View source for Popotan

{{Short description|Japanese adult visual novel}}
{{Infobox animanga/Header
| image = PopotanDVDROM.png
| alt = The three main sisters in ''Popotan'', Ai, Mai and Mii as well as Unagi in her ferret form. A CERO 18 warning label and the logo appear at the bottom.
| caption = Front cover of the DVD-ROM version of ''Popotan''
| ja_kanji = ぽぽたん
| ja_romaji = 
| genre = [[Fantasy comedy]],<ref>{{cite web |last=Oppliger |first=John |title=Ask John: What Are Some Good Ecchi Comedies? |url=http://www.animenation.net/blog/2009/05/08/ask-john-what-are-some-good-ecchi-comedies/ |website=[[AnimeNation]] |access-date=June 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100405090119/http://www.animenation.net/blog/2009/05/08/ask-john-what-are-some-good-ecchi-comedies/ |archive-date=April 5, 2010 |date=May 8, 2009 |quote=The 2003 ''Popotan'' television series just can’t seem to catch a break. The show has gorgeous character designs by Poyoyon Rock (Akio Watanabe) and an affecting story depth that even its critics concede. But due to its prominent nudity and origin as an erotic PC game, this wonderful, humorous fantasy never got the respect or success in America that it deserved.}}</ref> [[Harem (genre)|harem]]<ref>{{cite web |last1=Berman |first1=Jennifer |title=Popotan |url=https://www.themanime.org/viewreview.php?id=490 |website=T.H.E.M. Anime Reviews |access-date=June 22, 2020}}</ref><!-- Genres should be based on what reliable sources list them as and not on personal interpretations. Limit of the three most relevant genres in accordance with [[MOS:A&M]]. -->
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Print
| type            = novel series
| author          = Sassami Yachiruda
| publisher       = Softgarage
| demographic     = 
| imprint         = 
| magazine        = 
| first           = June 20, 2002
| last            = August 22, 2002
| volumes         = 2
| volume_list     = 
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Game
| developer       = {{vgrelease|JP|Petit Ferret}}
| publisher       = 
| genre           = [[Eroge]], [[Visual novel]]
| platforms       = [[Microsoft Windows]]
| released        = December 13, 2002 (limited ed.)<br/>August 1, 2003 (Popotan Po! DVD-ROM)
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Audio
| director        = 
| writer          = 
| studio          = 
| station         = [[Osaka Broadcasting Corporation|Osaka Radio]], [[TBS Radio & Communications|TBS Radio]]
| first           = April 2003
| last            = December 2003
| episodes        = 
| episode_list    = 
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Game
| title           = Popotan Fan Disc: Issho ni A SO BO
| developer       = {{vgrelease|JP|Petit Ferret}}
| publisher       = 
| genre           = Eroge, Visual novel
| platforms       = Microsoft Windows
| released        = July 7, 2003
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type            = tv series
| director        = [[Shinichiro Kimura]]
| producer        = {{ubl|Kozue Kananiwa (Movic)|[[Mitsutoshi Kubota]] (Shaft)|Satoshi Kōno (Bandai)|Tetsuo Genshō (TBS)}}
| writer          = [[Jukki Hanada]]
| music           = Osamu Tezuka
| studio          = [[Shaft (company)|Shaft]]
| licensee        = {{English anime licensee
  |NA = [[Sentai Filmworks]]
}}
| network         = [[BS-TBS|BS-i]]
| first           = July 18, 2003
| last            = October 3, 2003
| episodes        = 12
| episode_list    = List of Popotan episodes
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Print
| type            = manga
| author          = Yūjiro Izumi
| publisher       = [[Kodansha]]
| demographic     = ''[[Seinen manga|Seinen]]''
| magazine        = [[Magazine Z]]
| first           = December 12, 2003
| last            = August 23, 2004
| volumes         = 2
| volume_list     = 
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Game
| title           = Oshiete! Popotan
| developer       = {{vgrelease|JP|Success}}
| publisher       = {{vgrelease|JP|WellMADE}}
| genre           = Visual novel
| platforms       = [[PlayStation 2]]
| released        = March 11, 2004
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Footer}}
{{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> Petit 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.

==Gameplay==
[[File:PopotanPo-Screenshot.png|thumb|left|The game uses character position and size to show the characters' relative relation to the protagonist. Ai (left) is closer while Mii (right) is off to the side of the room further away.|alt=A screenshot inside Chris's Japanese bedroom. Ai's and Mii's images are separate avatar images overlaying the background. A transparent textbox at the bottom displays text over all of them.]]
''Popotan'' is a [[visual novel]] in which players spend most of their time in reading dynamic text, representing either [[dialogue]] between the various [[Non-player character|characters]] or the inner thoughts of the [[Player character|protagonist]]. After progressing through text, players either come to a "decision point" where they must choose from multiple options, or the text will end and the player must move to a new location, or, in the DVD-ROM and PS2 versions, use a shortcut option to continue to the next event.<ref name="WellMADE gameplay archive">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031016074019/http://www.wellmade.jp/products/popotan/pp_game.htm|archive-date=2003-10-16|url=http://www.wellmade.jp|script-title=ja:ゲーム紹介|trans-title=Gameplay|publisher=WellMADE|access-date=2009-05-28|language=ja|url-status=dead}}</ref> Time elapsed between decision points varies. The game pauses at these points and, depending on which choice the player makes, the plot will progress and may branch off in a specific direction.<ref name="WellMADE gameplay archive"/><ref name="Oshiete"/> The player must romantically pursue the three sisters, and can seek [[unlockable character|other characters]] if one of the sisters' scenarios has been completed.

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="Petit Ferret">{{cite web|url=http://www.petitferret.co.jp/docs/dl/index.htm|title=Download|publisher=Petit 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>

==Plot==

===Characters===
{{Main|List of Popotan characters}}
The player assumes the role of [[List of Popotan characters#Chris|Chris]], the protagonist of ''Popotan''. Chris is a high school dropout who dislikes the direction of society and refuses to get a job.<ref name="WellMADE story archive"/> He wanders the streets making a living as a guitar-playing [[Busking|busker]]. He feels he cannot play well without an audience, which is hard to find as a drifter.<ref name="Popotan DVD-ROM">{{cite web|url=http://www.getchu.com/soft.phtml?id=24519|title=ぽぽたん DVD-ROM版|trans-title=Popotan DVD-ROM Version|access-date=2008-03-25|publisher=Getchu|language=ja}}</ref> The other main characters include three sisters and their maid who live in a western-style [[mansion]].<ref name="WellMADE story archive"/> [[List of Popotan characters#Ai|Ai]], 18, is the eldest of the three and communicates with plants. [[List of Popotan characters#Mai|Mai]] is the middle sister at 14; she is a [[tomboy]] and disapproves of Chris's behavior. [[List of Popotan characters#Mii|Mii]] is the youngest at 11 and the most energetic; she often [[cosplay]]s as "Magical Girl Mii" and helps people.<ref name="WellMADE sisters archive">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031015083617/http://www.wellmade.jp/products/popotan/pp_char.htm|archive-date=2003-10-15|url=http://www.wellmade.jp|title=Character|publisher=WellMADE|access-date=2009-05-28|language=ja|url-status=dead}}</ref> Their maid [[List of Popotan characters#Mea|Mea]] appears emotionless at first, but reveals hidden depth later in the story.<ref name="Oshiete"/><ref name="WellMADE story archive"/>

===Story===
''Popotan'' takes place in the distant future within the remnants of [[Tokyo]], destroyed by a cataclysm and since altered by geological transformations.<ref>{{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|publisher=Petit Ferret & Soft Bank Publishing|language=ja|page=27|isbn=4-7973-2348-5|date=5 August 2003}}</ref> The disaster was caused by a giant dandelion structure resembling a [[spire]] that arose in the city atop a hill. The main location of the game is a European-style mansion, seen as completely out-of-place in the city.<ref name="WellMADE story archive">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031016074151/http://www.wellmade.jp/products/popotan/pp_story.htm|archive-date=2003-10-16|url=http://www.wellmade.jp|script-title=ja:ストーリー|trans-title=Story|publisher=WellMADE|access-date=2009-05-28|language=ja|url-status=dead}}</ref> Much of the daytime is spent outside the mansion wandering around town meeting characters and triggering event sequences.<!-- Dandelions, other flowers, and vegetation in general are a major theme in the game. Various sculptures and buildings feature a flower [[motif (visual arts)|motif]], and every scene contains actual vegetation or floral symbols.-->

''Popotan'' follows Chris's lifestyle changes, as well as the mysteries surrounding the spire-like object that caused the destruction of Tokyo in the past. The story opens as Chris desperately considers stealing food from a stand near a [[torii|shrine entrance]]. His theft is unsuccessful, and he wanders around town looking for work. He finds a [[convenience store]], where he gets directions leading him to the mansion. He enters without asking permission and runs into the three sisters and their [[Android (robot)|lifelike android]] maid. Chris asks permission to stay because the rent is cheap and the girls are pretty; they consent, but force him to take a part-time job. The convenience store owner hires him, and as the story progresses, Chris opens up socially and begins caring about others as he interacts with the girls. He also meets new friends, including a classmate [[List of Popotan characters#Konami|Konami]], a local [[Miko|shrine maiden]] named [[List of Popotan characters#Nono|Nono]] and a mysterious girl named [[List of Popotan characters#Shizuku|Shizuku]].

==Development==
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="Petit Ferret"/><ref name="Erogescape POpotanCD"/> Petit 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 requested applications for [[seiyū|Japanese voice actresses]] from May to June 2002, seeking to fill the roles of the three sisters first. Satisfied with the applicants, Petit Ferret held open auditions for other roles starting June 30, 2002.<ref name="Petit Ferret VAs">{{cite web|url=http://gamez.itmedia.co.jp/games/gsnews/0205/20/news09.html|script-title=ja:秋発売予定美少女ゲームの声優オーディション 秋発売予定美少女ゲームの声優オーディション|trans-title=Seiyū audition for bishoujo game to be released this Autumn|publisher=ITMedia|work=Softbank Games|date=2002-05-02|access-date=2009-01-16|language=ja}}<br>{{cite web|url=http://gamez.itmedia.co.jp/games/gsnews/0206/08/news05.html|script-title=ja:美少女パソコンゲームヒロイン声優募集の締切迫る！|trans-title=Deadline for seiyū of the main bishoujo characters in a PC-game approaches.|publisher=ITMedia|work=Softbank Games|date=2002-06-08|access-date=2009-01-16|language=ja}}<br>{{cite web|url=http://gamez.itmedia.co.jp/games/gsnews/0206/24/news13.html|title=18ゲームの公開声優オーディション観覧者募集<sub>禁</sub>|trans-title=Public Call for Seiyū Auditions for an adult game (Restrictioned)Petit Ferret's looking for voice actors|publisher=ITMedia|work=Softbank Games|date=2002-06-24|access-date=2009-01-16|language=ja}}</ref> WellMADE produced and distributed the PS2 [[porting|port]], {{Nihongo|''Oshiete! Popotan''|おしえて!ぽぽたん}}, based on the DVD-ROM version of the original game. Petit Ferret made Akio Watanabe project supervisor for the PS2 port.<ref name="PS2 Supervisor">{{cite web|url=http://gamez.itmedia.co.jp/games/gsnews/0312/24/news09.html|title=ぽぽたん"恥ずかし"ポスターを予約でGET！ ぽぽたん"恥ずかし"ポスターを予約で入手！|trans-title=Get Reversible Popotan "Embarrassment" Poster! Obtain the Popotan "Embarrassment" Poster by Reservation!|publisher=ITMedia|work=Softbank Games|date=2003-12-24|access-date=2009-01-16|language=ja}}</ref>

===Release information===
Petit Ferret released a trial version of ''Popotan'' for download on November 25, 2002<ref name="Petit Ferret"/><ref name="Petit 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="Petit Ferret 2005"/><ref name="Petit Ferret Titles">{{cite web|url=http://www.petitferret.co.jp/docs/products/index.htm|title=Products|publisher=Petit 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. Petit Ferret issued a patch on January 10, 2003. Later versions of the game were released bug-free.<ref name="Petit 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=Petit 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="Petit 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=Petit 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>

==Related media==

===Anime series===
{{See also|List of Popotan episodes}}
An [[anime]] television series adaptation of ''Popotan'' was animated by [[Shaft (company)|Shaft]] and directed by [[Shinichiro Kimura]]. A pseudonymous animator going by the name "Haruka Sakurai" (桜井はるか) designed the characters for animation; and Rondo Mizukami served as the chief animation director, 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|archive-date=2009-03-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090304175602/http://www.bandaivisual.co.jp/popotan/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Popotan 1 ENG notes">{{cite AV 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|archive-date=2008-12-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205115745/http://animejapan.cplaza.ne.jp/b-ch/popotan/popotan_tva.html|url-status=dead}}</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 AV 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 Mō 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 AV media notes|title=Popotan: Enigma|orig-year=2003|others=Shinichiro Kimura|type=back cover|publisher=[[Geneon]]|location=Long Beach, California|year=2004}}<br>{{cite AV 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>

====Setting and plot====
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 AV 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 AV 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 AV 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 story centers around the three sisters as they travel through time in a mansion, run a [[Christmas]] shop, and search for the dandelion-resembling "popotan". The sisters interact with others and try to improve their situations.<ref name="AMG: Popotan Series">{{cite web|url=http://www.allmovie.com/work/333573|title=''Popotan'' series review|access-date=2008-12-16|publisher=All Movie}}</ref> The anime suggests that others, including the [[antagonist]] [[List of Popotan characters#Keith|Keith]], have attempted similar journeys in the past.<ref name="DVD3 liner"/><ref name="Popotan Ep 12 - Keith">{{cite AV media|date=September 2003|title=''Popotan'' (The Episode)|medium=Television Production|publisher=Shaft|location=Japan|time=13:35-14:20|id=[[Japanese Article Number|JAN]] 4934569616715}}</ref><ref name="Gift">{{cite AV media|date=September 2003|title=Gift|medium=Television Production|publisher=Shaft|location=Japan|id=[[Japanese Article Number|JAN]] 4934569616951}}</ref> The anime otherwise covers little backstory, obscuring the reason for why Shizuku, Keith and Mea are associated. The sisters meet Shizuku while traveling through time, who gives them the option to continue journeying or stay in the era they enjoy most; they choose the former. The story ends as they continue traveling through time, leaving unanswered questions concerning their final destination and why they were chosen.<ref name="Early Vol3 Popotan Review">{{cite web|last=Beveridge|first=Chris|title=''Popota''n Vol. #3 (of 3)|publisher=Mania: Beyond Entertainment|date=2002-04-12|url=http://www.mania.com/popotan-vol-3_article_76872.html|access-date=2008-09-12|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141026214814/http://www.mania.com/popotan-vol-3_article_76872.html|archive-date=2014-10-26}}</ref>

Their bodies are connected to the mansion where they live, which allows them to travel through time.<ref name="Release Announcement">{{cite web|url=http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/5228.html|title=Geneon Press release announcement|access-date=2008-05-29|publisher=ICV2}}</ref> Their bodies cease to age outside the mansion; even their hair stops growing. They jump five years into the future when traveling through time and always arrive in different places, except for a split-party scenario in which Mai and Mea are left behind.<ref name="Carlo Santos"/><ref name="Early Vol2 Popotan Review">{{cite web|last=Beveridge|first=Chris|title=''Popotan'' Vol. #2 (of 3)|publisher=Mania: Beyond Entertainment|date=2005-02-22|url=http://www.mania.com/popotan-vol-2_article_76696.html|access-date=2008-09-12|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141026205240/http://www.mania.com/popotan-vol-2_article_76696.html|archive-date=2014-10-26}}</ref><ref name="I'm Home">{{cite AV media|date=August 2003|title=I'm Home|medium=Television Production|publisher=Shaft|location=Japan|id=[[Japanese Article Number|JAN]] 4934569616937}}</ref><ref name="Dong">{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/shelf-life/2005-05-16|title=Shelf Life - B-b-b-b-back and Lovin' It: Popotan Vol. #2 – Enigma|last=Bamboo|first=Dong|work=Review|publisher=Anime News Network|date=2005-05-16|access-date=2009-03-20}}</ref>

===Music===
{{Main|List of Popotan soundtracks}}
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 Mahō de Pon!!|みいタンの魔法でポン!!}}''),<ref name="Petit 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|Anoun|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/>

===Radio drama and publications===
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="Petit 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=Petit 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 Rock-chan no Himitsu 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>

==Legacy, reception and sales==

===Visual novel===
{{Video game reviews
| title = Oshiete! Popotan
| Fam = 22 / 40{{citation needed|date=September 2021}}
}} 
[[File:Caramelldansen.gif|thumb|left|This dancing scene from the opening of the visual novel is one of the most widely recognized images of ''Popotan''.|alt=An animated image of Mai and Mii doing a simple dance. They hold their hands on the sides of their heads flapping them while shaking their hips sideways.]]
''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}}{{citation 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="Petit 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>

===Anime===
The first English ''Popotan'' DVD met mixed reviews in the United States. [[Anime Jump]] gave it 1½ stars, stating that beyond the pretty pictures, "it is created specifically to sell DVDs, tiny figurines, and other merchandise to [[Hikikomori|introverted adult men]]."<ref name="Mark Toole">{{cite web|last=Toole|first=Mike|title=''Popotan'' vol. 1|publisher=Anime Jump|url=http://www.animejump.com/index.php?module=prodreviews&func=showcontent&id=581|access-date=2008-11-16 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071108010224/http://www.animejump.com/index.php?module=prodreviews&func=showcontent&id=581 |archive-date = November 8, 2007}}</ref> [[DVD Talk|DVDtalk]] gave it a final rating of "recommended" and only criticized the bonus content. The reviewer remarked that the first disc "[...]was full of surprises for even a jaded old reviewer like myself."<ref name="Don Houston 1"/> [[Anime News Network]] held mixed attitudes towards the second DVD, citing certain characters and the level of nudity. Its reviewers praised ''Popotan''{{'}}s storyline,<ref name="Dong"/> considering it especially complex for a video game-based anime.<ref name="Carlo Santos"/> ''Popotan'' has proven notoriously difficult for English reviewers to categorize,<ref name="Carlo Santos"/> leading several to praise its multi-genre style and appeal.<ref name="Early Vol1 Popotan Review"/><ref name="Bailey Box"/><ref name="Don Houston 1"/><ref name="Don Houston 2"/>

Critics who reviewed only the first DVD gave the series more negative marks than those who reviewed it in full.<ref name="Mark Toole"/> Of the latter, [[Allmovie]] gave ''Popotan'' 4/5 stars<ref name="AMG: Popotan Series"/> and DVDtalk awarded it "recommended" status, citing the first two discs.<ref name="Bailey Box"/><ref name="Don Houston 1"/><ref name="Don Houston 2">{{cite web|url=http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/14759/popotan-enigma/|title=Popotan - Enigma|last=Houston|first=Don|work=Reviews|publisher=DVDtalk|date=2005-02-22|access-date=2009-03-01}}</ref> Examining the Sentai Filmworks re-release, Theron Martin concurred that the anime improved towards the end despite rushed plot development. He gave the series low marks overall, feeling its quality varied wildly each episode.<ref name=Theron>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/popotan/dvd-complete-collection|title=Popotan: DVD - Complete Collection|author=Martin, Theron|work=Review|publisher=Anime News Network|date=2009-11-01|access-date=2010-05-29}}</ref>

The level of nudity and its importance to the storyline have been widely debated. John Oppliger of [[Anime Nation]] feels explicit nudity ruined the ''Popotan'' anime, overshadowing its character depth and complex storyline.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.animenation.net/blog/2005/05/20/ask-john-why-do-americans-hate-harem-anime/ | title = Ask John: Why Do Americans Hate Harem Anime? | first = John | last = Oppliger | publisher = AnimeNation.net | date = May 20, 2005 | access-date = April 25, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080711022804/http://www.animenation.net/blog/2005/05/20/ask-john-why-do-americans-hate-harem-anime/|archive-date=July 11, 2008}}</ref> Anime News Network and Mania agreed that it was excessive;<ref name="Popotan Collection Review"/><ref name="Dong"/> one reviewer from the former likened it to "kiddie porn"<ref name="Carlo Santos"/> and another attributed its re-release to demand for nudity.<ref name=Theron/> DVDtalk's reviewers were mixed; one claimed the nude scenes were out-of-place,<ref name="Bailey Box"/> and another considered them appropriate.<ref name="Don Houston 1"/><ref name="Don Houston 2"/> Both considered the overall use of nudity to be "minor".<ref name="Bailey Box"/><ref name="Don Houston 1"/><ref name="Don Houston 2"/>

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 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"/>

==See also==
* [[Caramelldansen]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}
<references group="n" />

==References==
;General
*{{cite video game|title=Popotan|script-title=ja:ぽぽたん|developer=Petit Ferret|date=2002-12-13|platform=[[Personal computer|PC]]|version=2.0|language=ja|isolang=ja}}
*{{cite video game|title=Popotan Po!|script-title=ja:=ぽぽたん Po!|developer=Petit Ferret|date=2003-08-01|platform=[[Personal computer|PC]]|version=[[DVD-ROM]]|language=ja|isolang=ja}}
*{{cite video game|title=Oshiete! Popotan|script-title=ja:おしえて！ぽぽたん|developer=Success|publisher=WellMADE|date=2004-03-11|platform=[[PS2]]|language=ja|isolang=ja}}
;Specific
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
*{{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722094338/http://www.petitferret.co.jp/ |date=July 22, 2011 |title=Petit Ferret's official website }} {{in lang|ja}}
*[http://www.bandaivisual.co.jp/popotan/ ''Popotan'' anime] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090304175602/http://www.bandaivisual.co.jp/popotan/ |date=2009-03-04 }} at Bandai Visual {{in lang|ja}}
*{{vndb|196}}
*{{vndb|4975|title=Popotan Fan Disc: Issho ni A-SO-BO}}
*{{anime News Network|anime|2082}}

{{Popotan}}
{{Shaft Animation Studio}}
{{Jukki Hanada}}
{{Good article}}

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