Shimajiro the Striped Tiger is a popular children's show, with a movie released every year. The show has been running for many years, featuring four main characters: Shimajiro, Mimirin, Torippi, and Ramurin. However, in 2012, Ramurin was unexpectedly laid off due to a move...! We've taken a look at why Ramurin was laid off.
Reason for Ramurin's Layoff ①: The Decline in Sheep Character Popularity
There was a time when sheep were popular, thanks to Mother Goose rhymes like "Mary Had a Little Lamb." However, this is no longer the case. Why have they lost popularity over the years? One possible explanation is that the desire for shepherding has waned. Shepherding was once a popular job, seen as an easy, fun way to earn money. However, with the advancement of IT, indoor jobs that can be done seated have become mainstream, and the image of shepherding as an easy job, which is performed outdoors and is dependent on the weather and temperature, has faded. As her desire for work faded, Hitsuji's popularity seemed to decline as well.
Reason for Ramurin's Layoff ②: Her Tough Personality is Unpopular
Whenever something goes wrong, Ramurin is the first to warn her friends. While Ramurin's presence often keeps the story moving smoothly, she can also sometimes cause chaos, even bringing Mimirin to tears. There was a time when slightly violent female characters like Lum, the heroine of "Urusei Yatsura," were popular. However, in today's world, where domestic violence and power harassment by women are becoming increasingly serious issues, "strong women" tend to be frowned upon. Many viewers prefer a more laid-back, older woman who gently leads them in their own way, so Ramurin, who seems like the epitome of a strong-willed woman, may not fit their needs.
Reason #3 for Ramurin's layoff: The overwhelming popularity of cats
Perhaps the biggest reason is the overwhelming popularity of cats. Cats have recently become increasingly popular, appearing in commercials and dramas, and YouTube videos have led to an incredible surge in popularity. In fact, in 2017, the number of cats surpassed the number of dogs kept as pets. Perhaps a cat character is essential for attracting attention from children who own cats.
Summary of the Reasons for Ramurin's Retirement
Ramurin, who appeared before Mimirin and was one of the original members, was laid off due to changing times and needs. However, she wasn't completely eliminated; she was simply "moved," so you can expect her return. If you miss Ramurin, you might be able to meet her again.
