Get ready for more heartwarming and adorable adventures with the Sumikko Gurashi gang! A new series of anime shorts, titled Sumikko Gurashi: Koko ga Ochitsukun Desu (すみっコぐらし ここがおちつくんです), is set to premiere on April 4, 2025. This delightful series will bring the beloved corner-loving characters back to the screen in a fresh and engaging format.
What to Expect From Koko ga Ochitsukun Desu
- Short and Sweet: Each episode will be a one-minute adventure, perfect for a quick dose of Sumikko Gurashi charm during your busy day.
- Premiere: The shorts will air on the NTV network as part of the “ZIP! 1-Minute Anime” segment on the ZIP! morning variety program.
- Accessibility: For those who can’t catch it on TV, each episode will be available for streaming on TVer and YouTube for one week following its initial broadcast.
- new character: Keep an eye out for “Kedama (Pink Sweater),” a brand new character joining the Sumikko gang! The staff playfully suggests that Kedama might have originated from a pink sweater worn by an announcer at the ZIP! studio.
- Narrator: Nao will be narrating the series.
- Staff: Gaku Kinoshita will be serving as the overall director and technical director of the shorts at Fanworks.
What is Sumikko Gurashi?
Sumikko Gurashi (すみっコぐらし) translates to “life in the corner.” Created by Yuri Yokomizo, a graphic designer at San-X, these characters embody the feeling of comfort found in corners. Launched in 2012, the franchise has captured the hearts of many with its endearing and relatable themes.
The Main Sumikko Characters
The “Sumikko” are the main characters, each with their unique quirks and personalities:
- Shirokuma: A shy polar bear who dislikes the cold and feels most at ease with hot tea in a corner.
- Penguin?: An uncertain penguin who questions their own identity.
- Tonkatsu: A piece of leftover pork cutlet, mostly fat, who was left uneaten.
- Neko: A timid and anxious cat who often hides in corners.
- Tokage: A dinosaur pretending to be a lizard to avoid being discovered.
The Minikko Characters
The “Minikko” are the smaller side characters who often accompany the Sumikko:
- Furoshiki: Shirokuma’s polka dot furoshiki cloth, used for claiming corners and staying warm.
- Zassou: A positive weed who dreams of becoming a bouquet.
- Tapioca: Leftover tapioca pearls from milk tea.
- Ebifurai no Shippo: The uneaten tail of a fried shrimp, friends with Tonkatsu.
- Hokori: A careless bunch of dust bunnies that gather in corners.
- Suzume: A sparrow who enjoys pecking at Tonkatsu.
- Nisetsumuri: A slug with a shell, pretending to be a snail.
- Obake: A ghost who lives in the attic and enjoys cleaning.
- Yama: A small mountain who poses as Mount Fuji at hot springs.
These characters resonate with people who appreciate the comfort and security of staying in the corner, both literally and figuratively. They offer a gentle reminder that it’s okay to be a little shy and to find joy in the simple things.
The World of Sumikko Gurashi
Since their debut, the Sumikko Gurashi have become a cultural phenomenon, expanding into various forms of media and merchandise.
Merchandise
The Sumikko Gurashi universe extends far beyond the screen, encompassing a wide array of merchandise:
- Stationery: From adorable notebooks and pens to stickers and memo pads, you can find Sumikko Gurashi adorning all sorts of stationery items.
- Plush Toys: Cuddle up with your favorite Sumikko Gurashi character in plush form! These soft and huggable toys are a must-have for fans of all ages.
- Clothing: Show off your love for Sumikko Gurashi with clothing items featuring the characters, including t-shirts, sweaters, and even accessories.
- Home Goods: Bring the cozy charm of Sumikko Gurashi into your home with themed cups, plates, and other adorable homeware.
Animated Films
The Sumikko Gurashi have starred in three successful animated films:
- Sumikkogurashi – Good to be in the corner (2019): This film was a major hit, selling 1.22 million tickets and earning 1.4 billion yen (about US$12.8 million) at the Japanese box office. It also won the Best Animation of the Year award at the 29th Annual Japan Movie Critics Awards.
- Eiga Sumikko Gurashi: Aoi Tsukiyo no Mahō no Ko (The Magical Child of the Blue Moonlit Night) (2021): This second film continued the success of the franchise, selling approximately 200,000 tickets and earning about 250 million yen (about US$2.22 million) in its first three days.
- Eiga Sumikko Gurashi: Tsugihagi Kōjo no Fushigi na Ko (The Mysterious Child of the Makeshift Factory) (2023): The third film maintained the popularity of the series, selling 192,300 tickets and earning 242,553,320 yen (about US$1.63 million) in its first three days.
A fourth Sumikko Gurashi anime film is scheduled to open in Japan in the fall of 2025, promising even more heartwarming stories and adventures.
Other Media
- Television Anime: Prior to Koko ga Ochitsukun Desu, the Sumikko Gurashi franchise had its first-ever television anime, which premiered in October 2023.
- Puppet Musical: A puppet musical featuring the Sumikko Gurashi characters ran in Tokyo from August to September 2024.
- Video Games and Apps: There are many video games and mobile apps available where you can interact with the Sumikko characters.
Why Sumikko Gurashi Resonates With Audiences
The appeal of Sumikko Gurashi lies in its ability to tap into universal feelings of shyness, insecurity, and the desire for comfort and belonging. The characters’ quirky personalities and relatable struggles make them endearing to audiences of all ages.
- Relatability: Many people can identify with the Sumikko’s preference for corners and their anxieties about being in the spotlight.
- Comfort: The characters offer a sense of comfort and reassurance, reminding us that it’s okay to be ourselves and to find joy in simple things.
- Positive Messages: Despite their slightly negative personalities, the Sumikko ultimately promote themes of friendship, acceptance, and finding happiness in everyday life.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The characters’ cute and simple designs make them visually appealing and highly marketable.
Get Ready to Relax with Sumikko Gurashi
With the premiere of Sumikko Gurashi: Koko ga Ochitsukun Desu just around the corner, now is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the charming world of these beloved characters. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the series, get ready to experience the heartwarming and relatable stories that have made Sumikko Gurashi a global phenomenon. Find your own “corner” and prepare to be captivated by the delightful adventures of Shirokuma, Penguin?, Tonkatsu, Neko, Tokage, and all their adorable friends!
