About “Nintama Rantarou” in a few words:

“Nintama Rantarou” is a light-hearted anime series that revolves around the misadventures of Rantarou and his friends as they train to become elite ninjas. Set in the Edo period, it beautifully combines elements of comedy, friendship, and action. As the young trainees navigate the challenges of the Ninja Academy, viewers are treated to a mix of slapstick humor, heartwarming lessons, and occasional perils that keep the story engaging.

Meet the characters from Nintama Rantarou

Rantarou

Oh man, Rantarou is basically the heart of the whole show — endlessly optimistic, a little chaotic, and always three steps away from a small disaster. He tries so hard to be a good ninja student, but also will absolutely get distracted by a stray frog or a shiny coin (and yes, those things somehow derail him for hours). Somewhere between being earnest and weirdly clever he becomes this magnet for trouble and friendship — like, he messes up spectacularly but somehow everyone forgives him because he’s so sincere. Also he claims to hate math but will secretly practice throwing stars at midnight, not that he’d admit that out loud.

Shinbei

Shinbei is the calm, solid friend everyone leans on — kind of the “big softie” who also eats like it’s his job, which is adorable and also deadly for the snack cupboard. He’s patient, slow-to-anger, and weirdly observant (don’t underestimate his stare), though he can be lazy and take unexpected naps in the strangest places. There’s this peaceful vibe about him but then he’ll surprise you by being ridiculously brave when friends are in trouble — like, quietly heroic. Oh and he might collect stickers? Or be terrified of mice; I can’t remember which, but it’s one of those two.

Kirimaru

Kirimaru is that tiny whirlwind of scheming energy — always counting coins, plotting a shortcut, and somehow charming despite being basically a walking mischief magnet. He’s proud, snarky, loves money more than is maybe healthy, and has the nerve to call himself “practical” even when his plans implode. Deep down he’s fiercely loyal and oddly sweet (he’ll steal your snack but also defend you from bullies), so he’s complicated in the best way. He’ll tease you, then bring you a weird souvenir at midnight and act like that proves he’s thoughtful — which, sure, I guess it does?

Doi Hansuke

Doi feels like the classic stern instructor everyone both respects and rolls their eyes at — super strict rulebook energy, expects perfection, and yells a lot (but secretly cares deeply, because of course he does). He’s all about discipline and honor, yet has these tiny odd comforts: a favorite teacup he’s suspiciously sentimental about, or a tendency to quote poetry when he’s flustered, which is hilarious. He can be terrifying in training but then is the first to offer a bandage and a scolding that somehow sounds like affection, so it’s layered. Also rumors say he once lost a sandal in a pond and mourned it for a week — maybe true, maybe not, I can’t confirm.

Yamada Denzou

Yamada is pure theatrical energy — a little loud, a touch dramatic, and always trying to upstage everyone (with mixed success, but bless him for trying). He’s a show-off, loves gadgets or flashy moves that sometimes work and sometimes explode, and has this goofy confidence that is somehow infectious. Beneath the bravado he’s oddly insecure, which makes his over-the-top bravura kind of endearing rather than annoying — also he collects ridiculously ornate headbands, which fits. He’ll brag, fail spectacularly, then cheerfully demand a rematch like nothing happened, and honestly that’s why you can’t help but root for him.