“Dr. Slump – Arale-chan” / 「Dr.スランプ アラレちゃん」, Original Japanese TV Broadcast Promotional Poster 1981, Toei Animation / Fuji TV, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) C265
This is an original Japanese B2 TV broadcast promotional poster — a 番組宣伝ポスター / bansen poster — created by Toei Animation and Fuji TV to promote the launch of the historic animated television series Dr. Slump – Arale-chan (Dr.スランプ アラレちゃん).
The series premiered on April 8, 1981, marking the television debut of one of Akira Toriyama’s most beloved creations. This is therefore not a theatrical movie poster, but an official broadcast-promotion poster connected to the original launch of the landmark TV anime.
Series background
Created by Akira Toriyama, Dr. Slump first appeared in Weekly Shōnen Jump in 1980 and quickly became a major phenomenon. The 1981 anime adaptation, broadcast by Fuji TV and produced by Toei Animation, introduced Arale Norimaki and the eccentric world of Penguin Village to a much wider national audience.
The series was crucial in establishing Toriyama as one of Japan’s defining manga creators before the later global success of Dragon Ball. With its absurd humour, clean graphic style, strange inventions, aliens, robots, and recurring visual gags, Dr. Slump – Arale-chan became one of the major anime comedies of the early 1980s.
Poster design
This official broadcast promotional B2 is a wonderful showcase of the franchise’s early graphic identity. Set against a clear pastel-blue background, the composition is built around a large, forward-surging image of Arale Norimaki, flying directly toward the viewer with arms outstretched, tongue out, and eyes wide behind her oversized glasses.
Arale wears her iconic pink winged “ARALE” cap, red gloves, and colourful outfit, making the central image instantly recognisable. Around her is a densely packed ensemble of Penguin Village characters, all drawn in Toriyama’s unmistakable early style.
The lower section is anchored by the large flowing “Dr. Slump” logo in bright yellow script, with the Japanese title ドクタースランプ beneath. The official copyright line at the lower edge identifies Akira Toriyama / Shueisha, Fuji TV, and Toei Animation, confirming its broadcast-era promotional status.
The result is bright, playful, and historically important: an early official promotional poster for the television debut of one of the most influential comedy anime series of the 1980s.
Collector significance
This poster is especially desirable because it relates to the original 1981 TV launch of Dr. Slump – Arale-chan. Early broadcast promotional posters were produced for advertising and station / retail / programme promotion, not long-term preservation, and surviving examples in strong condition are increasingly difficult to source.
It has strong appeal to collectors of Akira Toriyama, Dr. Slump, Arale, Toei Animation, Fuji TV anime history, Weekly Shōnen Jump culture, and early-1980s Japanese animation memorabilia.
Condition
Excellent condition. Please review the image carefully, as it shows the exact poster for sale.
The poster presents very well, with strong colour, clean overall appearance, crisp graphics, and excellent display quality. The pastel blue background, bright yellow logo, and saturated reds and pinks remain particularly vivid.
This is an original 1981 Japanese TV broadcast promotional poster / bansen poster.
It is not a reproduction or reprint.
It is over 40 years old.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
