Based on Takashi Yanase's WWII starvation experiences and dream of eating *anpan*, Anpanman came to life when the celestial "star of life" landed in Uncle Jam's oven during baking. He wears a red-orange uniform with a smiley face symbol on his chest, yellow gloves, boots, and belt, plus a brown cape. His defining feature is his large, round head made of *anpan* filled with *tsubu-an* (chunky red bean paste), which serves as his primary power source, eliminating his need for food or drink. Anpanman flies using his cape and possesses superhuman strength, unleashing signature "An-punch" and "An-kick" attacks that shatter metal or send large objects flying. He exhibits regenerative capacity through head replacements baked by Uncle Jam. His super hearing detects distress calls from anyone calling his name anywhere, enabling immediate response. His heroic core involves self-sacrifice: he willingly breaks off pieces of his own head to feed starving creatures or people, directly reflecting Yanase's wartime hunger. This act weakens him, requiring a new head for full strength. He is vulnerable to water, dirt, mold, or physical damage to his head, progressively weakening him and potentially rendering him powerless. A special transparent helmet protects his head during rain or underwater activities. Damage to his cape results in loss of flight, requiring repair by Batako-san. Relationships define him. Uncle Jam, his creator and baker of replacement heads, functions as a paternal figure. Batako-san, Uncle Jam's assistant, maintains his cape. Allies include Cheese, a dog he rescued by feeding part of his head; fellow bread-headed heroes Currypanman and Shokupanman; and younger heroes like Melonpanna, Rollpanna, and Creampanda, whom he mentors and protects. His dynamic with archenemy Baikinman, born the same day, represents opposing forces (justice vs. mischief/germs). Anpanman harbors no hatred and has attempted friendship or cooperation against greater threats. Thematically, Anpanman embodies selflessness, kindness, and purpose. His actions are driven by fulfillment from helping others and receiving gratitude, echoing the existential themes of his theme song contemplating "Why was I born?" and "What should I do with my life?" – reflecting Yanase's post-war philosophical musings after losing his brother. He operates without rest days, constantly patrolling and responding to needs, symbolizing persistent hope. His design, using a humble food item, underscores accessibility and sustenance in times of need. Across the expansive narrative universe – spanning books, the long-running anime, movies including *Soreike! Anpanman: Niji no Pyramid*, OVAs, and spin-offs – Anpanman maintains consistent characterization. He battles threats like Baikinman in *Niji no Pyramid* and other films, utilizing his standard abilities and relying on his support network. New characters are frequently introduced, contributing to a Guinness World Record for the highest number of characters in an animated franchise (1,768 as verified in 2009), yet Anpanman's core traits of protection and nourishment remain unchanged.