Kero Kero Keroppi no Yowamushi-ouji no Daibouken

Released in 1993, Kero Kero Keroppi no Yowamushi-ouji no Daibouken—translated as The Great Adventure of the Cowardly Prince—represents a key entry in the early 1990s expansion of the Keroppi franchise. As Sanrio sought to deepen the narrative world of their popular frog character, they commissioned this original video animation (OVA) to capitalize on the character's soaring popularity in Japan. Produced during a period when Sanrio was heavily investing in direct-to-video storytelling, the film aimed to provide fans with longer-form character development beyond the typical merchandise and stationery lines.

The animation features the hallmark clean, soft aesthetic of Sanrio’s design house from the era, emphasizing a whimsical, child-friendly visual language. While the animation style was standard for the studio's mid-90s output, it was received warmly by its target demographic of young children and established Sanrio enthusiasts. The narrative centers on themes of courage and growth, effectively anchoring Keroppi as a mainstay of the company's character stable and helping to secure his long-term commercial longevity in both domestic and international markets.