Music Interact Football for All (MIFA), which combines soccer and music activities, has announced that its mascot Utau Soccer Panda Mifanda (Mifanda the Singing Soccer Panda) is getting a TV anime series this July. Confirmed voice cast includes Kensho Ono (Giorno Giovanna in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind) and Taichi Ichikawa (Tower of God).

Who is Mifanda?

Mifanda is a soccer-loving and music-loving panda who strives to bring happiness to the people of the world using soccer and music. The official mascot of MIFA, their favourite foot is bamboo grass. At the center of MIFA’s activities are UKASUKA-G, a music duo formed by Mr. Children band vocalist Kazutoshi Sakurai and East End hip-hop group member Gaku-MC.

The anime will premiere this July. Kensho Ono and Taichi Ichikawa will play the part of Mifanda’s teammates “No. 3” and “No. 18” respectively.

Mifanda | Comment

“Hey, I’m Mifanda! I’m getting an anime series called ‘Utau Soccer Panda Mifanda’! My wish is for this anime to deliver world peace once and for all! I, Mifanda, would be most impressed if I can bring a smile to your face and turn this world into a kind one! Be sure to watch it, okay?”

Kensho Ono (No. 3) | Comment

“I really love this vibe of this show! It’s a surreal story about soccer with some black comedy sewn in there. It’s also short so it’s easy to watch! Please be sure to check it out.”

Taichi Ichikawa (No. 18) | Comment

“I’ll be playing No. 18 in ‘Utau Soccer Panda Mifanda’! The show might not get across the true charms of soccer, but it’s fun and surreal and there’s plenty of laughs to be had! There’s a lot to enjoy about it, so please give it a watch!”

*Comments translated from Japanese by MMN.