The official trailer for the 32nd Crayon Shin-chan film, Eiga Crayon Shin-chan Chō Karei! Shakunetsu no Kasukabe Dancers (Crayon Shin-chan the Movie: Super Magnificent! Scorching Kasukabe Dancers), has been released, revealing an August 8 opening date in Japan. This movie marks a significant first for the franchise as the story unfolds in India, blending the familiar humor with a vibrant new setting.
Shin-chan Goes Bollywood: A Dance Spectacle in India
The film’s plot centers around a dance competition offering a trip to India.
- Shinnosuke and the Kasukabe Defense Force enter the “Kasukabe Kids Entertainment Festival”.
- They win the competition and embark on an Indian adventure.
- The journey takes an unexpected turn when Shinnosuke and Bo-chan discover a mysterious backpack.
This sets the stage for a “dance entertainment movie” where Shinnosuke and his friends will seemingly “go wild” in India, according to Yumiko Kobayashi, Shin-chan’s voice actor.
Bo-chan’s Transformation: From Sidekick to “Bo-kun”
A key element of the plot involves Bo-chan, a usually quiet member of the Kasukabe Defense Force. He becomes possessed by an evil force after finding a backpack, transforming into a tyrant called “Bo-kun”. The trailer includes a teaser visual showing Bo-chan with a sly smile, along with the tagline “Goodbye, Shin-chan,” hinting at the challenges ahead. Shinnosuke and his friends must find a way to stop Bo-chan and save the day.
Production Team: Familiar Faces Return
Masakazu Hashimoto, a veteran director of numerous Crayon Shin-chan films, including the 30th film Eiga Crayon Shin-chan Mononoke Ninja Chinpūden, is directing the new film. Kimiko Ueno, who has written screenplays for the series since the 21st film, Eiga Crayon Shin-chan Shinkon Ryokō Hurricane, is also returning as the screenwriter.
Crayon Shin-chan: A Comedy Icon
Crayon Shin-chan began as a manga series by Yoshito Usui in 1990, initially targeting an adult audience with its satirical humor. The anime adaptation started airing in 1992 and has become a long-running success, with over 1000 episodes broadcast in 45 countries and dubbed in 30 languages. The series has maintained immense popularity, becoming one of the best-selling manga series in history, with over 148 million copies in circulation as of 2023.
Enduring Appeal & Global Reach
The series’ popularity stems from its relatable characters, slapstick humor, and focus on family and friends. While primarily a comedy, Crayon Shin-chan sometimes explores darker themes and includes horror adaptations. It has become a social phenomenon, resonating with both children and adults through its depiction of everyday life and humor.
The Crayon Shin-chan film series has been releasing movies annually since 1993, with Toho holding the distribution rights.
