Category Archives: Collection

Cupcake Rilakkuma Plushie!

Got a sweet tooth? Then you have to check out this Cupcake Rilakkuma!

Cupcake Rilakkuma - full

What a dainty cupcake bear!

Cupcake Rilakkuma - ear detail

The ears are my favorite detail: the change from the normal circular yellow ears to this pattern is really exquisite, and I love the sprinkles, too!

Cupcake Rilakkuma - back

“Rilakkuma” beautifully embroidered in gold in the back!

Cupcake Rilakkuma - tag art

And a perfectly pretty tag to match!

Cupcake Rilakkuma - with Sweets&Sweets Rilakkuma

Perfect pair: Cupcake Rilakkuma with the Cupcake King Sweets & Sweets Rilakkuma!

Adorable! This plushie is so special to me because he’s a deviation from the standard bear shape, and has such a unique and interesting shiny fabric, too – really breathtaking for me!

Also, this bear-cake is my first plushie from the Sweets Series from December 2009! What a cool design; I hope San-X will introduce more interesting bear shapes in the future like this one and the Mushroom Rilakkuma from the Forest Series Net Shop Exclusive.

Cupcakes are one of my favorite foods – he makes me so hungry! This plushie joins a long legacy of food Rilakkumas in my collection :D

Huge thanks to Trinie for this sugary-sweet Rilakkuma! What a wonderfully cute cupcake bear :D Wow – he really is a special plushie!

Hungry for more? Check out this Rilakkuma tofu box set!

Rilakkuma Tofu - Summer 2014

Ooooh, it’s “I Love Rilakkuma” themed!

Rilakkuma Tofu - shapes

Comes with 3 kuma face shapes, and one Kiiroitori face! I wonder what flavor sauce is on that Kiiroitori…

Rilakkuma Tofu - box uses

After you’re all done with the tofu, you can keep the box as a collector’s item – ingenious!

Handy! This clever tofu set is produced by Satonoyuki (さとの雪), which also released a similar Rilakkuma tofu product around the same time last year – no commemorative box back then though.

I think the box is a really smart marketing idea because I am a huge sucker for collectable items like those – seems like a great box to keep all of my smaller, non-plushie Rilakkuma items (like pins, finger puppets, and pizza cutters) safe!

Rilakkuma never struck me as a tofu-loving kind of bear, but I guess he eats all sorts of things haha. Tofu is also one of my favorite foods… though I think my list of favorite foods is rather long haha. What kind of food would you like to see as a Rilakkuma theme?

ETA (6/6/14): AHHHH the Space Rilakkuma Series has been announced and I’m out of town! I’ll post about it when I get back on Sunday but WAAOOOWW what a release!

福 (Good Fortune & Happiness) Rilakkuma Plushie! & A Rilakkuma Pineapple Suit!

Everyone needs a little good luck in their lives, so here’s 福 (Fú) Rilakkuma!

Fu Rilakkuma - full

You’ve got to ask yourself one question: “Do I feel lucky?” Well, do ya, punk?

Fu Rilakkuma - fan detail

福 means good fortune and happiness!

Fu Rilakkuma - tag art

A pair of lucky bears on the tag!

This lucky bear was such a huge help during my finals week! I really needed all the good luck for my exams haha. I really love his pose and composition – so harmonious and balanced!

He was released as part of a whole line of auspicious plushies in the Fansclub 福 (fú) series in November 2012!

In my family’s tradition, we turn the 福 display upside-down throughout the year because the character for “upside-down”, “倒” (dao), is a homonym of the character for “to arrive”, “到” (dao) – so basically it means that “good fortune is arriving”!

Fu Rilakkuma - display

Fu Rilakkuma by the display in front of my parents’ house!

Can’t properly put this bear upside-down haha but he’s such a great and colorful addition to the collection!!

Huge thanks to reader Trinie for this super prosperous bear! He’s such a lovely addition, and I’m so overjoyed that he will be bringing our household good luck and prosperity for years to come!

In other news, Simon took up a different venture in Rilakkuma art, and constructed this Rilakkuma pineapple suit!

Pineapple Suit BD Bear - with Kuma-san

My sister and I’s first Rilakkumas!

As you may recall, this year marks my first Rilakkuma plushie’s 2nd birthday! To commemorate the bear nation’s 2nd year in existence, Simon decided to honor its oldest member with a pineapple costume haha.

Looks like a pretty regal pineapple – especially with the green leaves looking like a crown! As the oldest Rilakkuma plushie in the collection, this bear is kind of the de facto leader so the theme is rather fitting, I think!

Strawberry Bag Rilakkuma Plushie!

Summer means strawberries, so say hello to our new Strawberry Bag Rilakkuma!

Stawberry Bag Rilakkuma - full

Sleepy Rilakkuma in the summer sun!

Strawberry Bag Rilakkuma - flower detail

A beautiful strawberry blossom on his ear!

Strawberry Bag Rilakkuma - tag art

Rilakkuma and pals enjoying some delicious (and gigantic) strawberries on the tag!

Rilakkuma Lifestyle - Strawberry Festival

Strawberry Bag Rilakkuma joins a long tradition of strawberry-themed bears in the collection!

Wow, super cute! He looks super snug in his strawberry sleeping bag – pretty perfect theme for a summer nap! This sleepyhead is part of the Fansclub’s Strawberry Bag Series, released in January 2014.

This super adorable strawbear bag was a prize from Mira Plush’s I Love Rilakkuma contest! For this contest, participants held up a sign that said “I love Rilakkuma” to be entered in a drawing – awesome idea! Check out the video of all the submissions here (Simon and I are around 0:43)!

Mira Plush "I Love Rilakkuma" Contest - submission

We do love Rilakkuma! (Simon loves Rilakkuma so much, he’s smiling as hard as he can!)

Follow Mira Plush’s WordPress blog and Facebook page to learn more about their future contests! And of course, be sure to browse through Mira Plush’s online store to get this bear and many more (on sale since it’s Mira Plush’s anniversary!). Thanks so much for your continued involvement with the Rilakkuma community and HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, Mira Plush!

In other news, not much happening on the Rilakkuma news front as we await the Space Rilakkuma series, though the San-X Net Shop posted these really cute photos of Rilakkuma golf ball holders as inspiration for Father’s Day (June 15):

Rilakkuma Golf Ball Holders - front

Uncovered golf ball says, “Where did the others go?”

Rilakkuma Golf Ball Holders - bottom

“We’re hiding in here!”

Teehee, they’re so cute and round! If I played golf, I’d totally invest in these! They feature standard (naked) Rilakkuma and Korilakkuma, as well as Bee Rilakkuma and Bunny Suit Korilakkuma!

I’m so happy to be done with school for the summer! Hopefully, this means more time for Rilakkuma things while I have the free time. Finally being able to relax like Rilakkuma is an incredible feeling!

Fairy Korilakkuma Fansclub Plushie!

A quick break from studying to spotlight an amazing new addition to my collection: Fairy Korilakkuma!

Fairy Korilakkuma - full

Wow, my first Halloween themed plushie!

Fairy Korilakkuma - magic wand detail

Cute bear magic wand detail!

Fairy Korilakkuma - wing detail

Whoa, what iridescent wings!

Fairy Korilakkuma - tag art

Tag art! Looks like Korilakkuma decided to dress as a witch for the tag instead haha.

So pretty! This Korilakkuma is part of the Fansclub release for the 2008 Halloween season! This plushie is particularly special because this series was released so long ago that it hadn’t been listed on the Fansclub website – wow, what a great part of Rilakkuma history!

So I know Halloween is a long time from now, but this Fairy Korilakkuma reminded me a lot of the butterflies that are out right now, so I thought it’d still be appropriate to showcase her today!

A gigantic thank you goes out to Trinie for this beautiful Korilakkuma! I’m so honored for the opportunity to showcase such an important part of Rilakkuma history! THANK YOU!

In other news, a new Rilakkuma Store exclusive line has rolled out: Rilakkuma Textile!

Rilakkuma Textile - announcement

Oh, what a beautiful color scheme!

Rilakkuma Textile - plushies

Ponchos!

Such an interesting design choice – they look pretty bundled up for the summer time!

Similar to the Comics Series that was released around the same time last year, this is a Rilakkuma Store exclusive line based on a pattern that also features plushies!

It’s great to know that San-X is appears to be sticking to a schedule for their releases so us Rilakkuma fans can brace ourselves for what types of releases to expect throughout the year!

Out of pattern, however, is the size of the plushies – last year’s Comics Series had the standard collectible size (~22 cm) plushies, but it looks like this release features the mini-plushies (~14-15 cm) like the store anniversary plushies from the past year. Like the other mini-plushies, each one goes for 1,300 円, and will go on sale June 7.

What do you all think? I have a soft spot for the standard 22 cm sizes when it comes to Rilakkumas (and I especially loved the way the hoodies looked on the standard sized plushies last year), because I’m more used to those proportions, but hey – maybe I’m just stuck in my “old” ways hahaha.

One week left in school! :O I’ve been motivating myself (or distracting myself) with these cute new 7-11 CF’s featuring Rilakkuma! Oh and Taiwanese drama stars Lego Lee and Kirsten Jen, too haha. Enjoy!

Rilakkuma Wonderland Drummer Rilakkuma Plushie!

Spring really came in full force this year – temperatures are already breaching over 90° F over here!

In the meantime, cool down by checking out this super suave drummer (timpanist) Rilakkuma!

Rilakkuma Wonderland - drummer full

Welcome to the band!

Rilakkuma Wonderland - drummer face detail

Smart dango drumsticks!

Rilakkuma Wonderland - drummer hat detail

What a fancy shako, Rilakkuma!

Rilakkuma Wonderland - drummer tail detail

And one of my favorite details: his pink tail!

Rilakkuma Wonderland - drummer tag art

And a beautiful illustration on the tag!

This talented Rilakkuma is just one member of an entire marching band of Rilakkumas from the Rilakkuma Wonderland Series from July 2013. I remember being super baffled by this plushie in particular because I didn’t know what was really going on with his snout? But I’ve really grown to love this design, and his expression while chewing is so adorable!

A few bits and pieces of Rilakkuma news from April:

The famous JR Yamanote Line x Rilakkuma collaboration expanded to include Kiiroitori!

Yamanote Line x Rilakkuma - coin purse

Swell backpack, Yamanote Fan Rilakkuma!

Yamanote Line - Kiiroitori

A Yamanote stationmaster Kiiroitori!

Super cool, and I’ve really loved this line since its debut last summer – but will Korilakkuma get her own outfit one day, too?

And, Rilakkuma gets suited up for soccer (or is it football?) with the Japan National Team!

JFA Soccer x Rilakkuma - ad

Such an athlete, Rilakkuma!

Adorable! I’m not much of a sports fan, but I can appreciate when Rilakkuma takes a break from being lazy (hahaha) and gets his exercise in hehehe.

Hungry for more Rilakkuma? New Rilakkuma collector Ellie has started her own Rilakkuma collection blog – she only started collecting about a month ago, and she already has a great and diverse collection. Be sure to check out her blog!

Rilakkuma Lifestyle - on Instagram

Whatchu thinkin ’bout, Rilakkuma?

Also, Rilakkuma Lifestyle now as an Instagram! Just for simple, silly photos that I snap of my collection when I get a free moment.

I regrettably haven’t updated the Rilakkuma Lifestyle tumblr recently (which was the site that started it all for me! Even before this blog existed) but I’ll make more time for Rilakkuma photoshoots once my first year of medical school finishes up in 2 weeks. I just have to power my way through hematology/oncology – I can’t believe I’m so close to being done with my first year!

2013 Christmas Fansclub Korilakkuma & the Indifferent Snowperson strikes again!

So it’s a little past scarf season here, but this is relevant to current events, I swear!

Introducing: 2013 Christmas Fashion Korilakkuma!

2013 Christmas Fansclub Korilakkuma - full

Welcome to the family!

2013 Christmas Fansclub Korilakkuma - hat detail

A festive party hat for Korilakkuma! And not her first red hat, either.

2013 Christmas Fansclub Korilakkuma - tag art

Tag art! Seems like a huge stocking might be warmer than the scarf she’s got on haha

2013 Christmas Fansclub Korilakkuma - family

A white winter family!

So stylish! This cute Korilakkuma was released by Fansclub for the Christmas season in October 2013!

Gigantic thank you to Trinie again for this beautiful plushie! This lovely Korilakkuma will join the ranks of my slowly growing winter/Christmas collection – I love her!!

Elsewhere, the Indifferent Snowperson (ISP) from the Christmas 2011 Net Shop Exclusive Playset makes another appearance in the Tokyo Skytree 2nd Anniversary Series!

Tokyo Skytree 2nd Anniversary - ad

Peek-a-boo! I see you, ISP!

This cute set is prepared for any type of weather! Korilakkuma’s umbrella is really quite swell, but kind of sad she’s not covered up in a raincoat like the rest of them.

I really love how ISP has made an appearance in this series, just like the Sendai 1st Anniversary series! I don’t really understand why ISP is in this series, but I’m not complaining haha (ETA: reader nicolinamarina notes that with the appearance + the combo with the umbrella and rain ponchos, that ISP might be used here as teru teru bozu! Great catch!)

Each of these plushies is a cool 1,300円, and will be released on May 22 – hey, that’s the day before my final exam!

Also as a sidenote, there are a few Sweet Happy Rilakkuma events going on across the Rilakkuma Stores in Japan too, featuring special editions coasters and photo sessions at select locations!

And finally, inspired by Ariel’s post – I hope everyone is enjoying cherry blossom season, it’s so beautiful! Here are some of my favorite Rilakkuma Lifestyle tumblr photos from last year:

Rilakkuma Lifestyle - Psychadelic Rilakkuma

Happy spring!

Rilakkuma Lifestyle - Cherry Blossoms 1

I have this one in blanket form, too!

We don’t have too many cherry blossom trees down here in Florida, but with the weather being nice again, I’m inspired to do another outdoor Rilakkuma photoshoot too! :D

Stripes Stripes Everyday Rilakkuma Plushie!

Not cold enough for penguins where I am right now, but I finally got my hands on a cute new Penguin Rilakkuma plushie!

Stripes Stripes Everyday - full

Hope you’re enjoying the warm weather, penguin Rilakkuma!

Stripes Stripes Everyday - penguin detail

The penguin face kind of reminds me of the Tamago Series!

Stripes Stripes Everyday Series - tag art

Tag art! Love the little striped booties they’re wearing!

This arctic delight is part of the Stripes Stripes Everyday Series, released in March 2014. His penguin suit is technically fully removable, but seeing as the only opening is the face hole, I wouldn’t recommend it haha.

The stripeless penguin outfit for the Stripes series is still somewhat of a mystery for me haha but I’m not complaining – this is one of my favorite Rilakkuma animal outfits yet!

Elsewhere across the ocean – anyone a fan of MTV? San-X hosted a Secret Room at this year’s MTV Movie Awards!

Guests at the MTV Movie Awards were about to stop by the booth for free stuff and learn about Rilakkuma – WOW! It would be my dream to be in one of those booths! I hope a San-X Rilakkuma event comes to Florida one day! :D

Check out this interview, too!

I want to meet Rilakkuma!

But speaking of Rilakkuma in Florida…

I went to Universal Studios Islands of Adventure in Orlando, and I discovered:

Universal Studios - Rilakkuma Round One Crane

The only Rilakkumas I’ve seen in Florida other than my own!

A Round One Rilakkuma crane game!

It was at the front of the arcade at the Marvel Super Hero Island, and a ton of people were trying to win a bear – it definitely drew a crowd! Someone got really close to winning a Korilakkuma, and I was so happy to see Rilakkuma being so popular :D

Thought it was kind of interesting that the Round One plushies here in the US have tags piercing the ear, but I think that’s been somewhat of a common thing in the licensed Rilakkumas these days.

In other news, spice up your automobile with these Rilakkuma hubcaps from MLJ!

MLJ - Rilakkuma hubcap silver

What a beautiful Rilakkuma hubcap!

MLJ - Rilakkuma hubcap white and valve cap

Hubcaps also come in white, and both colors come with a sneaky-cute Rilakkuma valve cap!

Wish I could get these for my car hehehe – I definitely appreciate how Rilakkuma is expanding to all types of different merchandise now (I wonder what’s next!). These hubcaps cost a pretty penny at 15000 円 and 17000 円 but they certainly look spectacular!

I hope everyone is enjoying their spring!

Aloha Rilakkuma Plushie – Rilakkuma Store Exclusive! + Simon wins the Mira Plush Art Contest!

Super exciting news!! Check out our cute new Rilakkuma Store Exclusive Aloha Rilakkuma plushie!

Aloha Rilakkuma Store Exclusive - full

Aloha, Rilakkuma!

Aloha Rilakkuma Store Exclusive - shade detail

I’d like a pair of shades like that!

Aloha Rilakkuma Store Exclusive - back detail

And his name is embroidered on the back of his shirt!

Aloha Rilakkuma Store Exclusive - tag art

Relaxed Rilakkuma on the tag art!

Aloha Rilakkuma Store Exclusive - family

The newest member of the Aloha Rilakkuma family relaxing in the sun with his pals!

I love how our Aloha Rilakkuma family has been expanding recently! This sunshine-ready bear is the Rilakkuma Store exclusive plushie from the Aloha Rilakkuma series, released in April 2013!

He is particularly special to us because Simon won him in the Spring 2014 Mira Plush Art Contest!

Simon, our resident Rilakkuma portrait artist, submitted the following piece, featuring the Rilakkuma Marine Series:

Simon Ho - Rilakkuma Crossing The Ocean

Rilakkuma Crossing The Ocean
Digital Painting
Rilakkuma Crossing The Ocean is inspired by Washington Crossing the Delaware, an 1851 oil-on-canvas painting by the German-American artist Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze, painted to commemorate General George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River on the night of December 25–26, 1776, during the American Revolutionary War. While Marine Rilakkuma is likely too lazy to be a general in the military like Washington, Rilakkuma Crossing The Ocean represents thoughtful reflection and serenity as Rilakkuma and pals drift across the ocean in their newspaper boat on a lazy afternoon.

Thanks so much for sponsoring this contest and so generously supporting the Rilakkuma art community, Mira Plush! Make sure you check out Mira Plush’s online Rilakkuma store – I’ve purchased from them before, and they’re very fast and reliable! Mira Plush also has a great new WordPress blog full of fun photos, so be sure to support them there, too!

It’s really so fun to share Rilakkuma art with the community! CONGRATULATIONS, Simon!

Mira Plush Drawing Contest - BD bear

Hey, even Rilakkuma likes to draw, too!

For Simon’s next work, he’s considering doing an interpretation on the new Rilakkuma in Space Series to be released in July. We’re constantly thinking of new Rilakkuma scenes and inspiration for Simon to draw – ideas are welcome!

Shaved Ice Rilakkuma Plushie!

Well, it keeps getting warmer and warmer around here, so to chill out a little bit, say hello to Shaved Ice Rilakkuma!

Shaved Ice Rilakkuma - full

Hungry for shaved ice!

Shaved Ice Rilakkuma - spoon detail

Super cute spoon detail!

Shaved Ice Rilakkuma - bowl detail

氷(kōri) means “shaved ice”, and it’s usually served with a light syrup – yum!

Shaved Ice Rilakkuma - tag art

Tag art! Looks like Rilakkuma is looking forward to a huge dessert!

Lovely! Looks like he’s ready for seconds (or thirds) haha.

Fansclub released this plushie in July 2010, but what’s really interesting about this plushie is that he was part of the 7th Anniversary Happy Rainbow series – wow! I’m not sure what all shaved ice has to do with the rainbow series (I always thought they featured more ice cream in that line), but it’s really beautiful and one of my favorite series because of the colors :) The 7th anniversary series has always been on my wishlist, so I’m so glad to have this plushie in my collection!

The shaved ice motif actually reminds me a lot of the Harajuku Rilakkuma Store opening plushie from back in 2012!

Again, this beautiful plushie was courtesy of the ever generous Rilakkuma fan Trinie!! Thank you so much for sharing your love of rare and hard to find Rilakkuma plushies!

Also, I tweeted about this back when it was announced in January, but how BEAUTIFUL does this Ecole Criollo x Rilakkuma collaboration cake look?

Ecole Criollo x Rilakkuma - bar

What a wonderful heart theme!

Ecole Criollo x Rilakkuma - square

Wow, I really can’t believe how immaculately this was cut!

Looks delectable (and fancy)!

So much more to come! Can’t wait to share more Rilakkuma plushies with all of you!

Aloha Rilakkuma Fansclub Plushie!

Is it summer yet? Hahaha it certainly feels like it here in Florida – the weather is really heating up, and I’ve exchanged long pants and jackets for shorts and tank tops!

That makes it a perfect day to introduce Fansclub Aloha Rilakkuma!

Fansclub Aloha Rilakkuma - full

What an adorable hula dancer!

Fansclub Aloha Rilakkuma - lei detail

Check out his flower lei!

Fansclub Aloha Rilakkuma - tag art

Tag art!

Fansclub Aloha Rilakkuma - family

Aloha family photo featuring the Aloha Rilakkuma Caravan plushie and Lawson playset!

Doesn’t he look happy with all of his Aloha Rilakkuma family? So relaxed!

I do love this series a lot because it shows Rilakkuma doing so many activities: grocery shopping, hula dancing, surfing, and even sun tanning!

This adorable hula-dancing Rilakkuma was released by Fansclub in April 2013, during the height of the Aloha Rilakkuma release! He really gets me in the mood for sunny skies and warm weather :)

Thank you so much again and again to Trinie, for sharing this beautiful and relaxing Aloha Rilakkuma with me – he really fits in so well with the all of the other Aloha bears! :D

In other news, there are a few new things in the Rilakkuma world, like the Stripes Stripes Everyday Series Caravan plushie!

Stripes Stripes Everyday Caravan - Korilakkuma

Striped booties and a striped penguin!

Stripes Stripes Everyday Caravan - announcement

Penguin Rilakkuma and Polar Bear Korilakkuma will be at the Caravan holding Penguin Kiiroitori and a striped bear of their own! (I don’t think I’ve seen Korilakkuma wearing shorts before!)

How cute, a Korilakkuma caravan plushie! So nice to see the other members of the Rilakkuma crew getting some attention!

Simon, our resident Rilakkuma artist, really loves the little plush striped bear that appears in this series – I think he wants one just like the one featured in the caravan (bottom left corner), but I don’t think they’re for sale haha. I do like those Rilakkuma proportions for a maybe Craftholic-inspired bear hehehe.

And I’m also happy to share that another iteration of the Enherb x Rilakkuma collaboration was just released for this spring!

Rilakkuma x Enherb 2014 - Spring ad

Herbal tea can be perfect even when it’s sunny and hot out!

Rilakkuma x Enherb 2014 - Spring lineup

What a great selection of springtime flavors!

I love this collaboration! The strawberry rose honey looks really yummy, and I always love the illustrations that are paired with the teas :)

That’s all for now – off to study antibiotics! I hope everyone is enjoying the season!