Domo TV is a stop-motion children's television series produced by NHK and Nickelodeon's Nicktoons network. The series consists of 26 two-minute episodes that were aired on Nicktoons in the United States and on Nickelodeon networks internationally. It was the Nickelodeon brand's first anime project and the second series after Kappa Mikey to be branded as a Nicktoons Network original program. The series is based on Domo, a Japanese mascot character who had previously appeared in many short commercials for the NHK channel. It follows him and his friends—Mr. Usaji the rabbit, Tashanna the weasel, and two bats named Maya and Mario—on simple adventures devoid of dialogue. Each episode is about two minutes long and is entirely animated in stop motion. Nickelodeon made creative changes to the existing world of Domo for Domo TV, such as new locations and an updated rock-inspired theme song. Advertised as a "venture into anime production" for Nickelodeon, Domo TV was first announced at the 2006 Tokyo International Anime Fair and began airing in 2008. A new short was aired every week in the United States for six months. After this time period, production of new episodes stopped. The final shorts aired in early 2009, followed by a series of advertisements for 7-Eleven featuring Domo that were also broadcast on Nickelodeon. The entire series was released on DVD later that year. Characters Domo is a brown monster with an ambiguous expression who enjoys watching television and listening to rock music. He hatched from an egg and lives in a cave. Mr. Usaji is a wise rabbit with gray fur who lives with Domo and wears eyeglasses. He normally tries to provide Domo with advice. Tashanna is a yellow weasel who is an aspiring fashion model. She is obsessed with modern technology. Maya and Mario are two bats (a mother and a son, respectively) who live on the ceiling of Domo's cave. Production The series is based upon NHK's official mascot Domo, who serves as the main character. Production on Domo TV commenced in spring 2006 as part of Nickelodeon's "first venture into anime production." The trade magazine ICv2 noted in 2006 that the success of anime-inspired series on Nickelodeon—particularly Avatar: The Last Airbender—likely influenced the network's decision to develop a true anime. At the time, Nickelodeon and Viacom's then-Senior Vice President Steve Grieder was planning to establish Viacom International as a global platform for international animation,