Tío Jam, known as Uncle Jam or Jamu Ojisan in the original Japanese version, serves as both creator and primary caretaker of Anpanman. He bakes Anpanman's head in his forest-based bakery using a unique oven transformed by a fallen "star of life"—a celestial event that imbued baked goods with life, directly causing Anpanman’s sentience.

As a baker of profound culinary wisdom and worldly knowledge, Tío Jam continuously crafts replacement heads essential for restoring Anpanman’s strength. These replacements become necessary when Anpanman’s head suffers damage, soiling, or depletion from sharing portions with the needy. The restoration process involves removing the weakened head and attaching a fresh one.

Operating from his secluded woodland bakery, Tío Jam is aided by Batako-san (Butter Girl), who repairs capes for Anpanman and fellow heroes. The bakery also houses Cheese, a devoted dog companion to Anpanman. Beyond maintenance, Tío Jam embodies a nurturing foundation for the narrative, ensuring Anpanman’s enduring capacity to protect others. His origin—anchored in the star of life event and his ongoing sustenance of Anpanman’s heroism—remains consistent across the franchise.