While many anime fans express their passion through collecting merchandise, attending conventions, or cosplaying their favorite characters, one young man in China took his love for Crayon Shin-chan to a whole new level—by creating something real.
Shen Yuhao, a native of Zhejiang Province, turned his childhood affection for the quirky anime into an extraordinary project that not only delighted fans but also brought significant attention to his rural hometown.
Shen embarked on an ambitious project to build a life-sized replica of the Nohara family home, the iconic house from Crayon Shin-chan. The project, which cost 3 million yuan (approximately RM1.85 million), quickly gained viral popularity and became a must-see tourist attraction, according to Record China.
For Shen, Crayon Shin-chan was more than just an animated show—it was a source of comfort throughout his childhood. He never imagined that one day, his love for the series would transform into a major tourism initiative.
After graduating from university, Shen returned to his remote village in Huzhou City to assist with his family’s sheep farm. However, he always harbored bigger dreams—he wanted to put his village on the map.
The idea to recreate Shin-chan's house came during a late-night brainstorming session with his creative team, all of whom were also fans of the show. “What if we could build Shin-chan’s house?” someone jokingly suggested. What began as a casual remark quickly became a serious plan, and Shen decided to make it a reality.
Shen knew that a project of this magnitude needed to be authentic. To ensure the Nohara family house was an exact replica, Shen and his team made numerous trips to Shanghai to meet with the official licensing agency for Crayon Shin-chan.
They secured the necessary permissions and received reference materials to guide their work. Every detail mattered, from the roof tiles to the furniture—everything was custom-made to match the anime’s depiction.
Despite starting with a modest budget, the cost soon rose to over 3 million yuan, with Shen’s mother supporting him throughout the process. “Thankfully, my mother backed me completely, giving me the funds to make this dream come true,” Shen shared.
The replica of the Nohara house not only attracted anime fans but also revitalized Shen’s entire community. Recognizing the potential of the project, the local government improved road access to the site and incorporated it into a larger tourism plan for the village.
Tourists flocked to the area, bringing much-needed economic activity to the region. “Shen’s vision is inspiring, especially coming from someone so young. But I never thought he’d actually build the Nohara House!” a village official remarked, reflecting on the profound impact Shen’s project had on the community.
For Shen, the Nohara House is just the beginning. With the success of the project, he’s already planning his next ambitious endeavors, including a replica of Shin-chan’s Futaba Kindergarten and a full-scale version of Kasukabe, the fictional town where the anime takes place.
Shen’s ultimate goal is to create an immersive world for fans while continuing to boost the economy of his village, turning it into a unique destination for Crayon Shin-chan enthusiasts.
Source: The Free Press Journal