The countdown has officially begun for the world premiere of Pino & Shinoby, set to debut at the Italy Pavilion during the thematic week “Learning and Playing” at Italy Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka.

The new animated series, a co-production between Italy’s Studio Bozzetto and Japan’s Yomiuri Telecasting Corporation (YTV) in collaboration with Rai Kids, tells the story of a cross-cultural friendship between Shinoby, a young Japanese ninja who is a YTV’s official mascot born to commemorate its 60th anniversary and Pino, an Italian boy inspired by Pinocchio. Settings, symbols, languages, and everyday life intertwine in a narrative that bridges two distant worlds, revealing their surprising affinities and beautiful differences.

The series is directed by Andrea Bozzetto, Creative Director at Studio Bozzetto.

The episode presented at Expo features a special appearance by Italia-chan, the mascot of the Italy Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka designed by Simone Legno, who joins the main characters Pino and Shinoby in discovering the cultural heritage of Italy through beauty, creativity, and tradition.

The screening marks the highlight of an entire day dedicated to Italian animation at Italy Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka.