The shy and endearing characters of Sumikko Gurashi are set to return to the big screen in a fourth anime film. The new movie promises to bring more heartwarming stories about finding comfort in the corners of life, a theme that has resonated with audiences worldwide. Fans of Shirokuma, Penguin?, Tonkatsu, Neko, and Tokage can anticipate another charming cinematic experience filled with the gentle humor and relatable anxieties that define the franchise.
What is Sumikko Gurashi? Exploring the Appeal of “Life in the Corner”
Sumikko Gurashi (すみっコぐらし), which directly translates to “life in the corner,” is a set of fictional characters created by Yuri Yokomizo, a graphic designer working for the Japanese company San-X. First introduced in 2012, the Sumikko Gurashi quickly gained popularity for their relatable personalities and adorable designs. The core concept revolves around the feeling of comfort and security found in corners, whether it’s the corner seat in a café or the corner of a room.
The Main Sumikko Characters: Quirky and Relatable
The main Sumikko characters each possess unique quirks and anxieties that make them endearing to fans of all ages:
- Shirokuma: A shy polar bear who dislikes the cold and feels most at ease drinking hot tea in a corner. He ran away from the Arctic Circle to escape the frigid temperatures. Shirokuma values his furoshiki, a polka dot cloth that he uses as a blanket and to claim his corner.
- Penguin?: An uncertain penguin who questions his own identity. He may have had a plate on his head in the past.
- Tonkatsu: A piece of leftover pork cutlet, composed of 1% meat and 99% fat. He was left behind for being too oily.
- Neko: A timid and anxious calico cat who often gives up her corner to others. Neko is self-conscious about her round shape.
- Tokage: Actually the last of the dinosaurs, Tokage pretends to be a lizard to avoid being caught.
The Minikko: Supporting Characters with Big Dreams
In addition to the main Sumikko, there are smaller side characters known as Minikko, who add further depth and charm to the Sumikko Gurashi world:
- Furoshiki: Shirokuma’s pink cloth with cream-colored spots.
- Zassou: A weed with a positive attitude who dreams of being included in a bouquet.
- Tapioca: Leftover tapioca pearls from a cup of milk tea.
- Ebifurai no Shippo: The tail of a fried shrimp that is too hard to eat and is left unfinished.
- Hokori: A careless bunch that often piles up near corners.
- Suzume: Just a regular sparrow. Likes Tonkatsu very much and comes to peck at Tonkatsu.
- Nisetsumuri: Is actually just a slug with a shell.
- Obake: Lives in one of the attic’s corners. Stays quiet to prevent others from being scared. Enjoys cleaning.
- Yama: A small mountain that looks up to Mt. Fuji. Appears at hot springs and poses as Mt. Fuji.
The Creator: Yuri Yokomizo
The Sumikko Gurashi characters were created by Yuri Yokomizo, a graphic designer working for San-X. Her inspiration came from her own tendency to doodle in the corner of her notebook and the feeling of comfort associated with being in a corner.
Why are Sumikko Gurashi so Popular?
Sumikko Gurashi has gained international fame because they resonate with many people’s desire for comfort, tranquility, and solitude. Not only that, but these cuties always seem like they feel anxious or left out — something that we all feel from time to time. They’re just so relatable and cute!
Sumikko Gurashi on the Big Screen: A History of Animated Films
Prior to the upcoming fourth film, the Sumikko Gurashi have starred in three successful anime movies:
- Sumikko Gurashi The Movie – The Pop-up Book and the Secret Child (2019): This film follows the Sumikko as they discover a mysterious pop-up book in the basement of their favorite cafe, which transports them to a world of fairy tales. The movie was a critical and commercial success, winning Best Animation of the Year at the Japanese Movie Critics Awards. It earned 1.45 billion yen (9.83 million USD) from its domestic run.
- Sumikko Gurashi The Movie: A Magical Child of the Blue Moonlit Night (2021): In the second film, the Sumikko encounter a magical child during a blue moonlit night.
- Sumikko Gurashi The Movie: A Patching Factory’s Mysterious Child (2023): The third film sees the Sumikko invited to work at an old factory in the forest, where they make toys under the guidance of the Bear Factory Manager.
Animated Shorts and Series
While not technically an anime series, the Sumikko Gurashi characters have been featured in various animated shorts and movies.
What to Expect from the Fourth Sumikko Gurashi Film
While specific details about the plot and release date of the fourth Sumikko Gurashi film are yet to be revealed, fans can anticipate a continuation of the franchise’s heartwarming themes and gentle humor. The films typically explore themes of friendship, acceptance, and finding comfort in one’s own skin, all while showcasing the adorable antics of the Sumikko characters.
Possible Storylines and Themes
Given the previous films’ success, the fourth installment may explore new environments and introduce new characters, while still maintaining the core values that have made Sumikko Gurashi so beloved. It’s possible that the film will delve deeper into the backstories of individual characters, or tackle relevant social issues in a gentle and accessible way.
Production and Release
As with the previous films, the fourth Sumikko Gurashi movie is likely to be produced by Fanworks. Details regarding the director, screenwriters, and voice cast will be announced in the coming months.
The Enduring Popularity of Sumikko Gurashi: More Than Just Cute Characters
The Sumikko Gurashi are more than just cute characters; they represent a cultural phenomenon that taps into the desire for comfort, connection, and a sense of belonging. Their popularity extends beyond merchandise and films, encompassing collaborations with various brands and organizations, including Uniqlo and McDonald’s.
Sumikko Gurashi Merchandise and Collaborations
The Sumikko Gurashi characters can be found on a wide range of merchandise, including:
- Stationery
- Plush toys
- Clothing
- Accessories
- Books
- Video games
- Mobile apps
Sumikko Gurashi Cafes and Events
The popularity of Sumikko Gurashi has also led to the creation of themed cafes and events, where fans can immerse themselves in the world of the characters and enjoy themed food and drinks.
Sumikko Gurashi: A Reflection of Japanese Culture
The Sumikko Gurashi phenomenon reflects certain aspects of Japanese culture, such as a preference for subtlety, a love of kawaii (cuteness), and a tendency towards introversion. The characters’ anxieties and insecurities are relatable to many people, particularly in a society that values conformity and politeness.
Expert Opinion
According to Yuri Yokomizo, the creator of Sumikko Gurashi, the characters were inspired by her own feelings of wanting to be in the corner and not stand out. This sentiment resonates with many Japanese people, who may feel pressure to conform to societal expectations.
Sumikko Gurashi: A Global Phenomenon
While rooted in Japanese culture, the appeal of Sumikko Gurashi extends far beyond Japan. The characters’ universal themes of friendship, acceptance, and finding comfort in one’s own skin have resonated with audiences around the world. The fourth anime film is sure to be a global success, further cementing the Sumikko Gurashi as beloved characters for years to come.
