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Crayon Shin-chan

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Crayon Shin-chan
Company typeManga series
IndustryManga, Anime
Founded1990
FounderYoshito Usui
Headquarters
Kasukabe, Saitama
,
Japan
ProductsManga, Anime television series, Spin-offs
ParentFutabasha (publisher)
is a Japanese manga series both written and illustrated by Yoshito Usui. It first appeared in 1990 within the pages of the weekly publication Weekly Manga Action, issued by Futabasha. After Usui's passing, the original manga concluded in September 2009. A successor series, named , was launched in 2010 by Usui’s creative team.

The anime adaptation made its debut on TV Asahi in 1992 and continues to air, boasting over 1,200 episodes to date. It has been localized into 30 languages and broadcast across 45 countries worldwide. By 2023, the total circulation of the combined manga series exceeded 148 million copies, positioning it among the top-selling manga series internationally.

Synopsis

Set in Kasukabe, Saitama, part of the Greater Tokyo Area, the story revolves around five-year-old Shinnosuke "Shin" Nohara along with his family, neighbors, and friends. The narrative focuses on Shin-chan’s everyday experiences, often infused with imaginative scenarios.

Comedy stems from Shin-chan's unconventional and sometimes inappropriate speech as well as his playful antics. Certain jokes rely on familiarity with Japanese culture—for example, his "Mr. Elephant" act alludes to the well-known children’s song "Zou-san." Despite this cultural specificity, the series enjoys widespread popularity throughout Asia due to its relatable humor and satirical stereotypes.

Although primarily a comedy featuring frequent sexual innuendos, it has encountered parental content restrictions but largely maintains a family-friendly style across various regions. Recurring themes highlight family bonds and friendship, with occasional ventures into darker or horror-inspired storylines.

Remarkably mature for his age, Shin-chan awkwardly flirts with older female characters, contributing to the comedic tone. He also frequently displays bluntness toward adults by posing direct or inappropriate questions.

Manga

Crayon Shin-chan, created by Yoshito Usui, made its debut in Futabasha's Weekly Manga Action magazine in 1990. Originally a spin-off from Usui’s earlier creations, it was compiled into 50 tankōbon volumes published under Futabasha’s Action Comics label between 1992 and 2010.

After Usui’s death in 2009, Futabasha initially intended to end the series but extended publication upon discovering additional manuscripts through early 2010. Following this, a new manga titled New Crayon Shin-chan commenced in 2010 under Usui’s team and later moved to an exclusive website after its magazine ceased release at the end of 2023.

In 1996, a bilingual Japanese-English manga titled Shin-chan: The Little Horror! was launched in Japan.

ComicsOne translated ten volumes for English-speaking readers in the U.S., adapting certain elements with American pop culture references such as Pokémon and Britney Spears to increase appeal. The manga was reformatted for left-to-right reading and given a Teen rating. Later, DrMaster obtained several manga licenses including Crayon Shin-chan, though no new volumes were published under their imprint.

In 2007, DC Comics' CMX imprint acquired the license and began releasing an uncensored Mature-rated edition from 2008 onward that incorporated adult humor consistent with the Adult Swim dub style; however, some jokes were omitted compared to prior versions.

Starting in 2012, One Peace Books reissued the CMX edition in omnibus volumes that included previously untranslated material.

The Crayon Shin-chan spin-off titled Action Mask is available via subscription through Crunchyroll and Futabasha. Additionally, the main manga can be accessed on Crunchyroll up to volume 10 using the CMX translation.

Television series

The anime adaptation of Crayon Shin-chan, created by Shin-Ei Animation, has been broadcast on TV Asahi since April 13, 1992. The series was originally helmed by director Mitsuru Hongo from 1992 to 1996, followed by Keiichi Hara who directed until 2004. Since then, Yuji Muto has taken over as director. The musical score is composed by Toshiyuki Arakawa. Although initially intended to conclude in 1994, the show's impressive viewership ratings on TV Asahi ensured its ongoing production.

An English-subtitled version was aired on KIKU in Hawaii between December 1993 and December 2001. The rights were secured by Lacey Entertainment, with translations handled by Karlton Tomomitsu.

Spin-offs

The spin-off series SHIN-MEN, set within an alternate universe, ran for 13 episodes from November 2010 through September 2012.

Crayon Shin-chan Gaiden, spanning four seasons, is exclusively available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video worldwide, offering subtitles in English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese.

Announced in February 2019, the anime spin-off Super Shiro centers on Shin-chan’s pet dog Shiro. Directed by Masaaki Yuasa and produced at Science SARU, the series features Kimiko Ueno as the series composer and Tomohisa Shimoyama as chief director. The production involves TV Asahi, Shin-Ei Animation, ADK EM, and Futabasha, delivering 48 episodes each lasting five minutes. It premiered on October 14, 2019, via AbemaTV, with an English-dubbed version subsequently broadcast on Cartoon Network in Australia and Southeast Asia.

Crossovers

In April 2012, a special crossover episode titled Kamen Rider Fourze x Crayon Shin-chan was aired to promote the movie Crayon Shin-chan: Fierceness That Invites Storm! Me and the Space Princess. In 2016, Japan saw a collaborative animated episode featuring Godzilla. Additionally, the iconic Sanrio character Hello Kitty made an appearance in the inaugural episode of the Reiwa era of Crayon Shin-chan.

On November 23, 2018, Arashi member Masaki Aiba appeared as his character Tatsuya Kōenji from the drama Boku to Shippo to Kagurazaka in a brief segment concluding episode 983 entitled Ora to Shippo to Kagurazaka dazo, where he inspects Shinnosuke’s dog at a veterinary clinic.

International releases

The first English dub was produced by Vitello Productions in Burbank, California during 2001–2002 as part of TV Asahi and Lacey Entertainment’s efforts to expand global distribution. This version aired on networks including Fox Kids and later Jetix in the UK, on Fox Kids in Australia, on Singapore’s Channel i, and on Ireland’s RTÉ Two. Subtitled broadcasts were available on Iceland’s Stöd 2 and Israel’s Arutz HaYeladim. The Vitello dub featured experienced voice talent such as Kath Soucie, who voiced both Shin and Misae.

In 2003, another English dub was undertaken by Phuuz entertainment inc., featuring a new cast for an additional 52 episodes. Both Vitello and Phuuz dubs maintained an average runtime of about 21 minutes per episode divided into three segments. Various international dubs have used these versions as their source material.

Funimation, now operating under Crunchyroll, LLC, obtained North American distribution rights in 2006 through collaboration with TV Asahi. Their dub employed a Texas-based voice cast and incorporated significant American cultural references along with altered character names to better suit Western audiences. The initial 52 episodes were broadcast on Adult Swim, with all three seasons—each comprising 26 episodes—released on DVD; the final season arrived in 2011.

On August 9, 2025, Discotek Media announced a Blu-ray release of FUNimation's English dub.

A fourth English-language dub was created by Hong Kong-based Red Angel Media in 2015 for LUK Internacional, which handles Spanish, Portuguese, second Italian, and second French dubs. This iteration closely adheres to the original Japanese content without censorship. The first five volumes containing 26 episodes were made available on the European and South African Nintendo 3DS eShop from December 22 to December 29, 2016.

In India, Hindi-language dubs began airing on Hungama TV starting June 19, 2006; Tamil and Telugu versions followed later. By 2024, Sony YAY! commenced broadcasting Hindi dubs alongside Bengali, Tamil, and Telugu versions. By May 2025, all films had been dubbed into Hindi, Bengali, Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu for airing on Hungama TV and Sony YAY!.

In the Philippines during the early 2000s, a Filipino dub aired on IBC 13 featuring rapper Andrew E voicing Shinnosuke.

Openings

  1. Lyricist: Yoshito Usui / Composer: Tetsurō Oda / Arranger: Masao Akashi / Vocals: TUNE'S
    Episodes: 1–21 (Ending theme for SPECIAL 1)

  2. Lyricist: Daiko Nagato / Composer: Tetsurō Oda / Arranger: Takeshi Hayama / Vocals: B.B.Queens
    Episodes: 22–57

  3. Lyricist: Reo Rinozuka / Composer: Yasuo Kosugi / Arranger: Michiaki Kato / Vocals: Shinnosuke Nohara (Akiko Yajima) and Misae Nohara (Miki Narahashi)
    Episodes: SPECIAL 3–161 (Initially used as opening for SPECIAL 2, also ending theme in episode 776)

  4. Lyricist: Poem-dan / Composer and Arranger: Takashi Kimura / Vocals: Shinnosuke Nohara (Akiko Yajima)
    Episodes: 162–SPECIAL 13 (Also the opening for Crayon Shin-chan: Great Adventure in Henderland)

  5. Lyricist: C's / Composer and Arranger: Satoru Sugawara / Vocals: Puppy
    Episodes: 203–SPECIAL 20

  6. Lyricist/Composer/Arranger: motsu / Vocals: Shinnosuke Nohara (Akiko Yajima) and Action Mask (Tesshō Genda)
    Episodes: 270–352

  7. Lyricist/Composer: LADY Q / Arranger: Toshiya Mori / Vocals: LADY Q alongside Shinnosuke Nohara (Akiko Yajima) and Misae Nohara (Miki Narahashi)
    Episodes: 353–458
  8. "PLEASURE"
    Lyricist: Chihiro Kurosu / Composer: Kaori Hosoi / Arranger: Nobuyuki Shimizu / Vocals by Tomomi Kahala
    Episodes: 459–SPECIAL 43

  9. Lyricist: Yuji Muto / Composer and Arranger: Yasunari Nakamura / Vocals by Shinnosuke Nohara (Akiko Yajima)
    Episodes: 509–594, 604–681

  10. Lyricist: Yuji Muto / Composer: Yasunari Nakamura / Arranger: Takafumi Iwasaki / Vocals by Shinnosuke Nohara (Akiko Yajima) and Crayon Friends from AKB48
    Episodes: 595–603

  11. Vocals by Becky♪♯
    Episodes: 682–708
  12. "HEY BABY"
    Vocals by Kumi Koda
    Episodes: 709–724
  13. "T.W.L."
    Vocals by Kanjani Eight
    Episodes: 725–747

  14. Vocals by Watarirouka Hashiritai 7
    Episodes: 748–SPECIAL 64
  15. Kimi ni 100 Percent
    Vocals by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu
    Episodes: 784–937, 943–

  16. Vocals by Shinnosuke Nohara (Akiko Yajima) and Misae Nohara (Miki Narahashi)
    Episodes: 938–942

  17. Vocals by Yuzu
    Episodes: 970–1050

  18. Vocals by Ketsumeishi
    Episodes: 1051–present
Endings

  1. Lyricist/Composer: Toshiyuki Arakawa / Arrangers and Vocalists: Daiji MAN Brothers Band
    Episodes: 1–21

  2. Lyricist/Composer/Vocalist: Hiromi Yonemura / Arranger: Itaru Watanabe
    Episodes: 22–57

  3. Lyricist: Yui Nishiwaki / Composer: Hideo Saito / Arranger: Hiroshi Shinkawa / Vocalists: Sakurakko Club Sakura Gumi
    Episodes: SPECIAL 3–99

  4. Lyricist: Moichi Kato / Composers and Arrangers: Ozutairiku and Yasuhiko Hoshino / Vocalists include Yuko and Shinnosuke Nohara (Akiko Yajima)
    Episodes: 100–112

  5. Lyricist: Marron Koshaku / Composer and Arranger: Takashi Kimura / Vocalists include Marron Koshaku and Shinnosuke Nohara (Akiko Yajima)
    Episodes: 113–161
  6. "REGGAE"
    Lyricist and Vocalist: KOTONE / Composers involved KEISUKE and Yoichi Yamazaki / Arrangement by Yuzo Hayashi
    Episodes: 162–192

  7. Lyricist Moichi Kato with composers Ozutairiku and Yasuhiko Hoshino; arranged by Daisaku Kume and Kiyohiko Semba; vocals performed by Haruo Minami and Shinnosuke Nohara (Akiko Yajima)
    Episodes: 193–SPECIAL 13

  8. Lyrics contributed by Aki Okui and Lemon Saito; composed and sung by Aki Okui; arranged by Akitoshi Onodera
    Episodes: 203–SPECIAL 17

  9. Lyricist, composer, arranger RYUZI; vocal performance by Nanase Ogawa
    Episodes: 249–297

  10. Lyricist/composer KAORU; arranged by Tsuyoshi Yamanaka and L'luvia; vocals by L'luvia
    Episodes: 298–352

  11. Lyricist/composer Ke-chan; sung by Kamaboko
    Episodes: 353–397

  12. Lyrics/composition by Tsunku; arrangement handled by Yuichi Takahashi and Tsunku; vocalists Sheki-Dol
    Episodes: 398–SPECIAL 33

  13. Lyrics written by Yoshito Usui and Yuri Asada; composed by Yasuo Kosugi; arrangement by Hideo Saito; vocals performed by Shinnosuke Nohara (Akiko Yajima) and Misae Nohara (Miki Narahashi)
    Episodes: 452–SPECIAL 38・SPECIAL 43

  14. Lyricist/composer Rio; arranged by Papa Daisuke; vocals by Yanawarabaa
    Episodes: 509–SPECIAL 46

  15. Episodes featured from 938 to 942
Opening
  1. "Say hey! HEY! Shin-chan"
Ending
  1. Instrumental version of "Say hey! HEY! Shin-chan"
Opening
  1. "Shin-chan Theme"
    A shortened adaptation of the third opening theme.
Ending
  1. "Party Join Us"
    Performed by Brina Palencia
    Originally featured as the fifth ending theme.
Opening
  1. Features footage from Japanese opening 8 ("PLEASURE") with altered lyrics set to a techno remix of Japanese opening 3 ("Ora wa Ninkimono").
    Music Director, Producer, and English Director: World Worm Studios composer Gary Gibbons
Ending
  1. Combines footage from Japanese ending 3 ("DO-shite") and, during the initial 11 episodes, Japanese opening 9 ("Yuruyuru de DE-O!") with new lyrics matching the melody of "DO-shite".
    Music Director, Producer, and English Director: World Worm Studios composer Gary Gibbons

Console and Handheld

Although numerous games were exclusive to Japan, several titles also saw releases in South Korea, Italy, and Spain.

Title Platform Release Date
Crayon Shin-chan: Ora to Shiro wa Otomodachi da yo Game Boy April 9, 1993
Crayon Shin-chan: Arashi o Yobu Enji Super Famicom and Mega Drive July 30, 1993 (SFC)
March 11, 1994 (MD)
Crayon Shin-Chan: Ora to Poi Poi Famicom August 27, 1993
Quiz Crayon Shin-chan Arcade August 1993
Crayon Shin-chan 2: Ora to Wanpaku Gokko da zo Game Boy October 22, 1993
Crayon Shin-chan Ora to Asobo Arcade December 1993
Crayon Shin-chan no Ora to Issho ni Asobou yo! Sega Pico March 1994
Crayon Shin-chan 3: Ora no Gokigen Athletic Game Boy March 26, 1994
Crayon Shin-chan 2: Dai Maou no Gyakushuu Super Famicom May 27, 1994
Crayon Shin-chan 4: Ora no Itazura Dai Henshin Game Boy August 26, 1994
Crayon Shin-chan no Oekaki Note Sega Pico January 1995
Crayon Shin-chan: Taiketsu! Quantum Panic!! Game Gear February 24, 1995
Crayon Shin-chan: Puzzle Daimaou no Nazo 3DO March 10, 1995
Crayon Shin-chan: Nagagutsu Dobon Super Famicom September 27, 1996
Crayon Shin-chan: Ora no Gokigen Collection Game Boy December 20, 1996
Crayon Shin-chan: Ora no Honto no Kaa-chan Ya~i PC 1997
  • Several PC games were released exclusively in Korea from the late 1990s through the early 2000s.
Title Platform Release Date
'Kids Station: Crayon Shin-Chan' 'PlayStation' 'November 29, 2001'
'Crayon Shin-chan: Arashi no Yobu Adventures in Cinemaland!' (Spain) 'Game Boy Advance' 'April 16, 2004 / December 25, 2005 (Spain)'
'Shin chan contra los muñecos de Shock Gahn' (Spain) 'Game Boy Advance' 'March 23, 2006 / September 18, 2006 (Spain)'
'Shin chan: Las nuevas aventuras para Wii' (Spain) 'Wii' 'December 2, 2006 / April 25, 2008 (Spain)'
'¡Shin chan flipa en colores!' (Spain), '짱구는 못말려 DS 알쏭달쏭 크레용 대작전' (Korea), 'Shin chan e i colori magici!' (Italy) 'Nintendo DS' 'March 21, 2007 / November 16, 2007 (Spain) / April 5, 2008 (Korea) / September12,2008(Italy)'
'Shin chan: ¡Aventuras de cine!' (Spain), '짱구는 못말려 시네마랜드 찰칵찰칵 대소동!' (Korea) 'Nintendo DS' 'March20,2008 / December5,2008(Spain) / September15,2009(Korea)'
'¡Shin chan contra los plastas!' (Spain), '짱구는 못말려 말랑말랑 고무찰흙 대변신!' (Korea) 'Nintendo DS' 'March19,2009 / December4,2009(Spain) / December3,2010(Korea)'
'짱구는 못말려 부리부리 떡잎마을 대모험!' (Korea) 'Nintendo DS' 'March18,2010 / October19,2012(Korea)'
'Crayon Shin-chan Shokkugan! Densetsu wo Yobu Omake Daiketsusen!!' (Korea) 'Nintendo DS' 'December2,2010 / October27,2011(Korea)'
'クレヨンしんちゃん 恋する47（フォーティーセブン）' 'Mobage' 'April5,2011'
'クレヨンしんちゃん シネマDEカード!' 'Mobage' 'November9,2011'
'짱구는 못말려 판타스틱-! 우주별 대모험!!' (Korea) 'Nintendo3DS' 'December1,2011 /2013(Korea)'
'짱구는 못말려 온라인' (Korea) 'PC' '2012(Korea)'
'Crayon Shin-chan: Arashi wo Yobu Kasukabe Eiga Stars!' 'Nintendo3DS' 'April10,2014'
'Crayon Shin-Chan Gekiatsu! Oden wa Rudo Dai Konran!!' 'Nintendo3DS' 'November30,2017'
'Crayon Shin-chan: The Storm Called! Flaming Kasukabe Runner!!' 'Nintendo Switch' 'January14,2020(NA), January24,2020(PAL), March19,2020(Japan)'
"Shin-chan: Me and the Professor on Summer Vacation – The Endless Seven-Day Journey" (Nintendo Switch and PC) (July15,2021(Switch Japan), August31,2022(PC))
"Shin-chan: Shiro and the Coal Town" (Nintendo Switch and PC) (February22,2024(Switch Japan), October24,2024(PC))

Smartphone and tablet

Title Platforms Developers/Publishers Status
"Shin Chan Kasukabe's Challenge" Android
iOS		 LUK Internacional
Manduka Games
DoBCN		 No longer available
"Crayon Shin-chan: The Storm Called! Flaming Kasukabe Runner!" Android
iOS		 Bushiroad No longer available
"Crayon Shin-chan: The Storm Called! Flaming Kasukabe Runner! Z" Android
iOS		 Bushiroad No longer available
"Crayon Shin-chan Operation Little Helper" Android
iOS		 Neos Currently available
"Crayon Shin-chan: Dreaming! Kasukabe Large Battle!" Android
iOS		 Nexon Games Japan Currently available
"Crayon Shin-chan: UFO Panic! Run Kasukabe Guards!!" Android
iOS		 Nexon Games Japan Discontinued November 11, 2015
"Crayon Shin-chan: Sky Fly! Kasukabe Adventure!" Android
iOS		 Asakusa Games with Futabasha No longer available
"クレヨンしんちゃん 一致団ケツ！かすかべシティ大開発" Android
iOS		 Bushiroad Currently available
"【公式】クレヨンしんちゃん オラのぶりぶりアプリだゾ マンガもゲームもおてんこもりもり 毎日みれば～" Android Futabasha Currently available

Note: The final application serves as a comprehensive Crayon Shin-chan platform, providing access to news, manga, and games rather than functioning solely as a game.

Reception

By the year 2015, the original Crayon Shin-chan manga had achieved sales exceeding 55 million copies globally; when combined with New Crayon Shin-chan, total sales surpassed 58 million copies worldwide. Factoring in game books and related merchandise, the overall circulation reached an estimated 148 million copies by 2023.[1] Additionally, Bandai Namco announced that sales of Crayon Shin-chan Chocobi snack packs had exceeded significant numbers by early 2021.[2]

Controversies

Since June 19, 2006, a Hindi-language version of the anime has been broadcast on Hungama TV in India. However, parents raised concerns about the protagonist’s conduct and his disrespectful attitude toward elders, which they believed negatively influenced young viewers. Consequently, the Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting banned the series in October 2008 due to scenes containing extensive nudity. Following audience appeals, the show resumed on Hungama TV in 2009 with edited content; nudity was removed and dialogues were modified to eliminate adult themes and better reflect Indian cultural norms.

In Portugal, a dubbed version in European Portuguese aired on Biggs, where episode 165 titled "Dad's Hospitalized Life" generated controversy in December 2016 because it depicted nurses examining Shinnosuke’s anus. Complaints accused the scene of promoting softcore child pornography, prompting Portugal’s Media Regulatory Authority to restrict broadcasts to post-10:30 PM hours. The series was gradually withdrawn from Biggs and Portuguese television but made a brief return on Portugal’s Fox Comedy in June 2021 before being removed again after a few months. The contentious episode was subsequently uploaded to the official Portuguese YouTube channel with the problematic scene excised.

Broadcast regulators in Indonesia, Vietnam, and South Korea have also classified the show as bordering on pornography.

Additional resources

External links

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