Pani Poni
Speaking about the potential broad appeal of Kuma-tan, Shigetake commented that while the game was intended to be a family-friendly experience for all ages, he admitted that the character and gameplay was comparable to an adult-oriented edgy style. To research the game's zoo setting, three of the staff members went to Tennōji Zoo, with many of the game's props and activities based on their observations of the animal pens and zoo activities. The game's opening cinematic was inspired by anime openings, with Shigetake taking specific cues from the opening of "Pani Poni Dash!". The team considered several titles for the game, including one based on an earlier product of Ashinaga Oji-san before settling on "Kumatanchi".