-14|language=ja}}</ref><ref group=n name=Tezuka/>

Petit Ferret developed a radio drama named ''Poporaji'', based on a song used in the anime's broadcast premiere DVD, ''The Secret of the 3 Sisters''.<ref name="Anime Based on PC"/><ref name="Special DVD"/> The show focused on the three sisters and Mea with their respective Japanese voice actresses playing their roles. It was broadcast by Osaka Broadcasting Corporation in two segments; the first ran from April to September 2003 and the second from October to December 2003. TBS Radio rebroadcast the drama later in its debut week. Petit Ferret announced on January 22, 2004, that ''Poporaji'' would be replayed on ''BEAT NetRadio'' on Bandai Visual's website<ref name="Comptiq">{{cite web|url=http://www.comptiq.com/top_news/04_05/20_a.html|title=バンダイビジュアルのインターネットラジオ局 「BEAT☆Net Radio！」が開局！|trans-title=Bandai Visual's Internet Radio Station "BEAT☆Net Radio！" Started broadcasting.|publisher=Comptiq|access-date=2009-10-11|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202071654/http://www.comptiq.com/top_news/04_05/20_a.html|archive-date=2008-12-02}}</ref> and compiled into two CDs, {{nihongo|''Poporaji Popoi CD''|ぽぽらじっぽいCD}} and ''Poporaji Popoi CD2''.<ref name="Poporaji CDs">{{cite AV media notes|title=''Poporaji Popoi CD'' 1|others=[[Masumi Asano]], [[Mai Kadowaki]], [[Haruko Momoi]] & [[Sayaka Ohara]]|year=2003|publisher=[[Lantis (company)|Lantis]]|location=Japan}}<br>{{cite AV media notes|title=''Poporaji Popi CD2''|others=[[Masumi Asano]], [[Mai Kadowaki]], [[Haruko Momoi]] & [[Sayaka Ohara]]|year=2004|publisher=[[Lantis (company)|Lantis]]|location=Japan}}</ref>

Sasami Uachiruda and SPIRITE wrote and illustrated two novels, entitled {{nihongo|''Popotan～ Himitsu no Jumon～ Kōhen''|ぽぽたん ～ひみつのじゅもん～ 後編}} and published by Softgarage on June 20 and August 22, 2002. These novels follow the plot of the series, involving all notable characters and combining their personal storylines.<ref name=Novel1>{{cite book|script-title=ja:ぽぽたん ～ひみつのじゅもん～ 後編|last=Yachiruda|first=Sasami|date=2002-06-20|publisher=Softgarage|location=Japan|isbn=4-921068-97-6|volume=1|language=ja}}</ref><ref name=Novel2>{{cite book|script-title=ja:ぽぽたん ～ひみつのじゅもん～ 後編|last=Yachiruda|first=Sasami|date=2002-08-22|publisher=Softgarage|location=Japan|isbn=4-921068-98-4|volume=2|language=ja}}</ref> ''[[Magazine Z]]'' published a two-part ''Popotan'' manga series by Yūjiro Izumi whose story revolved around the three sisters.<ref name="PetitePetit Ferret 2005">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051125064456/http://www.petitferret.co.jp/docs/index.htm|archive-date=2005-11-25|url=http://www.petitferret.co.jp/docs/index.htm|title=ぷちフェレット Official Homepage|trans-title=Petit Ferret's Official Homepage|publisher=PetitePetit Ferret|access-date=2008-11-16|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=ぽぽたん 1 (マガジンZコミックス) (コミック) |trans-title=Poporan 1 (Magazine Z Comics) (Comics) |id={{ASIN|4063491544|country=jp}} |language=ja}}<br>{{cite book|title=ぽぽたん 2 (マガジンZコミックス) (コミック) |trans-title=Poporan 2 (Magazine Z Comics) (Comics) |id={{ASIN|4063491781|country=jp}} |language=ja}}</ref> The manga was released in two volumes on December 19, 2003<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kc.kodansha.co.jp/product?isbn=9784063491548|script-title=ja:ぽぽたん（１）|trans-title=Popotan (1)|publisher=Kodansha|access-date=2015-10-25|language=ja}}</ref> and August 23, 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kc.kodansha.co.jp/product?isbn=9784063491784|script-title=ja:ぽぽたん（2）|trans-title=Popotan (2)|publisher=Kodansha|access-date=2015-10-25|language=ja}}</ref>

Two ''Popotan'' reference books have been released—{{nihongo|''Popotan Visual Fan Book''|ぽぽたん ビジュアルファンブック|''Popotan - Bijuarufanbukku''}}, published by Petit Ferret and SoftBank Publishing, and distributed by Raspberry Books;<ref name=Artbook2>{{cite book|title=Akio Watatanabe - Art Works|publisher=Softbank Creative|last=Watanabe|first=Akio|date=July 2006|location=Japan|isbn=978-4-7973-3562-0|language=ja}}</ref><ref name="Visual Fan Book">{{cite book|script-title=ja:ぽぽたん ビジュアルファンブック|trans-title=Popotan Visual Fan Book|year=2003|publisher=Petit Ferret & SoftBank Publishing|location=Japan|language=ja|isbn=4-7973-2348-5}}</ref> and {{nihongo|''Popotan - Official Anthology Manga Book'' |ぽぽたんオフィシャルビジュアルコミックアンソロジー|''Popotan - Ofisharubijuarukomikkuansorojii''}} by Air Publications.<ref name=Refbook2>{{cite book|title=Popotan - Official Manga Artbook|publisher=Air Publication|date=November 2003|location=Japan|isbn=978-4-7767-9001-3|language=ja}}</ref> The ''Popotan Visual Fan Book'' featured a new side-story printed in western format.<ref name="Visual Fan Book"/><ref group=n>The book is printed to be read from left to right. Traditional Japanese writing is written from right to left.</ref> Kadokawa Shoten published an art book for the series entitled {{nihongo|''Popotan - Kadokawa Game Collection''|ぽぽたん ろっくちゃんのひみつの絵本|''Popotan Ro KkuchinRock-chan no HimitsunoHimitsu no Ehon''}}.<ref name=Artbook1>{{cite book|title=Popotan -Kadokawa Game Collection|date=30 September 2003|publisher=Kadokawa Shoten|location=Japan|isbn=978-4-04-707125-4|language=ja}}</ref> ''Popotan'' illustrations also appear in {{nihongo|''Akio Watanabe - Art Works''|ART WORKS (アートワークス)|''Art Works (Aato Waakusu)''}}.<ref name=Refbook1>{{cite book|title=Popotan - Visual Art Book|date=5 August 2003|publisher=Raspberry Books|location=Japan|isbn=978-4-7973-2348-1|language=ja}}</ref> A [[fan book]] by {{nihongo|ムービック|Muubiki}} for the television series was released March 5, 2003, entitled {{nihongo|''Popotan - Exciting ROM Book''|ぽぽたん どきどきROMぶっく|''Popotan Dokidoki ROM Bukku''}} and containing a [[Microsoft Windows]] CD-ROM with extra content.<ref name=TVfanbook>{{cite book|title=Popotan - Exciting ROM Book|author=Muubikki|date=March 2004|publisher=Popo House/Petit Ferret|location=Japan|isbn=978-4-8443-5735-3|language=ja}}</ref>

| Fam = 22 / 40{{cncitation needed|date=September 2021}}

''Popotan'' visual novels released by Petit Ferret enjoyed strong initial sales. PCNews' national rating of [[bishōjo game]]s listed ''Popotan''{{'}}s initial CD-ROM release at ninth place around one-and-a-half months after its release;<ref name="Popotan Ranking 1/25/03">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051227194949/http://www.peakspub.co.jp/ranking/rank114.html|archive-date=2005-12-27|url=http://www.peakspub.co.jp/ranking/rank114.html|title=全国美少女ソフト売り上げランキング TOP50 PC NEWS No.114（ 1/1～1/15）|trans-title=Top 50 National Bishōjo Sales Ranking - PC NEWS No.114 (1/1 - 1/15)|work=Ranking|publisher=PCnews|access-date=2008-11-12|language=ja|url-status=dead}}</ref> it stayed on the charts another half-month at twenty-first.<ref name="Popotan Ranking 2/10/03">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051227181706/http://www.peakspub.co.jp/ranking/rank115.html|archive-date=2005-12-27|url=http://www.peakspub.co.jp/ranking/rank115.html|title=全国美少女ソフト売り上げランキング TOP50 PC NEWS No.115（ 1/1～1/15）|trans-title=Top 50 National Bishōjo Sales Ranking - PC NEWS No.115 (1/1 - 1/15)|work=Ranking|publisher=PCnews|access-date=2008-11-12|language=ja|url-status=dead}}</ref> It returned six months after release for a brief stay at forty-sixth shortly before the fan disc was released.<ref name="Popotan Ranking 6/10/03">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051227185728/http://www.peakspub.co.jp/ranking/rank123.html|archive-date=2005-12-27|url=http://www.peakspub.co.jp/ranking/rank123.html|title=全国美少女ソフト売り上げランキング TOP50 PC NEWS No.123（ 5/1～5/15）|trans-title=Top 50 National Bishōjo Sales Ranking - PC NEWS No.123 (5/1 - 5/15)|work=Ranking|publisher=PCnews|access-date=2008-11-12|language=ja|url-status=dead}}</ref> The DVD-ROM re-release rose to twenty-fourth in overall sales one month after its debut.<ref name="Popotan Ranking 8/10/03">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051227190159/http://www.peakspub.co.jp/ranking/rank129.html|archive-date=2005-12-27|url=http://www.peakspub.co.jp/ranking/rank129.html|title=全国美少女ソフト売り上げランキング TOP50 PC NEWS No.129（8/1～8/15）|trans-title=Top 50 National Bishōjo Sales Ranking - PC NEWS No.129 (8/1 - 8/15)|work=Ranking|publisher=PCnews|access-date=2008-11-12|language=ja|url-status=dead}}</ref> The fan disc's release propelled it to eleventh among the most sold bishōjo games within one month.<ref name="Popotan Ranking 7/10/03">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051227190836/http://www.peakspub.co.jp/ranking/rank127.html|archive-date=2005-12-27|url=http://www.peakspub.co.jp/ranking/rank127.html|title=全国美少女ソフト売り上げランキング TOP50 PC NEWS No.127（7/1～7/15）|trans-title=Top 50 National Bishōjo Sales Ranking - PC NEWS No.127 (7/1 - 7/15)|work=Ranking|publisher=PCnews|access-date=2008-11-12|language=ja|url-status=dead}}</ref> The PS2 port ''Oshiete! Popotan'' received a score rating of 22 / 40.{{from whom?|date=September 2021}}{{cncitation needed|date=September 2021}}

The visual novel featured a dance in its opening that became an Internet phenomenon.<ref name="Festival Kamen">{{cite web | url=http://www.festivalkamen.com/actividades/caramell-dansen-masivo/ | title=Caramell Dansen Masivo! | publisher=Festival Kamen 2011 | access-date=2011-07-25 | language=gl | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720034240/http://www.festivalkamen.com/actividades/caramell-dansen-masivo/ | archive-date=2011-07-20 | url-status=dead |trans-title=Massive Caramell Dansen!}}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=July 2023}} The dance features [[List of Popotan characters#Mai|Mai]] and [[List of Popotan characters#Mii|Mii]] swinging their hips sideways while holding their hands near the sides of their heads and flapping them, as if making a "goodbye" motion representing cat ears<ref name="PetitePetit Ferret Opening">{{cite AV media|date=2003|title=''Popotan Po!'' Opening|url=http://www.petitferret.co.jp/docs/dl/demo/popo_demo.LZH|format=MPG ([[LHA (file format)|LHA compressed]])|medium=Visual Novel|publisher=Petit Ferret|location=Japan|access-date=2008-12-08|time=1:42-1:44, 1:54-:155|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722094808/http://www.petitferret.co.jp/docs/dl/demo/popo_demo.LZH|archive-date=2011-07-22}}</ref> Internet users set the dance to a sped-up chorus of the song ''[[Caramelldansen]]'' by [[Caramell]]. The scene's popularity helped the ''Popotan'' franchise and Caramell attain a cult following.<ref name="Festival Kamen"/><ref name="Caramell Interview">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100121180403/http://www.bubblegumdancer.com/en/interviews/jorgevasconcelo.htm|archive-date=2010-01-21|url=http://www.bubblegumdancer.com/en/interviews/jorgevasconcelo.htm|title=Interview of Jorge Vasconcelo|publisher=Bubblegum Dancer|access-date=2015-10-25}}</ref> The dance is performed by individuals (especially in Japan)<ref name="Video Doc Japan Carmelldasen">{{cite AV media|title=フ○テレビ (ﾟ∀ﾟ)ｳｯーｳｯーｳﾏｳﾏ|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140609141314/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFwtumD9quI|archive-date=2014-06-09|url-status=dead|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFwtumD9quI|format=flash|medium=News report|publisher=[[Fuji News Network]]|location=Japan|access-date=2008-12-01}}</ref> at [[anime convention]]s,<ref name="Video Doc Otakan Carmelldasen">{{cite AV media|people=Otakon Masquerade participants|title=Otakon '08 - Carmelldasen|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416182321/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Gww2EY0TME|archive-date=2016-04-16|url-status=live|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Gww2EY0TME|format=flash|location=Baltimore, Maryland|medium=Documentary|publisher=UndeadTiger|access-date=2009-01-26}}</ref><!-- Otakon [2008] staff have verified that this contents from the links from the "www.gaiaonline.com/journal/journal.php?mode=view&post_id=24515805&u=6651340" which is linked on their website (http://www.otakon.com/history_fans08.asp) actually occurred as specificed during the event--> and in advertising, video games<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUeAd6Tbagg |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/gUeAd6Tbagg |archive-date=2021-12-13 |url-status=live|title=ルーハーCMちゃんねる3|trans-title=Luu-Haa (Lucent Heart) CM Channel 3|publisher=[[Gamania]]|date=2009-06-28|access-date=2010-04-13|language=ja}}{{cbignore}}</ref> and other unrelated anime. The popularity of ''Popotan'' in Japan brought [[Haruko Momoi]] and her band [[Under17]] to prominence.<ref name="Aj Moimi">{{cite journal|author= Michelle Tymson|author2=Dennis A. Amith|date=March 2007|title=Momoi Haiko|journal=J!-ENT|pages=3}}</ref>

Critics have generally praised the animation and Akio Watanabe's character design. Despite chiding the plot, Mike Toole found the character design "memorable";<ref name="Mark Toole"/> reviewer Theron Martin disagreed.<ref name=Theron/> {{nihongo|Ozamu Tezuka|手塚理|Tezuka Ozamu}}<ref group="n" name="Tezuka">Ozamu Tezuka is a composer of anime music and should not to be confused with [[Osamu Tezuka]], one of the founding Japanese animators.</ref> found praise for his minimalist approach to the score.<ref name="Carlo Santos"/> Geneon's voice acting also elicited good reception, credited to Rob Beckwell, ''Popotan''{{'}}s English voice director. Mii is the only protagonist criticized for her voice acting; reviewers particularly praised Mea's voice.<ref name="Carlo Santos"/>

*{{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722094338/http://www.petitferret.co.jp/ |date=July 22, 2011 |title=PetitePetit Ferret's official website }} {{in lang|ja}}

*{{annanime News Network|anime|2082}}

[[Category:2003 anime television series debuts]]