At long last, I’m proud to begin featuring Rilakkuma plush and products that are designed here in the US!

Aliquantum International (AQI) manages all of the Rilakkuma merchandising in North America, and with an official license from San-X in Japan, they are now producing their own Rilakkuma plush designs! Many are inspired by previous Rilakkuma designs, but the materials, patterns, and construction are unique to AQI! So consider these authentic American Rilakkumas ;)

First feature is Sea Otter Rilakkuma!

Just like any otter day.

Hello, Sea Otter Rilakkuma!

The otter hood has crisp, proportionate, and symmetric embroidery—and I love the little triangular otter ears!

Big flat otter tail to keep him balanced!

Side by side comparison of the North American AQI Sea Otter Rilakkuma (left) to the Japanese San-X Sea Otter Rilakkuma from 2016 (right)! Notable differences include the obvious size difference, texture of the suit (AQI with a smoother plush feel, and San-X with a fluffy terry cloth feel), and the presence of yellow scallop shell. Otherwise, many of the details I love the most are similar!

Wow, I’m super impressed—excellent quality and cute proportions! And I think this is a hilariously fitting cross-over design as otters are indigenous to Japan and North America. The otter series is one of my favorites, and I’m overjoyed to see a version now available here in the US!

This lovely otter and his friends are available at a Books A Million, Hot Topic, and IT’SUGAR retailer near you! And you can buy online at Hot Topic and IT’SUGAR while supplies last.

There are versions of Rilakkuma in a grey otter suit facing forward and laying down, Korilakkuma in a pink otter suit facing forward and laying down, and Kiroitori in a white fish suit—check out my previous post from the Rilakkuma Shop pop-up store for more close-ups of those!

I LOVE these medium-sized Rilakkuma plush that tend to be the standard sizing for the AQI Rilakkumas (very big and huggable), though I will say it will make me run out of shelf space faster hahaha.

I really appreciate that us Rilakkuma fans in the US now have local options! The North American AQI Rilakkumas are crafting their own identity that pays homage to their Japanese counterparts while also bringing something new to the table. I’m really excited to see how their products evolve in the future! Can’t wait to see some USA specific ones hehehe.

So what do you think of this otter Rilakkuma? What do you want to see in the future for AQI Rilakkumas?