Benesse Corporation Launches Shimajiro Theme Park AttractionBenesse Corporation Launches Shimajiro Theme Park Attraction

Benesse Corporation, the Japanese education services company, and the name behind the Kodomo Challenge preschool educational course and its star Shimajiro, has announced the launch of a Shimajiro attraction at a Japanese theme park.

The Toei Kyoto Studio Park (Toei Uzumasa Eigamura), a theme park and film set in Kyoto City where visitors can enjoy a recreation of the country’s Edo period, will open a permanent attraction featuring Shimajiro on the August 6.

The new Shimajiro attraction will also reflect the Studio Park’s Edo theme, and is geared for children two and up.

From now until October 31, Kyoto's famous streetcar Ran-den, which connects Shijo-Omiya in the center of Kyoto City to the tourist spots of Arashiyama and Kitano-Hakubai-cho, will run a Shimajirō to Uzumasa Ninja Daisakusen trip.

The exterior of the streetcar will be decorated with designs inspired by Shimajiro. The streetcar’s interior will feature posters and illustrations inspired by the ninja. The posters will feature Shimajiro and his friends offering lessons in good manners.

“It’s no surprise that this popular family venue has developed a Shimajiro attraction,” says Daisuke Tebayashi, business development division director, Benesse Corporation. “The themes of discovery, fun and learning that underpin both Kodomo Challenge and Shimajiro are reflected in the ideals of the Toei