We bet that if you are a big fan of San-X characters, you have heard of Sumikko Gurashi. Do you, however, know the Sumikko Gurashi character names, or what is Sumikko Gurashi in Japanese meaning? In the article that follows, we will explain how to recognize Sumikko Gurashi and provide you with lots of other helpful details about these endearing characters.
1. What Is Sumikko Gurashi?
A group of imaginary characters known as Sumikko Gurashi ( すみっコぐらし) were created by the Japanese business San-X. Therefore, the answer to the question “What is Sumikko Gurashi?” is that they are all fictional individuals leading solitary, peaceful lives in the background. What does Sumikko Gurashi mean actually then? The name means, approximately, “life in the corner.” Sumikko denotes a corner, while gurashi denotes a gathering.
2. The History And The Sumikko Gurashi Goods
In September 2012, San-X introduced the first Sumikko Gurashi items, which comprised stationery and cuddly toys. Then came a range of goods, including apparel, cookware, and luggage.
A collection of plush products known as the Sumikko Gurashi Collection includes palm-sized plush dolls as well as plush dollhouses, furniture, clothes, and other accessories. It now has more than 300 distinct things as of 2018. The products for Sumikko have been released with a variety of themes, such as seasonal items showing Sumikko with caps and mufflers in the winter or holding watermelons on a beach in the summer.
Since the initial Sumikko Gurashi books were published in 2014, more than 30 distinct titles including storybooks, fan books, activity books, and mooks with added bonuses-have been made available. Four Nintendo 3DS games, four Nintendo Switch games, as well as the mobile applications Sumikko Gurashi-Our Puzzling Ways and SumiSumi, have also been released.
In 2017, San-X celebrated its fifth year by releasing birthday-themed items and hosting a variety of events around Japan, including pop-up cafés and exhibits. In addition, throughout July and August 2017, a commemorative train on the Yamanote Line operated featuring Sumikko Gurashi character decals.
According to San-X, Sumikko Gurashi accounted for around 5 billion yen, or 30%, of their original item sales in 2015. The annual sales of Sumikko goods were over 20 billion yen as of 2019. 3 million books and 8 million stuffed animals had been sold. Based on polls of Japanese parents of children under the age of 12 and character popularity rankings from Bandai, Sumikko Gurashi was placed #5 in 2018 and #10 in 2016.
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3. What Makes Sumikko Gurashi So Beloved By Everyone?
Sumikko Gurashi has touched the hearts of millions all over the world. But what is it about these unremarkable-looking characters that makes them so endearing?
- Sumikko Gurashi characters personify introversion and the ease of solitude, appealing to those who don’t align with outgoing traits. They offer a gentle escape from social pressures and the ideal of constantly being in the center of attention.
- Every Sumikko Gurashi character has a particular insecurity or quirk that makes them feel like a bit of an outsider. By seeing these traits embraced and characters finding peace in their uniqueness, fans are encouraged to accept their own flaws and feel a sense of belonging.
- Sumikko Gurashi offers a refreshing celebration of introversion in a world that often glorifies extroverts. The characters demonstrate how to find happiness and friendship through quiet, gentle means, showing that it is perfectly fine to be reserved and seek peace.
- Sumikko Gurashi characters, with their soft and charming look, offer a calming and adorable presence that brings comfort to fans. Their preference for cozy nooks reflects a universal craving for safe, familiar environments.
4. How Many Sumikko Gurashi Characters Are There?
The Sumikko Gurashi in Japanese universe is filled with adorable characters! Most kawaii fans recognize the five main characters, the Sumikkos, but they also spot the nine smaller Minnikos from time to time. In total, there are more than 50 cute Sumikko Gurashi characters, all of which have unique charms and histories. Sumikko, the main character, and Minikko, the tiny side character, are two different sorts of characters.
4.1. Sumikko:
You can see Sumikko Gurashi in Japanese everywhere in the blossom country. They are the main cast – shy, anxious outcasts who would rather stay in a corner than take center stage. The Sumikkos consist of Shirokuma, a polar bear; Penguin?, a penguin wannabe; Neko, a timid cat; Tokage, a pretend lizard; and Tonkatsu, the piece of leftover pork cutlet.
– Shirokuma (しろくま)
A timid polar bear named Shirokuma fled the arctic circle. It feels most comfortable sipping hot tea in the corner and is sensitive to the cold. enjoys drawing. enjoys taking hot spring baths and is a laid-back person. Its most valued asset is a pink fabric with cream-yellow polka dots called a furoshiki. I learned that the southern waters were warm from the wandering Penguin (Real). It subsequently fled the arctic zone and landed beside the other Sumikko in the corner. Shirokuma’s early concept art depicted him as a white rabbit.
– Penguin? (ぺんぎん)
Penguin? thinks it could be a green penguin but isn’t sure. like cucumbers and remembers wearing a plate on his head in the distant past (strongly implying that it is a kappa). Since it employs cunning strategies to claim the corner for itself, the Arm frequently takes it up and moves it. enjoys reading and listening to music. Early concept art depicted it as a penguin that sunbathes until moss starts to grow on it, turning it green.
– Tonkatsu (とんかつ)
A fried pork cutlet’s edge slice is known as tonkatsu. It was left on its plate when the dinner was over since it is made up of 1% meat and 99% fat. It frequently covers itself in condiments like sauce, salt, and mustard to suggest that it is still edible. It can feed from its mouth despite being food, which accounts for its 1% of flesh. It doesn’t bathe since the batter covering it prevents it from doing so. With Ebifurai no Shippo, it enjoys socializing.
– Neko (ねこ)
Neko is a socially awkward and shy calico cat. Due to its personality, it frequently gives the corner away from other Sumikko. When snugly wrapped, such as in a pouch or beneath an empty cat food can, it feels secure. It often files its nails on the corner walls. Wallet and serves as the group’s treasurer. Rice balls, cat grass, canned cat food, and fish are some of its favorite meals. It dislikes mandarins because it interprets their sour aroma as a decaying indicator. Two estranged siblings were momentarily reunited in a 2019 theme.
– Tokage (とかげ)
To escape being abducted, Tokage, an underwater dinosaur, disguises himself as a lizard. The mother and child were subsequently reunited after being separated. It is pals with Tokage (Real), a real lizard, and Nisetsumuri, the false snail. It identifies with Neko since fish is its preferred meal. On rare occasions, it dives for brand-new fish for Neko. Tokage was eventually added to the 2012 cast of characters after being absent for approximately three years.
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4.2. Minniko:
While not as visible as the Sumikkos, the Minnikos are equally delightful. These smaller companions include Zassou, Furoshiki, Obake, Tapioca, Nisetsumuri, Ebifurai no Shippo, Suzume, Hokori, and Yama, often appearing alongside the main characters.
– Furoshiki (ふろしき)
Shirokuma’s pink with cream-colored patch furoshiki is known as Furoshiki. Shirokuma frequently uses it as a blanket, to stake off a corner, and for a variety of other purposes.
– Zassou (ざっそう)
Zassou is a weedy shrub with lofty goals and an upbeat outlook. It hopes to one day be included in a bouquet at a flower shop. It is the closest to it since Neko often waters it.
– Ebifurai No Shippo (えびふらいのしっぽ)
The remaining tail of a fried shrimp is known as Ebifurai no shippo. It and Tonkatsu have a similar past, thus they get along well. Similar to tonkatsu, it prefers to grasp a cherry tomato or apply tartar sauce to itself while being fried rather than bathing.
– Tapioca (たぴおか)
Tapioca is the leftover tapioca pearls from a cup of milk tea. They were grinning when they were floating in the milk tea, but now they are expressionless. Along with black, they also come in soft shades of yellow, blue, and pink. The black Tapioca, which is more uncommon, is the trickier kind.
– Hokori (ほこり)
Hokori characters are specks of dust that have gathered in a nook. There are many Hokori, just like there are Tapioca, but they may also unite and disappear. They are vulnerable to water.
– Suzume (すずめ)
A sparrow named Suzume flies by and eats some of Tonkatsu’s food scraps.
– Nisetsumuri (にせつむり)
The slug known as Nisetsumuri disguises itself as a snail by carrying a shell on its back. It apologizes for more than is required out of shame over its dishonesty. It is best buddies with Tokage because of their identical fake identities.
– Obake (おばけ)
Obake is a shy ghost that enjoys humor but keeps its large mouth shut to avoid frightening others. resides in a nook in the attic and enjoys cleaning. Additionally works part-time at Kissa Sumikko (喫茶すみっコ ), a café on a corner.
– Yama (やま)
Yama is a little, conical mountain that looks up at Mount Fuji and is white and blue. pretends to be Mt. Fuji and shows up at hot springs. upon entering hot springs, becomes crimson.
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4.3. Umikkos
These charming characters live in the deep sea. Since the Sumikkos are not frequent travelers, we don’t see them very often, but when we do, their adorable faces make us swoon!
– Penguin (Real) (ぺんぎん(本物))
Penguin (Real), just as the name suggests, is the true penguin in Sumikko Gurashi. Friendly and approachable, this little character is actually friends with Shirokuma from the North Pole.
– Kamome (カモメ)
Kamome is a rotund seagull who grew plump from indulging in too much fish. This Umikko is so overweight now that it can barely skim over the water’s surface!
– Kurage (クラゲ)
The Kurage were encountered by the Sumikkos during their ocean exploration with Penguin. These brightly colored jellyfish stick to the corner, trying not to get carried away by the waves.
– Umigame (ウミガメ)
The fearful sea turtle has great admiration for the brave land turtles. It retreats into its shell whenever it feels scared! Umigame’s mouth is also wider than that of the Sumikkos and Minnikos!
– Kumanomi (クマノミ)
Kumanomi, a shy clownfish, resides in the ocean. The Sumikko Gurashi Japan saw it after it stepped out of its little hiding place within the sea anemone.
– Chinanago (Real) (チンアナゴ（本物)
The Chinanago are a pair of saltwater eels. One is adorned with polka dots and has gray eyes, while the other has a striped orange body and dark orange eyes.
– Harisenbon (ハリセンボン)
Harisenbon is a kind-hearted porcupinefish, characterized by its round, plump body and blue spots on its light blue skin. This Umikko definitely doesn’t want to be mistaken for a pufferfish!
– Chinanago (チンアナゴ)
Though it is pretending to be an eel, this Umikko is actually a Tapioca ball. It looks like it got a little too enamored with the ocean!
4.4. Fushigi Na Tomodachi
These peculiar friends met the Sumikko when they were accidentally pulled into a UFO. The quirky but adorable characters were on the hunt for their lost friend and accidentally took the Japanese Sumikko Gurashi along. Thanks to them, the Sumikkos were introduced to the marvels of space!
– Tsuchinoko
This cute character is the ghostly form of a Tsuchinoko, a serpent-like creature from Japanese folklore. It tries to keep a low profile to avoid being caught! Tsuchinoko can move quickly!
– Sumiati
Sumiati, a mysterious creature, inhabits the snowy mountains of Japan. Although it is small and susceptible to the cold, Sumiati may sometimes appear frightening but is actually very kind.
– Sumifoot
Thought to inhabit the mountains, Sumifoot is small despite having big legs. People might be scared at first glance, but this quirky friend is really quite easygoing.
– Tapi Alien
These adorable creatures look exactly like Tapioca! Tapi Alien, from Tapi Star, were the ones who mistakenly pulled the Sumikkos into their spaceship.
– UFO
UFO, a mysterious creature that flies through the sky, looks just like a claw from a claw machine and grabs anything intriguing right away.
– Sumiran Pasaran
Sumiran Pasaran, known for its fluffiness and mystery, is a creature of good fortune. If you happen to find one, happiness is said to be on the way!
5.5. Sonohoka / Others
The Sonohoka are minor characters that do not belong to the Minnikos and are seldom seen! They make occasional appearances in Sumikko Gurashi Japanese themes and merchandise, and it is a delight when they do. Let’s check out some of the most notable ones from the Sonohoka group.
– Arm (アーム )
Arm is a robotic arm resembling a UFO catcher. It occasionally seems to snag Sumikko (Penguin? being its preferred catch), who makes an illegal effort to grab the corner. Although the Sumikko dreads it, there are instances when it actually looks out for their welfare.
– Mogura (もぐら)
Grey mole Mogura used to reside in a subterranean nook. It first appeared because of the noise above the ground, which piqued its curiosity. enjoys wearing red boots.
– Fukuro (ふくろう)
A nocturnal owl named Fukuro makes an ongoing effort to stay awake throughout the day.
– Penguin (Real) (ぺんぎん)
Traveling the globe, Penguin (Real) is a sociable and accessible penguin. Shirokuma was made aware of warmer southern places by it. It gave the Sumikko their mementos, which are kept in a blue and white striped furoshiki fabric and include rock salt, pearls, and pictures.
– Sumi-ssie (スミッシー )
A long-necked monster called Sumi-ssie first appeared in Sumik-ko. She is a very kind dinosaur who came from the sea to see Tokage. She is Tokage’s long-lost mother. The other Sumikko are unaware that Sumi-ssie is Tokage’s mother since they are unaware that Tokage is a dinosaur.
– Tokage (Real) (とかげ（本物))
A genuine lizard named Tokage (Real) resides in the jungle. It is a careless buddy of Tokage who is unconcerned with the particulars.
– Mamemaster (まめマスター)
The head barista at Obake’s place of employment, Kissa Sumikko, is a black coffee bean named Mamemaster.
6. Where To Buy Sumikko Gurashi
We can recommend some places for you to shop if you’re looking for items featuring Sumikko Gurashi’s characters. The majority of convenience stores, stationery stores, and commercial centers will sell Sumikko Gurashi items for those of you who have strong financial circumstances and can frequently travel to Japan. These are the ideal places to do your shopping.
However, most Sumikko fans purchase online through Japanese e-commerce sites like Janbox, which is one of them. Recently, there has been a sharp increase in the demand for Japanese items, particularly those tied to anime or Japanese characters. In order to assist customers to get the products they love in the quickest and most convenient way, Janbox has served as a bridge. Why are you holding out? Get some Sumikko merchandise by going to Janbox.com.
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Conclusion
Sumikko Gurashi’s figures may have appeared in stationery, but these adorable creatures have their own kingdom. The brand has appeared in several products, video games, and even motion pictures. Today, Sumikko Gurashi in Japanese is becoming more and more well-known and popular all over the world. It is unquestionably a distinctive aspect of Japan.
Website: https://janbox.com
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janbox.com.en.
