Kogepan is a red bean bun that was accidentally overcooked when he fell off his baking sheet into the oven. When he emerged, the baker threw him out. Kogepan is bitter and depressed because no one wants to eat him (you'd think that would be a good thing) and jealous of the unburnt "pretty" breads that everyone wants to buy. He gets drunk on milk with his friends Kuriimupan and Sumipan, and together they lament their plight. You can watch some of Kogepan's animated adventures on YouTube.
The characters below are identified by their Japanese names, followed by their English names. All images are from the San-X website or scanned from Kogepan merchandise. Thanks to O'Neill for helping me with the translations!
Burnt breads |
Unburnt breads |
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KogepanBurnt Bread |
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KireipanPretty Bread(s) |
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KuriimupanCream Bread |
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IchigopanStrawberry Bread |
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SumipanCharcoal Bread |
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KokutoupanBrown Sugar Bread |
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FuransupanFrench Bread |
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MeronpanMelon Bread |
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ChocopanChocolate Bread |
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BeriipanBerry Bread |
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StikkupanStick Bread |
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Marugoto RingopanPerfectly Round Apple Bread |
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MayoneezupanMayonnaise Bread |
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ChokosupreepanChocolate Sprinkle Bread |
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ShokupanWhite Bread |
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YakisobapanFried Noodle Bread |
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GomapanSesame Seed Bread |
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KareepanCurry Bread |
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MushipanSteamed Cake Bread |
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KurowassanCroissant |
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ShokorapanFrench Chocolate Bread | ||
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Howaito ShokorapanFrench White Chocolate Bread |
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Nikuman, Kareeman, AnmanMeat, Curry, and Red Bean Steamed Buns |