Claim: In Japan, Hamtaro, a Japanese manga and storybook series created and illustrated by Ritsuko Kawai, aired three anime series, released four movies, several specials, many video game/DVD releases and merchandise, but the success was not paralleled in the United States, with only the first series, some special episodes, three video games (though two others were released in Europe), and limited merchandise.
Evidence: Hamtaro, known in Japan as Trotting Hamtaro (とっとこハム太郎, Tottoko Hamutarō), is a Japanese manga and storybook series created and illustrated by Ritsuko Kawai. In Japan, Hamtaro aired three anime series, released four movies, several specials, many video game/DVD releases and merchandise. The success was not paralleled in the United States, however, with only the first series, some special episodes, three video games (though two others were released in Europe), and limited merchandise.