07 Apr 2019
Aardman studio opens new Shaun the Sheep attraction in Japan
BY Andy Knaggs
Shaun the Sheep fans in Japan can now visit an attraction devoted to the popular TV series, after the Shaun the Sheep Farm Garden opened at the English Garden Rosa & Berry in Tawada, Maibara, Shiga Prefecture.
The new area has been developed by Aardman, the UK-based animation studio that produces Shaun the Sheep, and visual production company, Tohokushinsha Film Corporation.
The 5,000sq m (16,400sq ft) attraction features life-sized versions of sets from the TV show, including the Farmer’s House and the Sheep’s Barn, alongside statues of popular characters, such as Shaun, Bitzer and the Farmer. There is also a café with outdoor terrace, a gift shop and a multi-purpose facility for hosting exhibitions and events.
Visitors can interact with these settings in different ways. For example, the Farmer’s House is focused on the theme of “seeing”, allowing visitors to experience Shaun’s world, take photos, learn about Aardman and enjoy genuine character puppets from the series. In the Sheep’s Barn, however, it is more about “experiencing” and “learning”, where children and parents can enjoy various games and activities.
Ngaio Harding-Hill, head of attractions and live experiences at Aardman, said the experience is a unique one: “The opening of the Shaun the Sheep Farm Garden at the English Garden Rosa & Berry Tawada, Japan, offers visitors an exciting world first – the opportunity to experience a life-sized recreation of Mossy Bottom Farm, set in the stunning countryside of the Shiga Prefecture.”
Shaun the Sheep first appeared in the Wallace & Gromit film A Close Shave in 1995, before starring in his own series from 2007. It is currently broadcast in 170 territories and has more than 5.8 million fans on Facebook.
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