Toei Animation is teaming up with the creators of Ryan’s World for an animated adventure in the Pokémon tradition.
Elemon (also stylized as ELEMON) is a new television series from Toei and Sunlight Entertainment, the latter of which is the production company owned by the famous Kaji family. The Kaji family – specifically son Ryan Kaji – are the people behind the massive Ryan’s World franchise, which grew from simple YouTube videos involving boys opening toys into a full-fledged multimedia empire . Now 10 years old, Ryan voices the character of the same name in Elemon.
The series is set in New Olympia Polis, where a young genius named Leo Woods begins creating his own Elemon. These are powerful creatures derived from chemical elements, and their abilities are both amazing and dangerous. Another threat is Team Ninja, which aims to steal Leo’s Elemon for their own evil plans. Fighting off their evil plots, Leo – along with his aforementioned friends Ela and Ryan – bond with Elemon and explore the exciting world of science. Given the premise, it’s clear that Elemon is more inspired by the popular Pokémon series. This can be seen through the fantastical creatures the series is named after, Leo’s admiration of a brilliant professor (in his case, the World Professor), and the presence of a “ The villain” team tries to steal the monsters.
The main difference is the edutainment aspect of the show, which emphasizes learning and science as well as adventure and fun. The show’s newest episodes (each approximately 11 minutes long) stream weekly on ELEMON’s official YouTube channel, with the October 1 premiere marked by a livestream viewing party. There will also be a free 20-minute special on The Roku Channel Kids & Family streaming service the same day, ensuring everyone can watch the exciting new series. The entire season will then premiere on Kidoodle.TV on October 19.
The English dub cast for the film was announced as follows:
Caitlyn Elizabeth as Leo Cristina Vee as Ella Marlin Chan as Professor World Frank Todaro as Joshua Laura Post as Amanda Ryan Kaji as Ryan Brent Mukai as Shion Keith Silverstein as Jones/Com Deva Marie Gregrou as Alyssa Jones Cedric Williams as Joseph Tyler Shamy as Thomas Griffin Puatu as Mateo Patrick Seitz as Madox
Elemon is the brainchild of Shion Kaji, Ryan Kaji’s father. The Ryan’s World franchise began operations in 2015 through a series of YouTube videos, during which the Kaji family quickly expanded its video game and merchandise offerings. Toei Animation is famous as the studio behind some of the world’s biggest anime properties, including Dragon Ball and One Piece. Therefore, the company’s cooperation with Sunlight Entertainment is a big sign for the future development of the company. Likewise, the intentionally anime-style aesthetic is further evidence of how popular and popular anime has become with international audiences, including young children.