Exciting Collaboration Between the British Museum and Sumikko Gurashi Unveiled!

Collaboration Between the British Museum and Sumikko Gurashi

A highly anticipated collaboration between the British Museum's Japanese Art Collection and the beloved character brand Sumikko Gurashi has been announced! This partnership will debut during the major exhibition titled “British Museum’s Japanese Art Collection: A Flourishing Display – Edo Paintings Across the Ocean,” which will take place from July 25 to October 18, 2026, at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, located in Ueno Park, Tokyo.

Exciting Exhibition Highlights

This exhibition marks a significant celebration of the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum's centenary and showcases notable works from the British Museum's extensive collection of approximately 40,000 Japanese pieces. Attendees can look forward to a selection of Edo-period folding screens, hanging scrolls, and painted works, alongside prints from eight celebrated ukiyo-e artists, including Utamaro, Sharaku, Hokusai, and Hiroshige.

The collaboration with Sumikko Gurashi will introduce a variety of exclusive merchandise. This adorable character brand, which captures the essence of seeking comfort in quiet and cozy corners, has created a series of plush toys and stationery items inspired by famous paintings featured in the exhibition. For instance, plush versions of Sumikko characters recreating iconic art scenes will be available, including:

- Shirokuma Plush (Polar Bear) - 2,200 yen (tax included)
- Penguin Plush? - 2,420 yen (tax included)
- Tonkatsu Plush (Pork Cutlet) - 1,980 yen (tax included)
- Ebi Fry Tail Plush - 1,760 yen (tax included)
- Tapioca Arm Hanging Plush - 2,750 yen (tax included)
- Complete Set of Plush Toys - 20,000 yen (tax included, featuring multiple characters)

These items are official collaborations that are only available during the exhibition, making them perfect collectibles for fans and art lovers alike!

Important Details About the Exhibition

Tokyo Venue:

- Dates: July 25, 2026 – October 18, 2026
- Location: Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum (8-36 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo)
- Hours: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM; open until 8:00 PM on Fridays (last admission 30 minutes before closing)
- Closed: Mondays and October 13; however, it will be open on August 10, September 21, and October 12.

Osaka Venue:

The exhibition will then travel to the Osaka Nakanoshima Museum of Art from October 31, 2026, to January 31, 2027, allowing even more visitors to engage with these remarkable artworks and merchandise.

For more information, visitors can check the exhibition's official website: British Museum Japanese Art Collection Exhibition. There, attendees will find ticket purchasing details, merchandise previews, and the full list of goods available during the event.

More on Sumikko Gurashi

Since its debut in 2012, the Sumikko Gurashi characters have resonated with audiences through their endearing but subtly melancholic quirks. With their slogan, “This is where I feel at home,” these characters embody the relatable desire for comfort and represent the Japanese cultural affinity for 'hugging the corner.' More information about Sumikko Gurashi can be found on their official website: Sumikko Gurashi.

With distinctive aesthetics and a heartwarming story, Sumikko Gurashi continues to charm people worldwide. This unique collaboration with the British Museum presents an exciting opportunity for art enthusiasts and fans of these delightful characters to unite in a celebration of culture and creativity!

Keep your eyes peeled for the special merchandise offerings and the announcement of ticket details as we approach the start of this captivating exhibition!