May 2000

Character Research Institute was established in Bandai Co., Ltd. for the purpose of research activities on characters, and creation and development of original characters.

May 2002

Picture book series “The Bears’ School” by Hiroyuki Aihara and Nami Adachi who were with the Character Research Institute was launched.

September 2005

Licensing Agent Agreement was executed, and grant of license started in Japan.

September 2005

A new company with amended name of “CHARACTER RESEARCH INSTITUTE CO.,LTD. “was established for the purpose of strengthening the creation and development of characters in the medium- to long-term perspective centering on “The Bears’ School”. Hiroyuki Aihara assumed the office of the president and representative director.

September 2012

Licensing of overseas merchandising rights started.

July 2015

Licensing Agent Agreement was terminated, and Character Research started the licensing business for the purpose of enhancement of long-term branding and business.

October 2015

Hiroshi Kuroki was appointed as the president and representative director.