Gudetama is a popular character in Japan, created by Sanrio, the same company that brought us Hello Kitty. The character is an egg yolk that is often depicted as lazy, lethargic, and disinterested. Despite its lack of motivation, Gudetama has become an incredibly popular character in Japan and around the world, with merchandise ranging from plush toys to kitchenware.
Gudetama was created in 2013 by Sanrio designer, Ami Shibata. Shibata drew inspiration from the egg yolk's unique shape and texture, as well as from the Japanese concept of "kawaii," or cuteness. The character quickly gained popularity in Japan, with its merchandise and branding appearing on everything from clothing to food. The character's name, "Gudetama," is a combination of two words: "gude," which means lazy, and "tama," which is a slang term for egg. This name perfectly captures the character's lazy demeanor and has become synonymous with the Gudetama brand.
Gudetama is often depicted as lying down or lounging in a variety of poses, showing a complete lack of motivation or interest. The character is usually seen wearing an eggshell and sometimes has a fork and knife stuck in its yolk. Despite its lethargy, Gudetama has a loyal following, with fans who identify with the character's laid-back attitude. One of Gudetama's catchphrases is "mendokusai," which means "too much trouble" or "I can't be bothered." This phrase perfectly captures the character's unwillingness to participate in any sort of activity or exert any sort of effort. Gudetama's popularity has led to a variety of merchandise, including plush toys, kitchenware, clothing, and stationary. The character has even inspired themed cafes and restaurants, where fans can enjoy Gudetama-themed food and drinks.
Gudetama's popularity extends beyond Japan and has become a global phenomenon. The character has a massive following on social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter, with fans sharing pictures of their Gudetama merchandise and artwork. Gudetama's popularity has led to collaborations with other brands, including collaborations with popular fast-food chain McDonald's and cosmetics brand Holika Holika. One reason for Gudetama's success is its relatability. The character's laid-back attitude and lack of motivation resonate with fans who feel overwhelmed by the pressures of modern life. Gudetama provides a way for fans to disconnect from the stresses of daily life and embrace a more relaxed lifestyle. In addition to its popularity with fans, Gudetama has also won several awards. In 2014, the character won the "Best Character" award at the Japan Character Awards, and in 2016, Gudetama was awarded the "Best Mascot" award at the 24th Annual Mascot Grand Prix.
Gudetama merchandise is incredibly popular in Japan and around the world. Fans can find everything from plush toys to kitchenware to stationary with the character's image. Some popular Gudetama merchandise includes:
Plush Toys: Gudetama plush toys come in a variety of sizes and designs, from small keychains to large, huggable toys.
Kitchenware: Gudetama kitchenware includes everything from egg cups to chopsticks to frying pans. Fans can enjoy their meals with Gudetama-themed utensils and cookware.
Stationary: Gudetama stationary includes notebooks, pens, and stickers, perfect for fans who want to add some Gudetama flair to their school or work.
Check out Snack Shack Drive Thru for Gudetama themed snacks!