Kimochi (KEY.MO.CHEE) means “feeling” in Japanese. And Kimochis™ are what come inside each character! Kimochis™ are small pillows with a feeling (happy, sad, silly…) printed on one side, and a corresponding facial expression on the other.
Each Kimochis™ plush character comes with a set of three feelings and a How-To Kimochis™ Feel Guide. The characters also have a pocket where kids can store their “Kimochis™”— or feelings. Using the characters and their Kimochis™, kids can get in touch with their emotions through puppetry and play. And the accompanying Feel Guide introduces the fun and quirky personalities of each character that everyone can identify with!
KIMOCHI CLOUD is a bit moody and unpredictable.
KIMOCHI BUG is a caterpillar who is afraid of change. He is thoughtful, cautious and has secret dreams of flying!
KIMOCHI HUGGTOPUS is all smiles and giggles. She is affectionate and strong and sometimes gets a little carried away by her big personality.
The Feel Guide also includes fun, easy lessons and activities developed by nationally renowned child communication expert, Ellen Pritchard Dodge, M.Ed. CCC-SLP. “We all know that knowledge is important,” says Ellen, “but if you don’t have an effective way to communicate your knowledge, you can’t work well with people, you can’t manage upsetting emotions, you will have more difficulties in life. Getting back to the basics by playing and communicating with Kimochis™ is a simple, yet powerful way to teach children how to: be aware of feelings, choose how to communicate in Ki-motional moments, and redo mistakes.”
Dr. Daniel Goleman’s 1995 book Emotional Intelligence helped the world become aware that EQ (Emotion Quotient) can actually be more important than IQ. Emotional Intelligence is the ability to manage emotions in a healthy and productive manner. The Kimochis™ Feel Guide and website (www.kimochis.com) give parents and teachers advice on how to connect with their children and help them develop a stronger EQ. “The goal is to get parents and kids talking to each other,” says founder Nina Rappaport-Rowan. “The company’s mission is to create original children’s products and animated family entertainment. We want to create compelling stories and loveable characters that will build confidence and self-esteem in children and serve to strengthen parent-child connections.”
As the world becomes more interconnected, now is the right time to invest in the emotional intelligence of our children. Thankfully there is a growing movement to bring character education into the national school curriculum. With endearing characters that anyone can relate to, Kimochis™ is committed to character-building education and to becoming a big part of this positive social change.
