OVA
Description
Hatabō, a recurring character from Fujio Akatsuka and Kenichiro Takai's *Osomatsu-kun* manga, originated through a reader contest that determined his flag-themed name. His most distinctive trait is the Hinomaru flag protruding from his skull, typically removable. Early manga iterations occasionally depicted this flag emerging from his ears or held separately before the design stabilized. Physically, he sports shaggy kappa-style bowl-cut hair, a single bucktooth, and vertical dried-mucus lines under his nose. His attire fluctuates: classic manga and Studio Zero adaptations show him in a one-button shirt, while Pierrot's 1988 anime outfits him in green overalls with a baby chick emblem. The flag’s design adapts contextually, such as Communist red for *Akahata* strips or national flags in foreign settings.
As a child, Hatabō embodies a simple-minded, free-spirited persona, often oblivious to his surroundings and bullied by the sextuplets or Chibita. Despite this, he sporadically reveals surprising strength or cunning, notably as the anti-hero assassin "Joe Hatabō." His intelligence varies—depicted as sharper in *Shonen King* manga runs but largely reverting to a "fool-type" archetype. He punctuates speech with tics like "da jo."
In the *Osomatsu-san* continuity, adult Hatabō retains a childlike physique and mannerisms—riding a tricycle despite matching the sextuplets' age. Initially introduced as affluent "Mr. Flag," he loses his fortune through business ineptitude. Post-wealth, his personality shifts toward innocence and a longing for friendship. Though some skits imply a severe streak, this trait diminishes after his financial downfall.
Relationships remain fluid: Chibita alternates between friendship and rivalry, Iyami exploits him for schemes, and Dekapan occasionally mentors him. His family includes a flag-headed older brother who gifted his signature flag; other relatives also wear similar flags.
Alternate universes reimagine him diversely—like a wealthy comedic actor sporting a nose-hair mustache in beer ads. Foreign adaptations yield names like Spanish "Hatabo Metenabo" or Korean "Gong Baeg-gi," often relying on crude puns.
As a child, Hatabō embodies a simple-minded, free-spirited persona, often oblivious to his surroundings and bullied by the sextuplets or Chibita. Despite this, he sporadically reveals surprising strength or cunning, notably as the anti-hero assassin "Joe Hatabō." His intelligence varies—depicted as sharper in *Shonen King* manga runs but largely reverting to a "fool-type" archetype. He punctuates speech with tics like "da jo."
In the *Osomatsu-san* continuity, adult Hatabō retains a childlike physique and mannerisms—riding a tricycle despite matching the sextuplets' age. Initially introduced as affluent "Mr. Flag," he loses his fortune through business ineptitude. Post-wealth, his personality shifts toward innocence and a longing for friendship. Though some skits imply a severe streak, this trait diminishes after his financial downfall.
Relationships remain fluid: Chibita alternates between friendship and rivalry, Iyami exploits him for schemes, and Dekapan occasionally mentors him. His family includes a flag-headed older brother who gifted his signature flag; other relatives also wear similar flags.
Alternate universes reimagine him diversely—like a wealthy comedic actor sporting a nose-hair mustache in beer ads. Foreign adaptations yield names like Spanish "Hatabo Metenabo" or Korean "Gong Baeg-gi," often relying on crude puns.