What is “Donguri Korokoro”?
Donguri Korokoro is an original character created in 2004 by designer Kazuto Komatsu. The character, with its soft and simple expression, was created with the goal of not interfering with children’s imagination and for it to be the kind of character that anyone would be comfortable having close to them at all times.
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Simple expression
With its round eyes and slightly large nose, the expression on Donguri Korokoro’s face is a very simple one.
At first glance, its face may seem expressionless, but it can be seen as either laughing or crying. Depending on how a child’s perspective, this an serve to enhance and enrich their sense of imagination.
It’s also simple enough to draw a picture of with the first glance. It’s not only easy to remember,
but also fosters creativity both in terms of drawing and pretend playing.
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Tree Spirit? Or a fairy of the woods?
Trees take over decades and centuries to grow.
Could the Donguri Korokoro be a tree spirit born from a tree that has grown over such a long period of time, or could it even be a fairy?
Many Donguri Korokoro reside in the lush green forests and mountains.
And surely, they even live among us in the town, quietly in places where trees grow.
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Origin of the Name
The name “Donguri Korokoro” (Acorn Rolling) comes from a nursery rhyme with the same name.
It was named after Komatsu imagined how it would happily roll down the mountain before getting stuck in the pond.
But since it does not roll over, and moves rather slowly,
we’re sure that Donguri Korokoro would be able to play on the slopes to its heart’s content without getting stuck in the pond.
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Before the current design
The concept of tree spirits have been around since the beginning of Donguri Korokoro’s conception, however,
its predecessor was actually a dwarf with a triangular hat.
The first generation of Donguri Korokoro were dwarves made to be as simple as possible.
In this form, the dwarves were made to be even shorter and without arms and legs and, in other words, the line under the eyes is not a mouth,
but the border between its clothes and face. The circle in the center was also originally not a nose, but a button on its clothing.
After this, the design was changed twice, resulting in the current Donguri Korokoro. Regardless, all of our designs were very memorable (although, now it has a nose instead of a button).
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Donguri Mama and Donguri Papa
The Donguri Papa is wearing a silk hat, while the Donguri Mama has her hair up in a bun.
These are the first characters that were derived from Donguri Korokoro.
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But it’s an acorn… How come it’s also a mushroom and even a pumpkin?
There’s a Donguri Mushroom with its round head and spotted pattern, who is also a friend of Donguri Korokoro.
The Donguri Aurantan, as know as. “O’ Lantern” , makes an appearance for Halloween.
And for Christmas, there is the bearded Santa Claus Donguri.
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Born from a wish
The Helmet Donguri was born from a wish for children to grow up healthy. We also wish to pass important traditions down to our children, and to the future. The Amabie Donguri was born from the wish that children will be able to spend their days with peace of mind.
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Bringing cheerful smiles to children
All Donguri Korokoro are different in colors and shape, and all of them are good friends. We also want to create a world where we can come together, hand in hand, accepting each other’s differences, even if our countries, races, cultures, and ways of thinking are different.
All the Donguri Korokoro also hope for this kind of world.
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Thank you for your continued support.
The Donguri Korokoro want everyone to have smiles on their faces, and hopes that they will continue to be a favorite character for everyone.
Designer, Kazuto Komatsu
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