Shaft's 2003 series Popotan has arrived on Hulu, complete with English dub and subtitle options. The show follows four sisters who, alongside their android maid and pet ferret, embark on surreal journeys through time and space from the comfort of their mansion, all while chasing the mysterious 'Popotan' flower.
Known for its distinctive visual style that would become a hallmark of Shaft's later works like Puella Magi Madoka Magica and Monogatari, Popotan blends comedy, drama, and ecchi elements. The narrative weaves together slice-of-life antics, hot spring visits, and even operating a Christmas shop, all filtered through a denpa lens that embraces artificial intelligence and time manipulation themes.
While its MyAnimeList score sits at a modest 6.96, Popotan offers a glimpse into Shaft's early experimental phase. The complete 12-episode run is available for binge-watching, serving as a unique pick for those interested in early 2000s anime or the studio's evolving animation techniques.
