Hey! Say! JUMP to Lend Their Cuteness to "Third Grade Ashibe & Goma-chan" Anime Reboot Theme Song "CUE CUE CUTE"!

The popular anime series "Third Grade Ashibe QQ Goma-chan" is set to begin broadcasting on TV Tokyo's six-station network from Sunday, April 12, 2026. It has also been revealed that the popular idol group Hey! Say! JUMP will be performing the theme song, titled "CUE CUE CUTE," and its charming sound is already garnering significant attention.

The "Ashibe" and "Goma-chan" duo holds a nostalgic place in the hearts of many fans. The re-animation of "Third Grade Ashibe" has sparked a wave of comments on social media, such as "So nostalgic!" "I definitely watched this!" and "I can't believe it's becoming an anime again!" Joyful reactions are also coming from generations who grew up with the series and are now sharing it with their children. Even Kei Inoo of Hey! Say! JUMP mentioned watching past reruns, underscoring the series' widespread recognition among fans since the early Heisei era.

The theme song "CUE CUE CUTE," sung by Hey! Say! JUMP, has been described as an "incredibly cute and pleasant-to-the-ear song," and expectations are high for it to be a happy tune perfectly suited to the anime's world. Hey! Say! JUMP fans have showered the collaboration with praise, commenting, "JUMP and the world of Ashibe and Goma-chan match too perfectly," "Such a cute collaboration," and "It's perfect for the fresh and cute JUMP." A portion of the new song is already available for early listening in the currently released anime promotional video.

In conjunction with this announcement, comments from Hey! Say! JUMP have also been released, with fans not only looking forward to the anime itself but also eager to hear the members' thoughts on the theme song. Furthermore, the anime's official channels have announced the sale of LINE stickers, indicating a growing buzz leading up to the broadcast.

DLE is handling the animation production for "Third Grade Ashibe QQ Goma-chan," and the appearance of popular characters like Sugao-kun has also been hinted at, suggesting content that both new and existing fans will enjoy. The broadcast on April 12 is eagerly awaited.

The context

"Shonen Ashibe" (少年アシベ) is a classic Japanese manga series by Hiromi Morishita, first serialized in 1988. It follows the heartwarming and often humorous daily life of a first-grader named Ashibe and his adorable pet baby harp seal, Goma-chan. The series gained significant popularity and has been adapted into several anime series over the decades. "Third Grade Ashibe QQ Goma-chan" is the latest iteration, advancing the main character, Ashibe, to third grade while maintaining the beloved premise.

Hey! Say! JUMP is a popular Japanese boy band formed by Johnny & Associates (now SMILE-UP. and STARTO ENTERTAINMENT) in 2007. Comprising nine members, they are known for their lively pop songs, synchronized dance performances, and frequent appearances in variety shows, dramas, and films. Their involvement in anime theme songs is a common practice for popular idol groups in Japan, serving as a significant cross-promotional effort for both the artists and the animated series.

TV Tokyo is one of Japan's major television networks, particularly well-known for its extensive programming of anime series, often targeted at children and young adults. Many iconic and long-running anime franchises have been broadcast on TV Tokyo.

LINE stickers are digital stickers used in the LINE messaging app, which is widely popular in Japan and many other parts of Asia. These stickers often feature popular anime characters, mascots, and celebrities, allowing users to express emotions and reactions in a fun and visual way.