This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these template messages)
|
Shima Shima Tora No Shimajirō | |
DVD cover of the "Shimajiro Anime: Oyako no Pokapoka Kessaku Sen", featuring the members of the Shimano Family | |
しましまとらのしまじろう | |
---|---|
Manga | |
Written by | Tan Hakata |
Published by | Benesse |
Magazine | Kodomo Challenge |
Demographic | Children |
Original run | April 1988 – December 1993 |
Anime television series | |
Directed by | Hisayuki Toriumi |
Music by |
|
Studio | Studio Kikan |
Original network | TXN (TV Tokyo, TV Osaka, TV Setouchi) |
Original run | December 13, 1993 – March 31, 2008 |
Episodes | 726 |
Anime television series | |
Hakken Taiken Daisuki! Shimajirō | |
Directed by |
|
Music by | Akifumi Tada |
Studio |
|
Original network | TX Network (TV Tokyo, TV Osaka, TV Setouchi) |
Original run | April 7, 2008 – March 29, 2010 |
Episodes | 101 |
Anime television series | |
Shimajirō Hesoka | |
Directed by | Masahiro Nakata |
Music by | Akifumi Tada |
Studio | Pierrot Plus |
Original network | TX Network (TV Tokyo, TV Osaka, TV Setouchi) |
Original run | April 5, 2010 – March 26, 2012 |
Episodes | 101 |
Anime television series | |
Shimajirō no Wao! | |
Directed by | Masahiro Nakata |
Music by | Akifumi Tada |
Studio |
|
Licensed by | |
Original network | TX Network (TV Tokyo, TV Osaka, TV Setouchi) |
Original run | April 2, 2012 – present |
Episodes | 580 |
Related media | |
Shima Shima Tora No Shimajirō (しましまとらのしまじろう, lit. "Striped Island Tiger Shimajiro") is a 1993 Japanese children's slice of life anime series primarily aimed at preschoolers and animated by Pierrot Plus based on the Kodomo Challenge Educational Learning Program created by Benesse in 1988. It is created and directed by veteran director Hisayuki Toriumi (Science Ninja Team Gatchaman) and character designs by Shigehito Tsuji. The first Shimajiro series aired at TV Setouchi and all other TXN networks in Japan from December 13, 1993, to March 31, 2008. The second aired from April 7, 2008 to March 29, 2010. The third aired from April 5, 2010 to March 26, 2012, and the fourth and current one began airing on April 2, 2012.
Shima Shima Tora no Shimajirō was officially created after Benesse and TV Setouchi both decided to adapt the Learning Program series into a full-fledged series for television, with part of the staff being former Tatsunoko Production director Hisayuki Toriumi and music composer Shin'ya Naitō. It was officially animated by Studio Pierrot's sister company, Pierrot Plus and premiered on December 13, 1993. The series ended after it aired its final episode on March 31, 2008, as the second series aired, alongside the children's variety series Hakken Taiken Daisuki! Shimajirō (はっけん たいけん だいすき! しまじろう, lit. "Discover Experience Love! Shimajirō"). All of the later episodes of the series were aired in the variety series in the later years which also includes live action segments.
The overall theme surrounding the series all revolves in Shimajirō's life as a preschooler and all the lessons he needs to learn in a daily basis such as making friends, saying sorry, making a resolve and others that reflects to the preschool demographic. Also educational elements such as planting flowers, how to use the toilet for the first time, helping others and learning in kindergarten is also applied.
The anime's overall elements are all based on the Kodomo Challenge franchise, with the storyline being completely original from the source material.
The anime is officially set in the fictional Challenge Island (ちゃれんじ島, Charenji jima) located somewhere in the world. The island, inhabited by anthropomorphic animals, is suburban and very self-sufficient in resources. Various animal characters in the island vary as well as their culture such as the Mole People who live under the island or the Squirrel people who always hibernate during winter. Various means of transport as well as subways exist in the island. Aside from the animal characters, some characters such as Witches and Fairies exist in the island.
The entire series focuses on Shimajiro Shimano, a curious tiger boy living in Challenge Island. Being the first child in the family, he attends Kindergarten alongside his friends as they all discover everything around them, and learn valuable lessons as they grow up.
Shimano Tiger Family
Shimajiro Shimano (しまの しまじろう, Shimano Shimajirō) Voiced by: Chisato Nakajima (1988-1993), Omi Minami (1993-present) (Japanese); Michelle Ruff (English) Shimajiro is a yellow tiger, and is the main protagonist of Shima Shima Tora no Shimajiro. He is a bright little boy who likes playing soccer and wants to become a soccer player and an entomologist when he grows up. Shimajiro also likes donuts, dinosaurs, and insects. He is scared of thunder and ghost stories, and does not like green peppers. He is very supportive to his friends and to his younger sister Hana, but can sometimes be a bit stubborn. He can be mischievous and selfish, but he learns his lesson and is always there when his friends and his little sister, Hana, need him. Shimataro Shimano (しまの しまたろう, Shimano Shimataro) Voiced by: Chafurin (Japanese); Michael C. Pizzuto(English) Shimataro is a yellow tiger and the father of the Shimano family. He works a mailman, but is bad a cooking. He even learns how to lose weight and usually has a huge appetite. Sakura Shimano (しまの さくら, Shimano Sakura) Voiced by: Kikuko Inoue (Japanese); Rena Strober(English) Sakura is a yellow tiger and the mother of the Shimano family. She usually takes care of Shimajiro and Hana so much and appears in almost every episode where the Shimano family house appears. She even takes ballet lessons. Hana Shimano (しまの はな, Shimano Hana) / Hannah Voiced by: Naoko Watanabe (First Series), Miki Takahashi (Current Series) (Japanese); Valeria Zunzun (English) Hana is a yellow tiger and the younger sister of Shimajiro, who plays with her brother. Hana is an aspiring singer, She's also the daughter of Sakura and Shimataro. Midorihara Rabbit Family Mimirin Midorihara (みどりはら みみりん, Midorihara Mimirin) / Mimi-Lynne Voiced by: Naoko Watanabe (1991-1993), Miki Takahashi (1993-present) (Japanese); Stephanie Sheh (English) Mimirin is a white rabbit with black ear tips. She originally debuted the Kodomo Challenge franchise in 1991. She originally wore a flower near her left ear, she later switched to a ribbon. Her family owns a flower shop. Mimirin loves strawberry shortcake, flowers, dolls, and other girly things. as well as running. However she is scared of snakes and insects, and she does not like carrots. Usually she also has an overbite and her tail appears out of her skirt. She can be nice but spoiled, selfish and clumsy and has a habit on crying if someone doesn't favor her opinion sometimes. Mimirin is also a good aspiring singer as well. Other jobs she wants is to be a nurse and a florist when she grows up. Mimirin is one of two characters in the series (the other being Ramurin) to not have a sibling and be an only child unlike the rest of the child cast, but after Ramurin left Challenge Island in the series finale of Hesoka and retired the Kodomo Challenge franchise in 2012, Mimirin became the only one. Sota Midorihara (みどりはら そうた, Midorihara Sōta) Voiced by: Bin Shimada (Japanese); Christian Banas(English) Sota is a white rabbit and the father of Mimirin. He is quite flighty and acts like a child himself a lot, and Mimirin is very close to her dad. Renge Midorihara (みどりはら れんげ, Midorihara Renge) Voiced by: Shinobu Adachi (Japanese); Katie Leigh(English) Renge is a white rabbit with black eartips and the mother of Mimirin. She usually takes care of her and helps her out by selling or planting the flowers. She is the more mature and naturally responsible parent as her husband acts like a lax older child a lot. Sorano Parrot Family Torippii Sorano (そらの とりっぴい, Sorano Torippii) / Flappie Voiced by: Yūko Mita (1988-1993), Takumi Yamazaki (1993-present) (Japanese); Frank Todaro (English) Torippii is a green parrot with red, blue, and yellow feathers on his head, blue and yellow feathers on his back. He was originally partially dressed, but starting in Shimajiro no Wow!, he now wears shorts. His Japanese name in the series is always mispronounced in several promotional materials. Torippii is an aspiring singer, but is somehow tone-deaf. Torippii loves takoyaki, but is easily scared of thunder, ghost stories, and lastly by ghosts, and he does not like natto, scallions or quiet places. He also has the ability to fly to survey things for his friends, and can talk to non-anthropomorphic birds. When he grows up, he wants to become a cameraman. He lives with his family in a cabin. Toto Sorano/Riri Sorano/Pipi Sorano (そらの とと/そらの りり/そらの ぴぴ, Sorano Toto/Sorano Riri/Sorano Pipi) / Toto/Rita/Pepa Voiced by: Takumi Yamazaki (Toto and Pipi), Omi Minami (Riri) (Japanese); Currently Unknown (English) Toto, Riri, and Pipi are green parrots and Torippii's younger triplet siblings. They usually play around each other, including Torippii and sometimes fight. Originally, Riri was originally male as Torippii had three younger brothers, she was switched to a female around 2001/2002. Torigoro Sorano (そらの とりごろう, Sorano Torigorō) Voiced by: Eiji Igō (Japanese); Frank Todaro(English) Torigoro is a green parrot and the father of Torippii. He is a constructor who builds or invents items. Kanae Sorano (そらの かなえ, Sorano Kanae) Voiced by: Mami Horikoshi (Japanese); Currently Unknown (English) Kanae is a green parrot with orange hair and the mother of Torippii. Michiyo Sorano (そらの みちよ, Sorano Michiyo) Voiced by: Sayuri (1993-2012), Hiroko Nishi (2012-present) (Japanese); Currently Unknown (English) Michiyo is a green parrot with gray hair and the grandmother of Torippii. She loves to play on her electric guitar, even when she warns her younger siblings when they're doing something bad. Makiba Sheep Family Ramurin Makiba (まきば らむりん, Makiba Ramurin) Voiced by: Chisato Nakajima (1988-1991), Hinako Yoshino (1991-1993), Saori Sugimoto (1993-2021) Ramurin is a pink female sheep without horns. She originally wore a bow on her head, she later changed it to a bandana around 2001-2002. Her father is a painter, and aspires her to become one when she grows up one day. Ramurin loves pudding, but she has fears of ghosts and she is not good at running fast. She also likes to paint and play both sports; judo and sumo. Unlike the other characters, Ramurin's mentality is much higher than the rest of the main cast and usually behaves like a responsible sister. Her catch phrase is “suspicious” and usually keeps her promises sometimes. Ramurin is one of the two main characters to not have any older or younger siblings (the other being Mimirin). But, she officially left Challenge Island along with her parents in the series finale of Shimajirō Hesoka, and moved to France due to her father's job. As a result, she is the only character who does not appear in any of the films. However, she did appear in a five minute intermission animation in Shimajiro: Maho No Shima No Daiboken. Massei Makiba (まきば まっせい, Makiba Massei) Voiced by: Nobuo Tobita Massei is a beige sheep and the father of Ramurin. He is a great painter and his job is to become an artist. He left Challenge Island with his wife and Ramurin in the series finale of Hesoka. Yumeko Makiba (まきば ゆめこ, Makiba Yumeko) Voiced by: Yuko Kobayashi Yumeko is a pink sheep and the mother of Ramurin. She left Challenge Island with her husband and Ramurin in the series finale of Hesoka. Momoyama Cat Family Nyakkii Momoyama (ももやま にゃっきい, Momoyama Nyakkii) / Nikki Voiced by: Saori Sugimoto (2012-2017, 2018-2021), Masami Suzuki (2017-2018, 2021-present) (Japanese); Tara Sands (English) Nyakkii is a pink cat with a cream-colored face. She debuted in episode 2 of Shimajirō no Wao!. She is great at sports, caring, and always stands up to bullies. Naturally, she is always up for adventure with Shimajiro and his friends. Nyakkii loves grapes, climbing trees, and sports. She also dreams to become an Olympic athlete one day when she grows up. She moved into Challenge Island with her grandmother, mother and her older brother and befriended Shimajiro and the others. Her father, however, lives separately somewhere in Challenge Island. Nene Momoyama (ももやま ねね, Momoyama Nene) Voiced by: Akemi Obata (Japanese); Currently Unknown (English) Nene is a pink cat with a cream-colored face and the mother of Nyakkii. Yoriko Momoyama (ももやま よりこ, Momoyama Yoriko) Voiced by: Yūko Kobayashi (Japanese); Currently Unknown (English) Yoriko is a pink cat with a cream-colored face and the grandmother of Nyakkii. Niisuke Momoyama (ももやま にいすけ) Voiced by: Sachi Yūki (Japanese); Currently Unknown (English) Niisuke is a pink cat with a cream-colored face and the older brother of Nyakkii. He is great at sports like his sister, and did better than her when Nyakkii was younger.
Randy Brakes: Also known as Mr. Brake in the live action segment of Shimajiro. He appeared in the commercial episode "Children's Hope for English".
Bob: An English guest speaker who appeared in the live action segment of Shimajiro. He wears an alpine hat and teaches people how to speak English.
The original series first aired on TV Setouchi and in all other TXN stations from December 13, 1993, to March 31, 2008, becoming the 19th longest running anime in Japan from its debut to its final episode with a total of 726 episodes, right behind Hello Kitty's Paradise and Hamtaro. The series' first opening theme is “Shima Torando Island” (しまとらンドアイランド, Shima Torando Airando, Lit. Striped Tiger Land Island) by Shima Shima Kids, which is used in the first 226 episodes, and the second opening theme is “Skip Step Island” (スキップ ステップ アイランド, Sukippu Suteppu Airando) by Omi Minami, which is used in the remaining 500 episodes. The first ending theme is titled “Zutto Motto Daisuki” (ずっともっと大好き, Zutto Motto Daisuki, Lit. I Love It Much More And More) by Shima Shima Kids, which is used in the first 176 episodes, the second ending theme is “Happy Jam Jam” (ハッピー・ジャムジャム, Happī•Jamu Jamu) by M.S.J, which is used in the remaining 550 episodes (also used during the spring and autumn from 2005-2008), and the third ending theme is “Nyanda Korya” (にゃんだこりゃ, Nyanda Korya, Lit. Plain Phrases) by Omi Minami and Bin Shimada, which is also used in the remaining half 550 episodes (also used during the winter and summer from 2005-2008)
The second series, Hakken Taiken Daisuki! Shimajirō, first aired on TV Setouchi and in all other TXN stations from April 7, 2008 to March 29, 2010. The series' opening theme is “Mainichi Challenger” (まいにちチャレンジャー, Mainichi Charenjā, Lit. Everyday Challenger), by Omi Minami, Miki Takahashi, Takumi Yamazaki and Saori Sugimoto. The ending theme is “Happy Jam Jam” (ハッピー・ジャムジャム, Happī•Jamu Jamu), by Omi Minami, Miki Takahashi, Takumi Yamazaki and Saori Sugimoto.
The third series, Shimajirō Hesoka, first aired on TV Setouchi and all other TXN stations from April 5, 2010 to March 26, 2012. The series' first opening theme is “SoraSora☆Aozora” (ソラソラ☆あおぞら, Sorasora☆Aozora, Lit. Sky Blue Sky) by Aki Toyosaki for the first 51 episodes, and the second opening theme is “Rainbow” (レインボー, Reinbō) by Yusuke Kamiji for the remaining 50 episodes. The first ending theme is titled “Shima Mimi Tori Ramu” (しまみみとりらむっ, Shima Mimi Tori Ramuu, Lit. Striped Ear Bird Lamb) by Fusanosuke Kondō for the first 18 episodes, and later for the remaining 62 episodes, and the second ending theme is “Happy Jam Jam (HE SO KA Version)” (ハッピー・ジャムジャム (HE SO KAバージョン), Happī•Jamu Jamu (HE SO KA Bājon)) by Tomomi Ukumori for episodes 19 to 39.
The current series, Shimajirō no Wao!, began airing on April 2, 2012. The first opening theme is “Bokura No Hoshi No Miracle” (ボクらのほしのミラクル, Bokura no Hoshi no Mirakuru, Lit. Our Miraculous Planet) by Daudi Joseph from episodes 14 to 51, and later episodes 65 to 78, and then episodes 104 to 359, and starting in episode 515, the second opening is “Shimajirō to Ikoyo” (しまじろうと いこうよ, Shimajirō to Ikōyo, Lit. Shimajiro And The Person) by HARCO from episodes 52 to 64, and later episodes 79 to 82, and the third opening theme is Sekai Wa Wao! (せかいはワオ!, Sekai Wa Wao!, Lit. A World Of Wow!). The first ending theme is ”Tomodachi no Wow!” (トモダチのわお!, Tomodachi no Wao!, Lit. Friends Of Wow!) by Puffy AmiYumi from episodes 1 to 193, and later starting in episode 206, and the second ending theme is ”Okinawa Wawawa” (おきなわ わわわ!, Okinawa Wawawa!, Lit. Okinawa Woah!) by Atsuko Hiyajou from episodes 194 to 205. This series was distributed for YouTube in the United States and Canada by WildBrain Spark.
The official music of the series is composed by Shin'ya Naitō, and later, Akifumi Tada (Tenchi Muyo! GXP) in the later episodes. Shima Shima Tora no Shimajirō is one of the longest running anime series in Japan (and series/franchise in general) behind Hello Kitty's Paradise and Hamtaro.
Starting from Shimajirō: A World of Wow!, the series has 8 theatrical films produced.
On its first airing, Shima Shima Tora no Shimajirō became TV Setouchi's most popular educational anime show in Japan, rivaling NHK's long running Okaasan to Issho. The anime is listed as one of the most popular Educational Preschool shows, with having a total of eight seasons that continues to three anime sequels, becoming Benesse's most successful adaptation of the Kodomo Challenge series. Reruns of the episodes are broadcast on other stations such as Kids Station and TV Tokyo.
The series became most popular in the Kanto region of Japan, and was widely popular among children, parents and adults, gaining a decent fanbase over the years. According to research done by Benesse in 2015, the series has 99.2% recognition among parents with children aged 0 to 6.
The latest series was also nominated in the 2016 International Emmy Awards for best animated series, alongside Ronia the Robber's Daughter. In 2021, episode Shimajiro: A World of WOW! Our Oceans received the Asian Academy Creative Award for Best Preschool Program and the ContentAsia Award for Best Kids TV Program (non-animated).
The anime also made Shimajirō one of the most iconic anime characters in Japan for preschoolers, rivaling Anpanman in terms of ratings. On his initial release, he widely appeared in various Kodomo Challenge products and products from other companies and sponsors. Also, Takara Tomy and Benesse created a limited edition Tomica "Shimajiro Car" that is limitedly distributed to Kodomo Challenge members all over Japan. Japanese car company Toyota created a life-sized replica of the Tomica model, titled the "426GT Shimajirō Car " which is a Customized Toyota Estima Hybrid. In 2013, a new version of the car is released by called "426EV Shimajirō Car II", based on the Tesla Model S. Tomica released a model version of the car under the name "Dream Car Tomica Shimajiro II" in February 2014 for Kodomo Challenge members and a retail release in March 2014.
Japan Airlines had special "Shimajirō JET" liveries featuring Shimajirō characters on a mainline Boeing 737-800 registered JA330J from March 2019 to February 2020, as well as an Embraer 190 operated by subsidiary J-Air and registered JA254J, from September 2018 to September 2019.
Shima Shima Tora no Shimajirō is officially released in various TV stations in Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia. The Mandarin dub version is called Qiaohu (Chinese: 巧虎; pinyin: qiǎo hǔ) and is known for having "...thoughtful and scrupulous tutoring methods, as well as elaborate educational materials." The show contains cartoons as well as acted out portions that feature the signature tiger mascot as well as a rabbit and a few actors.
According to another source, the firm which sponsored the character has franchises in Beijing and Shanghai which has been considered "successful" by many parents for its ability to inspire children with "good character" amid China's recent social issues. This idea is further reinforced as it teaches children "how to love to learn" "build positive personality and good habit", addressing the need in children's different stages of learning. In 2014, the firm plans big staging events in Beijing under the title "Dawn of the Adventure Island" in Beijing's Haidian Theater. The anticipated event is notable in that it is one of the first shows targeted towards an audience of children rather than "... conventional justice evil drama of violence and adult language of thinking... ", which is referring to Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf. According to Amazon.com, the franchise was released on DVD in the year 2010.
In Taiwan, Shimajirō is the most popular character among children aged 0 to 6.