Gatchan, also known as Gajira Norimaki, is a cherub-like angel adopted into the Norimaki family after hatching from an egg brought home by Senbei Norimaki from a time-traveling trip to prehistoric times. This egg was originally placed on Earth by the God of the Galaxy to prevent the advancement of human civilization, as Gatchan was designed to consume metal and replicate, thereby keeping humanity primitive. Senbei’s intervention disrupted this plan. The character is small and winged, with green hair and antennae, lacking genitalia or a defined gender, and is sometimes referred to with both male and female pronouns. Gatchan communicates in a unique language called Gatchanism, consisting of sounds such as “Pipokupipo” or “Koo pee pee poo,” which Arale Norimaki understands. It has a large appetite and can eat almost anything except rubber, showing a special fondness for metal. From its antennae, it can shoot a defensive or playful Antenna Beam and is capable of flight using its wings. After hatching, Gatchan split into two identical beings known collectively as the Gatchans or Gatchan Brothers. They are closely attached to Arale and often accompany her. These beings have demonstrated the ability to multiply further, with at least eight appearing in a future timeline. This replication ability was part of their original purpose to consume metal and hinder technological progress, though this objective was never realized due to the time travel intervention. Gatchan’s background reveals it was sent as an angel by the God of the Galaxy, who placed the egg in prehistoric times to preserve humanity’s primitive innocence, having seen other civilizations destroy themselves. When the God observed that Gatchan had failed its mission after being removed from that era, he considered destroying humanity but reconsidered upon seeing Gatchan’s happiness with the residents of Penguin Village. The character appears in other media beyond Dr. Slump, including the Dragon Ball series, where the Gatchans accompany Arale in encounters with characters such as Goku and General Blue, demonstrating their abilities by zapping trees and eating metal objects like cars. In Dragon Ball Super, during the “Future” Trunks Saga, they follow Arale to a world invention conference in West City and consume an entire building. They also feature in films like Dragon Ball: Mystical Adventure, using the Antenna Beam against General Tao. Gatchan is present in video games such as Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 and J-Stars Victory Vs, where it uses the Antenna Beam as part of Arale’s attacks or as a support character, and appears in crossover titles like Jump Ultimate Stars. The name Gatchan originates from a combination of Gamera and Gojira (Godzilla), proposed by Arale after Senbei rejected her suggestions. In some adaptations, the name derives from the Japanese onomatopoeia “gajigaji,” reflecting the character’s habit of gnawing on inorganic objects. Created by Akira Toriyama, Gatchan was designed as a pet-like figure for the Norimaki household, drawing inspiration from an angel-like child in a rejected manga pitch. The character also appears in a live-action commercial for the GU clothing store, flying alongside other Dr. Slump characters, and has been featured in various merchandise, consistently portrayed as a playful and innocent companion to Arale.