The whimsical world of Yuri Yokomizo, the creative mind behind the beloved Sumikko Gurashi series, is expanding with an exciting new project. Her Nandemo Ikimono characters, which translate to “Any and All Living Things,” are set to charm audiences in their own series of anime shorts premiering on April 30, 2025.
“Anything Living” Comes to Life: Nandemo Ikimono Anime Announced
Yuri Yokomizo, a celebrated Japanese illustrator and graphic designer, is best known for creating the Sumikko Gurashi series, which features endearing characters who find comfort in corners. Now, her original character series, Nandemo Ikimono, is stepping into the spotlight with Gekkan! Nanmono Anime (Monthly! Any and All Things Anime). These one-minute monthly shorts will be available on various social media platforms, offering fans a regular dose of heartwarming animation.
Where to Watch: Streaming Platforms for Gekkan! Nanmono Anime
Starting April 30, viewers can enjoy the Nandemo Ikimono anime shorts on a variety of popular platforms. These include:
- X (formerly Twitter)
- YouTube
- TikTok
- ABEMA
The wide availability ensures that fans can easily access the charming world of Nandemo Ikimono on their preferred social media service.
Who’s Who in Nandemo Ikimono: Meet the Characters and Their Voice Actors
The Nandemo Ikimono series features a delightful cast of characters, each with their own unique charm. The talented voice actors bringing these characters to life include:
- Shiori Izawa as Kani (Crab)
- Satsumi Matsuda as Ebi (Shrimp)
- Fairouz Ai as Nori Onigiri (Seaweed Rice Ball)
- Haruka Shiraishi as Kojima (Little Island)
- Yōko Hikasa as Dai-Sanseiuo (Giant Axolotl)
- Aya Uchida as Rakko (Sea Otter)
- Ikue Ōtani as Kawauso (River Otter)
- Akari Kitō as Dame-Gitsune (Useless Fox)
- Nobuhiko Okamoto as Narrator/Shiikuinn (Caretaker)
This diverse cast of characters, ranging from animals and plants to food and objects, promises to deliver heartwarming and relatable stories.
Behind the Scenes: The Creative Team
The anime adaptation of Nandemo Ikimono is being directed by Eri Okada at Lesprit, ensuring a high-quality production that captures the essence of Yokomizo’s characters.
A World Where Anything Can Be a Living Thing
The concept behind Nandemo Ikimono is a world where anything can come to life, including animals, plants, food, and even objects. This imaginative premise allows for a wide range of stories and characters, all living freely in their own unique ways. Yuri Yokomizo hopes that audiences will find a Nandemono (Any and All Things) that they love within this diverse cast.
Yuri Yokomizo: The Mastermind Behind Sumikko Gurashi and Nandemo Ikimono
Yuri Yokomizo is a renowned Japanese illustrator and character designer. While working at San-X Co., Ltd., Yokomizo created the widely popular Sumikko Gurashi series, which has spawned a successful line of merchandise, video games, and critically acclaimed films.
Sumikko Gurashi: Finding Comfort in the Corner
Sumikko Gurashi, which translates to “life in the corner,” features characters who are a little shy and prefer to stay in corners where they feel most comfortable. The main characters include:
- Shirokuma (Polar Bear): A shy polar bear who is sensitive to the cold and longs for the South.
- Penguin?: An uncertain penguin who is unsure of what he is.
- Neko (Cat): A timid cat who worries about her weight.
- Tonkatsu (Pork Cutlet): The end piece of a pork cutlet, left uneaten because it’s too oily.
- Tokage (Lizard): A lizard who pretends to be a dinosaur to avoid being caught.
The series debuted in 2012 and has resonated with audiences of all ages due to its themes of being an outcast and finding comfort in one’s own space.
From Notebook Doodles to Global Phenomenon: The Origins of Sumikko Gurashi
Yokomizo’s inspiration for Sumikko Gurashi came from doodles she created in the corners of her notebooks while in university. These characters were notably more “negative” than typical kawaii-themed characters, with sad backstories and blank expressions. One character was a tapioca pearl left behind in a bubble tea cup, deemed too difficult to drink.
In November 2011, Yokomizo entered an in-house design competition at San-X with her corner-dwelling characters. This concept evolved into the Sumikko Gurashi series, capturing hearts with its relatable themes and charming designs.
Sumikko Gurashi on the Big Screen: Anime Films
The Sumikko Gurashi franchise has also seen success with its Anime Films. The first film, Sumikkogurashi the Movie: The Unexpected Picture Book and the Secret Child, premiered in Japan in November 2019 and won “Best Animation of the Year” at the 29th Annual Japan Movie Critics Awards. The second film, Sumikko Gurashi the Movie: The Magical Child of the Blue Moonlit Night, was released in November 2021 and was similarly well-received. The third film, Sumikko Gurashi the Movie: The Mysterious Child of the Makeshift Factory, opened in Japan in November 2023, and a fourth film is slated to be released this fall.
Nandemo Ikimono: Expanding Yokomizo’s Whimsical Universe
Nandemo Ikimono builds upon Yokomizo’s talent for creating endearing characters with unique personalities. The series embraces the idea that anything can be alive, leading to a diverse and imaginative cast.
A Taste of Nandemo Ikimono: The Onigiriyasan Pop-Up Shop
In January 2025, a special Nandemo Ikimono onigiri shop, called Norionigiriya-san, popped up in Shibuya Miyashita Park for a limited time. The shop featured rice balls modeled after Norionigiri, a seaweed rice ball character from the series. The pop-up shop served onigiri with various toppings and offered exclusive merchandise.
Nandemo Ikimono Merchandise: Collectibles and More
Fans can find a variety of Nandemo Ikimono merchandise, including:
- Acrylic stands
- Face towels
- Clear tape
- Color pouches
- Color tote bags
- Fluffy arm pillows
- Fluffy badges
- Acrylic hair clips
- LINE stickers
- Plushies
These items allow fans to immerse themselves in the whimsical world of Nandemo Ikimono and collect their favorite characters.
Conclusion: Get Ready for Nandemo Ikimono Anime
With the premiere of Gekkan! Nanmono Anime just around the corner, fans of Yuri Yokomizo’s work and newcomers alike have much to look forward to. The Nandemo Ikimono anime shorts promise to deliver heartwarming stories, charming characters, and a unique perspective on the world around us. Be sure to tune in on April 30 and experience the magic of Nandemo Ikimono for yourself.
Yuri Yokomizo’s expertise in creating beloved characters shines through in both Sumikko Gurashi and Nandemo Ikimono. Her ability to find the extraordinary in the ordinary and create relatable characters has resonated with audiences worldwide. As a freelance illustrator, Yokomizo continues to expand her whimsical universe, inviting us all to embrace the charm of “Any and All Living Things.”
