Mao-chan
Original Title：陸上防衛隊まおちゃん
Languages:
- English: Mao-chan
- Chinese: 陆上防卫队
- Japanese: 陸上防衛隊まおちゃん
"Ground Defense Force! Mao-chan" (Rikujō Bōeitai Mao-chan), also known as "Earth Defender! Mao-chan", is a 26-episode comedy anime created by Ken Akamatsu. It follows three eight-year-old girls, Mao Onigawara, Misora Tsukishima, and Sylvia Maruyama, as they strive to defend Earth from invading, excessively cute aliens. Due to the aliens' cuteness, the public would view it as "bullying" if the defenders weren't equally cute, so three military leaders choose their granddaughters to be the protectors. Each girl has a clover-shaped badge that allows them to transform, although this transformation doesn't grant them any special abilities. Mao represents the Ground Defense Force, Misora the Air Defense Force, and Sylvia the Sea Defense Force. The anime is known for its parodies and references, particularly to Akamatsu's earlier work, "Love Hina". The series was also adapted into a manga and a PlayStation game.