A recent teaser on the official Crayon Shin-chan X account, cryptically titled "Another version of Crayon Shin-chan...?," sent a wave of panic through the fanbase. Many feared that another beloved childhood classic was about to fall victim to the live-action curse. Thankfully, it was soon revealed to be a short film for a commercial collaboration, but the big question remained: who would be cast?
Today (April 9), the official live-action short, titled Another Crayon Shin-chan: We're the Kettle Family! (Mō Hitotsu no Crayon Shin-chan: Yakan no Kazoku da zo!), was finally released, revealing a cast that has left fans both surprised and delighted.
The short film is a special promotion for the relaunch of Coca-Cola's "Yakan no Mugicha from Sokenbicha," a kettle-brewed barley tea. The star-studded lineup features Fumiya Takahashi as a 25-year-old Shinnosuke Nohara, Taizo Harada as a 55-year-old Hiroshi Nohara, and Kumiko Aso as a 49-year-old Misae Nohara—a cast that closely matched fan speculation.
"We're the Kettle Family!" tells a heartwarming story of the ever-optimistic Nohara family across different eras. The plot centers on a 25-year-old Shinnosuke, who has left his hometown of Kasukabe to live and work alone in the city. While he often finds his parents, Hiroshi and Misae, a bit overbearing, he also cherishes their warmth. From their perspectives, his parents embody the unique family bond of being "annoying but lovable."
▼ Fumiya Takahashi as Shinnosuke
"I grew up in Kasukabe, Saitama, so I feel like I've been watching and looking up to Shin-chan my whole life," said Takahashi. "To be able to play 'Shinnosuke' myself is truly moving. Through this short film and 'Yakan no Mugicha,' I hope to convey that 'annoying but still so loved' feeling to everyone. I hope you enjoy it!"
▼ Taizo Harada as Dad Hiroshi
"When I heard they were making a live-action short, my first thought was, 'Ah, it's finally happening!'" Harada commented. "The crew was so dedicated to recreating the outfits and hairstyles from the manga. Seeing myself in costume, I really felt like I had become 'Hiroshi'! He's a father I truly respect and aspire to be like, although... the part about being henpecked by his wife feels pretty familiar (laughs)."
▼ Kumiko Aso as Misae
"I'm a huge fan of the *Crayon Shin-chan* anime, so being cast as Misae was a wonderful surprise!" said Aso. "After watching the final cut, the theme of an 'annoying but lovable family' feels so perfect. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just casually acquainted with *Crayon Shin-chan*, I'm sure you'll have a great time watching!"
In a complete reversal from the initial skepticism, the official release has been met with widespread praise. Fans are hailing the excellent casting and charming execution. The project follows in the footsteps of other successful "grown-up" live-action adaptations like *Doraemon* and *Chibi Maruko-chan*, striking a nostalgic yet fresh chord that honors the original.
▼ 15-Second CM
▼ Shinnosuke Nohara Edition CM
▼ Hiroshi Nohara Edition CM
▼ Misae Nohara Edition CM
As a national treasure, any live-action version of *Crayon Shin-chan* is bound to be under intense scrutiny. However, this collaboration has proven to be far more entertaining than expected, putting the initial fears of fans to rest. Officials have also hinted that a grown-up Himawari might appear in the future, leaving everyone excited to see what's next! XD