TV Special
Description
Hatabō emerged as a recurring character in the earlier "Osomatsu-kun" manga under Fujio Akatsuka, designed by Kenichiro Takai. His name, translating to "flag boy," resulted from a "Shonen Sunday" reader poll. Initially portrayed as a significantly younger boy than the Matsuno sextuplets, often pre-elementary, his age depiction varied considerably across stories—sometimes matching the sextuplets' grade level or even advancing into adulthood. His most defining physical feature is a small Hinomaru flag protruding from his skull, removable at will. This flag altered in different scenarios: a United States flag for an American version, a skull-and-crossbones pirate flag as the assassin Joe Hatabō, or a solid red flag representing the Communist Party of Japan in the "Hatabō and Wanpei" stories published in "Akhata." Early manga designs experimented with flags emerging from his ears or omitted entirely, replaced by spiral cheek marks. Additional distinctive traits include a shaggy, kappa-like bowlcut, vertical lines under his nose suggesting a runny nose, whisker-like mucus stains on his cheeks, and a single bucktooth. His attire changed across adaptations: the original manga and Studio Zero anime featured a simple one-button shirt and pants, while the 1988 Pierrot anime gave him a white shirt, green overalls with a baby chick emblem, and a distinct pachinko game appearance.
As a child, Hatabō displayed a simple-minded, free-spirited personality, frequently bullied by the sextuplets or Chibita for perceived low intelligence. However, he occasionally demonstrated unexpected strength, claiming the ability to overpower Chibita or command subordinates in narratives depicting him as less innocent. His character evolved in the "Shonen King" manga and 1988 anime, showing increased intelligence, though official profiles consistently labeled him a "baka" (fool)-type character, described as unfocused yet lively. His speech consistently featured the tic "da jo" or "jo," with his introductory phrase "Hatabō da jo!" becoming a signature line in the 1988 series. Relationships were fluid: he alternated between Chibita's follower or victim, becoming his enemy in iterations like Joe Hatabō. He also faced targeting by Iyami and was occasionally depicted as Dekapan's son or protégé.
In "Osomatsu-san," adult Hatabō remains physically diminutive, looking unchanged from his teenage years into his twenties. He wears green overalls over a light yellow hoodie but appears notably smaller than most peers. Initially introduced as the wealthy CEO "Mr. Flag," he oversaw a multimillion-dollar company while retaining childlike mannerisms like riding a tricycle and seeking friendship. This incarnation occasionally displayed unsettling or severe traits during his "Mr. Flag" phase. He subsequently lost his fortune and status when employees abandoned him due to incompetence in managing finances and business. Post-season one, these darker elements diminished, settling into a default persona of an innocent, kind-hearted man with persistent simplicity and occasional naivety. His childlike existence and longing for companionship remained central.
In the "Osomatsu-san Ouma de Kobanashi" special, a Japan Racing Association collaboration, Hatabō appears in two brief skits titled "The Horse Race Song 1 & 2." He softly sings while playing with a small toy horse but is comically trampled by other racing participants. An announcer admonishes him, stating that stopping mid-race due to being a "lap behind" is not permitted.
As a child, Hatabō displayed a simple-minded, free-spirited personality, frequently bullied by the sextuplets or Chibita for perceived low intelligence. However, he occasionally demonstrated unexpected strength, claiming the ability to overpower Chibita or command subordinates in narratives depicting him as less innocent. His character evolved in the "Shonen King" manga and 1988 anime, showing increased intelligence, though official profiles consistently labeled him a "baka" (fool)-type character, described as unfocused yet lively. His speech consistently featured the tic "da jo" or "jo," with his introductory phrase "Hatabō da jo!" becoming a signature line in the 1988 series. Relationships were fluid: he alternated between Chibita's follower or victim, becoming his enemy in iterations like Joe Hatabō. He also faced targeting by Iyami and was occasionally depicted as Dekapan's son or protégé.
In "Osomatsu-san," adult Hatabō remains physically diminutive, looking unchanged from his teenage years into his twenties. He wears green overalls over a light yellow hoodie but appears notably smaller than most peers. Initially introduced as the wealthy CEO "Mr. Flag," he oversaw a multimillion-dollar company while retaining childlike mannerisms like riding a tricycle and seeking friendship. This incarnation occasionally displayed unsettling or severe traits during his "Mr. Flag" phase. He subsequently lost his fortune and status when employees abandoned him due to incompetence in managing finances and business. Post-season one, these darker elements diminished, settling into a default persona of an innocent, kind-hearted man with persistent simplicity and occasional naivety. His childlike existence and longing for companionship remained central.
In the "Osomatsu-san Ouma de Kobanashi" special, a Japan Racing Association collaboration, Hatabō appears in two brief skits titled "The Horse Race Song 1 & 2." He softly sings while playing with a small toy horse but is comically trampled by other racing participants. An announcer admonishes him, stating that stopping mid-race due to being a "lap behind" is not permitted.