New Moomin

New Moomin (新ムーミン, Shin Mūmin) is a Japanese anime television series produced by Zuiyo Enterprise and animated by Mushi Production. A sequel to the 1969–1970 Moomin series, it draws heavily on the Moomin books by Finnish author Tove Jansson. The series was produced in 1972 as part of the Calpis Comic Theater (later renamed World Masterpiece Theater) and aired on Fuji TV.

As with the earlier series, Jansson did not approve of this one, objecting to its major alterations to plots, tone, and character traits. Since 1990, when a new Moomin anime with Jansson’s full involvement was released, this series—like its predecessor—has generally not been made available to the public, even in Japan.

Initially broadcast simply as *Moomin*, it was later retitled *Shin Moomin* to set it apart from the 1969 series. Most of the staff and cast from that earlier show returned, so many elements—starting with the characterizations—were carried over. Although it functions as a standalone work, its content can be seen as a sequel; freelance writer Mami Hagiwara, who contributes to the official Japanese Moomin website, calls it “Season 2 of the 1969 series.”

While changes were few, the series is more faithful to Jansson’s books than the 1969 version was. The stories lean more into fantasy and include more moralistic episodes. Character designs saw minor updates, such as larger black eyes and Snufkin gaining hair.

Despite Jansson’s negative view of the series, she once painted Snufkin based on his design in it—depicting him as much taller, with flowers on his hat and carrying a guitar.

Since 1990, Moomin Characters, Ltd., which holds the Moomin copyrights, has generally kept this series and the 1969 one out of public release.

The first Moomin anime (1969–1970) drew poor reviews from Jansson but was popular with viewers and sponsors, leading to an extended broadcast period. That success prompted the project for this sequel. Initially, there was talk of a completely new look for the Moomins that would reflect Jansson’s ideas, but the decision was made not to alter the established series’ image. As a result, the Moomins were created as Japanese-style Moomins, with no plans for overseas distribution. Jansson disapproved of both the 1969 and 1972 series.