A young entrepreneur in China has brought a slice of anime to life by constructing a full-scale replica of the Nohara family home from the beloved series Crayon Shin-chan.
The project, costing 3 million yuan (around $410,000), has turned into a viral sensation and a budding tourist attraction in Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province.
Shen Yuhao, the visionary behind this endeavor, returned to his hometown after university to take over his family’s sheep farm. Alongside running the farm, Shen aimed to boost local tourism.
His love for Crayon Shin-chan inspired the idea to recreate the iconic house at Yun Duo Farm, a plan he devised with his team of like-minded anime fans during casual discussions.
Turning the idea into reality wasn’t simple. Shen and his team sought official permissions by making several visits to the anime’s licensing agency in Shanghai. With extensive reference materials provided by the copyright holders, they worked meticulously to ensure every detail of the house, from its roofing to custom-made furniture, perfectly mirrored the anime.
Funding the project exceeded Shen’s initial budget, but he credited his mother’s unconditional financial support for making the dream possible. “Fortunately, my mother supported me unconditionally, allowing me to secure the startup funds to realize this dream,” Shen shared.
The local government also played a role by improving road access and integrating the house into a larger village tourism initiative.
Shen’s ambitions don’t stop here. He plans to expand the attraction by recreating Shin-chan’s Futaba Kindergarten School and even building a full-scale version of Kasukabe, the anime’s fictional setting.
With his dedication and creative vision, Shen Yuhao is on a mission to transform his hometown into a must-visit destination for anime enthusiasts.
source: Record China