ShoPro Entertainment recently did a deal with Nick Jr. to air 60 episodes of the Japanese phenomenon, DEKO BOKO FRIENDS. The series of unique 30-second interstitials will run in Nick Jr., Nickelodeons preschool programming block, as well as on Noggin, Nickelodeons commercial-free educational network for preschoolers, and Nicktoons, Nickelodeons 24-hour cartoon channel.
DEKO BOKO FRIENDS. is the first preschool series in ShoPros prodigious cache that includes current hits such as MEGAMAN NT WARRIOR, INUYASHA and HAMTARO. DEKO BOKO FRIENDS features 12 unique characters that help teach children about diversity and tolerance. ShoPro Entertainment has the worldwide broadcast and global licensing rights for the property outside of Asia and plans a broad-based licensing program.
The exciting characters of DEKO BOKO FRIENDS combine attributes found in animals, plants and imaginary loveable creatures. All have very different personalities and distinctive styles. To enhance the fun and appeal to young children, the characters have cute names to match their appearance, including Belly Boing, Nutn Nose and Klinki Klunki. The light-hearted series carries the tag line, Im Different from You and Thats Why I like You.
DEKO BOKO FRIENDS, which in Japanese means, friends of various shapes and sizes, began airing in Japan in April 2002 on NHK, the countrys public broadcasting network. Every interstitial concentrates on a particular personality trait such as being happy, shy, outgoing, competitive or passive, and all end in a triumphant way.
We are delighted to partner with Nickelodeon, said John Easum, svp/exec producer, ShoPro Ent. This alliance represents a first for our company and a first for a Japanese preschool series. DEKO BOKO FRIENDS is an exceptional property and one of the preschool gems of Japan. We believe that its charm, exceptional wit, and its heartwarming and positive messages will transcend cultures worldwide. And partnering with the #1 entertainment brand for kids provides an outstanding launch pad for this wonderful series.
ShoPro Ent. (www.shopro-entertainment.com), headquartered in San Francisco, is a leading licensor of global animation and entertainment brands specializing in consumer products, retail development, promotions, special events, home, entertainment, film distribution and publishing. ShoPro Ent. is an affiliate of ShoPro (Japan), a subsidiary of Shogakukan Inc., one of Japans largest publishing companies.
