The Chichu Art Museum ( 地中美術館 , Chichū Bijutsukan ) (literally 'art museum in the earth') is a museum built directly into a southern portion of the island of Naoshima in Kagawa Prefecture , Japan . It was designed by architect Tadao Ando and opened to the public on July 18, 2004.
32-562: The subterranean museum is under the administration of the Fukutake Foundation , a project of the Benesse Corporation whose president Soichiro Fukutake also acts as director of the facility. It exists as part of an ongoing initiative to "rethink the relationship between nature and people," and is one of several arts-related sites generating tourist interest in the area. Despite its position buried underground,
64-852: A Japanese corporation- or company-related topic is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Shima Shima Tora no Shimajir%C5%8D Shima Shima Tora No Shimajirō ( しましまとらのしまじろう , lit. "Shimajiro the Striped Tiger") is a 1993 Japanese children 's anime series based on the educational learning program Kodomo Challenge by Benesse . It is directed by veteran director Hisayuki Toriumi ( Science Ninja Team Gatchaman ), with 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
96-638: A deal valued at US$ 1.78 billion ( ¥ 270 billion). On March 3, 2024, it was announced that EFU Investments Ltd. and a fund managed by BPEA EQT completed the purchase of a 70.1% stake in Benesse. The Benesse House is a 10-room hotel located inside a contemporary art museum, the Benesse Art Site, on the island of Naoshima in the Seto Inland Sea. Built in 1992, it was designed in partnership with architect Tadao Ando . It
128-568: 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
160-485: 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
192-541: A publisher of educational materials. In 1986, Soichiro Fukutake succeeded his father as president on the latter's death. His son Hideaki Fukutake is a company director. In 1994, the company completed the construction of the Fukutake Shoten Tokyo Building (now Benesse Corporation Tokyo Building) in Tama , Tokyo. In April 1995, the company was renamed Benesse Corporation. A major breakthrough in
224-595: 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
256-405: 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
288-431: 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
320-693: Is a Japanese company which focuses on correspondence education and publishing. Based in Okayama , it is the parent company of Berlitz Language Schools , which in turn is the parent company of ELS Language Centers . Benesse is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (listing code 9783). The company name is derived from the Latin words "bene" (well) and "esse" (being). The company was founded in 1955 as Fukutake Publishing Co., Ltd. ( 株式会社福武書店 , Kabushiki-gaisha Fukutake Shoten ) by Tetsuhiko Fukutake,
352-646: 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
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#1732772997652384-645: 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
416-654: 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
448-564: 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
480-409: 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
512-459: 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 starting in episode 701), and
544-408: Is “Everyday Challenger” ( まいにちチャレンジャー , Mainichi Charenjā ) . The ending theme is “Happy Jam Jam” ( ハッピー・ジャムジャム , Happī•Jamu Jamu ) . Both of which were performed 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
576-675: The Water Lilies series by Claude Monet . Located between the ticket center and main museum building, the Chichu Garden is an area roughly 400 m in size that features approximately 150 types of plants, 40 kinds of trees and almost 200 kinds of flowers that either appeared in Monet's works or were collected by the artist during his lifetime. As Monet was an avid gardener, his own designs as well as inspiration gleaned directly from some of his most famous paintings were used to design
608-489: 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
640-479: The company's history was the acquisition of a majority stake in Berlitz Language Schools , which had gone public in 1989. In 2001, Benesse completed the take-over by acquiring 100% ownership of Berlitz and making it a private company once again. In 2023, Swedish private equity firm EQT AB together with Benesse's founding family announced their intention to buy the company and take it private in
672-410: The design of the building is such that it facilitates the exclusive use of natural light to illuminate a number of the exhibits, changing their appearance at different viewing times throughout the day and, in essence, encompassing the building itself within the same realm as the art on display. The site features permanent installations by Walter De Maria and James Turrell , as well as painted works in
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#1732772997652704-576: 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 Kikan and premiered on December 13, 1993. The series ended after it aired its final episode on March 31, 2008, as
736-517: The garden and ponds that make up the area, which even feature some of the same water lilies that appear in his famous series . The rationale behind Chichu Garden is one where, through physical experience, it is believed one's understanding and appreciation of Claude Monet's work can be deepened. 34°26′59.13″N 133°59′08.89″E / 34.4497583°N 133.9858028°E / 34.4497583; 133.9858028 Benesse Benesse Corporation ( ベネッセコーポレーション , Benesse Kōporēshon )
768-700: 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 Randy Brakes: Also known as Mr. Brake in
800-480: 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
832-543: 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 “Our Miraculous Planet” ( 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,
864-623: 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. Akifumi Tada ( Tenchi Muyo! GXP ) composed the music in Hakken Taiken Daisuki! Shimajirō . Shima Shima Tora no Shimajirō
896-443: The second opening is “Let's Go with Shimajirō” ( しまじろうと いこうよ , Shimajirō to Ikōyo ) 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
928-478: 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") , which was also animated by Kikan. 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
960-468: 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
992-535: The third ending theme is “Nyanda Korya” ( にゃんだこりゃ , Nyanda Korya , Lit. Nyan-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 2005-2007) 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
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1024-741: Was built by the Benesse Foundation which is funded by the Benesse Corporation. Benesse is the originator of the Kodomo Challenge educational program, which debuted in April 1988 and introduced three young-animal mascot characters: Shimajiro the tiger, Torippi the parrot, and Ramurin the sheep. These characters, along with later 1991 addition Mimirin the rabbit, would appear in a long-running series of Shimajiro anime starting in 1993. This article about
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