This edutainment project uses engaging live action, animation, and colourful characters in an effort to meet the educational needs of young children in
Japan - through entertaining media. Although Japanese children had been exposed to a dubbed version of the USA's Sesame Street series for over 25
years, this new effort draws on local participation to develop and incorporate a curriculum created specifically for Japanese preschoolers. To
craft the series, Sesame Workshop collaborated with and drew on the expertise of several Japan's media organisations (that is, SSPJ), also consulting with Japanese educators and child development specialists. Kevin Clash, the actor behind Elmo, travelled to Tokyo for 2 weeks to select and
train what organisers call "the first ever Japanese Muppeteers" for the new series.

The series uses nature as a thematic springboard and for conveying educational goals appropriate for Japanese preschoolers. Sesame Street Muppet characters Elmo, Big Bird and Cookie Monster, as well as new Muppet characters that were created specifically for a Japanese audience, are shown
living, playing, and having adventures in a Japanese neighbourhood.

Click here to visit the colourful, interactive website (Japanese language only), which is designed to foster a fun, child-friendly learning experience.

Early Childhood Development, Education.