Ikkyu-san

is a Japanese historical comedy anime series produced by Toei Animation, based on the recorded early life of Zen Buddhist monk Ikkyū during his stay at Ankoku-ji Temple. It aired on TV Asahi from October 15, 1975 to June 28, 1982. The series was received by all ages in Japan and throughout Asia, as it is mostly non-violent. Even when violence appears, it is usually presented in a mild or necessary way (for example, there are occasional references to the Ōnin War). Great artistic liberties are taken with regards to the depiction of Ikkyu's anime version and his real-life counterpart, where his anime version is depicted cute and very neat.

It made several theatrical films as part of the Toei Manga Matsuri film festival per summer from years 1976 to 1981. Due to its popularity throughout Asia, a Chinese original film titled 聡明的一休之反斗公主 premiered on April 30, 2014.

Plot
Ikkyū Sōjun (一休宗純) was born in Kyoto, 1394. He was the son of Emperor Go-Komatsu and Mrs. Iyo. Ikkyu and his mother had to leave the palace because of Japan's growing political problem. When he was 5-years-old, he was separated from his mother and was sent to be ordained at Ankoku-ji Temple. Now a monk-in-training, Ikkyū relies on his intelligence and wit to solve all types of problems, from distraught farmers to greedy merchants. A running gag of Ikkyū-san is that whenever Ikkyū is trying to think of a plan, he sits in a lotus position, wets his two index fingers, and rotates them above his head.