Odekake Kozame × Chiba-ken Kuro Ajillo

The Odekake Kozame × Chiba-ken Kuro Ajillo short is a 2024 collaborative promotional work featuring the titular character from the Odekake Kozame series, created by the artist Penguin Box. Produced by Studio ENGI, the project was developed to highlight the regional specialty of Chiba Prefecture, specifically focusing on a localized variation of ajillo that incorporates dark-colored local ingredients. The animation continues the series' signature gentle, slice-of-life aesthetic, utilizing the character's wide-eyed curiosity to bridge the gap between whimsical storytelling and regional tourism promotion.

The creative direction for this collaboration leans into the established charm of the original Odekake Kozame manga, which follows a small shark embarking on simple, daily excursions. By placing the character within the context of Chiba's culinary landscape, the studio aimed to create a relaxed, endearing piece of media that appeals to fans of the franchise while serving as a soft-power marketing tool for the prefecture. It has been received as a modest, heartwarming addition to the character’s expanding catalog of short-form promotional appearances.