The animated film "Crayon Shin-chan: Our Dinosaur Diary" is set to officially premiere in mainland China on November 23. As the latest theatrical release in the "Crayon Shin-chan" series for 2024, it has already achieved impressive results during its release in Japan, with a first-day box office of 1.4 billion yen and a weekend gross reaching 4.55 billion yen, breaking the record for the highest opening box office in the history of the "Crayon Shin-chan" film series. Since its announcement for introduction in China, it has garnered significant attention from fans.
On November 16, the Chinese premiere of "Crayon Shin-chan: Our Dinosaur Diary" was held in Shanghai, where numerous loyal fans of Shin-chan, along with friends of all ages, joyfully gathered to "dive into Shin-chan's diary."
Scene from the premiere of "Crayon Shin-chan: Our Dinosaur Diary"
The venue transformed into Shin-chan's world, with every corner filled with classic elements from the series. They recreated the Nohara family's home to scale and featured a park where the Kasukabe Defense Force usually plays, even showcasing a date scene with Shin-chan and Nene-chan clad in a wedding dress enjoying ramen together. Audiences not only had the chance to "fall asleep with Shin-chan's family" but could also "play games with the Kasukabe Defense Force," and even "bathe with Shin-chan, Shiro, and Nene," creating an immersive atmosphere that delighted fans who arrived early to get a sneak peek.
Attendees of the premiere included not just teenagers but also many from the older generations, with entire families of Shin-chan fans—grandparents, parents, and children—coming together to celebrate, marking an annual joyous occasion for "Shin-chan fans." Laughter echoed throughout the event, with the atmosphere repeatedly soaring to new heights. Voice actress Yumiko Kobayashi, who portrays Shin-chan, even presented exclusive gifts to the audience.
Scene from the premiere of "Crayon Shin-chan: Our Dinosaur Diary"
In this film, the Kasukabe Defense Force welcomes a new member—a cute and clumsy little dinosaur named Nana. This small encounter leads to deep bonds as Shin-chan and his friends spend a happy summer with Nana. However, a crisis suddenly strikes when gigantic dinosaurs wreak havoc on the streets, posing unprecedented challenges for the Nohara family.
Scene from the premiere of "Crayon Shin-chan: Our Dinosaur Diary"
The film continues the classic 2D animation style that has characterized the "Crayon Shin-chan" series, using simple and dynamic lines to depict familiar scenes that resonate with the audience. This original art style seems to transport viewers back to their childhood, allowing them to play freely in the world of Kasukabe alongside Shin-chan, with many beloved characters from the classic TV series returning, prompting fans to exclaim, "I've returned to my youth."
Scene from the premiere of "Crayon Shin-chan: Our Dinosaur Diary"
After the screening, the first batch of audiences in mainland China gave high praises to the film. The audience was particularly delighted to discover that, as the 31st installment in the "Crayon Shin-chan" theatrical series, this film is considered a "super blockbuster" in the franchise.
To provide viewers with the most realistic dinosaur experience, all the lifelike dinosaurs in the film were hand-drawn by the cartoonist rather than created with CGI. The production team also obtained specific information and samples from dinosaur museums in order to carefully design details like the dinosaurs' vocalizations. From visuals to sound effects, every aspect reflects the dedication and sincerity of the production team.
Poster for "Crayon Shin-chan: Our Dinosaur Diary"
Professor Xing Lida, a dinosaur expert and associate professor at China University of Geosciences, has given high commendations for the dinosaurs featured in the film. Many parents have expressed profound appreciation for the film's core message, stating, "It teaches children to love and be brave, treating every group with equal respect through love that transcends races, and I will recommend it to other parents."
