Let's Talk Sumikko Gurashi: Life in the Corner

INTRODUCTION

The Sumikko Gurashi, which translates to “Life in the Corner,” is a delightful collection of cute characters created by San-X. These endearing little beings embody the quieter, more introspective aspects of everyday life. Not everyone is perpetually spunky and cheerful, and that’s where Sumikkogurashi come in. They find solace in corners, preferring the cozy edges of rooms over bustling center.

MEET THE MAIN SUMIKKO CHARACTERS

Let’s meet our quirky casts:

  • Shirokuma (Polar Bear)
    • Shrirokuma is a polar bear who dislikes the cold. Instead of frolicking in icy landscapes, Shirokuma prefers warm corners and hot drinks. A cup of tea in hand, Shirokuma is content. Shirokuma is really good at cooking and likes to draw.
  • Penguin?
    • This mysterious character is either a penguin or a bird in disguise. It’s unsure of its own identity, ehich adds to it’s charm. Penguin? loves to hide in corners, contemplating its existence. Most of their time is spent searching for the answer as to what they really are.
  • Tonkatsu (Fried Pork Cutlet)
    • Yes, your read that right. Tonkatsu is a piece of fried pork cutlet that was left uneaten. It’s soft and squishy, with a sense of melanchony. Tonkatsu hides in corners, pondering its purpose. Tonkatsu is a bit desperate to convince people that he is still edible.
  • Neko (Cat)
    • Neko is a timid cat that enjoys food and eating. They have shy and weak-willed personality. Neko often gives away the corner spot because of its weak disposition. Neko gets embarassed easily but takes everyone’s needs to consideration.
  • Tokage (Lizard)
    • Tokage is a small blue lizard that is actually a dinosaur. Tokage pretends to be a lizard out fear of being captured so its at a corner slowly warming up to its life. Tokage goto separated from its mother at a young age but they later got reunited.

THE CORNER LIFESTYLE

Why do these characters love corners? Here’s some secrets:

  • Corners represent safety and anonymity. They’re cozy nooks where Sumikkogurashi can observe without being in the center of attention.
  • Each character has its own reason for always staying in corners, whether it’s self-doubt, introversion, or a longing foir simplicity.

MERCHANDISE AND POPULARITY

Sumikko Gurashi’s popularity has soared worldwide. You’ll find their adorable faces on stationery, plush toys, clothing, kitchenwares, and more. Fans can’t resist collecting these conrner-loving companions. As of 2018, there are over 300 distinct products in the collection. Sumikko goods have been developed with various themes, such as seasonal items that show Sumikko at a beach holding melons in the summer or wearing caps and mufflers in the winter. Some of the themes are reflected in short stories that are featured in books and magazines, on the San-X website, and in short promotional films with simple animation that San-X publishes in their YouTube channel.

Speaking of Sumikko Gurashi goods and products and if you’re as smitten with Sumikko Gurashi as we are, you’ll want to explore their adorable merchandise. Here’s where you can get your paws on these corner-loving treasures.

  • The Mad Shop is the perfect place to showcase your Sumikkogurashi collection! Remember, Sumikkogurashi items make fantastic gifts for fellow fans or anyone who appreciates the cozy charm of life in the corner.

ANIMATED FILMS AND GAMES

In the seventh anniversary in 2019 an anime film was released called Sumikko Gurashi The Movie – The Pop-up Book and the Secret Child. The film was directed by Mankyū with a narrative written by Takashi Sumita and art directed by Kaori Hino. It was produced by Fanworks. It debuted in 114 Japanese theaters, ranking #3 the first weekend and #2 the following. It brought a 1.45 billion yen in revenue in 2019 and took home the Best Animation of the Year at the Japanese Movie Critics Awards. In 2021, a second movie was released, Sumikko Gurashi The Movie: A Magical Child of the Blue Moonlit Night. With a screenplay by Reiko Yoshida, it was directed by Takahiro Omori. Fanworks again produced it, and Kaori Hino handled the art direction. Yori Yokomizo created rough character designs and worked with the movie design team. The film was debuted in 184 theaters and debuted at #2 on the weekend box office before rising to #1 in the following week. The total box office as of January 2022 was more over 1 billion yen.

A number of games for the Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo Switch as well as mobile games, such as Sumikko Gurashi – Our Puzzling Ways and SumiSumi, have also been released. In 2017, San-X celebrated their fifth year with a range of events across Japan, including pop-up cafes and exhibitions, as well as items featuring birthday themes.

CONCLUSION

Sumikkogurashi chaacters taught us that life isn’t always about being in the spotlight. Sometimes, the quiet corners hold the most precious moments. Whether it’s Shirokuma sipping tea, Penguin? pondering its identity, each character resonates with our own introspective moments.

As you explore Sumikkogurashi merchandise, remember to cherish the corners – the places where vulnerability meets safety. And if you’re looking to add these adorable being to your collection, check our store The Mad Shop, remember the name!

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