Tag Archives: rilakkuma plushies

Triple Feature! Ocarina Rilakkuma + Koguma-chan’s Acorn House + Acorn Rilakkuma Plush!

Weekend relaxation mode!

Today’s post features three great bear plush associated with Chairoikoguma (チャイロイコグマ) / Koguma-chan (こぐまちゃん)! “Chairoi” means brown, “koguma” means bear cub, and “chan” is an honorific with an endearing connotation. Both names for the same cute bear! Koguma-chan was introduced to the Rilakkuma crew in March 2013, and has been highlighted in two additional series since then!

First up is Ocarina Rilakkuma, the Caravan exclusive plush from Korilakkuma’s New Friend Series!

リラックマキャラバン限定商品あつめてぬいぐるみ - コリラックマと新しいお友達 - Korilakkuma's New Friend - Caravan Series - Ocarina Rilakkuma plush - full angle instagram

Contemplative ocarina time in the forest!

リラックマキャラバン限定商品あつめてぬいぐるみ - コリラックマと新しいお友達 - Korilakkuma's New Friend - Caravan Series - Ocarina Rilakkuma plush - front full

“Hey! What are you doing in my secret spot?”

リラックマキャラバン限定商品あつめてぬいぐるみ - コリラックマと新しいお友達 - Korilakkuma's New Friend - Caravan Series - Ocarina Rilakkuma plush - bee detail

The cutest bear bee sits on top of his head! I love the bear face, fuzzy pom-pom antennae, and tiny circular wings!

リラックマキャラバン限定商品あつめてぬいぐるみ - コリラックマと新しいお友達 - Korilakkuma's New Friend - Caravan Series - Ocarina Rilakkuma plush - ocarina detail

Rilakkuma plays a beautiful baby blue ocarina. I absolutely love the soft color, submarine shape, and subtle bear emblem!

リラックマキャラバン限定商品あつめてぬいぐるみ - コリラックマと新しいお友達 - Korilakkuma's New Friend - Caravan Series - Ocarina Rilakkuma plush - tag art

Tag art features Rilakkuma relaxing on a tree branch with Kiiroitori taking a peek! And of course, a little bear bee flitting around! I tried to recreate this scene in the first photo hehehe.

Though this plush does not explicitly look like it’s Koguma-chan related, he is the Caravan release for Korilakkuma’s New Friend Series, the series that introduced Koguma-chan back in March 2016! Check out the video for this series:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKa3y0B1yo0

This plush represents my favorite scene from this series, Rilakkuma peacefully playing the ocarina by a tree while Korilakkuma plays with Koguma-chan!

Huge thanks to @rilakkumacrossing for the tip on this bear—I love him so much!

Next up is Koguma-chan’s Acorn House Playset!

てぶくろをとどけに - チャイロイコグマの どんぐりのおうちセット - Kogumachan - Chairoikoguma - Handmade Mittens Series - Acorn House Plush Playset - full

Welcome to Koguma-chan’s acorn home!

てぶくろをとどけに - チャイロイコグマの どんぐりのおうちセット - Kogumachan - Chairoikoguma - Handmade Mittens Series - Acorn House Plush Playset - separate parts

Check out all of the separate parts! The acorn house, Koguma-chan, chair, scarf, bee, and of course, the handmade mittens!

てぶくろをとどけに - チャイロイコグマの どんぐりのおうちセット - Kogumachan - Chairoikoguma - Handmade Mittens Series - Acorn House Plush Playset - bee detail

A smaller scale take on the bear bee! Compared to the one attached to Ocarina Rilakkuma, this one has all the features flattened to one side, and the wings are displayed dorsally instead of laterally.

てぶくろをとどけに - チャイロイコグマの どんぐりのおうちセット - Kogumachan - Chairoikoguma - Handmade Mittens Series - Acorn House Plush Playset - mitten detail

The eponymous handmade mittens! You can actually physically put these on Koguma-chan’s paws, but seemed like a little bit of a hassle.

てぶくろをとどけに - チャイロイコグマの どんぐりのおうちセット - Kogumachan - Chairoikoguma - Handmade Mittens Series - Acorn House Plush Playset - scarf detail

Cute baby pink scarf to keep him warm, just in case his chest hair doesn’t! And at this angle, you can take a peek at Koguma-chan’s signature honey print!

てぶくろをとどけに - チャイロイコグマの どんぐりのおうちセット - Kogumachan - Chairoikoguma - Handmade Mittens Series - Acorn House Plush Playset - outside house detail fish

In addition to a window, Koguma-chan’s home features a cute acorn stem on the side of the roof, and there’s an elastic loop for the doorknob to keep the door closed! And one of my favorite details, a light blue fish on the door, just like the fish he caught with Rilakkuma! And like the ones they eventually eat for dinner, if you follow their story.

てぶくろをとどけに - チャイロイコグマの どんぐりのおうちセット - Kogumachan - Chairoikoguma - Handmade Mittens Series - Acorn House Plush Playset - box insert art

No tag for this playset, but the box shows all the component parts, as well as the source illustration! If you look closely, you can see that the bear bee has his own beehive attached to Koguma-chan’s home!

I absolutely love playsets, and this one is no exception!

One thing that is silly about a lot of these house-themed playsets is that while all the component parts can fit comfortably inside for storage, they really do look super crammed in there for a living space—like all Koguma-chan can do in his own house is sit because there isn’t room for much else haha.

Also, these different Koguma-chan plushes make it hard for me to figure out what Koguma-chan’s body shape really is! This version makes him look a lot skinnier than the illustrations. Furthermore, he looks a lot different from his standard M classic counterpart, who then still looks quite different from his fishing counterpart. What is the truth?

I think Koguma-chan is such a super addition to the Rilakkuma group! I love that he shares his passion for fishing with Rilakkuma!

Speaking of which, here’s Acorn Rilakkuma Plush!

てぶくろをとどけに - あつめてぬいぐるみ - Handmade Mittens Series - Rilakkuma - standard plush - full

Rilakkuma keeping warm in a beautiful acorn poncho!

てぶくろをとどけに - あつめてぬいぐるみ - Handmade Mittens Series - Rilakkuma - standard plush - poncho detail

A beautiful knit poncho with collar, embroidered floral band pattern, delicate fringe trim, and embroidered acorn, cherry, and flower details! My favorite is the wood finish button in the middle, reminds me a lot of an earth-theme Korilakkuma hehehe.

てぶくろをとどけに - あつめてぬいぐるみ - Handmade Mittens Series - Rilakkuma - standard plush - ugg boot detail

Of course, since it was cold when this series came out, Rilakkuma is wearing some stylish ugg boots! Hahahaha doesn’t he look so warm?

てぶくろをとどけに - あつめてぬいぐるみ - Handmade Mittens Series - Rilakkuma - standard plush - acorn hat detail

At the very top, an acorn top hat with leaf detail, a lot like the roof on Koguma-chan’s home!

てぶくろをとどけに - あつめてぬいぐるみ - Handmade Mittens Series - Rilakkuma - standard plush - tag art

Tag art from the series depicting the matching handmade mittens between Korilakkuma and Koguma-chan, but it actually looks like Rilakkuma isn’t wearing the outfit he has on in the plush at all haha! Looks like he’s wearing a scarf instead, what’s the deal! Nice peek of the tiny fabric tag here too, which is a gold “R” with an acorn cap on a pink background.

So fancy and detailed! This sylvan poncho aesthetic is very reminiscent of the Store Exclusive designs from the 2010 Forest Series, don’t you think?

Both Koguma-chan’s Acorn House and this Acorn Rilakkuma are from the Handmade Mittens Series (てぶくろをとどけに), released in October 2016. As the story goes, Korilakkuma gave handmade (paw-made?) mittens as a gift to Koguma-chan, her newest friend. Check out this animation about their story!

I’m not 100% sure what acorns have to do with all of this, but it is a really pleasant motif—it reminds me a lot of the Happy Natural Time Series that paired deer with freshly baked fruit pies.

Big thanks to my Aunt Lulu again for facilitating the immigration of the Koguma-chan Acorn House and Acorn Rilakkuma plush—what a fabulous set!

The three plush featured here join my existing M Koguma-chan and fishing Rilakkuma/Koguma-chan plush for the Koguma-chan themed section of my collection!

Now that we’ve revisited Koguma-chans throughout history, what do you think about this summer’s Koguma-chan series: Korilakkuma Meets Chairokoguma (コリラックマ meets チャイロイコグマ)?

コリラックマ meets チャイロイコグマ - Korilakkuma meets Chairoikoguma - cover

Korilakkuma Loves Koguma-chan so much!

コリラックマ meets チャイロイコグマ - Korilakkuma meets Chairoikoguma - ぬいぐるみ - standard plush design

This series gives Korilakkuma a light pink floral poncho, and gives Koguma-chan a blue and white flower crown!

The aesthetic is so pretty and soft! These designs were released just this past May, and should still be on the shelves at Rilakkuma Stores everywhere!

One of my favorite things about these Kogumachan series is the awesome food designs that pop up, like this one at the Korilakkuma x Hands Cafe collaboration this season:

https://instagram.com/p/BUntqaRhoOs

Roar!!! Big ferocious Koguma-chan burger! So adorable! A meal very fit for a Koguma-chan hehehe.

What do you think about this newer Koguma-chan series? Has Koguma-chan integrated himself well into Rilakkuma’s world?

Kichijoji 6th Anniversary Series Archery Rilakkuma Plush! + Deep Sea 2017 collaboration!

We were blasted with a summer sun last week, but now it’s been rainy and gloomy everyday! What happened? I guess now it’s just nap weather, which is fine by me hehehe.

Introducing the last of the recent sports Rilakkuma additions: Archery Rilakkuma plush from the Kichijoji 6th Anniversary Series!

リラックマストア吉祥寺店6周年記念 - 弓道 - あつめてアニバーサリーぬいぐるみ - full

Archer Rilakkuma, ready for action!

リラックマストア吉祥寺店6周年記念 - 弓道 - あつめてアニバーサリーぬいぐるみ - arrow detail

Rilakkuma draws a colorful dango arrow! And one of my favorite details of this plush: all kyūdō archers traditionally hold the bow with their left hand, and draw with their right hand, and Rilakkuma maintains this technique, albeit with paws.

リラックマストア吉祥寺店6周年記念 - 弓道 - あつめてアニバーサリーぬいぐるみ - back detail

A lovely yellow bear on the back of the uniform, a motif consistent with the other bears of this series.

リラックマストア吉祥寺店6周年記念 - 弓道 - あつめてアニバーサリーぬいぐるみ - tag art

Tag art features a wonderful yellow and white target, with a bear symbol at the center.

リラックマストア吉祥寺店6周年記念 - 弓道 - あつめてアニバーサリーぬいぐるみ - sports team full

Bear Country athletes from 2016! Who will be next?

Right on target! This dango archer was released as part of the Kichijoji Rilakkuma Store’s 6th anniversary celebration, held in October 2016.

Kyūdō (弓道) is the Japanese martial art of archery that began in Japan long before recorded history. Rilakkuma is depicted here wearing a standard kyūdō uniform, proudly representing his nation’s athleticism and culture. I love how the sports theme for this anniversary cycle incorporates a wide range of sports from Japanese history from traditional to modern!

As this is not Rilakkuma first time as an archer, I love the contrast between this traditional kyūdō design and the elegant Sagittarius design from the 2013 Zodiac Series! I appreciate that these concepts are so distinct in both general feel and details, and it is great having two talented Rilakkuma archers here!

Major gratitude to my Aunt Lulu for adding this precision Rilakkuma to my collection—thank you!

Over in Rilakkuma-land, an awesome collaboration coming up: Deep Sea 2017 x Rilakkuma!

This summer, Rilakkuma is teaming up with the National Museum of Science in Tokyo for their special exhibition on deep sea life called Deep Sea 2017 (深海2017) which opens July 11!

深海2017 - リラックマコラボグッズ - Rilakkuma x Deep Sea 2017 - cover

Rilakkuma snuggles a giant squid! Kiiroitoi rides a suspiciously adorable anglerfish! And Korilakkuma… is riding a jellyfish? Any insight on what animal that is would be appreciated haha.

Wow, what an incredible collaboration! I adore the playful artwork and concept! I hope they make a Rilakkuma and giant squid plush hehehe.

The first live giant squid was photographed back in 2013, and in the 4 years since then, the world’s been fascinated with the mysteries of giant squid and its friends of the deep sea. This exhibition sounds like an absolute delight, and I love that Rilakkuma is part of it!

I absolutely love deep sea creatures! Have you seen Planet Earth? There is really some beautiful footage of deep sea life on their “Oceans Deep” episode!

Ever wanted to try Rilakkuma shaved ice? You can this summer in Japan!

リラックマたちのかき氷が - リラックマコラボカフェ - Rilakkuma shaved ice

Rilakkuma is coffee/milk shaved ice and vanilla ice cream, and Korilakkuma is milk shaved ice with mango ice cream! Love how Korilakkuma’s button is even peeking out!

Two of the current Rilakkuma collaboration cafes, auréole d’ange and Cafe Coconoha, will be introducing beautiful Rilakkuma and Korilakkuma shaved ice desserts starting June 20. Don’t they look tasty and refreshing for the summer?

The Rilakkuma collaboration cafes this season (auréole d’ange x Rilakkuma, Coconoha x Rilakkuma, and Korilakkuma x Hands Cafe) have truly beautiful, wildly intricate, and stunningly detailed designs. I am always blown away by how these collaboration cafes seem to outdo themselves in design complexity each year!

My sister will be going to Japan next week, and hopefully will be able to share some photos and comments about her Rilakkuma adventures across Japan in a guest post series! Stay tuned!

What Rilakkuma food would you most like to see?

I’ve seen these cafes accomplish beautiful burgers and dainty waffles, but I’d really love to see a Rilakkuma ramen shop! Maybe with a ton of bear-shaped carrots and seaweed and Rilakkuma-molded tofu blocks, like the Nabe Rilakkuma plush playset. What about you?

Lalaport EXPOCITY 1st Anniversary Soccer Rilakkuma Plush! + AIRASHI CO Space Rilakkuma Plush Giveaway + Kiiroitori Diary!

Finally representing a sport that can be played in the summer for the next Rilakkuma athlete: Soccer Rilakkuma Plush from the EXPOCITY 1st Anniversary Series!

リラックマストア・プラス ららぽーとEXPOCITY店1周年 - サッカー - あつめてアニバーサリーぬいぐるみ - リラックマ ぬいぐるみ - Lalaport Expocity Rilakkuma Store 1st Anniversary - Soccer - full

Rilakkuma is the goalie! I love his two-tone powder blue and yellow goalie gloves!

リラックマストア・プラス ららぽーとEXPOCITY店1周年 - サッカー - あつめてアニバーサリーぬいぐるみ - リラックマ ぬいぐるみ - Lalaport Expocity Rilakkuma Store 1st Anniversary - Soccer - ball and goal detail

This Rilakkuma is just in the midst of catching the ball! And lovely ear detail on the soccer goal that makes the whole frame look like a bear! The plush is attached to the goal frame at three points (2 on the head and 1 at the feet).

リラックマストア・プラス ららぽーとEXPOCITY店1周年 - サッカー - あつめてアニバーサリーぬいぐるみ - リラックマ ぬいぐるみ - Lalaport Expocity Rilakkuma Store 1st Anniversary - Soccer - jersey detail

Sporty soccer jersey with light/dark blue vertical stripes, with a small yellow bear emblem and “Rilakkuma” proudly displayed front and center.

リラックマストア・プラス ららぽーとEXPOCITY店1周年 - サッカー - あつめてアニバーサリーぬいぐるみ - リラックマ ぬいぐるみ - Lalaport Expocity Rilakkuma Store 1st Anniversary - Soccer - shoe detail

Amazing attention to detail with a small yellow bear symbol on the lateral side of both his soccer cleats. I really appreciate this because this side of his shoes face down and is unseen when he is upright, but the detail was included anyway for thoroughness—incredible! And a great view of the fabric tag featuring a blue and gold “1st” to represent the EXPOCITY Rilakkuma Store’s 1st anniversary.

リラックマストア・プラス ららぽーとEXPOCITY店1周年 - サッカー - あつめてアニバーサリーぬいぐるみ - リラックマ ぬいぐるみ - Lalaport Expocity Rilakkuma Store 1st Anniversary - Soccer - tag art

Tag art features a powder blue soccer ball pattern, except one of the pentagons is replaced with a bear shape in the middle. Wish they did that for the plush soccer ball Rilakkuma is holding, too!

This active bear was part of the Lalaport EXPOCITY 1st anniversary celebration held in November 2016!

In 1970, Japan hosted Asia’s first World Expo in Suita, Osaka, and in 2015, the expo grounds were renovated into the complex now known as EXPOCITY! There’s a huge soccer stadium in Suita near EXPOCITY, so this soccer bear is a perfect fit!

Gigantic thanks to my Aunt Lulu for helping me acquire this athletic Rilakkuma star! Wow, the sports leagues in Bear Country are really shaping up!

Hey US Rilakkuma fans! Interested in winning a Space Series Store Exclusive Rilakkuma plush? AIRASHI CO, a Japanese character goods store based out of Virginia that just opened in May, is hosting a giveaway this month!

There are 3 ways you can enter, see the AIRASHI Instagram post below:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BU53WOLBfsp

Giveaway closes on June 30 at 9PM EST, so be sure to enter before then!

Also, AIRASHI CO has a great selection of Rilakkuma plush for sale! And I love the Rilakkuma photography on their website :)

This plush is from one of my favorite series of all time, the Space Series from Summer 2014! I have so many Rilakkuma plush from that season, including the standard release, store exclusive, Kiddyland exclusives, and JAXA collaboration (both versions!). Suffice to say, we have a very developed Rilakkuma space program hahaha.

Personally, I won’t be entering this giveaway since I already have my own Store Exclusive Space Series Rilakkuma plush, but wanted to spread the love for one very detailed Rilakkuma plush for those looking! Good luck to everyone entering!

In other news, the summer Rilakkuma series has been announced: say hello to the Kiiroitori Diary Series!

リラックマ キイロイトリ ダイアリ― - Rilakkuma Kiiroitori Diary Series - cover

Let’s take a peek into Kiiroitori’s life!

リラックマ キイロイトリ ダイアリ― - ぬいぐるみ - スーパーもーちもち大福クッション - Rilakkuma Kiiroitori Diary Series - plush designs

An amazingly diverse set of plush designs all based around Kiiroitori! From the top down, looks like we’ve got Kiiroitori as a vacuum, Kiiroitori trying on a wig, Kiiroitori eating a biscuit that says “Kiiroitori Diary”, Rilakkuma and friends (including Kiiroitori) wearing Kiiroitori costumes, and finally giant squishy Rilakkuma and Kiiroitori mochi cushions!

This Kiiroitori-centric series will be released in July 2017, and features some truly hilarious plush designs! That jumbo mochi cushion shape is a lot like what my Pooh Tsum Tsum looks like now that he’s several years old hahaha.

The summer Rilakkuma series are generally my favorites! They are usually highly conceptual, complex, detailed, and meaningful. This is just a sneak peek, and I can’t wait to see what the various exclusive designs will look like! Will keep you updated with new plush designs as they get released!

What are your first impressions of this year’s summer series: Kiiroitori Diary? Are you a Kiiroitori fan?

Sendai 4th Anniversary Hockey Rilakkuma Plush!

Though we finally broke a long dry spell with our first rain here in St. Augustine this week, it is getting hotter and hotter here!

Still dreaming of cooler temperatures with this cute new Hockey Rilakkuma Plush from the Sendai 4th Anniversary Series!

リラックマストア仙台店4周年記念 - あつめてアニバーサリーぬいぐるみ - 氷上のウィンタースポーツ - Sendai Rilakkuma Store 4th Anniversary Plush - full

Hockey Rilakkuma, ready for action!

リラックマストア仙台店4周年記念 - あつめてアニバーサリーぬいぐるみ - 氷上のウィンタースポーツ - Sendai Rilakkuma Store 4th Anniversary Plush - helmet detail

His white helmet features a yellow Rilakkuma emblem, and soft grey cage to protect his face!

リラックマストア仙台店4周年記念 - あつめてアニバーサリーぬいぐるみ - 氷上のウィンタースポーツ - Sendai Rilakkuma Store 4th Anniversary Plush - helmet cage flip

The cage also conveniently flips up when you want to see his handsome face!

リラックマストア仙台店4周年記念 - あつめてアニバーサリーぬいぐるみ - 氷上のウィンタースポーツ - Sendai Rilakkuma Store 4th Anniversary Plush - hockey puck detail

One of my favorite details: an adorable bright yellow, bear-shaped hockey puck attached by string to the end of his hockey stick!

リラックマストア仙台店4周年記念 - あつめてアニバーサリーぬいぐるみ - 氷上のウィンタースポーツ - Sendai Rilakkuma Store 4th Anniversary Plush - hockey stick and jersey detail

On the other end of his hock stick, a nice bear detail. His white and blue jersey features a blue bear emblem with “Rilakkuma” in the front and center, with three grey stars on each sleeve.

リラックマストア仙台店4周年記念 - あつめてアニバーサリーぬいぐるみ - 氷上のウィンタースポーツ - Sendai Rilakkuma Store 4th Anniversary Plush - skate detail

Charming plush ice skates for Rilakkuma, featuring felt blades and a yellow Rilakkuma design on the lateral sides!

リラックマストア仙台店4周年記念 - あつめてアニバーサリーぬいぐるみ - 氷上のウィンタースポーツ - Sendai Rilakkuma Store 4th Anniversary Plush - tag art

Tag art featuring Rilakkuma’s snazzy skates! Also with a peek at the gilded fabric tag with the big “4” representing the Sendai Rilakkuma Store’s 4th anniversary.

Continuing the sports anniversary trend for this cycle, Sendai celebrated their 4th anniversary in November 2016 with this athletic hockey Rilakkuma!

Did you know that ice hockey is one of the oldest professional sports in Japan? And ice hockey is a popular sport in Sendai, making it a very appropriate choice to celebrate the Sendai Rilakkuma Store’s 4th birthday!

I love the way this plush is constructed, from the flip-up cage down to his plush skates—absolutely adorable! I’ve never played hockey, but this Rilakkuma certainly makes me want to! Or at least just skate around a little bit indoors while the sun slowly roasts Florida.

Enormous thanks to my Aunt Lulu for helping me get this sporty Rilakkuma! I hope he still has the chance to play hockey here in sunny Florida haha.

Do people still do #FollowFriday / #FF? I’m notoriously really spotty with my Instagram/social media usage, but these are a few photos I’ve saved that I’ve been really inspired by!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUEKJ0-BT-V/

So beautiful! I really enjoy seeing everyone’s unique Rilakkuma aesthetics as I scroll through the #rilakkuma and #リラックマ tags, and these photos always get me motivated to capture more Rilakkuma photos!

Be sure to check out the Rilakkuma Lifestyle Instagram for fun snapshots of my Rilakkuma plush ;)

Personally, I love shooting concepts of Rilakkuma with objects like what he is wearing, like this Burger Rilakkuma with a burger which I took back in 2015 hehehe.

Of course, I always have so much fun bringing Rilakkuma out with me to do errands, and I always bring Rilakkuma with me when I travel!

Do you bring your Rilakkuma plush out in public? If so, where do you like to bring them?

Rilakkuma Lifestyle in LA and Vegas!

Hello, and I hope everyone had a relaxing Memorial Day!

Check out these photos from our trip to Los Angeles and Las Vegas!

Our first stop was LA! This was my first time in LA, and we had a lot of fun! This trip was short and sweet to see family I haven’t seen in years (and meet some cousins I’d never met before!!!!), but I really wish I could have stayed for longer!

Rilakkuma Lifestyle in Los Angeles LA and Las Vegas - Hollywood - BD Bear + Kuma-san

Rilakkumas in Hollywood, ready for their close up!

Rilakkuma Lifestyle in Los Angeles LA and Las Vegas - Hollywood - Koguma-chan

Koguma-chan joined in on the fun, too! Silver screen ready!

Rilakkuma Lifestyle in Los Angeles LA and Las Vegas - Urban Light

Rilakkumas at Urban Light! This installation in front of the LA County Museum of Art features 202 restored street lamps from the 1920’s and 30’s!

Unfortunately, didn’t get to check out any of the stores that stock Rilakkuma in LA because this was a short trip just to spend time with family, but next time I have the chance to go and more time, I will definitely make it a Rilakkuma-themed vacation!

It would be great to have an LA Rilakkuma fan meet-up as Melanie suggested in a previous post! I hear there’s even a Rilakkuma cafe there, too! When will Florida get more Rilakkuma??

After LA, we headed off to Las Vegas, my first time there, too!

Rilakkuma Lifestyle in Los Angeles LA and Las Vegas - the Venetian

Beautiful view at the Venetian! Such amazing art everywhere, felt like I was really in Venice hehehe.

Rilakkuma Lifestyle in Los Angeles LA and Las Vegas - Forum Shops Caesars Palace

Peeking through a Roman face at the Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace! This is actually a chair on the other side :O

Rilakkuma Lifestyle in Los Angeles LA and Las Vegas - Bellagio - Conservatory and Botanical Gardens - Japanese Spring - butterfly

Relaxing at the stunning Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens! The current theme is Japanese Spring, making Rilakkuma feel right at home with these breathtaking floral displays!

Rilakkuma Lifestyle in Los Angeles LA and Las Vegas - Bellagio - Conservatory and Botanical Gardens - Japanese Spring - crane

Whoa there, Mr. Crane! (Don’t worry, the crane is made of flowers and no Rilakkumas were harmed in the making of this photograph!)

Spent most of our days eating all over the Strip, at places such as Bacchanal, Wicked Spoon, Bouchon, Gordon Ramsay Burger, China Poblano, and even the Taco Bell Cantina (the flagship Taco Bell with extended menu). No gambling for these bears!

This was such a unique experience, and I’m really fortunate that I had the chance to visit with my family. Hopefully, see you again soon, LA and Vegas ;)

What would your ideal Rilakkuma vacation look like? I’d want to eat at all the Rilakkuma cafes, there are so many open in Japan right now!

Sapporo 5th Anniversary Rilakkuma Plush!

Dreaming of snow and winter as summer gets closer?

Cool down by hanging out with one of my newest additions: Bobsled Rilakkuma Plush from the Sapporo 5th Anniversary Series!

Sapporo Rilakkuma Store 5th Anniversary Series - Bobsled Rilakkuma - リラックマストア札幌店5周年記念 - ボブスレー - あつめてアニバーサリーぬいぐるみ リラックマ - full

I call him “Bob”.

Sapporo Rilakkuma Store 5th Anniversary Series - Bobsled Rilakkuma - リラックマストア札幌店5周年記念 - ボブスレー - あつめてアニバーサリーぬいぐるみ リラックマ - helmet detail

Protective helmet to keep him safe and warm, with bear emblem in the front and center.

Sapporo Rilakkuma Store 5th Anniversary Series - Bobsled Rilakkuma - リラックマストア札幌店5周年記念 - ボブスレー - あつめてアニバーサリーぬいぐるみ リラックマ - front bobsled detail

The bobsled itself has a bear profile, with subtle red “ears” attached to the sides, with a large yellow bear design in the front.

Sapporo Rilakkuma Store 5th Anniversary Series - Bobsled Rilakkuma - リラックマストア札幌店5周年記念 - ボブスレー - あつめてアニバーサリーぬいぐるみ リラックマ - side view

Profile shows two white racing stripes and a sporty yellow Rilakkuma title. I love the little bear for the dot on the “i”!

Sapporo Rilakkuma Store 5th Anniversary Series - Bobsled Rilakkuma - リラックマストア札幌店5周年記念 - ボブスレー - あつめてアニバーサリーぬいぐるみ リラックマ - removable bobsled

This Rilakkuma is completely removable from his bobsled (no strings attached!) so other bears can have some winter fun, too!

Sapporo Rilakkuma Store 5th Anniversary Series - Bobsled Rilakkuma - リラックマストア札幌店5周年記念 - ボブスレー - あつめてアニバーサリーぬいぐるみ リラックマ - tag art

I think the tag art is uniquely beautiful, with a pretty snowflake design with little bears at the spikes. Nice peek of the fabric tag with gold foil embroidery describing the anniversary location and year, a motif of all anniversary designs from this cycle (compare to the satin ribbons from last cycle).

This sporty bobsled Rilakkuma was released as part of the Sapporo Rilakkuma Store’s 5th Anniversary celebration held November 2016!

This is the first Rilakkuma plush to ring in the current cycle of sports-themed anniversary bears! Last cycle was the Rilakkuma World Tour, featuring Rilakkuma and friends traveling across the world. This cycle, the designs all represent important sports in Japan! Also, I’m glad they brought back the full-sized bears for this cycle—just as I was starting to get used to the mini-bears from the past two haha.

This Rilakkuma design is especially meaningful because the country of Japan made their official bobsled/bobsleigh debut at the 1972 Winter Olympics, with the bobsled event being held in Sapporo! Furthermore, according to the announcement for this anniversary event on the Rilakkuma blog, this design is supposed to represent all winter sports, including bobsledding, skiing, and snowboarding. I love how thoughtful these Rilakkuma designs at representing significant slices of Japanese culture and history!

Big thanks to my Aunt Lulu for chaperoning him all the way here from the Philippines! We are so grateful for his immigration!

So happy that Bear Country is branching out to athletics! I’m also excited to have even more sports bears from this cycle to share with you!

In more relatable Rilakkuma news, this new design featuring sleeping Rilakkuma saying “Please don’t wake me up, I want to sleep more…” will be popping up in June!

Please Don't Wake Me Up, I Want To Sleep More - Rilakkuma - June 2017 - リラックマ

Haven’t we all been there?

Please Don't Wake Me Up, I Want To Sleep More - Rilakkuma - June 2017 - リラックマ - tote bag pass case

Tote bag: 2,480円. Passcase: 1,600円.

This line will be released in Rilakkuma Stores across Japan on June 3, and includes bags, passcases, pouches, and even a commemorative fork!

Such a big difference in attitude compared the sporty bears from the Anniversary line, huh? I think even Rilakkuma athletes want to sleep in some days.

What kind of sports do you want to see Rilakkuma play? Or are you more of a ~sleeping in~ Rilakkuma type?

 

Rilakkuma Factory #2 & Korilakkuma’s Strawberry Flower Plush!

Happy (belated) Mothers’ Day!

Catching up on my backlog, and sharing one very charming set that I think is very appropriate for Mothers’ Day: Rilakkuma Factory #2 and Korilakkuma’s Strawberry Flower Plush!

Rilakkuma Factory 2015 - リラックマファクトリー - Korilakkuma Strawberry Flower - コリラックマのストロベリーフラワー - リラックマ ぬいぐるみ - together

This time, Korilakkuma is larger than Rilakkuma!

Though not obviously thematically aligned, this sweet pair was released on the same day in September 2015.

At first, I felt that pairing them together created a narrative that Rilakkuma is toiling at the office/factory while Korilakkuma gets to enjoy her strawberry garden haha, but delving further, I think these two are paired perfectly together to paint two contrasting outlooks on adulthood.

This 2015 Rilakkuma Factory line is the second iteration of the popular Rilakkuma Factory series aimed towards office workers released a year prior in 2014. The theme for this Rilakkuma’s series was American Vintage—does this series remind you of the American vintage aesthetic?

Rilakkuma Factory 2015 - リラックマファクトリー - Korilakkuma Strawberry Flower - コリラックマのストロベリーフラワー - リラックマ ぬいぐるみ - factory full

Since he’s the second edition of Rilakkuma Factory, I call him “Fac-two-ry”.

Rilakkuma Factory 2015 - リラックマファクトリー - Korilakkuma Strawberry Flower - コリラックマのストロベリーフラワー - リラックマ ぬいぐるみ - bowtie detail

Looking dapper in his monogrammed corduroy bowtie! And look at how fluffy his fur is!

Rilakkuma Factory 2015 - リラックマファクトリー - Korilakkuma Strawberry Flower - コリラックマのストロベリーフラワー - リラックマ ぬいぐるみ - tag art rilakkuma

Per Rilakkuma Factory tradition, tag art instructions on how to use this Rilakkuma plush paperweight. It’s no joke, he really is a formidable paperweight!

As the Rilakkuma Factory series tagline boasts, “Let’s enjoy your life with Rilakkuma!”, this Rilakkuma promotes work as fun and playful! The design is described as function in simplicity, a good reflection of the ideal employee and outlook on work as pleasure. And even in his cute plush form, this Rilakkuma is still very functional as a paperweight.

Then, this Strawberry Flower Korilakkuma series riffs on the ~responsible adult~ theme of Rilakkuma Factory by stating boldly, “I like cute things even when I grow up (大人になってもかわいいものが好き)” on the series page, which gives a contrasting flowery and fun approach to the responsibilities of adulthood. Very fitting for Korilakkuma, who probably loves bright pinks and flowers at any age! No alternative function here, just a beautiful Korilakkuma plush to look and play with.

Rilakkuma Factory 2015 - リラックマファクトリー - Korilakkuma Strawberry Flower - コリラックマのストロベリーフラワー - リラックマ ぬいぐるみ - korilakkuma full

This Strawberry Flower Korilakkuma stands tall next to Rilakkuma Factory, but she’s still standard size for a collectible Korilakkuma plush (about 21 cm).

Rilakkuma Factory 2015 - リラックマファクトリー - Korilakkuma Strawberry Flower - コリラックマのストロベリーフラワー - リラックマ ぬいぐるみ - pattern bear detail

Korilakkuma holds a plush bear with a pink floral pattern, very reminiscent of the small striped bear from the Kobe Rilakkuma Store Opening Plush Set (Stripes Stripes Everyday Series).

Rilakkuma Factory 2015 - リラックマファクトリー - Korilakkuma Strawberry Flower - コリラックマのストロベリーフラワー - リラックマ ぬいぐるみ - flower detail

A lovely deep fuchsia flower detail on her ear!

Rilakkuma Factory 2015 - リラックマファクトリー - Korilakkuma Strawberry Flower - コリラックマのストロベリーフラワー - リラックマ ぬいぐるみ - stole detail

And a fluffy stole in a strawberry flower pattern (like the smaller bear) with a delicate pink satin bow detail—very fancy!

Rilakkuma Factory 2015 - リラックマファクトリー - Korilakkuma Strawberry Flower - コリラックマのストロベリーフラワー - リラックマ ぬいぐるみ - tag art korilakkuma

Tag art featuring Korilakkuma frolicking among the strawberry field, no work to be done around here!

Overall, a very complementary matching set that is quite appropriate for adult Rilakkuma fans—bravo, San-X! What did you think of this unique pairing?

Photos from Seoul, coming soon!

Did you do anything special for Mothers’ Day?

Rilakkuma Lifestyle relaxes in Hawaii!

Hello, I hope everyone is staying cool during this hot, hot summer!

I will be graduating from medical school this Friday (finally!), and I just got back from an amazing vacation since classes have concluded! I will be sharing my Rilakkuma photos with you over the next several days.

First stop was Honolulu, Hawaii!

This was our first time in Hawaii, so of course we had to bring Shady (Aloha Rilakkuma Store Exclusive Plush) to make his first pilgrimage to Hawaii!

Rilakkuma Lifestyle in Hawaii - Waikiki Beach

First stop: Waikiki Beach! We were super lucky to find a nice secluded area without many other people—what a great opportunity for these bears to relax!

Rilakkuma Lifestyle in Hawaii - Waikiki Aquarium

To cool down, we visited the Waikiki Aquarium! Lots of amazing marine life, and Rilakkuma got to meet some cute jellyfish!

Rilakkuma Lifestyle in Hawaii - Diamond Head Trail

Hiked to the top of Diamond Head Summit Trail! Beautiful weather, scenic hike, and spectacular view of Honolulu at the summit!

Rilakkuma Lifestyle in Hawaii - Dole Pineapple Plantation Experience

Rilakkuma got to meet some interesting-looking pineapple species over at the Dole Pineapple Plantation! Have you ever seen a pineapple like this?

Rilakkuma Lifestyle in Hawaii - Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail

Another breathtaking hike on the Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail! A peaceful view of the southeast corner of Oahu.

Rilakkuma Lifestyle in Hawaii - Hakubundo

Of course, had to visit Hakubundo to check out their Rilakkuma goods! The Ward Center location had only a few Rilakkuma products (some coloring books), while the Ward Warehouse location stocked lots of Rilakkuma plush and stationary! Ended up picking up a Korilakkuma Strawberry folder and a Rilakkuma Bakery notebook.

Rilakkuma Lifestyle in Hawaii - Koko Crater Trail

Our last hike at Koko Crater Summit was definitely the most difficult! We climbed a strenuous 1,048 stairs for this 360° view!

Rilakkuma Lifestyle in Hawaii - Ono Seafood - Poke

One of the biggest highlights of our trip was the food! We ate poke everyday, and probably could’ve kept eating it everyday without getting tired of it haha. Could’ve made this entire photo album about our poke marathon alone, but here are just a few select highlights: this photo was taken at one of our favorite spots, Ono Seafood!

Rilakkuma Lifestyle in Hawaii - Paina Cafe - Poke

Rilakkuma visited the purported home of the original poke bowl: Paina Cafe!

Rilakkuma Lifestyle in Hawaii - Maguro Brothers - Poke

The fresh fish was excellent! Poke close-up from another one of our favorites, from Maguro Brothers!

Rilakkuma Lifestyle in Hawaii - Marukame Udon

Finally, a hearty bowl of well-deserved udon from Marukame Udon for this hiked-out Rilakkuma!

We had an incredible time in Honolulu!

The Aloha Rilakkuma Series from 2013 is one of my favorite lines, and looking back, I think the Rilakkuma designs were very representative of our experience in Hawaii!

I’m not much of traveler, but this trip really made me want to travel more often! I hope I get the chance to visit the other Hawaiian islands in the future!

Next set will be photos from Seoul, South Korea!

What are your favorite vacation destinations? Anywhere you would recommend for Rilakkuma to visit next?

Maybe I can take Baguette Bear (Bonjour Series Caravan Plush) to Paris one day hehehe. Stay cool out there!

American West Rilakkuma Plushes! + Independence Day weekend issue!

Howdy! Time to introduce the American West Rilakkuma team!

Kichijoji 5th Anniversary - American West - リラックマ茶屋 ぬいぐるみ - 吉祥寺店５周年記念 アニバーサリーぬいぐるみ - アメリカ西部 - 世界のリラックマ - full

Welcome to the wild wild (Rilakkuma) west!

Kichijoji 5th Anniversary - American West - リラックマ茶屋 ぬいぐるみ - 吉祥寺店５周年記念 アニバーサリーぬいぐるみ - アメリカ西部 - 世界のリラックマ - Rilakkuma holster and dango detail

Great details on Rilakkuma: dango in hand and in holster, with a shiny gold star and bear belt buckle detail. Rilakkuma also has a bright red bandana around his neck.

Kichijoji 5th Anniversary - American West - リラックマ茶屋 ぬいぐるみ - 吉祥寺店５周年記念 アニバーサリーぬいぐるみ - アメリカ西部 - 世界のリラックマ - Korilakkuma snake detail

Sharp shootin’ Korilakkuma wrangled a snake! She also sports a pink bandana.

Kichijoji 5th Anniversary - American West - リラックマ茶屋 ぬいぐるみ - 吉祥寺店５周年記念 アニバーサリーぬいぐるみ - アメリカ西部 - 世界のリラックマ - Kiiroitori lasso detail

Kiiroitori has a leather lasso that he holds on his left and throws with his right! His bandana is turquoise blue.

Kichijoji 5th Anniversary - American West - リラックマ茶屋 ぬいぐるみ - 吉祥寺店５周年記念 アニバーサリーぬいぐるみ - アメリカ西部 - 世界のリラックマ - hat detail

Each plush has a hat with a gold bear motif around a brown belt.

Kichijoji 5th Anniversary - American West - リラックマ茶屋 ぬいぐるみ - 吉祥寺店５周年記念 アニバーサリーぬいぐるみ - アメリカ西部 - 世界のリラックマ - back cactus motif detail

And of course, their design motif is hiding around here somewhere: it’s a cactus on their tails!

Kichijoji 5th Anniversary - American West - リラックマ茶屋 ぬいぐるみ - 吉祥寺店５周年記念 アニバーサリーぬいぐるみ - アメリカ西部 - 世界のリラックマ - tag art

Tag art: the cactus motif continues on their tags, where each cactus is outlined with a different color representing each different character: yellow for Rilakkuma, pink for Korilakkuma, and blue for Kiiroitori.

Kichijoji 5th Anniversary - American West - リラックマ茶屋 ぬいぐるみ - 吉祥寺店５周年記念 アニバーサリーぬいぐるみ - アメリカ西部 - 世界のリラックマ - meeting NYC Rilakkuma

They had to meet their fellow American Rilakkuma from NYC!

These patriotic mini-plushes were released in October 2015 as part of the Kichijoji Rilakkuma Store’s 5th Anniversary celebration, but I thought it was appropriate to write about for this weekend as the United States celebrates its Independence Day on July 4!

Like always, I enjoy the wonderful details such as Rilakkuma’s dango holster, and the cactus, bear and star motifs – really an excellent and cohesive set!

Gosh, TONS of things going on in the Rilakkuma-verse recently!

This weekend is the Anime Expo, and the Rilakkuma booth is presenting in full cuteness! JapanLA Clothing will be debuting their new Rilakkuma clothing line, and it’s alphabet themed!

Anime Expo 2016 - Rilakkuma booth

Check out the Rilakkuma booth at #4405, and follow the official Rilakkuma US instagram for more Anime Expo photos throughout the weekend!

Anime Expos 2016 - JapanLA Alphabet line

Sneak peek of the new Rilakkuma print and clothing line from JapanLA! Check out more of their items, including the white version, over at JapanLA’s Facebook page!

I really want one of the black tank tops! This line will be premiering at the Rilakkuma booth (#4405) at the Anime Expo starting today, and will be available online at JapanLA.com after the show!

Anyone going to be there this weekend? I’ve always wanted to go, but it’s just so far away! Can’t wait for when they expand out here and hold events in the southeastern United States one day!

Now for Rilakkuma news across the Pacific: the Teahouse (茶屋) Series is coming out this month!

Teahouse Series - リラックマ茶屋 ぬいぐるみ - standard

They’ve been transformed into yummy, fluffy dango! Standard plushes: 2200円 each. Hanging plush: 650円 each.

Teahouse Series - リラックマ茶屋 ぬいぐるみ - リラックマ茶屋のリラックマストア＆キデイランド限定商品 - Rilakkuma Store and Kiddyland exclusive

Rilakkuma Store and Kiddyland exclusive! 2200円 each.

Teahouse Series - リラックマ茶屋 ぬいぐるみ - リラックマ茶屋のリラックマストア＆キデイランド限定商品 - Rilakkuma teahouse

And Rilakkuma gets his very own teahouse set too! 4500円.

Teahouse Series - リラックマ茶屋 ぬいぐるみ - リラックマ茶屋×だがし屋すみっコ　コラボ限定商品 - Sumikko Gurashi Shirokuma collaboration

Wow, it’s a collaboration plush set with Shirokuma from Sumikko Gurashi! 3500円.

Teahouse Series - リラックマ茶屋 ぬいぐるみ - リラックマキャラバン限定商品　あつめてぬいぐるみ - Caravan exclusive

Caravan exclusive design features Rilakkuma eating some dango – does he have a toothache? 1700円.

Teahouse Series - リラックマ茶屋 ぬいぐるみ - リラックマストア限定 - Store Exclusive

The Rilakkuma Store Exclusive designs have Rilakkuma and friends in gowns with dango details! 2200円 each.

Teahouse Series - リラックマ茶屋 ぬいぐるみ - リラックマストア限定 - bento box playset

A tidy bento box playset with the whole team! 5000円.

In Japanese tradition, these teahouses (茶屋) are free-standing structures built exclusively for tea ceremonies. They have a deep architectural history stemming from the start of the Edo period, and there are many famous teahouses across Japan. I think this a great part of Japanese history and culture, and I love that it is incorporated into this summer’s Rilakkuma designs!

Lots of great items! I will be trying my hand at getting the bento box, to match my Oden and Osechi set! I like the dango-shaped Rilakkuma plush, too. What about you? Anything catching your eye?

Next up in Rilakkuma’s World Tour is Mexico and Hawaii for Kamiotai’s 1st and Harajuku’s 4th anniversary, respectively!

Harajuku 4th Anniversary - 原宿店4周年記念 - cover

Beautiful beach bums enjoying the Hawaiian sun this summer with the local fauna! 1580円 each.

The Harajuku Rilakkuma Store’s 4th Anniversary celebration starts tomorrow, July 2! The Hawaiian imagery they use is always very beautiful, but Rilakkuma and friends have visited Hawaii before in their Aloha Rilakkuma Series back in 2013 – I suppose it was a good enough vacation back then that they revisited again this year haha.

Kamiotai 1st Anniversary - 上小田井店1周年記念 - cover

Feeling festive with maracas! 1580円 each.

The Kamiotai Rilakkuma Store will be celebrating its 1st anniversary next weekend (July 9), and the theme is Mexico! And I love a poncho-clad Rilakkuma plush haha. Seems like they enjoy traveling in the Americas! They picked some great places to visit to enjoy the summer sun!

Also, a new smartphone app for the virtual Rilakkuma collector: Collect! Rilakkuma (Atsumete! Rilakkuma – あつめて！リラックマ) is out now!

Collect! Rilakkuma - cover 1

What better app idea than collecting virtual Rilakkumas?

Collect! Rilakkuma - cover 2

Whoa! That screenshot on the left looks about as stuffed full of Rilakkumas as the shelf in my apartment hahaha

You can download it now on the App Store or Google Play store! I’ll try to download it soon and figure it out with my extremely limited grasp of Japanese haha. Anyone tried this out yet? Looks very cute, and seems a lot like the cat collecting app (Neko Atsume: Kitty Collector) that has been super popular!

Finally, have you checked out Canon Asia’s collaboration with Rilakkuma?

Gosh, isn’t that the most adorable promotional video? Canon Asian has a great contest on Instagram right now for Asian Rilakkuma and photography fans – you can win a Canon EOS M10 kit and a limited edition Canon EOS M10 Rilakkuma plush just by posting your Rilakkuma photos based on their challenge themes – “food” and “chillout” are the themes going on right now!

I think this has motivated a lot of folks to take some very creative Rilakkuma pictures! I have really enjoyed seeing everyone’s Rilakkuma photos recently on Instagram, and it’s inspired me to take more time again taking Rilakkuma photos like I used to!

Stay cool, and have a wonderful summer!

Rilakkuma Lifestyle - Poolside

I’ll be having cocktails by the pool – red, white, and blue themed for Independence Day!

Tokyo Station 7th Anniversary NYC Rilakkuma Plush!

Rilakkuma visits the Big Apple! Check out this NYC Rilakkuma design from Tokyo Station’s 7th Anniversary celebration!

Tokyo Station Rilakkuma Store 7th Anniversary - New York City NYC - Statue of Liberty - 東京駅店7周年は 「アメリカNY」 ぬいぐるみ - full

Hello, Statue of Liberty Rilakkuma!

Tokyo Station Rilakkuma Store 7th Anniversary - New York City NYC - Statue of Liberty - 東京駅店7周年は 「アメリカNY」 ぬいぐるみ - sign detail

A kuma’s take on Statue of Liberty’s tabula ansata: with a variation on the classic “I ❤ NY” sign!

Tokyo Station Rilakkuma Store 7th Anniversary - New York City NYC - Statue of Liberty - 東京駅店7周年は 「アメリカNY」 ぬいぐるみ - logo detail

Even the Rilakkuma Store logo has a Statue of Liberty crown! Rilakkuma’s flowing robe also has small white bear shape details.

Tokyo Station Rilakkuma Store 7th Anniversary - New York City NYC - Statue of Liberty - 東京駅店7周年は 「アメリカNY」 ぬいぐるみ - ice cream torch detail

Rilakkuma’s torch is actually an ice cream with strawberry sauce!

Tokyo Station Rilakkuma Store 7th Anniversary - New York City NYC - Statue of Liberty - 東京駅店7周年は 「アメリカNY」 ぬいぐるみ - crown detail

A beautiful diadem with a silver bear detail at the base. Like the Statue of Liberty itself, Rilakkuma’s crown also has 7 rays, symbolizing the sun, 7 seas, and 7 continents.

Tokyo Station Rilakkuma Store 7th Anniversary - New York City NYC - Statue of Liberty - 東京駅店7周年は 「アメリカNY」 ぬいぐるみ - tail detail

My favorite detail of them all: the hot dog motif with “R” in mustard cleverly hidden on his tail! And a pretty Tokyo Station 7th anniversary ribbon, too.

Tokyo Station Rilakkuma Store 7th Anniversary - New York City NYC - Statue of Liberty - 東京駅店7周年は 「アメリカNY」 ぬいぐるみ - tag art

Tag art: a tasty, plump hot dog, a perfect symbol for NYC that Rilakkuma would enjoy!

Wow, what an amazingly detailed design to celebrate the Tokyo Station Rilakkuma Store’s 7th Anniversary! This patriotic Rilakkuma came out in February 2016, as part of the Rilakkuma World Tour anniversary theme. He joins the Wild West Rilakkuma crew (who I will post about soon, too, promise!) as the newest addition to my “American” Rilakkuma collection.

The Statue of Liberty is an incredibly meaningful symbol of freedom for us here in America. It is so fitting that the Tokyo Station Anniversary team selected NYC to represent them on Rilakkuma’s world tour this year, as both Tokyo and New York City are bustling cities that embody the metropolitan lifestyle of their respective nations. From the homage to Bartholdi’s original vision to a nod to contemporary NYC (hot dogs, I ❤ NY), this Rilakkuma plush design offers such a unique take on a classic symbol, and I really appreciate the depth of detail that I have come to expect from San-X plushies.

What else is fresh in the Rilakkuma-verse?

If you find yourself in Osaka this summer, you can relax at the Rilakkuma Cafe for a limited time only!

Rilakkuma Cafe - リラックマカフェ - dish

What a beautiful design featuring Koguma-chan, Korilakkuma, and Kiiroitori!

Rilakkuma Cafe - リラックマカフェ - goods

Rilakkuma Cafe goods! Plate: 1,080円. Notebook & pen set: 680円.

Opening on May 25, this cute cafe will offer a Rilakkuma-themed menu with special Rilakkuma Cafe goods – don’t miss out! I think their paper napkins are especially great, and I love how Koguma-chan is prominently featured!

I’ve always wanted to go to a Rilakkuma-themed restaurant! Japan often features seasonal Rilakkuma pop-ups for a limited time, and Taipei has a permanent Rilakkuma Cafe – I’ve always wanted to go! Maybe I can make my way to Taiwan sometime in my future.

Also, a sneak peek into the upcoming Teahouse series!

Teahouse Series - standard full

A multicolored dango theme with removable hoodie!

Teahouse series - jumbo

A jumbo Rilakkuma dango, how cute!!

Anticipated to be released this July! So look forward to this cute (and convertible!) design and more to come! I’ll post more information as soon as I learn more!

Back in the real world, I just finished my third year of medical school! After my super intense surgery rotation, I now have two major national board exams to take before I begin my 4th year of medical school – exciting but exhausting!

What are your plans for the summer?