Anpanman came to life when a shooting star, symbolizing the "star of life," imbued an anpan baked by Uncle Jam. His bread head is vulnerable to water, dirt, or mold; damage requires Uncle Jam to bake a replacement to restore his strength and abilities. He wears a distinctive red-orange uniform with yellow gloves and boots, and a brown cape enabling flight; damage to this cape grounds him until repaired by Batako-san.

His primary combat abilities are the An-punch and An-kick, powerful enough to shatter metal or launch large objects. He possesses superhuman hearing capable of detecting distress calls globally and sustains himself solely through the bean paste filling his head, eliminating the need for conventional food or drink. A defining trait is self-sacrifice: he willingly tears portions of his own head to feed starving beings, temporarily weakening himself. This embodies his core ethos that true heroism lies in kindness and altruism.

In "Yūreisen o Yattsukero!!", Anpanman confronts a ghost ship created by Baikinman with Dr. Hiyari's assistance. The conflict revolves around Baikinman manipulating Rollpanna, exploiting her dual-hearted nature (red for good, blue for evil) to turn her fully against Anpanman. Anpanman intervenes to protect both Rollpanna and her sister Melonpanna, ultimately thwarting Baikinman's scheme to weaponize the ghost ship and fracture their familial bond. His actions underscore his consistent role as a guardian prioritizing reconciliation and protection over retaliation.

Across broader media, his character emphasizes resilience and purpose. Despite vulnerabilities, he patrols daily without rest, driven by the belief that existence's meaning is self-determined through acts of courage and compassion. This philosophy originates from creator Takashi Yanase’s WWII experiences with starvation, shaping Anpanman’s identity as a symbol of sustenance and hope.