The beloved San-X characters, the Sumikko Gurashi, are set to embark on their fourth cinematic adventure with the newly titled Eiga Sumikko Gurashi: Sora no Okoku to Futari no Ko, which translates to “Sumikko Gurashi The Movie: The Sky Kingdom and Two Children.” This latest installment in the heartwarming franchise is slated for a Japanese theatrical release on October 31, 2025, promising another enchanting tale for fans of all ages.
The Enduring Appeal of Sumikko Gurashi
Since their creation in 2012 by graphic designer Yuri Yokomizo for the Japanese company San-X, the Sumikko Gurashi, meaning “life in the corner,” have captured hearts worldwide with their relatable anxieties and quiet charm. Unlike many overtly cheerful kawaii characters, the Sumikko Gurashi embody a unique appeal by embracing their slightly negative personalities and finding comfort in the secluded corners of rooms, cafes, or even society itself. This distinct approach has resonated deeply with audiences, offering a sense of reassurance that it is acceptable to be shy, uncertain, or simply prefer the sidelines.
The core cast of Sumikko, the main characters, includes Shirokuma, a polar bear who dislikes the cold and migrated south; Penguin?, a character unsure of its own identity as a penguin; Neko, a timid and anxious cat; Tonkatsu, a leftover pork cutlet that is 1% meat and 99% fat; and Tokage, a dinosaur who pretends to be a lizard to avoid being caught. These endearing personalities, along with a host of smaller “Minikko” characters like Furoshiki (Shirokuma’s polka-dotted cloth), Zassou (a positive weed), and Tapioca (leftover tapioca pearls), have spawned a vast array of merchandise, books, mobile applications, and video games, cementing their status as a cultural phenomenon.
A New Chapter: The Sky Kingdom and Its Prince
The fourth film, Eiga Sumikko Gurashi: Sora no Okoku to Futari no Ko, ventures into an entirely new and imaginative setting: a kingdom nestled high above the clouds. The narrative begins in the Sumikko’s familiar town, where persistent rain has left the characters, including the fried duo Tonkatsu and Ebifurai no Shippo, feeling damp and downcast. A sudden celestial event introduces a mysterious “Ouji” (Prince) from the Sky Kingdom, who crash-lands into their world. The Sumikko Gurashi, with their characteristic kindness, rush to the aid of the fallen prince. This unexpected encounter leads them on an extraordinary journey, as the prince guides them through the clouds to his magnificent, yet troubled, Sky Kingdom. Together, the Sumikko must now don adventure costumes and help the hardworking prince avert a looming crisis in his airborne realm, promising a blend of wonder, friendship, and gentle heroism.
Creative Minds Behind the Journey
The production of the fourth Sumikko Gurashi film sees the return of key creative talents who have shaped the franchise’s cinematic success. Fanworks, the animation studio responsible for all previous Sumikko Gurashi films and television anime, is once again at the helm, ensuring visual consistency and the endearing animation style that fans have come to love. Naomi Iwata, known for her work on “Pingu in the City,” steps into the director’s chair for this installment. The screenplay is penned by Takashi Sumita of Europe Kikaku, who previously wrote the scripts for the highly successful first and third films in the series, signaling a return to a familiar narrative touch.
Adding to the comforting familiarity, Yoshihiko Inohara and Manami Honjō will reprise their roles as narrators for the film. Their gentle voices have become synonymous with the Sumikko Gurashi cinematic experience, guiding viewers through the characters’ quiet observations and heartfelt adventures. Asmik Ace, Inc. continues its role as the film’s distributor, having handled previous releases in the series.
A Legacy of Cornered Success: Previous Films
The Sumikko Gurashi film series has consistently charmed audiences and achieved significant box office success in Japan. Each film has managed to capture the essence of the characters’ appeal while introducing new settings and gentle narratives. The cumulative attendance for the film series has already surpassed three million, underscoring the franchise’s enduring popularity.
First Film: A Pop-Up Book Adventure
The cinematic journey began with Sumikko Gurashi The Movie – The Pop-up Book and the Secret Child (Eiga Sumikko Gurashi: Tobidasu Ehon to Himitsu no Ko), released in November 2019. Directed by Mankyū with a script by Takashi Sumita, this inaugural film was a critical and commercial triumph. It opened to strong numbers, ranking third on its opening weekend before climbing to second place the following week. The film ultimately grossed an impressive 1.45 billion yen (approximately US$12.8 million) and earned the coveted Best Animation of the Year award at the 29th Annual Japan Movie Critics Awards, setting a high bar for subsequent entries.
Second Film: The Magic of the Blue Moonlight
Following the success of the first film, Eiga Sumikko Gurashi: Aoi Tsukiyo no Mahō no Ko (“The Magical Child of the Blue Moonlit Night”) premiered in November 2021. Directed by Takahiro Omori and featuring a screenplay by Reiko Yoshida, this film continued the characters’ gentle explorations, delving into a mystical narrative involving wizard brothers. It proved to be another solid performer, selling approximately 200,000 tickets and earning around 250 million yen (approximately US$2.22 million) in its initial three days.
Third Film: The Mysterious Makeshift Factory
The most recent installment prior to the upcoming film was Eiga Sumikko Gurashi: Tsugihagi Kōjo no Fushigi na Ko (“The Mysterious Child of the Makeshift Factory”), which opened in November 2023. Directed by Hazumu Sakuta with Takashi Sumita returning as the scriptwriter, this film saw the Sumikko Gurashi characters discovering a secret within an old toy factory. It garnered strong opening weekend numbers, selling 192,300 tickets and earning 242,553,320 yen (approximately US$1.63 million).
The announcement of the fourth film, with its intriguing premise set in a Sky Kingdom, builds upon the established success and beloved characteristics of the Sumikko Gurashi universe. Fans eagerly await the opportunity to join their favorite corner-loving companions on yet another heartwarming and imaginative adventure.
