Google Chrome has become an Anime With the voice of Sumire Uesaka

December 3, 2024 Shiki 0 Comments 3 min read

Have you heard of “Kūromu”? This is Google’s new mascot, voiced by the talented Sumire Uesaka. But before diving into the details, let’s talk about a rising trend: countries and companies are increasingly launching anime-style mascots.

This reflects the growing influence of anime and manga culture worldwide. From people mourning fictional character deaths to protests inspired by anime themes, the impact is undeniable. Even companies and government entities are adopting anime-inspired mascots to connect with their audiences.

Google Chrome has become an Anime With the voice of Sumire Uesaka

For those unfamiliar, Sumire Uesaka is a 32-year-old Japanese voice actress and singer from Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.

She’s known for popular songs like “EASY LOVE,” “Princess’ Happy Ending,” and “LOVE CRAZY.”

She has also voiced several iconic characters, including:

Alisa Mikhailovna Kujou (Alya) from Roshidere

Hayase Nagatoro in Don’t Toy With Me, Miss Nagatoro

Shalltear Bloodfallen in Overlord

Lum in Urusei Yatsura (2022)

Recently, Google Japan launched two anime shorts titled “Gambare! Kūromu” featuring Kūromu, the mascot for Google Chrome, voiced by Uesaka.

The first short highlights the browser’s sharing features between smartphones and computers. The second short focuses on security and translation functions.

The first short was directed by Takashi Otsuka (Smile Pretty Cure! and Dragons of Wonderhatch) at LDH Digital. Character designs were provided by X (formerly Twitter) user @kametan-jun. The second short was directed by Hideki Inaba at AOI Pro in collaboration with Eallin Japan. Both shorts feature verses from the original theme song “Ganbare! Kurōmu” by PinocchioP. The third short directed by Takuma Aomatsu highlights Google Chrome’s security features.

Kūromu’s journey began with a June 5 post by Google Japan on X, marking an unofficial “Logo Mark Day” in Japan. The post showcased the Chrome logo with subtle color gradients and invited fans to reimagine the logo.

What followed was an outpouring of fan art, with users adding arms, legs, and horns to the Chrome logo. Initially, Google Japan ignored the viral fan creations, but by October 17, they announced an official art contest featuring Kūromu.

Participants were tasked with creating illustrations based on Chrome’s key features: