Anime | Croket
Croket! (also spelled Korokke!) is an adventure anime and manga series focused on "Bankers"—adventurers who collect magical coins called Kinkas to have their greatest wishes granted. Plot Overview
In a world shared by humans and anthropomorphic animals, Bankers travel with Kinka Banks to store magical coins. Legends say that once a Banker collects enough Kinkas, a Bank Wizard (or Ban-King) appears to grant a single wish.
The story follows Croket, a young boy with superhuman strength and a massive hammer. His goal is to win the Banker Survival Quest, a brutal tournament on Macadamia Island, to earn enough Kinkas to revive his father, Bourg (or Burger). His father was a legendary Banker reportedly killed by a mysterious figure known as the "Black Gown Man". Main Characters
Croket: The energetic protagonist who never gives up on his dream of bringing his father back to life.
Risotto: The cool-headed prince of the Grand Chef Kingdom who enters the tournament to protect his homeland.
Worcester: An anthropomorphic cat Banker who dreams of becoming the most popular person in his village.
Pudding-Pudding: A character from a "beautiful" village who wears a mask and uses a stick that can invoke pink poop.
Piroshiki (Menchi): Croket's Kinka safe, which takes the form of a pig. Series Details
Origins: Created by Manavu Kashimoto, it originally ran as a manga in CoroCoro Comic (2001–2006) and won the 2003 Shogakukan Manga Award for children's manga. croket anime
Anime Production: Produced by OLM (the studio behind Pokémon), the anime aired from April 2003 to March 2005, totaling 104 episodes (often counted as 78 in some regions due to combined half-episodes).
Video Games: The franchise spawned eight video games, primarily published by Konami for platforms like the Game Boy Advance and PlayStation 1. How to Watch
The series was broadcast on TV Tokyo in Japan and has seen international releases in regions like Spain, Indonesia, and South Korea. While availability varies by region, digital versions have historically been listed on Amazon Prime Video and Hulu in certain territories. Croket! (2003) | Croket! Wiki | Fandom
Information * Title. Croket! Croquette! ( Literal translation) Korokke! ( Romaji) Крокет! ( Cyliric, never used) コロッケ! ( Japanese) Croket! Wiki·Contributors to Croket! Wiki Croket! (2003) | Croket! Wiki | Fandom
Croket! Anime: The Ultimate Adventure in the World of Bankers
Croket! (also known as Korokke!) is a classic adventure anime that captures the high-stakes world of "Bankers"—individuals who roam the globe collecting magical coins called Kinkas. Produced by the renowned OLM Studio (famous for the Pokémon anime), the series aired between 2003 and 2005, spanning 78 to 104 episodes across three distinct seasons. The Quest for the Bank Wizard
In the world of Croket!, legend says that any Banker who collects enough Kinkas can summon the Bank Wizard (or King Bang), who will grant them a single wish.
The story follows Croket, a scrappy and incredibly strong young Banker armed with a massive hammer. Driven by the tragic loss of his father, the legendary Banker Burger, Croket's ultimate goal is to fill his Kinka Bank and wish his father back to life. His journey leads him to the Banker Survival Quest on Macadamia Island— a dangerous tournament where the winner receives enough Kinkas to grant any wish. Key Characters and Rivals Croket
The series is well-known for its colorful cast, many of whom have names inspired by various foods. Croket! (TV Series 2003–2005) - Episode list - IMDb
While there isn't a single "full-feature" movie titled (also known as
), the series was a major Japanese media franchise featuring a 78-episode anime series, a long-running manga, and numerous video games. Series Overview The Anime (2003–2005) : The TV series, titled
, aired on TV Tokyo and ran for 78 episodes. It follows the story of
, a young "Banker" who travels the world collecting "Kinkas" (forbidden coins) to fill a piggy bank and grant his wish: to resurrect his father, Burger.
: Created by Manavu Kashimoto, the original manga was serialized in CoroCoro Comic
and won the Shogakukan Manga Award for children's manga in 2003. Black Label Sequel : A sequel manga titled Croket! BLACK LABEL
was launched more recently, featuring a grown-up version of the characters in a more "gritty" world. "Full Feature" Alternatives Nostalgia Factor: It is a prime example of
If you are looking for long-form content, the series is best experienced through: TV Series Compilation
: There are no standalone theatrical films, but fans often look for complete episode collections or "full" season marathons. Video Game Stories : Many of the video games, such as Croket! 2: Yami no Bank to Ban Joou
for the Game Boy Advance, feature extensive story modes that expand on the anime's plot. Davy Crockett (Unrelated) : Note that there is an older Western animated movie titled Davy Crockett on the Mississippi
that occasionally appears in searches for "Crockett anime," but it is unrelated to the Japanese franchise.
For more information on characters and lore, you can visit the community-run Croket! Wiki or a list of playable characters from the series?
Why it is Useful to Watch Now
- Nostalgia Factor: It is a prime example of the "Golden Age" of mid-2000s tournament anime.
- Unique Writing: The writing is eccentric. The characters often break the fourth wall, and the stakes are bizarre, offering a fresh experience for viewers tired of standard fantasy tropes.
- Complete Story: With 52 episodes, the series tells a complete story with a definitive ending, avoiding the "cancellation cliffhanger" common in modern anime.
Why Did It Never Leave Japan?
For English-speaking fans, the Croket anime remains a "lost media" holy grail. It was never officially licensed for North America, Europe, or Australia. Why?
- Cultural Specificity: The show relies heavily on Japanese comfort food (omurice, takoyaki, yakisoba-pan). Jokes about the correct consistency of dashi broth do not translate well.
- Name Confusion: The title Croket (a fried potato and meat croquette) was deemed too silly for Western action markets. Imagine a 14-year-old in 2004 trying to convince his friends to watch "Croquette." It wouldn't happen.
- Licensing Hell: The production committee involved multiple food companies (like Ajinomoto) as sponsors. Clearing those product placement rights globally would be a nightmare.
As a result, the Croket anime exists today only via raw Japanese DVDs, partial fansubs, and grainy Nico Nico Douga uploads.
Why the Croket Anime Stands Out (The "Secret Sauce")
While the premise sounds like a joke, the Croket anime executes it with surprising sincerity. Here is what makes it unique:
Theme Songs
The anime features music by popular Japanese artists:
- Opening Themes:
- "Ha-la-la" by Yusuke (eps 1-26)
- "C'mon! Croket!" by Shimatani Hitomi (eps 27-52)
- Ending Themes:
- "Suki Suki Suki!" by Rythem (eps 1-26)
- "Happy Happy Happy!" by Sister Q (eps 27-52)
Worldbuilding & Themes
- World: A fantasy setting with clear RPG influences—treasures grant special powers, monsters and guilds populate the world, and rules about artifact use shape conflicts. This is enjoyable for fans of game-like adventure worlds.
- Themes: Friendship, perseverance, legacy, and the meaning of strength are reiterated throughout. The show emphasizes heroism and loyalty over moral ambiguity.
- Originality: While polished and fun, many elements are familiar shōnen staples—treasure hunts, power-ups, and tournament arcs—so originality is moderate.
Quick Facts
- Japanese Title: コロッケ!
- Author (Manga): Manavu Kashimoto
- Anime Production: TMS Entertainment
- Original Run: April 2003 – March 2005 (anime)
- Episodes: 73
- Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Supernatural, Battle