Sore Ike! Anpanman: Baikinman no Gyakushuu

Sore Ike! Anpanman: Baikinman no Gyakushuu, or Baikinman's Counterattack, was produced by TMS Entertainment and released in 1990 as the second feature-length film in the long-running Anpanman franchise. Directed by Akinori Nagaoka, the film emerged during the height of the series' popularity, further cementing Takashi Yanase's creation as a cultural phenomenon in Japan. It was conceived as part of a recurring tradition to release an Anpanman movie annually, typically paired with a shorter feature, to appeal to a younger demographic while reinforcing the moral values of kindness and self-sacrifice inherent in the source material.

The film's visual identity remains true to Yanase's distinct, simplistic character designs, which prioritize warmth and accessibility for children. By focusing on the antagonist Baikinman, the narrative explores the dynamic between the selfless hero and his mischievous nemesis with a tone that balances slapstick humor and gentle lessons. Upon its release, the film was well-received by audiences, contributing to the establishment of the Anpanman film series as a stable and enduring pillar of Japanese family animation.