Little Women II: Jo's Boys
Sequel anime based on Alcott's Little Men and Jo's Boys.
Little Women II: Jo's Boys, also known as Wakakusa Monogatari Nan to Jō Sensei, is a 1993 Japanese animated television series produced by Nippon Animation. It serves as a sequel to the studio's 1987 adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's Little Women, drawing primarily from Alcott's Little Men and partially from its sequel Jo's Boys. The series follows Josephine March, now married to Professor Friedrich Bhaer, as she runs a school for orphaned children at Plumfield.
- Field
- Animated television series
- Nationality
- Japanese
- Known for
- Sequel to Tales of Little Women, adaptation of Little Men and Jo's Boys
- Original network
- Fuji Television
- Original run
- 17 January to 19 December 1993
- Studio
- Nippon Animation
Lore & Background
The series is set about ten years after the events of Tales of Little Women. Josephine March, now Jo Bhaer, is married to German professor Friedrich Bhaer and has established a school at Plumfield, the farmhouse inherited from Aunt March. The school houses her two sons, Robby and Teddy, her nephews Franz, Emil, and Demi-John, her niece Daisy, and a group of orphaned children, including the main character Annie 'Nan' Harding and a rough streetwise adolescent named Dan. The story follows Jo as she guides her pupils through life's joys and sorrows using song, music, and play.
Reader's Guide
Little Women II: Jo's Boys is significant as a continuation of Nippon Animation's World Masterpiece Theater, adapting Alcott's lesser-known sequels for a new generation. The series focuses on Nan Harding as the main character, alongside Jo Bhaer, and explores themes of education, childhood, and community. Its reception was generally positive, with critics praising its fidelity to the source material and its appeal to both younger and older audiences. The series aired weekly on Fuji Television in 1993 and has been broadcast internationally under various titles, including in Portuguese, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Arabic, and Chinese. The opening theme 'Ashita mo otenki' was performed by Akiko Kosaka.
Did You Know?
- The series is partially based on Jo's Boys, the sequel to Little Men, though its primary source is Little Men.
- The main character is Annie 'Nan' Harding, not Jo Bhaer, according to the voice cast listing.
- The episode 'Welcome to Plumfield' aired on January 17, 1993, and depicts Nan arriving at Plumfield after ten years.
- The series was part of Nippon Animation's World Masterpiece Theater and aired on Fuji Television.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Little Women II: Jo's Boys?
It is a 1993 Japanese animated television series produced by Nippon Animation and broadcast on Fuji Television. The show functions as a direct sequel to the studio's 1987 'Tales of Little Women' adaptation.
Which novels does Little Women II: Jo's Boys adapt?
The series draws primarily from Louisa May Alcott's 'Little Men' and also incorporates plot elements from its sequel, 'Jo's Boys.' Rather than following one book strictly, it weaves material from both into a single narrative.
Who is the protagonist of Little Women II: Jo's Boys?
The story centers on Josephine March, who by this point has married Professor Friedrich Bhaer. Together the couple runs Plumfield, a school that takes in orphaned children.
How does Little Women II: Jo's Boys connect to the 1987 anime?
It picks up the story after the events of Nippon Animation's 1987 'Tales of Little Women,' following Jo into her adult married life. The two series share the same production studio and artistic lineage within the World Masterpiece Theater franchise.
When did Little Women II: Jo's Boys air?
The series ran from 17 January to 19 December 1993 on Fuji Television in Japan. It was produced as part of Nippon Animation's ongoing World Masterpiece Theater anthology.
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