Senbei Norimaki, a 28-year-old eccentric inventor residing in Penguin Village, anchors the narrative as a creator of advanced yet absurd technological marvels. Renowned for crafting Arale, a humanoid robot designed to mimic a young girl, he alternately introduces her as his sister or daughter to villagers, masking her true origin. His scientific brilliance contrasts with comedic flaws, including lecherous inclinations and a recurring delusion of appearing taller and more handsome during moments of self-seriousness.
Initially pining for Midori Yamabuki, Arale’s teacher, Senbei’s impulsive proposal leads to marriage, parenthood with their son Turbo, and an unconventional family unit. This expands further when Gatchan, a winged creature hatched from an egg found during a time-travel mishap, joins the household before splitting into two distinct beings.
Beyond his primary story, Senbei crosses into crossover narratives like *Dragon Ball*, repairing Son Goku’s Dragon Radar—a testament to his enduring curiosity and knack for chaotic problem-solving. His name, a pun blending *senbei* (rice cracker) and *nori* (seaweed), mirrors the series’ playful linguistic style.
Rivalries with antagonists like Dr. Mashirito—a sardonic reflection of his editor—showcase his resilience against setbacks. His inventions, from Arale’s superhuman strength to Gatchan’s reality-warping quirks, fuel the series’ blend of slapstick humor and sci-fi absurdity. Familial bonds and professional clashes define his arc, with marriage and fatherhood marking transformative milestones. Each invention catalyzes unpredictable plotlines, weaving together scientific ingenuity and farcical mishaps. As a recurring figure across media, Senbei embodies the series’ celebration of flawed humanity—or robotic approximation—and the chaotic beauty of imperfection.