The Story of Pollyanna

Pollyanna Whittier grows up cheerful under her father's care, but when he dies she moves into the household of an aunt she has never met. The new home is strict and distant at first, and Pollyanna's sunny nature clashes with the aunt's stern rules. Instead of changing who she is, Pollyanna quietly influences the household and the wider town, winning over skeptics with small acts of kindness and an insistence on finding something to be glad about in every situation. The series follows how relationships soften and trust builds, without revealing major plot twists or the ending.

Released in 1986, this animated drama adapts Eleanor H. Porter’s classic novel for television. The Japanese voice cast includes Mitsuko Horie as Pollyanna, Takako Kondou, Eiko Yamada, Banjo Ginga, and Hideyuki Tanaka, bringing the characters to life in a family-oriented production.

The show doesn’t appear to have won major international awards, and there are no widely reported Emmy or Golden Globe nominations. Any accolades at a local or industry level are not well documented in available sources.

Pollyanna’s optimistic outlook helped cement the phrase "Pollyanna" in popular language, and the idea of the "glad game" has been referenced in other works and discussions about positivity. This adaptation is one of several that have kept Porter’s story visible to new generations, especially among fans of classic animated family drama.

Critical and audience response is modestly positive, reflected in a 6.5/10 average from a small number of votes. Viewers often appreciate the series for its focus on kindness, resilience after loss, and the slow rebuilding of family bonds. Some find the tone sentimental, but many value its gentle moral center and the way it emphasizes community and practical empathy in everyday life.