Sony Creative Products’ ‘Pingu in the City’ Heads to UK

Tokyo-based Sony Creative Products (SCP) which manages licensing in the Japanese market for popular little penguin Pingu on behalf of rights owner Mattel Inc, has announced the arrival of the new, entirely Japanese-made and produced computer-animated TV series Pingu in the City (two seasons of 26 x 7’) in Europe.

Following last year’s deal with distribution partner Sony Music Entertainment España, for Europe and Latin America, a number of regional broadcasters are ready to welcome the new Pingu to air, starting with U.K. free TV channel ITVBe. Pingu in the City has aired twice a day Monday-Friday on the channel’s preschool block, Little Be, since February 25. Starting April 8, extra showtime slots have been added on weekends.

Pingu in the City launched in October 2017 on free-to-air NHK ETV in Japan – which is owned by public broadcaster NHK. This delightful new version of the Pingu story takes the cheeky, lovable penguin and his family from their small village to the big city, where Pingu meets many other fascinating penguins, finds out about what they do and – inevitably – gets into trouble.

The success of the new show in Japan has been accompanied by a strong performance in licensing, at retail and also in promotional initiatives. Collectibles, mobile phone accessories, plush and cushions are among recent output, while a Pingu-themed café, a Pingu-themed shopping event, a Christmas collaboration with a popular aquarium in Tokyo, and a collaboration with a women’s lifestyle magazine have all enjoyed strong responses.

“After its success on NHK ETV, Pingu in the City is starting to make inroads into a number of major new territories. We’re looking forward to celebrating the delightful penguin’s arrival in many more countries very soon,” said Takeshi Nakamura, Global Business Group Licensing Manager, Sony Creative Products Inc.