Paifu and Friends (TV Series)

Paifu and Friends is a Canadian-Mongolian TV series which it was aired on televisions since February 6, 1996. (This was also made in Canada and it adapted from Mongolia.) It was inspired by Ni-Hao! Kai Lan. There was a website based on their show. (www.paifuandfriends.co.mn)
In June 26, 2004, it became very popular and there was a flash franchise based on the TV show. It was exclusively available in Nick Jr and TVO kids homepage. But this TV Series was aired in worldwide since the beginning of the year. It was available in United Kingdom, USA, Japan, China, Philippines, Australia, Mexico, New Zealand, Germany, Poland, France and South Korea and 36 others.
Since May 6, 2008, it was canceled later but it will be airing back (or rebooted) in 2013.
== Synopsis ==
Long time ago in the year 1199, there was a fictional planet named, Tachimoa. Paifu and his friends are in the grasslands with mountains. They were small huts and houses that people live here. They are some trees here. Paifu is dreaming to become a warrior. They all wanted to play games and find some strange worlds hidden in this territory. He and his friends wanted to meet undiscovered friends and world that don’t exist in this century. 
They are currently 7 worlds that they discovered and still 14 left to discover. They go all for adventure! Will you come with us?
== Production ==
In the early 1980s, (the year 1985) in Vancouver, British Columbia, in his home, Reisen dreamed about having a TV Show named “Paifu and Friends”. he asked that he made a manga based on other cartoons. However he was very disappointed that it might spread criticism among other people. Reisen decided to publish it to the public. The manga was called “零戰 Lane“ which it may contain scenes that are not appeared to be kids. However the manga went viral and it got popular they were bunch of positive reviews and comments about the manga. But however the controversy started with bunch of complaints about the scenes were being showed as not for kids. However it’s still confusing, and the fact that those scenes appeared to be inappropriate for children and it’s still gottenly unclear how the manga was made for kids.
Due to concerns and confusion about the manga’s scenes. Reisen said “the manga has to that popular, but it’s not for kids. Only for teenagers and adults who can read it. We changed the scenes due to confusion.” However in 1987, in a 1987 Manga Series Awards, it was nominated for Best Supporting Comic Series for Reisen Tabao. It became popular with the audience and it became the “first countryhuman manga book series.” It became popular in Japan and other countries. The first 150 million copies were published worldwide. Despite the completion of 零戰 Lane, it had 40 volumes in total. (1986-1993) 
In the year 1994, people find Paifu (the mongol-empire countryhuman warrior) popular in manga books, he was being appeared in volume 3,4,5,6,7,9, and more. but the fans wanted him as a movie. The movie was called “Paifu”, but the animation (and art style) was inspired by the Japanese movie studio, Studio Ghibli. It was produced by Eshin Tabao (Reisen’s sister) and Warner Bros. Productions, Toei Animation. it gave positive impressions to the movie. The movie length is about 1 hours and 46 minutes and 10 seconds. (1:46:10) The movie became popular and became increasingly successful. It had 4.9 star reviews and 96% likes on the movie. It became the first western-anime movie to become popular. This movie was made in Canada (and obviously Japan). The movie is about Paifu becoming a warrior back on year 1157 where Temüjin was born. The movie was approved in other Asian countries. (Including Russia) the movie is intended for intense nostalgia, cultural diversity and memories back from their childhood. The movie was available in DVDs in the year 2000.
Back on 1995, June 17, since the movie went viral, there was a partially rare sight when Reisen was asked to make any TV Series cartoon. He actually made a 1995 concept of a character named Paifu, (but the other three characters were not named because of their appearances.) in August 6, 1995, he made a TV Series named, “Paifu and Friends” and it got its name. There was 9-minute pilot video named “Paifu” (which its known as Episode 0, Paifu) where it takes place on TVO Kids, for the first time. The pilot went viral, it became available in analog televisions and radios. After the TV Series’ pilot was introduced, in one year, he decided to make a full production of the series. In February 6, 1996 it was ready to air on TV programming and channels. 
Since the beginning of the Season 1, the episode was named, “Inatsuka” (deliberately was from a flash animation episode) however the series was aired on Nick Jr, TVO Kids and Treehouse. However since the show became globally popular, It became aired globally on kids televisions worldwide. The series was being adapted by the MNB Kids, since it was approved in Mongolia. It was made in Canada. Due to major popularity on the TV Series, people in early 2000s were making fanarts and too many children around the world claimed that this show “was the best childhood tv series ever” because the TV series was inspired by Ni-Hao, Kai Lan! And it was never distributed to anyone else. In 2001, there was a Eurobeat version of Paifu and Friends’ songs and musics were appeared at various episodes. It gained massive popularity and international attention and it was aired on several major countries!
In the year 2001, during the 2001 Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards, the cartoon was being placed in 1st due to major popularity among others. When the series was in the first place, it sparked even more popular and attention worldwide. They were merchandise sales everywhere else.
In the 2004 Nickelodeon’s Kids' Choice Awards, the TV series was placed on 2nd place during the event, people gave major positive reviews about the cartoon. They said that this cartoon gave major fever dreams to childhoods. It has a very good voice acting and contains magic of happiness.
The season 1 theme song was introduced since the beginning of the TV series’ air. (The main theme song was the Chinese-like, Korean like music style) In this time, the critics say that this cartoon was inspired by a French franchise cartoon called Yakari its because it reflects the same culture as them.
== Reception ==
=== Critical Reception ===
			
			
			
			
=== Awards and Accolades ===
Paifu and Friends has received many awards and nominations; among these are four Emmy Awards (Outstanding Special Class Animated Program in 1996 and 1999; Outstanding Sound Editing – Animation" in 2004; Outstanding Children's Animated Series in 1996; and Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program in 1998 for Eshin; six Annie Awards; and two BAFTA Children's Awards. Paifu and Friends has received 2 Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards so far for being an epic cartoon hit worldwide.
== Characters ==
The characters tells them about the main story on this episode event. But however, some of the characters may not appear in future seasons.
=== Main Characters ===
“Paifu Itatsukiniwa”
Paifu, the most energetic person, he also likes Inatsuka and Pai. But Paifu has to take out of his troubles from his friends! Sometimes he might be stubborn to Minamoto and Taira. His grandfather is Winnyjing. He loves them. He wanted to become a country’s warrior. He likes Ax and Bex too. But he gets too mad when Nai and Kai tried to bully him. 
“Ax Itatsukiniwa”
Ax, the only secretary character that he also protects them from danger. He always enforces safety on this country. When he was being called by Paifu, He goes with Bex and Inatsuka for upcoming adventure. He’s too immature to do anything what he will decide. His only friend was Bex. He hates Reema, Nai and Kai Deljong for deliberately trying to bully or make fun of Paifu. But he might be liking Inatsuka for her talents.
“Bex Itatsukiniwa”
Bex, the former secretary-soilder, she was being lovely for anyone else. She might to the same thing as Inatsuka, but she was born without being loved to. But she can get rarely mad for tearing her love. She loves her entire family including Winnyjing. She also contacts with Ace in case of a rare occasion of a discovery of that biome. Sometimes she might be weird its because of her emotions.
“Inatsuka Itatsukiniwa”
Inatsuka was the cutest person in the world! However she was born kind, sensitive and sweetness. She always nice and gentle to others. She takes care of animals who were hurt or injured. She might be friendly to Pai, only if he listens to her! But she was being too very sensitive for being yelled at her. She also hates Nai and Kai Deljong for bullying Paifu, Ax and Bex. She wanted to become a warrior too. She was very talented and she’s good at magic.
=== Supporting Characters ===
“Winnyjing-Amos Itatsukiniwa”
Winnyjing is Paifu’s Grandfather. However he was very friendly to Ax and Bex. He deliberately hates Nai and Kai for bullying them. His personality is kind, heartwarming and very sweet and gentle. He was also centaur too. He likes Inatsuka for cutely saying “Abracadabra~” (it’s because of her magic word.) He loves Paifu very much. He likes Paifu when he sends letter to him.
“Nai Deljong”
Nai, the only sibling who likes Kai, he likes to ruin everything with Kai and Reema. He also likes to steal, bully and make mischief. But when he finds Paifu, Taira or Winnyjing, he hides so fast so no one can see him. He also used to make fun of Paifu by grabbing his mouth and his hat. Nai was Kai’s best friend. But he was afraid of being punished or called by Winnyjing.
“Kai Deljong”
Kai, the only sibling who likes Nai, he also do the same thing as Nai or Reema. He likes Reema than anyone else. He was very stubborn and very mischievous. He also likes to make plans to ruin their parties, fairs and etc. He’s also friends with Nai and Reema. He also hides with Nai and Reema too without knowing that they were planning. He was also make fun of Paifu by grabbing his arm and leg, too. He was also afraid of Winnyjing.
“Joel Jeonjjong”
Joel is a shy, but sad boy. However he might be too scared it’s because of his phobias. He’s a friend of Paifu and Winnyjing. He might run away its because of Nai and Kai Deljong. 
“Taira”
Taira, the ambiguous-looking kitsune. She has pink eyes. However she looks more like a fox, but with 6 tails. She likes Minamoto. But she might be not friendly to Paifu. She’s glamorous, but she’s hyper sensitive to those who meet her. She was shy and quiet. But she might be mad it’s because of her personality. She has to stay put on Paifu. She also likes Fujiwara and Tachibana.
“Minamoto”
Minamoto is Paifu’s Guide. He was used to follow Paifu and to make sure that he is in the right path for him. He loves Taira for some reason. But he does not want Paifu to angry to him. But he’s also careful to others. And he might be stubborn to Ax and Bex for being too weird.
“Fujiwara”
Fujiwara is a ninja warrior who was being trained by former emperor for 200 years. He likes Tachibana. He likes to play and have fun with Paifu. But he does not want to get in trouble. But he was being awarded by Minamoto or his emperor.
“Tachibana”
Tachibana is Minamoto’s doctor/helper. Sometimes he can be brave enough for Fujiwara. He uses his magic to revive sickness and to heal. He’s humble enough for anyone else. He also likes Inatsuka for her magic. 
=== Supporting Characters (Season 2) ===
”Kinyjong”
Kinyjong is the 3rd Solider of Ax and Bex. However Kinyjong had mixed feelings, he wasn’t sure about it. His only friend is Paifu. But he does not want Ax and Bex to be weird and stubborn at the same time. 
“Meshi”
Meshi is Paifu’s big sister. However she’s potentially stricter than Winnyjing. But she likes Paifu more than anyone else. 
”Paifu Itatsukiniwa-Junior” (AKA Pai)
Pai is Paifu’s child. He’s always playful and he gets rarely mad it’s because of his favourite. He also likes Paifu and Minamoto. He wanted to be adventurer but he’s too afraid of those worlds. Paifu tells Pai to be brave. He also loves Minamoto.
”Ace”
Ace is Bex’s carpenter.
“Reema”
Reema is the only human on this planet- she has only have red hair, and she was the gold liker. she wanted to steal anything and she will imagine if she was rich enough! She has a same personality as Nai and Kai Deljong. She helps them to steal and brag them! Everytime Paifu says “No Reema! Go Away!” Or “Reema no stealing!” She really likes Nai and Kai, but she hates rest of them for not letting her go with her stuff.
”Bonbon”
Twin of Tonton.
“Tonton”
Twin of Bonbon.
=== Supporting Characters (Season 3) ===
”Agu”
Agu is Paifu’s cousin. In the meaning time, he likes skateboarding with his friends. Agu was kinda cool and sometimes funny. He likes Paifu by the way. 
”Amyu”
Amyu is Reema’s Sister. However she likes to do the same thing as Reema but she likes to pollute anything that she dislikes. She has about 6 foot tall. But with lavender hair. She’s a small human. She also likes Nai and Pai. 
=== Other Characters ===
“Xia”
Xia lives in the Mushroomville. His friend was Xiana. Also he lives nearby her house. 
“Xiana” 
“Roma” 
Roma is Winnyjing’s grandmother. 
“Temüjin Khan”
“Wasabi the Witch”
Reema’s counterpart, who was being appeared in Season 1; she was a human with green hair. She also likes pranks and silly stuff. Also she might hate on Nai and Kai for not her being ordered by her. She’s a greedy, but a funny witch.
“Andromeda the Witch”
Andromeda was a Wasabi’s sister. However she saves anyone from danger. But she likes Tachibana for healing and other purposes. She has purple hair. But she might not know about Tachibana’s magic spells or powders.
”Mel”
Mel is a mermaid that she lives in Merland. Under the sea, her father was in his giant castle near the Aquatic City. She has yellow hair. And she dreams about Her and Paifu, getting loved by him. She always writes diary’s and books to spread awareness. She even explores like Paifu, too. It was her Paifu’s best friend.
”Mel’s Dad”
Her father was living in a giant castle, with his mother and Mel. but however he can rule the sea and save the sea’s life. He likes Paifu and Inatsuka. he was a giant merman with a trident weapon. he lives under the sea in Merland. he can save anyone from drowning, (like Paifu and Inatsuka barely gets air while in not mermaid mode) but he fights the sea villains roaming around the sea town. 
”Mel’s Mother”
Her mother was living in the Merland suburbs. But she lives next to Mel’s nest house. 
“Hatchi”
Hatchi was a human boy living on Tachimoa. However he was used to be scared with Paifu since he believes he was an alien. But he likes other humans like Reema. 
== Standalone Sequels ==
Those are the Game, Movie and mini-TV Series sequels that they will be released in late 2000s or early 2020s.
* Paifu’s Silhouette House (2013)
* Paifu GO! (Unknown Year-2007?)
* Paifu GO! Around the World! (2009)
* Paifu and Friends meet Thomas the Tank Engine (2002)
* Paifu and the Great World of Lands (1999)
* Paifu and Friends: Rainbow Land (2010)
* Paifu and the Three Musketeers (2012)
* Paifu and Friends save the Underwater Mermaid Temple! (2009)
* Paifu the Explorer (2003)
* Paifu (the Movie) (1994)
* Paifu (2025-2026?)
* Paifu and Friends’ Real-Time Concert (2003-2006)
* Bex’s Worldwide Tour (2000-2010)
* Inatsuka’s Magic Spade Kingdom (2004-2014)
* FairyStars - Musical Group (1999-2018)
* Paifu, Miao Mi & Me (2017-2025)
* Reema Possible (2009)
== Crossovers ==
=== Paifu, Miao Mi and Me (2017) ===
=== Reema Possible (2009) ===
=== Bubbles Guppies & Paifu and Friends: Paifu and the Magic Golden Shell (2011) ===
== Soundtrack ==
Music from the TV Series was inspired by another TV series. However it still composed by Sai Oshino and Kara Hatsumoni.
=== Eurobeat Stand-alone via Original Soundtrack ===
* Paifu and Friends Eurobeat Vol.1 (2001)
# Chimo Chimo Chino Ee
#We Can do it!- Don’t give up!
#Paifu and Friends Theme (Eurobeat Ver.)
#Under the Sea - Merland
#Reema, Nai and Pai NO!
#Inatsuka’s Animal Paradise
#Ax’s Protection
#Why Not Just Give Once
#Bex’s Love and Support
#Paifu’s Fair Play (Eurobeat Ver. 2001 Remastered)
#Nai and Pai’s Greediness
# Paifu and Winnyjing (Eurobeat Ver.)
#Don’t Cry, It’s a Mistake
* Paifu and Friends Eurobeat Vol.2 (2003)
# Ace’s Land of Happiness
# Bonbon and Tonton’s We Did It Song (Eurobeat Ver.)
# In Praise of Genghis Khan (Eurobeat Ver.)
# Inatsuka and Pai’s Cheer Song
# Taira’s Wishes
# Tachibana and Fujiwara Duo
# Paifu The Explorer (Eurobeat ver.)
# Kinyjong’s Theme Song
# Agu’s Cousin, Paifu
# Amyu and Reema
# Amyu’s Plans (FT. Nai and Kai Deljong)
# Bex’s Giant Carrot Cake
# Paifu and Friends March (Eurobeat ver.)
* Paifu and Friends Eurobeat Vol.3 (2005)
# Lovely Kinyjong
# Wasabi the Bad Witch
# Andromeda the Good Witch
# The Witches Duo
# TBA
# TBA
# TBA
# TBA
# TBA
# TBA
# TBA
# TBA
# TBA
* Paifu and Friends Eurobeat Vol.4 (2007)
# TBA
# TBA
# TBA
# TBA
# TBA
# TBA
# TBA
# TBA
# TBA
# TBA
# TBA
# TBA
# Bex’s Cooking Time (Eurobeat ver.)
== Episode Transcripts ==
See in: List of Paifu and Friends Episodes
=== Season 1 ===
See in: Paifu and Friends Season 1 Episode Transcripts
=== Season 2 ===
See in: Paifu and Friends Season 2 Episode Transcripts
=== Season 3 ===
See in: Paifu and Friends Season 3 Episode Transcripts
=== Season 4 ===
See in: Paifu and Friends Season 4 Episode Transcripts
=== Season 5 ===
See in: Paifu and Friends Season 5 Episode Transcripts
== International Broadcastings ==
See in: Paifu and Friends/International Broadcast
== Merchandise ==
TBA
== Games ==
=== Flash Games ===
* Paifu PANG! (2007)
* Bubble Sea Tea Shop (2005)
* Inatsuka’s Match Up (2000)
* Minamoto’s Matcha Crisis (2004)
* Paifu’s Underwater Adventure (2005)
* Wasabi’s Potion Maker (2008)
* Paifu’s Jungle Expedition (2005)
* Paifu’s Desert Adventure (2006)
* Moncheek! So Soft! (2001) (Alternate version from Yahoo! Mongolia)
* Bex’s Hair Salon Shop (2002)
* Paifu’s Canyon Expedition (2004)
* Paifu’s Mountain View (2005)
* Paifu’s Space Adventure (2006)
* Paifu and Apnaman (Shockwave, 2013)
* Paifu’s Volcanic Island Watch (2007)
* Paifu’s Dressup (1999)
* Bex’s Dressup (2000)
* Paifu’s Hut (2003)
* Ax’s Dressup (2000)
* Fujiwara’s Run Run Pang (2009)
* Inatsuka’s Dressup (2001)
* Paifu vs. Minamoto (2000)
* Bubbles Guppies & Paifu and Friends: The Quest for the Magic Golden Shell (2012 Event)
* Paifu’s Pirate Treasure Adventure (2007)
=== Games ===
* Paifu I (1995)
* Paifu II (1997)
* Paifu III (1999)
* Paifu GO! (2001)
== Controversies ==
In the Season 2, episode 13, titled, “Lost at Sea”, in 2004, when Bex is experiencing seasick and she throws up, but instead, it was censored its because her nosebleed was showing in the scene. But it’s replaced with a bandage on her nose. In the second scene, when the bartender gives Paifu drinks the special cocktail but it contains alcohol. When Paifu was poisoned by the drink, he was fell unconscious. It was too harsh for kids from United Kingdom and Australia to watch this scene. However the scene was censored too. It was replaced by the cranberry juice. The episode was being reviewed by the government and it was censored for “encouraging underage people under 19 to become drunk.”
In the Season 2, episode 9, titled, “Nai and Kai, Use your manners!” In the year 2002, when Paifu was walking into a cobblestone trail, He saw Nai and Kai walking near Paifu, when Paifu bumped into Kai, he said it, “Watch where you going, bonehead!” And Paifu turned back against them and got mad at him he insulted to him (including Nai) and Nai curses him back, “DON’T YOU DARE, TIN TAN!” Paifu said to both of them “WHERE IS YOUR MANNERS! YOU POOPY BUM!!” And Nai and Kai running away from Paifu and gived a rude silly faces to him. He felt mad that he wanted to punish them for not being nice to him! However this episode was banned in Australia due to concerns of school and public bullying and harassment by little children with disabilities.
== Trivia==
*They say Paifu is about 467 years old. (His actual age is unknown) He was being declared as an adult not elderly.
*Kai and Nai Deljong are considered siblings.
*The creator who made the show was not happy with his own results. (It was supposed to be most successful cartoon than SpongeBob SquarePants) It will reboot its own series, Paifu’s Silhouette House in 2013.
*It was cancelled in May 6, 2008 due the owners or reviewers dislikings.
*Pai was a Paifu’s child since the appearance of season 3.
*Paifu was probably recognized by Millennials, but it’s recognized by Early Gen-Zers. (1997-2001)
*Taira was NOT a furry. However, she’s an ambiguous-looking kitsune.
*Reisen Tabao said that the 30th anniversary of Paifu and Friends’ 3D Slice of life TV Show called “Paifu” will premiere on November 2025 or 2026 in Nickelodeon and Disney+.
*Its because Paifu and Friends was never distributed.
*The Paifu and Friends website will keep running until the end of the Adobe Flash Player’s support. (It uses Ruffle Flash Emulator)
*Paifu, Miao Mi & Me will exclusively aired on Miao Mi TV in 2017.
*Paifu’s Japanese name is “Usagi Torres (ウサギ・トーレス )” in Japan.
*Due to the confusion on Bex’s and Inatsuka’s age, Bex was a teenager and Inatsuka was a child.
*Paifu and Friends' theme song was used by Demoline (데모라인) in Panypang Adolescence Lovestory's flash opening animation in 2005.
*Some of the Paifu and Friends’ episodes are inspired by the French cartoon, Yakari.
*This cartoon uses the animation 2D software called CelAction2D in 2000. But it uses Adobe Animate back on 1996-1999. (Known as Adobe Flash Professional, Macromedia Flash, and FutureSplash Animator). (1st season, and pilot only.) 
Category:Kids & Family
Category:Kids Shows
Category:Comedy
Category:Drama
Category:TV Series
Category:TV-Y
Category:TV-Y7 (Some airings)
Category:1996
Category:Nick Jr.
Category:Nick Jr. shows
Category:TVOKids
Category:Cartoons
Category:Canadian animated television series
Category:Canada
Category:Treehouse
Category:Treehouse TV shows
Category:Treehouse TV
Category:Mongolia
Category:Traditional animated
Category:2D animation
Category:C (Canada)