#Japan #Tokyo #Sumikko Gurashi #Sankei Company #Kanda Police

San-X's Initiative for Safer School Commutes

San-X, a well-known company based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, recently made headlines for its significant contribution to child safety. On December 17, 2025, the Kanda Police Chief presented a certificate of appreciation to San-X for their thoughtful initiative of providing school bag covers designed with Sumikko Gurashi characters. This initiative is aimed at new first graders entering Ochanomizu Elementary School and Chiyoda Elementary School in April 2026, with around 60 students benefiting from this generous donation.

The specially designed bag covers feature the phrase "こうつうあんぜん" (transport safety) accompanied by adorable Sumikko Gurashi characters. The bright yellow color certainly makes these bags more visible in various environments, ensuring children’s safety, especially during nighttime commutes.

A Memorable Presentation Ceremony

The gift presentation ceremony was filled with joy and gratitude. Several key figures, including the Kanda Police Chief, the President of the Kanda Traffic Safety Association, and Kawaii Police mascot, Pipo-kun, were present to honor this event. Notably, the Sumikko Gurashi character Tokage also made a special appearance, bringing smiles to the attendees.

During the ceremony, two elementary school students donned their Sumikko Gurashi-themed school bags and enthusiastically took the stage. One of the students expressed their fondness for Tokage, sharing, "I feel like I'm going to school with Tokage. I will make sure to look right and left before crossing the road to avoid accidents." This delightful interaction added a personal touch to the event.

Police Appreciation and Support for Safety

In his remarks, the Kanda Police Chief expressed deep gratitude towards San-X, acknowledging the company’s dedication to providing such appealing designs that children would want to wear. He expressed hopes that this initiative would contribute significantly to traffic accident prevention among children.

The spokesperson for San-X shared their commitment to community engagement, highlighting their corporate purpose, "Always Together." They have donated to various children's facilities and are enthusiastic about this particular endeavor, which aims to enhance safety for children commuting to school. The team at San-X remains dedicated to nurturing ongoing partnerships with local communities and creating environments where children feel safe and secure.

The Charm of Sumikko Gurashi

For those unfamiliar, Sumikko Gurashi is a popular character franchise created in 2012, centered around the idea of comfort. These characters, while cute, carry a slightly negative yet endearing essence, reflecting the social behaviors of many Japanese people who often prefer corner seats on trains or in cafes. Their charm lies in their relatability, and this approach has garnered them a wide fanbase across various age groups.

With character designs carefully reflecting the need for companionship during daily life, Sumikko Gurashi continues to thrive, delivering joy through various products and engaging events, while also promoting positive messages, such as safety through their recent initiative.

For more details on the characters and updates, check out the official Sumikko Gurashi profile and follow their social media channels for the latest news and merchandise releases.

About San-X

San-X is a creative powerhouse known for its unique and lovable characters, including Rilakkuma and Tarepanda. Continuously producing over 1,000 original characters, San-X combines creativity with heartwarming stories that resonate well with fans. Their products not only appeal due to their cuteness but also promise a blend of humor and warmth, making them cherished across the globe. For a glimpse into their delightful world, visit the San-X official site.