Sumikkogurashi: The Patched-Up Factory in the Woods

This is a story about our Sumikkogurashi friends

who live in a corner, somewhere in this world.

This is Shirokuma.

He's a polar bear who doesn't like the cold.

Shirokuma and Furoshiki left the North for a warm place.

They're skillful with their hands.

Tonkatsu is the leftover end of a pork cutlet.

Too oily to be eaten.

Ebifurai No Shippo is also a leftover.

They are two of a kind, together all the time.

Penguin? is in search of its identity.

Penguin? is never sure if it is a penguin.

Neko is extremely shy and has a kind personality.

Neko is timid and too shy to say anything.

Zassou, who is friends with Neko, thinks positive.

Tapioca were leftover in their tea with milk.

This is Nisetsumuri.

Actually, it's a slug who admires snails.

There's also Tokage.

Tokage is a surviving dinosaur.

But don't tell anyone or it might get captured.

So it's a secret just between them.

There's someone at the door, Sumikkogurashi friends.

Penguin (Real) had come to visit.

Hand a cucumber and...

Cheers!

That's right.

You met Shirokuma's mom and twin sibling.

Shirokuma had left them without saying anything.

A letter from Shirokuma's twin? What does it say?

"How have you been? We are all doing fine."

"This is the plush toy we used to play with."

"Give it a warm snuggle whenever you're cold."

How sweet!

You left this plush toy for your twin sibling.

A button seems to be missing.

You lost it on your way here.

It's faster if we look for it together.

Looks like you've lost sight of Penguin (Real).

The button you were looking for!

Oh, that's a brilliant idea.

But be careful.

Almost there.

Got it!

Oh, no! Watch out!

Hey, everyone! The button is rolling away.

Did the button go through that door?

What could this building be?

A bathhouse?

Hey, is it okay to go in without asking?

It doesn't look like a bathhouse, that's for sure.

Wait, are you going further?

Hope nothing happens.

A gigantic machine? What on earth could this be?

Oh, it could be an amusement park!

Shirokuma! What have you done?

Welcome to our toy factory.

Welcome to our toy factory.

Oh, so this was a toy factory after all.

Someone's there!

Hello.

And you are?

Bear Factory Manager.

Thank you? For what?

You were looking for the button.

Lost property.

Lost property.

Is it in here?

What's everyone else doing?

Making toys, huh?

Oh, your bow tie is frayed.

The button wasn't found.

But good thing you all made Bear Factory Manager happy.

That night, Shirokuma had a dream about its childhood days.

You have a visitor.

It's Bear Factory Manager?

Could that be a factory uniform?

Want us to make toys together?

Can't make toys alone.

But with the help of everyone, we could?

Exactly.

Are you sure you can do this?

So skillful?

Good observation skills?

Useful nails.

Crispy?

Blue?

Weren't those last compliments kind of sloppy?

If you say so.

Let's do it.

They've all changed into their uniforms on the bus.

Nice! Those uniforms suit you all.

Minikko look great too!

It looks tidier than yesterday.

Good morning.

Go to your positions.

Go to your positions.

Let's make plush toys.

Firstly, cut out the original fabric.

Looks like you've made a mess, no?

What a relief!

Next, sew the cut pieces together.

This looks pretty hard. Shirokuma, can you handle it?

Good job, Shirokuma!

Next, stuff the plush toy with cotton.

A little too much cotton inside the belly.

Impressive! Looks like a fine plush toy.

Finished.

Inspection.

Check the plush toy to see if it is made properly.

Passed the inspection! What a relief!

Wow, it moves!

But why?

Does this mean being good toy makers gave them special powers?

That's amazing, Sumikkogurashi friends.

Tonkatsu, you haven't done anything so far.

Packing.

Pack the finished toys in the boxes.

It's an important job.

You're all motivated.

Wow! Did you make all these toys?

That's quite a lot.

You both did great.

This is the cafeteria?

It all looks delicious.

It's all you can eat.

Hooray! There are so many of your favorite foods.

Tonkatsu, you look delicious too.

Look at all the food.

Can you eat it all?

Their stomachs are full now.

A moment of bliss.

It's time you all went home.

Wow! It looks just like a hotel.

There's a room for each of you!

You can stay here? How nice!

Well, that's where you all feel the coziest.

Shirokuma had another dream about its childhood days.

It's morning.

Everyone, it's time to wake up.

Hey, wake up already.

Morning exercise has already started!

No one noticed they were late, right?

Twist your bodies.

Stretch your arms and legs.

Nice. What a refreshing morning!

The interior of the factory looks new.

Lots of useful-looking machinery.