The beloved characters from San-X’s Sumikko Gurashi are stepping into the world of fine art. A special collaboration with the British Museum’s Japanese art collection exhibition brings exclusive limited-edition items, including hand-sized plush toys that mimic famous paintings.
The exhibition, titled “British Museum Japanese Art Collection: A Hundred Flowers in Full Bloom – Edo Paintings That Crossed the Sea,” will be held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum from July 25 to October 18, 2026, and later at the Osaka Nakanoshima Museum of Art from October 31, 2026, to January 31, 2027. The collaboration items are officially recognized by the British Museum.
About Sumikko Gurashi
Launched by San-X, Sumikko Gurashi (“Life in the Corner”) revolves around characters who feel most at ease in quiet corners. The cast includes Shirokuma, Penguin?, Tonkatsu, Neko, Tokage, and Ebi Fry no Shippo, among others. Their slightly negative yet endearing personalities have won fans across generations, and the franchise celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2022. A TV anime, Sumikko Gurashi: Koko ga Ochitsukundesu, has been airing within Nippon TV’s morning show ZIP! since April 2025, and the fourth film, Eiga Sumikko Gurashi: Sora no Oukoku to Futari no Ko, was released on October 31, 2025.
Collaboration Items
The exhibition showcases around 40,000 Japanese works from the British Museum’s collection, focusing on Edo-period folding screens, hanging scrolls, picture scrolls, and prints by eight major ukiyo-e artists including Utamaro, Sharaku, Hokusai, and Hiroshige. Now, Sumikko Gurashi characters are playfully recreating scenes from these masterpieces in plush form.
Here is a selection of the collaboration plush toys (all prices include tax):
- Te-nori Plush: Shirokuma – ¥2,200
- Te-nori Plush: Penguin? – ¥2,420
- Te-nori Plush: Tonkatsu – ¥1,980
- Te-nori Plush: Ebi Fry no Shippo – ¥1,760
- Burasage Plush: Tapioca Arm – ¥2,750
- Te-nori Plush Set: Neko, Zassou, Hokori – ¥4,620
- Te-nori Plush Set: Tokage, Nise Tsumuri – ¥3,300
Complete Set Ticket
A special “Sumikko Gurashi Complete Set Ticket” is available, which includes all 10 plush items (the four individual te-nori plush, one burasage plush, and two te-nori plush sets) plus a general admission ticket to the exhibition. Priced at ¥20,000 (tax included), this set offers savings compared to buying items separately at the venue shop. The ticket is on sale from June 25, 2026, until July 24, 2026, at 23:59, or while supplies last.
Other Goods
Additional collaboration merchandise includes:
- Clear File (2-piece set) – ¥990
- Mascot Pen – ¥1,210
- Mini Towel – ¥1,100
- Masking Tape (2 types) – ¥770 each
- Pouch (2 types) – ¥1,540 each
- Acrylic Keychain – ¥880
- Sticker – ¥660
- Tote Bag – ¥2,860
All items will be available at the exhibition’s special shop. The collaboration brings together the charm of Sumikko Gurashi and the elegance of Edo-period art, offering fans a unique way to take home a piece of both worlds.
(C) 2026 The Trustees of the British Museum
(C) 2026 San-X Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
