Shima Shima Tora no Shimajirō

Shima Shima Tora no Shimajirō
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, 2010, and the fourth and current one began airing on April 2, 2012.
Overview
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 . All of the later episodes of the series were aired in the variety series in the later years which also includes live action segments.
Theme and elements
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.
Setting
The anime is officially set in the fictional 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.
Plot
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.
Characters
Main Characters
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.
/ Mimi-Lynne
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 an older sibling, but after Ramurin left Challenge Island in the series finale of Hesoka and retired the Kodomo Challenge franchise in 2012, she became the only one.
/ Flappie
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.
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.
/ Nikki
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 younger brother and befriended Shimajiro and the others. Her father, however, lives separately somewhere in Challenge Island.
Main Characters’ Families
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 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.
/ Hannah
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.
Sota is a white rabbit and the father of Mimirin.
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.
Torigoro is a green parrot and the father of Torippii. He is a constructor who builds or invents items.
Kanae is a green parrot with orange hair and the mother of Torippii.
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.
/ Toto/Rita/Pepa
Toto, Riri, and Pipi are green parrots and Torippii’s younger 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.
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 is a pink sheep and the mother of Ramurin. She left Challenge Island with her husband and Ramurin in the series finale of Hesoka.
Nene is a pink cat with a cream-colored face and the mother of Nyakkii.
Yoriko is a pink cat with a cream-colored face and the grandmother of Nyakkii.
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.
Supporting Characters
Ratman is a blue mouse and a superhero who appears throughout the series of Shima Shima Tora no Shimajiro. He appears in a TV show with the same name, and always saves the day when the villains cause trouble.
Dr. Meemee is a white goat and one of the supporting characters of Shima Shima Tora no Shimajiro. He has a wide range of specializations, from mechanical engineering to science and archaeology, and is somehow a solid mechanic. He loves to make strange inventions that are not useful.
Mogu-Chan is a brown mole and one of the supporting characters of Shima Shima Tora no Shimajiro.
Mogunosuke is a brown mole and one of the supporting characters of Shima Shima Tora no Shimajiro.
Mogutaro is a brown mole and one of the supporting characters of Shima Shima Tora no Shimajiro.
/ Pantaro
Pontaro is a brown raccoon and one of the supporting characters of Shima Shima Tora no Shimajiro. He debuted in episode 4 of Hakken Taiken Daisuki!. He lives in a mansion with his grandfather; Ponzaemon. He has a habit of saying “Ahem…” when he tells his name to some people. His butler; Hitsujii, always bullies him.
/ Hitsuji
Hitsujii is a white sheep and one of the supporting characters of Shima Shima Tora no Shimajiro. He debuted in episode 4 of Hakken Taiken Daisuki!. He serves as the butler in the mansion owned by Ponzaemon. Usually, Hitsujii punishes Pontaro whatever he does something stupid.
/ Mr. Roarson
Mr. Gaogao is a yellow lion and one of the supporting characters in Shima Shima Tora no Shimajiro. He debuted in episode 6 of Hakken Taiken Daisuki!. He is a famous worker and owns a workshop near Challenge City.
Mrs. Tamako is a gray cat with a beige face and orange hair and one of the supporting characters of Shima Shima Tora no Shimajiro. She debuted in episode 8 of Hakken Taiken Daisuki!. She is an artist who seems to copy off of what is seen from the horizon.
Ma-kun is a tan monkey and one of the supporting characters in Shima Shima Tora no Shimajiro. He debuted in episode 19 of Hakken Taiken Daisuki!. He is the Shimano family’s cousin and his mother owns a greenhouse. He was somehow replaced with Nono-chan in the start of Shimajiro Hesoka.
Nono-chan is a brown squirrel and one of the supporting characters of Shima Shima Tora no Shimajiro. She debuted in episode 9 of Hesoka. Her family owns a restaurant, until she and her family went missing in 2011. Nono-chan loves to eat donuts, but she does not like carrots or bell peppers (as seen in episode 14 of Hesoka). She was somehow replaced with Marurin after she went missing.
Challenge Kindergarten Characters
Zota is a gray elephant and one of the kids at Challenge Kindergarten in Shima Shima Tora no Shimajiro. He is very bratty, ravenous, and gluttonous. He loves sumo wars and wants to be a hero when he gets older.
Buta is a pink pig and one of the kids at Challenge Kindergarten in Shima Shima Tora no Shimajiro. He loves ramen and he always acts with his best friend; Zota. He moved to another island in episode 204 of Wao!, as he retired the Kodomo Challenge franchise in 2016.
Kento is a yellow dog and one of the kids at Challenge Kindergarten in Shima Shima Tora no Shimajiro. He loves to play with vehicles and trains.
Kanta is a gray hippopotamus and one of the kids at Challenge Kindergarten in Shima Shima Tora no Shimajiro. He owns a turtle which he called it; “Noshinoshi”.
Kirinta is a yellow giraffe and one of the kids at Challenge Kindergarten in Shima Shima Tora no Shimajiro. He was Shimajiro’s friend before Kindergarten started. He is also mischievous and is good at karate.
Monta is a brown monkey and one of the kids at Challenge Kindergarten in Shima Shima Tora no Shimajiro. He reads encyclopedias and loves to look at stars.
/ Mary-Lynne
Marurin is a white panda and one of the kids at Challenge Kindergarten in Shima Shima Tora no Shimajiro. Her family owns a bakery and she loves melon bread. She is very competitive and active in the world.
Sakurako is a brown dog and one of the kids at Challenge Kindergarten in Shima Shima Tora no Shimajiro. She has a brother five years older than her. She loves talking and singing.
Kikko is a yellow fox and one of the kids at Challenge Kindergarten in Shima Shima Tora no Shimajiro. She loves swimming, and she sometimes reacts harshly to her words, but a great friend.
Tamasaburo is a blueish-gray leopard and one of the kids at Challenge Kindergarten in Shima Shima Tora no Shimajiro, who first appeared in episode 135 of Wao!. He is a popular child actor and he became Shimajiro’s friend when he debuted.
/ Kumaki
Kumakkii is a white polar bear and one of the kids at Challenge Kindergarten in Shima Shima Tora no Shimajiro, who first appeared in episode 227 of Wao!. She has a good appetite and is full of energy, but more powerful than elephants. She loves to play houses, but hates injections.
Ms. Shikako is a brown deer and the teacher at Challenge Kindergarten in Shima Shima Tora no Shimajiro. She is the youngest of the teachers in Challenge Kindergarten and seems to be looking for a lover.
Antagonists
The Three Black Cat Brothers are black cat and the main antagonists of Shima Shima Tora no Shimajiro (first series). Dot (ドット, Dotto) is the oldest of the brothers. He is always arrogant and is somewhat short-tempered. He hates tomatoes and is scared of high places. Karakusa (からくさ, Karakusa) is middle-aged of the brothers. He is swayed by Dot’s whimps and is really kind. He loves flowers and wishes that he wants to have a younger sister, like Hana. Paisley (ペイズリー, Peizurī) is the youngest of the brothers. He sets up mischiefs with his older brothers, but himself is firm and sometimes discouraged Dot. Paisley even has a crush on Mimirin.
Jan and Ken are pink pig brothers and were the antagonists of the series, Hakken Taiken Daisuki! Shimajiro, but reappear in Hesoka as supporting characters. Jan is an older brother and is called “a soccer genius.” He usually bullies Shimajiro and his friends. Ken is a younger brother, and is also called “a soccer genius.”
The Three Mole Brothers are brown moles and the main antagonists of Hesoka. They look similar to the Three Black Cat Brothers, but act slightly different than them. The three brothers are Maruo (マルオ, Maruo), Sankaku (サンカク, Sankaku), and Shikaku (シカク, Shikaku).
Guest stars
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.
Media
Anime
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 by Shima Shima Kids, which is used in the first 226 episodes, and the second opening theme is by Omi Minami, which is used in the remaining 500 episodes. The first ending theme is titled by Shima Shima Kids, which is used in the first 176 episodes, the second ending theme is 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 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 , by Omi Minami, Miki Takahashi, Takumi Yamazaki and Saori Sugimoto. The ending theme is , 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 by Aki Toyosaki for the first 51 episodes, and the second opening theme is by Yusuke Kamiji for the remaining 50 episodes. The first ending theme is titled by Fusanosuke Kondō for the first 18 episodes, and later for the remaining 62 episodes, and the second ending theme is 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 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 by HARCO from episodes 52 to 64, and later episodes 79 to 82, and the third opening theme is . The first ending theme is by Puffy AmiYumi from episodes 1 to 193, and later starting in episode 206, and the second ending theme is 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.
Films
Starting from Shimajirō: A World of Wow!, the series has 8 theatrical films produced.
Shimajirō to Fufu no Daibōken: Sukue! Nanairo no Hana (2013)
Shimajirō to Kujira no Uta (2014)
Shimajirō to Ōkina Ki (2015)
Shimajirō to Kuni Ehon (2016)
Shimajirō to Niji no Oashisu (2017)
Movie Shimajiro Maho no Shimano Daiboken (2018)
Shimajirō to Ururu no Heroland (2019)
Qiaohu and the Fantastic Flying Ship (2019) Also known as Shimajirō Soro To Soratofune (2021); Delayed from a previous 2020 release due to COVID-19 pandemic.
The Adventures of the Magic Island of Qiaohu (2021)Shimajirō to Kirakira Ōkoku no Ōji-sama (2022)
Critical reception
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.
Awards
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).
Mascot popularity
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.
Overseas popularityShima 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. In Mandarin it 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.
In the United States, some people who know the show compare it to another animated preschool series and it’s character that is from United States, Daniel Tiger from PBS Kids’ Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood (2012-present) due to both shows being alike in plot and nature, complete with their own cast of colorful characters, and that the main characters of both shows are a family of tigers, complete with an elder son and a younger daughter. Both titular characters have their own set of friends and neighborly citizens, and some calling Shimajiro the Japanese counterpart to Daniel. Although it is not officially confirmed if this is a coincidence or that the longer running Shimajiro series has something to do with the Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood series and franchise as well, and this current long-running show began running while Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood was still on the air. Not a whole bunch of people in the United States know about Shima Shima Tora No Shimajiro due to the show’s obscurity. In addition, the fourth entry of the Shimajiro series premiered on April 2, 2012, while the American series Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood premiered exactly 5 months (and one day) later on September 3. In addition, the whole Shimajiro show has been on the air officially since December 13, 1993, while Mister Rogers was still on the air and while Rogers was still alive (as the show did not cease new episodes until 2001 and it was ten years before Fred Rogers’ death), while Daniel Tiger did not premiere until after Rogers had died, unlike Shimajiro.
Shimajiro falls in more obscure media. Due to this, merchandising of the show is only sold in stores in Japan and some other asian territories.
References
External links
(franchise)
Anime official website at Benesse ,
English version
Shimajiro: A World of WOW official website
Shimajiro at TV Setouchi
Qiao Hu official website
Channel with English episodes of Shimajiro No Wow
Animated preschool education television series
1990s preschool education television series
2000s preschool education television series
2010s preschool education television series
2020s preschool education television series
2010 Chinese television series debuts
1993 anime television series debuts
2008 anime television series debuts
2010 anime television series debuts
2012 anime television series debuts
Japanese children's animated comedy television series
Studio Signpost
TV Tokyo original programming
Television series about tigers
Animated television series about children
Animated television series about families
Japanese television series with live action and animation
1988 establishments in Japan
1993 Japanese television series debuts
2008 Japanese television series endings
2008 Japanese television series debuts
2010 Japanese television series endings
2010 Japanese television series debuts
2012 Japanese television series endings
2012 Japanese television series debuts
Benesse