4Kids’ Al Kahn, who asserted that “Japan is over” at the ICv2 Conference on Anime and Manga last December (see “Sparks Fly…”), has put his money where his mouth is by acquiring the licensing, marketing and promotional rights to the Russian toon Smeshariki for the Americas, Asia, and English-speaking territories. 

The 200 episodes, produced by Animation Studios of St. Petersburg, will be adapted by 4Kids and begin airing on the CW4Kids Saturday a.m. block this fall. 

The show launched in Russia in 2003, and has built to 5.5 million viewers daily.  Branded gift shops sell some of the 3000 licensed products there.  A feature film is in pre-production. 

4Kids plans toys, publishing, apparel and stationery for the property.