Mitsubachi Maya no Bouken
English title: Maya the Bee
Japanese title: みつばちマーヤの冒険
Alternative titles: Adventures of Maya the Honeybee
Type: TV
Source: Book
Episodes: 52
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Apr 1, 1975 to Apr 20, 1976
Broadcast: Tuesdays at 19:30 (JST)
Duration: 25 min per ep
Rating: G - All Ages
Studios: Nippon Animation
Producers: Zuiyo
Licensors: Saban Entertainment
Genres: Adventure, Comedy
Demographics: Kids

Maya, a newborn honeybee, brims with curiosity about the world around her. From the time she is born, she is brought up to be a worker bee, but it is difficult for her to understand and follow the strict rules of the hive because of her individuality and strong desire for independence.

Having collected all the honey around the honeycomb, Maya decides to set out on an adventure to find a flower garden in order to collect more honey for the hive. Her intentions are noble, but because she leaves the hive without permission, the Queen sends Maya's friend Willy to search for the little troublemaker. Willy joins Maya in her quest, and together, beyond the familiar hive, the two friends marvel at the sheer beauty that nature has to offer.

Through many experiences—sometimes enjoyable, sometimes terrible or sad—and encounters with various insects, Maya matures into a strong and wise honeybee.

(Source: Nipponanimation)

The series was based on the German children’s book Maya the Bee, originally published in 1912. Mitsubachi Maya no Bouken was notably in English twice, once for British with British voice actors and again for the United States with Canadian voice actors.