San-X’s popular Sumikko Gurashi franchise is expanding with a brand-new TV anime short series titled Sumikko Gurashi: Koko ga Ochitsukun Desu (This Is Where I Relax), set to premiere on April 4, 2025. The announcement has delighted fans of the adorable characters who prefer the quiet corners of life. This new series promises to bring more heartwarming and humorous stories to the beloved Sumikko Gurashi universe.
“ZIP! 1-Minute Anime” to Feature Sumikko Gurashi Shorts
The one-minute shorts will air as part of the “ZIP! 1-Minute Anime” segment on the NTV network’s morning variety program, ZIP!. Airing every Friday at approximately 7:30 AM, these mini-episodes offer a quick dose of Sumikko Gurashi charm to start the day. Each episode will also be available for streaming on TVer and YouTube for one week following its broadcast, ensuring fans don’t miss out on the fun.
Gaku Kinoshita Helms Production at Fanworks
Gaku Kinoshita is directing and handling technical direction for the shorts at Fanworks. Kinoshita’s expertise will undoubtedly bring the Sumikko Gurashi characters to life with the same endearing qualities that have captivated audiences.
Meet Kedama: A Fluffy New Character
The new short anime series will introduce a new character to the Sumikko Gurashi family: Kedama (Pink Sweater). “Kedama” is the Japanese term for the fuzzy pills that form on wool sweaters. The staff teases that this character may have come off a pink sweater worn by an announcer at the ZIP! studio. This quirky origin story adds another layer of charm to the already whimsical world of Sumikko Gurashi.
Sumikko Gurashi: Characters Who Love Corners
Sumikko Gurashi debuted in 2012, featuring slightly negative characters who find comfort in staying in the corner of a room. The core characters include:
- Shirokuma: A polar bear sensitive to the cold.
- Penguin?: A penguin unsure if it’s actually a penguin.
- Tonkatsu: A piece of pork cutlet that was left uneaten.
- Neko: A shy cat.
- Tokage: A lizard who hides his nature as one of the last dinosaurs.
These relatable characters have resonated with audiences, leading to a successful franchise that includes merchandise, books, and animated films.
Sumikko Gurashi’s Animated Success
The Sumikko Gurashi franchise has already seen considerable success in animation:
- Sumikkogurashi – Good to be in the corner (2019): The first anime film sold 1.22 million tickets and earned 1.4 billion yen (about US$12.8 million) at the Japanese box office. It also won the award for Best Animation of the Year at the 29th Annual Japan Movie Critics Awards in June 2020.
- Eiga Sumikko Gurashi: Aoi Tsukiyo no Mahō no Ko (2021): The second film sold approximately 200,000 tickets and earned about 250 million yen.
- Eiga Sumikko Gurashi: Tsugihagi Koujou no Fushigina Ko (2023): The third film in the series continued the franchise’s success.
Earlier TV Anime Series: Sumikko Gurashi: Sora-iro no Mainichi
In October 2023, San-X released a 5-episode TV anime series titled Sumikko Gurashi: Sora-iro no Mainichi (Sky-blue Every Day) to commemorate the release of the third film. This marked the first time an anime TV series had been produced based on the Sumikko Gurashi characters. The series was based on the picture book of the same name, which has sold over 600,000 copies in Japan.
Fourth Sumikko Gurashi Film Coming This Fall
Adding to the excitement, the fourth Sumikko Gurashi film is slated to open in Japan this fall. This ongoing stream of content highlights the enduring popularity of the franchise and its characters.
Sumikko Gurashi: A Cultural Phenomenon
Sumikko Gurashi’s appeal lies in its relatable characters and heartwarming stories. The franchise has become a cultural phenomenon in Japan and beyond, capturing the hearts of fans of all ages. The new TV anime short series promises to bring even more joy and comfort to the Sumikko Gurashi community.
