Shimajiro became the face of Benesse's educational brand for preschoolers in 1988.
He is more than just a character. He is a child's best friend who helps them explore and expand their world as a "learning buddy".
He is a unique character who develops and learns with the child. For more than 35 years, he has been one of the most trusted and beloved characters in East Asia so he provides peace of mind for parents as well.
99.5% recognition among parents with children aged 0 to 6
* Internet survey conducted in March 2019. Responded by 1141 mothers with children from 6 months to 6 years old.
The most popular character amongst parents with children aged 0-6
* Data from 2021 survey conducted by Licensing International
Marvels of Science
Kindness & Friendship
Environment
Shimajiro is the star of “Shimajiro: A World of WOW!”, a popular preschool Japanese educational series running since 2012.
The program combines entertainment and education so kids can enjoy and learn important facts about the world around them. The goal is to motivate children to try out things for themselves, and to help them develop diverse perspectives and imagination.
The series title includes the word “WOW” because the program delivers surprise, joy, and discovery to its audience. Episodes offer diverse themes delivered through animation and live-action footage that present complex scientific facts with song, dance, and imagination. The show nurtures common sense and deductive reasoning skills by letting children think with Shimajiro and form their own conclusions.
The content brings out the innate curiosity of preschoolers and has been created using Benesse Corporation's monthly research conducted amongst parents and educators.
To potential buyers: Currently, we mainly sell animation series within our program. For inquiries regarding the live-action footage, please contact us.
Shimajiro and his friends are participating in a trash pickup to clean up the ocean. They learn that much of the garbage here has drifted out of the city and arrived at the sea. Then Momo, a dolphin, appears in front of Shimajiro and tells him that something troubling is happening, and begins to show him around the ocean.
Due to work, her mother had to leave the house for the day. Hannah had promised to stay at home without crying, but when her mother left, she seemed to miss her. Her father and Shimajiro are concerned about Hannah and keep her cheerful. But Shimajiro, too, is really lonely...
Nikki is feeling down because of a cavity, but she hears a story that if she brushes her teeth well, a toothbrush fairy will appear and praise her. However, when she finds out that it might be a myth, she loses interest in brushing her teeth. Shimajiro and his friends are worried about her so much that they decide on a plan.
The children brought in recyclable materials such as plastic bottles, milk cartons, and cardboard to the nursery. Ms. Shikako suggested using these materials to make shops. The children were thrilled about the idea and starts to discuss what they can make. What kind of shop will it become?
One day, Shimajiro accidentally tears the clothes of Mimi-Lynne's doll. Mimi-Lynne starts to cry and Shimajiro feels very sorry about it. However, a few days later, Mimi-Lynne realizes that Shimajiro didn't do it on purpose and...
Shimajiro and his friends decided to go play in the forest. Hannah is having fun catching bugs. Mimi-Lynne also wants to play with Hannah, but whenever she sees a bug, her face twitches. Mimi-Lynne accidently says that she hates bugs which shocks Hannah and...
Shimajiro has starred in ten feature-length films since 2013. Unlike most children's films, these movies have been specifically designed to give young children a relaxed, fun environment in which to enjoy their very first cinema outing. Each film features interactive segments in which Shimajiro and his friends speak directly to the audience and encourage the children to join them in singing songs, performing dances, and other fun activities.
Cast & Crew
Flowers are mysteriously withering on the island where Shimajiro lives. One day, Shimajiro and his friends meet a girl named Fufu who claims to be from the Kingdom of Flowers. Together, they set out on a journey to find the Rainbow Flower that might save the withering flowers.
Language: Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese
Shimajiro and his friends go on a long sea voyage as they try to return a lost baby whale to its mother. Along the way, they encounter many obstacles but work together to overcome them.
Language: Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese
Shimajiro and his friends fly to a mysterious island in search of the enormous Mother Tree. They encounter the island's natives and quickly become friends. But two mischievous spiders kidnap Shimajiro's little sister Hannah!
Language: Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese
When Shimajiro and his friends are transported into the pages of a magical book, they set out on a quest to find the magic paint that will save the kingdom that rules the book—as well as Shimajiro's friendship with his best friend, Flappie!
Language: Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese, English(script only)
While Shimajiro and his friends are touring the inside of the Dig-Bug—a robot that can dig through the earth—its inventor, Dr. Roarson, accidentally sets the Dig-Bug in motion. The robot digs its way to a desert far away from home before breaking down. There, Shimajiro and his friends meet Coco, a girl who was separated from her mother during a severe sandstorm. They decide to help Coco find her mother, leaving Dr. Roarson behind to repair the Dig-Bug so they can all go home.
Language: Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese
When Shimajiro and his friends find a fairy called a Pokapom, they decide to help it return home to Magic Island. There, they meet Aura, a young witch who is trying to bring spring back to the island.
Language: Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese, English
Female inventor Ururu has created Heroland, a world where heroes and heroines admired by people can meet. Shimajiro and his friends are so happy to arrive in Heroland, but then a bad robot turns up and starts causing trouble……
Can Shimajiro and his friends come together and save the day?
Language: Japanese, Taiwanese
On a island called "Greenwood", people were facing difficulties due to drought. To help the people in Greenwood, Shimajiro and his friends decided to lend a hand to Jin, who is from Greenwood, to build a "flying ship" to make it rain.
Language: Japanese, Chinese
Prince Pearl, who lacks a bit of confidence, escapes from the Sparkle Kingdom. While Pearl is away, a crisis unfolds in the kingdom. To save the kingdom, Shimajiro and his friends embark on an adventure with Pearl to find the special three keys.
Language: Japanese, Taiwanese
One day, Shimajiro meets a boy named Mirror. Mirror has a special "Rainbow Carnation" that grants wishes when given to someone one truly cares. However, the Queen who wants all the Rainbow Carnations on the island steals it from Mirror. Shimajiro and his friends sets off on an adventure to get the Rainbow Carnation back.
Language: Japanese, Chinese
As a character that embodies both entertainment and educational qualities, Shimajiro makes for an attractive ambassador for a range of licensed children's products.
There are also toiletries, stationeries, and other items for children aged 0-6 that are designed to make it fun for them to build up important everyday skills.
Home Learning Methodology for children aged 0-6
Unique and award-winning monthly subscription package for children 0 to 6 years old.
Live shows that help children learn and bond with their family
If you are interested in collaborating with Shimajiro, we'd like to hear from you! Please email us at the following address.