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Sumitomo Makes Happy Smile Dream Anime for Preschoolers
posted on by Alex Mateo
The Kids Line YouTube channel began streaming the first episode of Sumitomo Corporation's new Happy Smile Dream anime for preschoolers on Sunday. One-minute episodes will stream on the channel every Sunday as part of a live-action series. The first episode appears in the first minute of the video below.
Sumitomo Corporation's SC Digital Media entertainment company is producing the shorts. The anime stars Kōyan and Neemin, whose designs are based on origami. There are plans for more characters inspired by traditional Japanese toys. The Kids Line YouTube channel focuses on videos of child YouTubers Kō and Nemi.
Sumitomo Corporation and Corus Entertainment's Nelvana subsidiary announced in February that they are producing the Geki Drive animated series as their first collaborative project. The 2D/3D hybrid animated series will have 52 11-minute episodes and will target boys aged six to eight. The show is based on Bandai Spirits' customizable cars toy line of the same name.
Corus Entertainment had announced the partnership between Nelvana and Sumitomo in February 2018 to co-produce "anime properties with international appeal."
Sumitomo Corporation began a strategic partnership with The Chernin Group in 2017 to expand into the media and entertainment industry. The Chernin Group previously held a majority stake in Crunchyroll.
Sources: Kids Line's YouTube channel, Animation Business Journal (Tadashi Sudo)
