Ohayo! Spank [Season 1 Episodes 1-63]

Alright, let’s talk about Ohayo! Spank—a hidden gem from the early ’80s that’s been flying under the radar for way too long. If you’re into heartwarming stories with a dash of nostalgia, this one’s for you.

First off, the basics: Ohayo! Spank is a shōjo anime (that’s “girl’s anime” for the uninitiated) based on the manga by Shun’ichi Yukimuro and Shizue Takanashi. It ran from 1981 to 1982 with a whopping 66 episodes—yeah, that’s a lot, but trust me, it’s worth it. The studio behind it? Tokyo Movie Shinsha, now known as TMS Entertainment, the same folks who brought us classics like Lupin III and Detective Conan. So you know the animation’s solid, even by today’s standards.

The story centers on Morimura Aiko, a tiny junior high student with a big heart. Her life’s been rough: her dad vanished at sea when she was little, her mom’s a hat designer living in Paris, and she’s stuck with her grumpy uncle. But then—boom—along comes Spank, a fluffy white dog who waltzes into her life like he owns the place. And let me tell you, this dog is no ordinary pup. He’s got a knack for turning Aiko’s frown upside down, even on her worst days.

What makes this anime stand out? It’s all about the feels. The early episodes hit hard with Aiko’s loneliness—you can practically feel her longing for her mom and dad. But Spank’s antics (think: stealing snacks, getting into trouble, and giving the best snuggles) balance the sadness with pure joy. Fans online rave about how relatable Aiko is. One user on MyAnimeList said, “Aiko’s struggles feel so real. I cried during the episode where she finds her dad’s old watch—Spank just sits there and licks her tears. Ugh, my heart!”

And let’s not forget the supporting cast. Aiko’s uncle, Mr. Fujinami, starts off as a total buzzkill, but over time, he softens up. There’s also her best friend, Chika, who’s always there to listen. Even the side characters have depth—like the neighborhood grandma who feeds Spank treats or the grumpy shopkeeper who secretly adores Aiko. It’s like a warm hug from your favorite relative.

Now, the animation. For the ’80s, it’s top-tier. The backgrounds are vibrant, the character designs are cute without being over-the-top, and the action scenes (yes, there are some—Spank chases cats like a pro) are smooth. The music? Catchy as hell. The opening theme, “Ohayo! Spank,” is a jingle that’ll get stuck in your head for days. And the ending song, “Aiko’s Lullaby,” is so sweet it’ll make you want to call your mom.

But wait—does it hold up today? Absolutely. Sure, the art style is retro, but that’s part of the charm. In a world of flashy CGI and hyper-violent anime, Ohayo! Spank is a breath of fresh air. It’s slow-paced, but that’s intentional. It takes time to build relationships and let you care about the characters. As one fan put it, “I binged all 66 episodes in a week. I laughed, I cried, and now I want a dog named Spank.”

Is there anything to critique? Maybe the pacing feels slow for modern viewers used to non-stop action. And some of the plotlines are predictable—you know Spank will save the day somehow. But honestly, that’s part of the fun. It’s like a comfort food anime: you know what you’re getting, and it’s always satisfying.

Oh, and there’s a movie too! A theatrical release in 1982 that wraps up some loose ends. Fans say it’s a perfect conclusion to the series, with more Spank goodness and a heartwarming reunion.

So, who should watch this? If you love slice-of-life stories, cute animals, or just need a pick-me-up, Ohayo! Spank is your jam. It’s not just for kids—adults will appreciate the themes of family, loss, and finding joy in the little things.

In a nutshell: Ohayo! Spank is a timeless classic that deserves more love. It’s got heart, humor, and a dog that’ll make you want to run out and adopt one immediately. So grab some snacks, curl up on the couch, and let Aiko and Spank brighten your day. You won’t regret it.

P.S. If you can find the English dub pilot (it’s on the Internet Archive!), give it a watch. The voice acting is cheesy in the best way. 🐶✨