A new clip from the highly anticipated fourth Sumikko Gurashi anime film, titled Eiga Sumikko Gurashi: Sora no Ōkoku to Futari no Ko (The Sky Kingdom and the Two Children), has been released, offering fans a glimpse into the whimsical world and introducing the familiar Sumikko characters in a new adventure. The film is slated to open in Japanese theaters on October 31, 2025.
The recently revealed clip features the adorable Sumikko characters engaging in a unique musical endeavor, playing “sacred flowers” to produce a melody, all under the gentle guidance of a penguin-looking creature serving as their conductor. This enchanting scene highlights the charming and often quirky interactions that fans have come to love from the franchise. Following this short introduction, a trailer for the film also previews the theme song, “Kimi no Kasa” (Your Umbrella), performed by Kaela Kimura.
The Sky Kingdom and Two Children: A New Adventure Unfolds
The fourth installment of the Sumikko Gurashi film series promises an imaginative journey as the main characters embark on an adventure to the “Sky Kingdom.” The narrative begins with a persistent rain in Sumikko’s town, causing the fried duo, Tonkatsu and Ebifurai no Shippo, to become damp. Their ordinary day takes an extraordinary turn when something falls from the sky, revealing itself to be an “Ōji” (prince) from the Sky Kingdom. The prince reveals a dire water shortage above the clouds, prompting the Sumikkos to venture skyward to help save the kingdom from crisis. Earlier teasers for the film also hinted at the introduction of this new character, “Ōji,” along with another mysterious character designated as “???”.
Meet the Core Sumikko Gurashi Characters
The Sumikko Gurashi universe, which translates to “life in the corner,” revolves around a group of shy and anxiety-prone characters who feel most comfortable in corners rather than the center of attention. The main Sumikko characters, who are central to this new film, include:
- Shirokuma: A polar bear sensitive to cold, who enjoys drinking hot tea in corners.
- Penguin?: A penguin who is uncertain of its true identity, indicated by the question mark in its name.
- Tonkatsu: A leftover piece of pork cutlet, often feeling left behind because it’s too oily.
- Neko: A timid and anxious cat, often worrying about its body shape.
- Tokage: The last remaining dinosaur who pretends to be a lizard to avoid being caught.
These beloved characters debuted in 2012 from Japanese company San-X and have since captivated audiences worldwide with their relatable charm and endearing personalities.
Production Team and Returning Voices
The 4th Sumikko Gurashi Anime Film is produced by Fanworks, the studio behind previous installments and the TV anime series. Naomi Iwata is directing the film, with Takashi Sumita returning as the scriptwriter, having previously worked on the first and third films. The familiar voices of Yoshihiko Inohara and Manami Honjō will once again serve as the narrators, continuing their role from previous films.
With its release set for October 31, 2025, fans eagerly await to join the Sumikkos on their latest heartfelt and endearing adventure in Eiga Sumikko Gurashi: Sora no Ōkoku to Futari no Ko.
