Anpanman is a superhero whose head consists of anpan, a Japanese bread filled with sweet red bean paste. He came to life when a star of life fell into an anpan baked wholeheartedly by Uncle Jam.

He wears a red-orange uniform, a brown cape, yellow gloves, boots, and a belt, with a smiley face symbol on his chest. His round anpan head displays a large red nose, rosy cheeks, and a broad smile.

Anpanman is cheerful and helpful, always prepared to aid those in need. He spends his days flying on patrol, assisting with chores, locating lost pets, and confronting troublemakers. He willingly shares pieces of his own head to feed the hungry, even though this weakens him until Uncle Jam bakes a replacement. He sustains himself solely from the anko in his head and possesses super hearing that allows him to detect calls for help from anywhere.

His primary abilities include the An-punch and An-kick, strikes powerful enough to break metal and send large robots flying. He can regenerate; any damage to or consumption of his head is remedied by a new one from Uncle Jam, instantly restoring his strength.

His head is susceptible to water, dirt, mold, and illnesses such as measles, mumps, and rubella, all of which diminish his power. If his cape is torn, he cannot fly until Batako mends it.

Uncle Jam, his creator, shares a fatherly bond with him, while Batako helps maintain his well-being. His main adversary is Baikinman, a germ-themed character born on the same day; though they often clash, they lack personal animosity and have united against greater dangers. His allies include fellow heroes like Currypanman, Shokupanman, Melonpanna, Rollpanna, and Creampanda. He also rescued a puppy that became his devoted companion, Cheese.

The character was inspired by the wartime experiences of his creator, Takashi Yanase, who endured starvation and dreamed of eating anpan.