Aardman has opened two Shaun the Sheep Family Farms in Japan, with one in Osaka and one in the east coast city of Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture.

The FECs include physical activities, play equipment, toys and puzzles themed around the quirky character and his friends, Shirley and Timmy, as well as a toddler zone and adult chill-out zone. There is also a store selling Shaun-branded merchandise.

Shaun the Sheep, who has proved hugely popular with the Japanese, continues to make his mark in the country after a themed restaurant opened in Tokyo just weeks ago. Shaun the Sheep Sunday Brunch café serves dishes inspired by the Aardman TV series and film.

Aardman Attractions and Live Experiences worked on the projects with Tohokushinsha Film Corporation, who represent the studio in Japan.

In 2016, Sweden’s Skånes Djurpark

partnered Aardman to create a Shaun the Sheep land, and visitors to Cornwall, UK, can try out the Shaun the Sheep Experience in Land’s End.

Aardman Attractions and Live Experiences is continuing to bring its IPs to life in the attractions sector.

“We have ambitions to develop our presence within the sector,” said Ngaio Harding-Hill, senior manager of attractions and live experiences for Aardman, speaking exclusively to Attractions Management earlier this year. “We’d love to create an Aardman Land with the right partner.”

To read the full interview, click here.