The Sumikko Gurashi franchise is officially expanding its cinematic footprint with a fifth anime film slated for 2027. While the production team has yet to announce a formal title, they released a commemorative visual illustrated by franchise creator Yuri Yokomizo. Early details suggest the narrative will shift its focus to Neko, the shy cat character known for its reserved personality.
This upcoming project continues a reliable release cadence for the series, which has seen a new feature film debut every two years since the 2019 premiere of Sumikkogurashi – Good to be in the corner. The franchise has successfully transitioned from its origins as stationery characters into a multimedia powerhouse, spanning four previous films, a television series, and a puppet musical.
Beyond the films, the brand has diversified its presence on Japanese television, most recently with the Sumikko Gurashi: Koko ga Ochitsukun Desu shorts segment that began airing on NTV’s ZIP! in April 2025. With the 2027 film now on the horizon, the franchise remains a staple of family-oriented animation in Japan. Given that the previous four entries have consistently opened in the autumn months, it remains to be seen if this fifth installment will follow the same seasonal release pattern.
