OMG! Rilakkuma Pop-Up Shop opening in TIMES SQUARE on 9/1!

Can you believe it?? A Rilakkuma Shop will be opening its doors to the public in Times Square, NYC in a few short weeks from now!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmhB0dSBRmi/

Unfortunately, I will be out of town during the opening, but bet I’ll be there as soon as I have a free weekend!! Will you be going? I hope they have a store exclusive plush!!

MEANWHILE, I have been accumulating so many Rilakkumas but have been swamped at work, updates coming soon!

Rilakkuma Shop Christmas Event Review!

Back from a spontaneous trip to Brandon, Florida to meet Rilakkuma at the US Rilakkuma Shop’s December Christmas event at the Westfield Brandon Mall!

Rilakkuma Lifestyle - リラックマ - Rilakkuma Shop - Christmas Event - Westfield Brandon Center Mall Florida - First Rilakkuma Shop in US - Rilakkuma mascot and lolita girls

Simon and I showing off our Rilakkuma plush (BD Bear and Santa Rilakkuma from the Christmas 2011 Net Shop Exclusive) with Rilakkuma and the Rilakkuma lolita girls!

I had an absolute BLAST meeting Rilakkuma and the Rilakkuma lolita girls, checking out the new merchandise, and being SURROUNDED BY RILAKKUMA!

For a quick walkthrough, I shot a quick video of the new merchandise highlights on the Rilakkuma Lifestyle Facebook page, check it out!

So much fun!

Also posted more video of Rilakkuma scooting around back and forth from the photoshoot area to the backroom, so check that out, too!

Now let’s have a closer look at some of the new merchandise!

Rilakkuma Lifestyle - リラックマ - Rilakkuma Shop - Christmas Event - Westfield Brandon Center Mall Florida - First Rilakkuma Shop in US - Otter Series - Rilakkuma otter suit - otter plush

Illustrious otters! The otter series has arrived in the US in the form of super adorable Rilakkumas in grey otter suits. Perfect laying down or sitting up!

Rilakkuma Lifestyle - リラックマ - Rilakkuma Shop - Christmas Event - Westfield Brandon Center Mall Florida - First Rilakkuma Shop in US - Otter series - Korilakkuma otter suit pink - otter plush

Inspired by the 2016 Otter Series that was originally released in Japan, these otters are super cute, with bright, vibrant colors. Korilakkuma represented here as a rare *pink* sea otter, hehehe

Rilakkuma Lifestyle - リラックマ - Rilakkuma Shop - Christmas Event - Westfield Brandon Center Mall Florida - First Rilakkuma Shop in US - Otter series - Kiiroitori fish otter suit - otter plush

For shape reasons, Kiiroitori did not get their own otter suit, but instead has manifested as a fish companion!

Rilakkuma Lifestyle - リラックマ - Rilakkuma Shop - Christmas Event - Westfield Brandon Center Mall Florida - First Rilakkuma Shop in US - Otter series - Rilakkuma otter blind box

Of course, with Rilakkuma otter plush, come Rilakkuma otter blind boxes! Pick one up, and you get one of six designs, but you don’t know which!

Rilakkuma Lifestyle - リラックマ - Rilakkuma Shop - Christmas Event - Westfield Brandon Center Mall Florida - First Rilakkuma Shop in US - Bee series - Honey series - Honeybee serires - Rilakkuma sleepy honeybee suit plush - honey plush

Another breathtaking new addition since my last visit, emergence of the Honeybee Series! Sleepy Rilakkuma here probably ate too much honey. This series was inspired by the Rilakkuma Meets Honey Series that was originally released in 2011, and this sleepy Rilakkuma looks a lot like the Rilakkuma Store Exclusive design—awesome! Not pictured to his right, Honeybee Rilakkuma plush standing upright (better look in my video, above!).

Rilakkuma Lifestyle - リラックマ - Rilakkuma Shop - Christmas Event - Westfield Brandon Center Mall Florida - First Rilakkuma Shop in US - Bee series - Honey series - Honeybee serires - Korilakkuma honeybee suit plush

Korilakkuma here has a very lovely fluffy fur lining on her honeybee hood, and she looks like she behaved and didn’t overindulge on honey to the point of passing out unlike Rilakkuma. Not pictured: standing Korilakkuma honeybee plush.

Rilakkuma Lifestyle - リラックマ - Rilakkuma Shop - Christmas Event - Westfield Brandon Center Mall Florida - First Rilakkuma Shop in US - My Only Rilakkuma - Fluffy Rilakkuma Korilakkuma plush

Another new surprise, these EXTRA FLUFFY Rilakkuma and Korilakkuma plushes! They remind me a lot of the My Only Rilakkuma Series from 2013!

Rilakkuma Lifestyle - リラックマ - Rilakkuma Shop - Christmas Event - Westfield Brandon Center Mall Florida - First Rilakkuma Shop in US - My Only Rilakkuma - Fluffy Rilakkuma Korilakkuma plush laying down relaxing

A fluffy Rilakkuma plush of Rilakkuma relaxing on his side! I think this one is so unique because to my knowledge, there isn’t a design exactly like this one in this size that’s been released in Japan before!

Rilakkuma Lifestyle - リラックマ - Rilakkuma Shop - Christmas Event - Westfield Brandon Center Mall Florida - First Rilakkuma Shop in US - Sumikko Gurashi - 5th anniversary overseas exclusive

Finally, an amazing special set to grace the US, the Sumikko Gurashi 5th Anniversary overseas exclusive series! Really beautiful, and we are so lucky to have this here, as this series is only sold outside of Japan! My favorite is the Egyptian Sphinx Neko with the pyramid on the side! Make sure to add these to your collection as they aren’t sold in Japan!

Rilakkuma Lifestyle - リラックマ - Rilakkuma Shop - Christmas Event - Westfield Brandon Center Mall Florida - First Rilakkuma Shop in US - Denim Rilakkuma - last three denim Rilakkuma

Finally, the last of the Denim Rilakkumas!! These are the last ones, and this is one of my absolute favorite series—get them while you can!!

Overall, such a great experience! I love being surrounded by Rilakkuma and other Rilakkuma fans!

Did you go to the Rilakkuma Shop December event? What did you think, and what did you get? Let me know in the comments!

It’s such a blessing to have a Rilakkuma Shop so nearby! Can’t wait for the next event!

Alert! US Rilakkuma Shop Christmas Event TODAY!!

Emergency! The Decemeber Rilakkuma Shop Event is TODAY, December 16 at the Westfield Brandon Center!

Rilakkuma Lifestyle - リラックマ - Rilakkuma Shop - Grand Opening - Christmas Event - Westfield Brandon Center Mall Florida - First Rilakkuma Shop in US - December event poster flyer

Excited to go today and see what’s new!

Rilakkuma Lifestyle - リラックマ - Rilakkuma Shop - Grand Opening - Christmas Event - Westfield Brandon Center Mall Florida - First Rilakkuma Shop in US - December event poster flyer snap

Snap from the in-mall flyer!! You can meet Rilakkuma from 11:00AM – 2:30PM, and again from 4:00-PM – 8:00PM!

SEE YOU THERE!! I’ll be going sometime around 4:00PM to meet Rilakkuma!!

I’ll be wearing the Rilakkuma shirt I picked up at the October Rilakkuma Shop event, come say hi!

Rilakkuma Lifestyle - リラックマ - Rilakkuma Shop - Grand Opening - Christmas Event - Westfield Brandon Center Mall Florida - First Rilakkuma Shop in US - my outift

Hopefully gonna pick up more Rilakkuma apparel and swag today!!

Rilakkuma Shop
Westfield Brandon Center, Store #673 (by Sears, to the right of Game Stop)
459 Brandon Town Center
Brandon FL 33511
Monday-Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 11:AM – 6:00PM

US Rilakkuma Shop Grand Opening Review!

What a day! Today was the the grand opening of AMERICA’S FIRST RILAKKUMA SHOP!

Fulfilling my life dream and purpose, I met jumbo Rilakkuma today!

Rilakkuma Lifestyle - リラックマ - Rilakkuma Shop - Grand Opening - Westfield Brandon Center Mall Florida - First Rilakkuma Shop in US - meeting jumbo Rilakkuma mascot

Featuring our resident Rilakkuma artist Simon, as well as my first Rilakkuma (BD Bear) and Store Exclusive Aloha Rilakkuma (though he’s Hawaiian themed, I was going for a beachy Florida feel by bringing him haha)

It was everything I could’ve imagined and more! Rilakkuma is so cute and round, and the mascot is surprisingly soft!!

The unexpected best part, however, was getting to watch Rilakkuma scoot around the shop back and forth:

Hahahaha hilarious and adorable!

I had a great time checking out all the Rilakkuma products! There are even lots of new products today that weren’t available during soft opening!

Rilakkuma Lifestyle - リラックマ - Rilakkuma Shop - Grand Opening - Westfield Brandon Center Mall Florida - First Rilakkuma Shop in US - denim Rilakkuma - デニムリラックマ

Most surprising addition: DENIM RILAKKUMA. Can you believe it??? Of all the potential Japanese imports, I was exquisitely surprised and happy to see this line here. This is one of my favorite recent series, and I really feel that it’s a perfect fit because it’s so appropriately American haha. Grab ’em while you can!

Rilakkuma Lifestyle - リラックマ - Rilakkuma Shop - Grand Opening - Westfield Brandon Center Mall Florida - First Rilakkuma Shop in US - rice mold cat rilakkuma

Ever want to make your own Rilakkuma food? You can now with this Rilakkuma rice mold!

Rilakkuma Lifestyle - リラックマ - Rilakkuma Shop - Grand Opening - Westfield Brandon Center Mall Florida - First Rilakkuma Shop in US - bowl and mugs

New addition! Lovely bowls and mugs perfect for any kitchen. My favorite detail is the little dango on the inner side of the bowl. Didn’t get a great shot of the mug at the end, but it features Koguma-chan, one of the few products I found with the new bear cub—awesome!

Rilakkuma Lifestyle - リラックマ - Rilakkuma Shop - Grand Opening - Westfield Brandon Center Mall Florida - First Rilakkuma Shop in US - bowls matching

Gorgeous matching Rilakkuma and Korilakkuma bowls! Loved these, and thinking I may go back to get a set next time I go back!

Rilakkuma Lifestyle - リラックマ - Rilakkuma Shop - Grand Opening - Westfield Brandon Center Mall Florida - First Rilakkuma Shop in US - notebooks

Aloha Rilakkuma exploring some of the featured notebooks on the front display! I spy Koguma-chan!

Rilakkuma Lifestyle - リラックマ - Rilakkuma Shop - Grand Opening - Westfield Brandon Center Mall Florida - First Rilakkuma Shop in US - soft watch key phone holder

Need a (soft) place to put your phone, keys, or glasses? Or maybe your Rilakkuma plush needs a place to stand? Look no further!

Just featuring the newer items here today that weren’t around during the soft opening. For the items that are still on sale from the soft opening, check out my previous post from September 30!

After browsing the store for… several rounds and several hours, my first Rilakkuma plush had some fun around the store:

Rilakkuma Lifestyle - リラックマ - Rilakkuma Shop - Grand Opening - Westfield Brandon Center Mall Florida - First Rilakkuma Shop in US - BD bear with other bears

Meeting the American M classics! Completely different construction! My Rilakkuma (middle) is a little faded because he’s been played with a lot too haha.

Rilakkuma Lifestyle - リラックマ - Rilakkuma Shop - Grand Opening - Westfield Brandon Center Mall Florida - First Rilakkuma Shop in US - yellow sleeping bag Rilakkuma

Can you spot BD Bear here? These may look like very malformed banana costumes at first glance, but they are, in fact, simply form-fitting yellow sleeping bags.

Rilakkuma Lifestyle - リラックマ - Rilakkuma Shop - Grand Opening - Westfield Brandon Center Mall Florida - First Rilakkuma Shop in US - front window display

Can you find him in the front display?

Rilakkuma Lifestyle - リラックマ - Rilakkuma Shop - Grand Opening - Westfield Brandon Center Mall Florida - First Rilakkuma Shop in US - front window design

He’s a little easier to find in this one!

Rilakkuma Lifestyle - リラックマ - Rilakkuma Shop - Grand Opening - Westfield Brandon Center Mall Florida - First Rilakkuma Shop in US - wall display art

Simon and I at my favorite Rilakkuma wall display!

I had such a fun time meeting other Rilakkuma fans!

The energy is seriously so amazing here—it’s such an incredible feeling to be surrounded by so many Rilakkuma fans of all different ages and backgrounds. I encourage any Rilakkuma fan from casual to hardcore to check it out! It’ll only be here for a couple months, and it is an absolute gem!

Look forward to my next post with what I got, including the giveaway!

If you want more, check out the grand opening video I posted on the Rilakkuma Lifestyle Facebook page!

Did you go to the grand opening?? What did you think? And importantly, what did you get!

US Rilakkuma Shop GRAND OPENING is this Saturday, October 14!

It’s finally here! The US Rilakkuma Shop Grand Opening is this Saturday, October 14!

Rilakkuma Lifestyle - Rilakkuma Shop - Soft Opening - Westfield Brandon Center Mall Florida - First Rilakkuma Shop in US - Storefront

Me at the soft opening 2 weeks ago, with a Korilakkuma Meets Chairoikoguma bag my sister Rachel got me from this year’s Korilakkuma Cafe!

The grand opening is full of fun events for any Rilakkuma fan! There will be fun activities and giveaways, and Rilakkuma-themed Lolita girls, as is standard for these events. Come out to celebrate the grand opening of the first Rilakkuma Shop in the United States, here in sunny Florida!

What I’m looking forward to the most is meeting the JUMBO RILAKKUMA! And of course, snapping tons of photos with Rilakkuma!! The Rilakkuma mascot will first appear from 11:00AM – 2:00PM, then take a break to relax, then from 4:00PM – 8:00PM.

Don’t get lost like I did during the soft opening! The Rilakkuma Store is located inside the mall, near Sears.

Rilakkuma Shop
Westfield Brandon Center, Store #673 (by Sears, to the right of Game Stop)
459 Brandon Town Center
Brandon FL 33511
Monday-Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 11:AM – 6:00PM

Rilakkuma Lifestyle - Rilakkuma Shop - Soft Opening - Westfield Brandon Center Mall Florida - First Rilakkuma Shop in US - Map

It’s easy to get lost in this big mall! Click to enlarge.

I gotta say, I’ve been looking forward to a Rilakkuma Shop opening near me for a long time, and even then I didn’t expect the first one to be in Florida where I live! Here’s to many more Rilakkuma Shops in the future!

I will be there around 10AM, and I’ll be wearing one of my favorite Rilakkuma outfits with a tank top that @rilakkuma.crossing got me from JapanLA!

Rilakkuma Lifestyle - JapanLA

Excited to meet other Rilakkuma fans!! Come say hello!

Hope to see you there! What will you be looking forward to the most?

Florida Rilakkuma Shop Soft Opening Review!

Putting the “soft” in soft opening via tons of Rilakkuma plush, the Westfield Mall in Brandon, FL opened its doors as the first Rilakkuma Shop in America today!

This Rilakkuma Shop is the first of its kind here in the United States, and you can find it tucked away near the Sears side of the mall next to Game Stop.

Rilakkuma Lifestyle - Rilakkuma Shop - Soft Opening - Westfield Brandon Center Mall Florida - First Rilakkuma Shop in US - Storefront

Beautiful and welcoming storefront!

Rilakkuma Lifestyle - Rilakkuma Shop - Soft Opening - Westfield Brandon Center Mall Florida - First Rilakkuma Shop in US - Right window

On the right-most window, jumbo Rilakkuma relaxing and advertising himself.

Rilakkuma Lifestyle - Rilakkuma Shop - Soft Opening - Westfield Brandon Center Mall Florida - First Rilakkuma Shop in US - left window

On the left-most window, a bevy of bears!

Rilakkuma Lifestyle - Rilakkuma Shop - Soft Opening - Westfield Brandon Center Mall Florida - First Rilakkuma Shop in US - front display

When you walk in, you are welcomed with a stunning display of Rilakkuma everywhere!

Rilakkuma Lifestyle - Rilakkuma Shop - Soft Opening - Westfield Brandon Center Mall Florida - First Rilakkuma Shop in US - Classic shelf

Starting from the left as you enter, shelves upon shelves of Rilakkuma plush—this side features the classics!

Rilakkuma Lifestyle - Rilakkuma Shop - Soft Opening - Westfield Brandon Center Mall Florida - First Rilakkuma Shop in US - Wall display

Then, lovely wall decor of Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma, and Kiiroitori in their natural states.

Rilakkuma Lifestyle - Rilakkuma Shop - Soft Opening - Westfield Brandon Center Mall Florida - First Rilakkuma Shop in US - bath and bunny shelf

Moving forward, another shelf full of plush, this time with a few of the bath series and bunny series!

Rilakkuma Lifestyle - Rilakkuma Shop - Soft Opening - Westfield Brandon Center Mall Florida - First Rilakkuma Shop in US - back shelf

And in the back, the classic bear-shaped shelf I’ve come to expect of Rilakkuma stores!

Rilakkuma Lifestyle - Rilakkuma Shop - Soft Opening - Westfield Brandon Center Mall Florida - First Rilakkuma Shop in US - right shelf

On the right side, more Rilakkuma plush, with the cat series and panda series!

Rilakkuma Lifestyle - Rilakkuma Shop - Soft Opening - Westfield Brandon Center Mall Florida - First Rilakkuma Shop in US - jewelry shelf

One of my favorite shelves displays lots of cute Rilakkuma jewelry!

Rilakkuma Lifestyle - Rilakkuma Shop - Soft Opening - Westfield Brandon Center Mall Florida - First Rilakkuma Shop in US - back of front display

The back of the front-most display with cute bags and wallets!

Rilakkuma Lifestyle - Rilakkuma Shop - Soft Opening - Westfield Brandon Center Mall Florida - First Rilakkuma Shop in US - Let's Sleep Together shirt

I bought this shirt!

Rilakkuma Lifestyle - Rilakkuma Shop - Soft Opening - Westfield Brandon Center Mall Florida - First Rilakkuma Shop in US - Sumikko Gurashi plush

Sumikko Gurashi fans will be overjoyed too! Small display in the back with Sumikko Gurashi plushes of all sizes!

If you’re not already following me on Facebook, I posted a video and panoramic shot if you’re looking for a closer look!

Rilakkuma Shop
Westfield Brandon Center, Store #673 (by Sears, to the right of Game Stop)
459 Brandon Town Center
Brandon FL 33511
Monday-Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 11:AM – 6:00PM

The Rilakkuma Shop is currently operating as a temporary pop-up shop, and will be operating for the next 3 months, so get here while you can!!

It’s not every day that Rilakkuma fans in the South are blessed like this. In addition to the grand opening in 2 weeks, they will have multiple events planned at this location, so stay tuned and keep your eyes open!

I’ll also be covering the grand opening on October 14th—hope to see you there!

For those of you who went to the soft opening, what did you think?? I’d love to hear from you!