Tag Archives: rilakkuma

Airplane Rilakkuma! + New! Hankyu Stationmaster design + JAXA 2015!

The theme of today’s post is transportation!

From my own collection, it’s Airplane Rilakkuma!

Airplane Series - full

Rilakkuma relaxing on top of an airplane!

Airplane Series - plane detail

Rilakkuma rides a beautiful baby blue airplane, courtesy of Rilakkuma airlines!

Airplane Series - top view

View from the top!

Airplane Series - tag art

Tag art: Rilakkuma and friends on top of the plane, with a thematic homage to the Bonjour Series (2010)!

This plushie took flight in August 2014 in major airports across Japan, as part of the Rilakkuma Airline Series, which also featured travel items such as eye masks, neck pillows, and slippers!

Major thanks to my Aunt Lulu, who was able to arrange for me to get this plush from Haneda airport – thank you!

Following the theme of today’s post, there are two new transportation-related Rilakkuma sequels that I’m super excited about!

Do you remember the Rilakkuma x Hankyu collaboration from April that was the next in a long line of train Rilakkumas (Yamanote, Dr. Yellow)? Well, this July 18th, the Hankyu stationmaster is getting an updated uniform!

Rilakkuma x Hankyu - Summer 2015

From maroon to black! Summer stationmaster plush: 2,052円, Plush keychain: 1,404円, Multibox: 1,296円.

This updated stationmaster plush design is part of a special summer event on the Hankyu line, including new train designs for the summer on the Kobe, Takarazuka, and Kyoto lines as well as more products, prizes, and more!

I am lucky to have the April Hankyu Rilakkuma waiting for me at my parents’ house, but this new design is so tempting! I think I’ll have to go for this new design too if I keep doing well in school – I haven’t missed a train Rilakkuma yet!

Now for a different type of transportation, the popular Rilakkuma x JAXA collaboration plush from last year is getting a sequel this summer too! This year, the Rilakkuma x JAXA collaboration features the entire Rilakkuma team!

JAXA 2nd Edition - cover

Rilakkuma x JAXA was a special collaboration during last year’s Space Series! I’m glad they’re back again this summer, too!

JAXA 2nd Edition - full

Last year, there was only Rilakkuma, and now we have the whole team! 2,400円 each.

In addition to getting some uniforms fitted for Korilakkuma and Kiiroitori, you may also notice that the rocket they each hold is different from last year’s design! This year’s JAXA plushies feature the H-IIA rocket, a Japanese launch system used to launch satellites, lunar orbiting spacecraft, and interplanetary space probes – how exciting! I love it when Rilakkuma plush details have such significance to them!

Like the new Hankyu design, these new plushies will also be released on July 18, along keychains, towels, and ballpoint pens!

Also for Sumikko Gurashi fans, there’s an amazing Sumikko Gurashi Sushi Series coming soon in August!

Sumikko Sushi - cover

A delicious sushi theme!

Sumikko Sushi - full

Bowl playset: 3,000円, individual plush: 550円.

Probably one of my favorite Sumikko Gurashi series so far! Though hard to pick just one, I think my favorite from this design is Nisetsumuri (にせつむり) using sushi as a shell!

There’s so much more cool merchandise from this line that is exquisitely well designed, so be sure to check out the whole line!

Hope you enjoyed this travel-themed post (well, except for the sushi haha)! And happy Independence Day to all the Rilakkuma fans celebrating this weekend!

PS Rilakkuma US has a booth(#1911) at Anime Expo, with lots of merchandise and an event exclusive backpack! I hope they come to Florida soon so I can attend one of these amazing events!

End of June update!

Hello everyone, and sorry for the long delay since my last post! I’ve been working hard on my neurology clerkship, and got to see all kinds of cool things like angiograms, EEGs, and lumbar punctures. Lots of hard work, but I just took my neurology final yesterday, and next week, I will be starting with my psychiatry clerkship – wow, my third year of medical school is already flying by!

Since we’re gearing up for summer, Rilakkuma fans have a lot to look forward to, as generally Rilakkuma releases come in big waves this season! Here are a few releases I’m looking forward to!

Panda Series - cover

They’re cuddly pandas!

Panda Series - standard

Standard edition: 1,800円 each.

Panda Series - caravan

Caravan edition: 1,500円

Panda Series - store exclusive

Store exclusive edition: 2,100円 each

Panda Series (パンダでごろん) – July 2015

This is the big summer series this year! San-X usually saves the animal themes for the major fall release, but I really love this design! Pandas are so adorable, aren’t they? And I really love the idea of bears dressing up as other bears haha.

In addition to plushies, there’s lots of other cute products in the series, like this super adorable tissue box cover – wow!

I’m definitely getting a plushie from this series, but not sure which one yet! I’m leaning toward the caravan design right now, because I love the panda dango!

Tower Records 2015 - cover

Looks like Rilakkuma’s take on the Rolling Stones!

Tower Records 2015 - standard

Look at these rockstars! I always love a Rilakkuma in a jumpsuit hehehe. Only attainable by lottery after buying another product.

Tower Records 2015 - cafe collaboration

Glad to see that the Riakkuma x Tower Records Cafe is continuing this year too!

Rilakkuma x Tower Records 2015 – July 10

I look forward to this collaboration every year – I love seeing Rilakkuma and friends as rockstars! They look super cool this year with their sunglasses hehehe. I hope they release a playset like last year, too! Seems a little more complicated to get the standard sized collectible plushies this year though, since you have to buy something, then hope you get the plush though a lottery (thanks for the info, sundusts!).

I’m also really happy to see the continuation of the Rilakkuma partnership with Tower Records Cafe, too! There were some pretty amazing photos from last year’s event (check out angelacarpediem’s!), and I hope I get the opportunity to go in the future! I wonder what Rilakkuma-themed meal they’ll be serving this year! Rock on!

Kamiotai Opening - standard

Hooray, celebrating another Rilakkuma Store! 1,900円 each.

Kamiotai Opening - playset

Adorable playset released on the same day at all Rilakkuma Stores! 3,580円.

Kamiotai (上小田井) Rilakkuma Store Plus Sumikko Gurashi Shop Opening – July 3

Wow, another Rilakkuma Store is cropping up in Japan! Cool that it’s another Rilakkuma Store plus Sumikko Gurashi Shop like the one they recently opened in Fujimi. This time it’s in Kamiotai, in Nagoya!

In this series, Rilakkuma and Korilakkuma hold a golden (Kiiroitori) orca whale, a symbol of Nagoya. A very cute and meaningful design, and I love that these bears are sitting down (that Kiiroitori whale must be heavy)!

On the same day of the Kamiotai opening, Rilakkuma Stores across Japan will also be selling a special Rilakkuma playset! Can anyone shed any light on what they’re snacking on? Kinda looks like something dipped in honey.

Hahaha all of these new store openings are gonna make it hard for me to see all of them! When I went to Japan in 2013, I got to visit 4 out of 8, but now there are 11, and probably more to come! So cool to see more and more Rilakkuma Stores crop up!!

Harajuku 3rd Anniversary - cover

Popcorn Rilakkuma ready for the movies! 1,580円 each.

Harajuku 3rd Anniversary – July 4

In addition to a new Rilakkuma Store opening, the Harajuku Rilakkuma is celebrating it’s 3rd anniversary with a popcorn theme during Independence Day here in the US! Rilakkuma seems like the only one who avoided being actually inside a popcorn bucket himself haha. I like that they’ve been going with food themes for recent anniversary plushes :D

Any Rilakkuma designs catching your eye? I’ve been eying the Mister Donut beach towel promotion recently, and might pick up the blue design since there are a ton of affordable ones on auction right now!

Valentines 2015 Rilakkuma Plushies!

Hello! Quick update again: I’m in the midst of studying for my first national board exam called USMLE Step 1. I am basically holed up all day in my apartment doing practice questions from the moment I wake up to the moment I sleep – ah! So very, very sorry for the lack of updates and contact, hopefully can get more active in May after my big test! Medical school is no joke!

But there is always time for Rilakkuma!! Check out the amazingly cute Valentines 2015 Rilakkuma and Korilakkuma!

Valentines 2015 Series - full

Happy belated Valentine’s Day!

Valentines 2015 Series - Rilakkuma detail

Each bear is holding a bouquet of hearts, and there’s a little hidden Rilakkuma in there, too!

Valentines 2015 Series - Korilakkuma detail

Korilakkuma’s heart bouquet has a different, pinker color scheme that matches her! A cute set of hearts of all different textures!

Valentines 2015 Series - solid tag

One of the coolest details about this series is that they come with these super cute sturdy tags that say “I love Rilakkuma” on them! And my favorite detail is that the hole in the “e” is a bear shape!

Valentines 2015 Series - tag art

And of course, the come with regular tags, too! I wonder what color heart Kiiroitori’s tag is?

I love their bouquet of hearts! I think I’d prefer a bouquet of hearts over a bouquet of flowers (I’m allergic to most flowers haha).

These lovely Rilakkuma plushies were from the Rilakkuma Store Exclusive Valentines Day 2015 release!

These were a gift from my favorite Rilakkuma artist (hehehe) Simon! Thank you so much, these plushies really fill me with love :D

Also, my awesome aunt Lulu was able to get me an awesome Rilakkuma haul from Japan!

Lemon Series haul

Lemony fresh!

They’re waiting for me in the Philippines!

Two lovely Lemon Series (February 2015) Rilakkumas, one from the standard line, and another from the Rilakkuma Store Exclusive line – plus the cute stationary! Awesome! And a super cute Mochi Series (February 2015) Rilakkuma too! Also two Factory Rilakkumas hehehe but those are for her and my sister (I already have one!).

What’s new with everyone? Have you seen this bake-riffic Kobe 1st Anniversary Rilakkuma?

Kobe Rilakkuma Store 1st Anniversary - cover

Coming out April 17, for 1580円 each! Looks tasty, and I love the bear-shaped buttons!

SO CUTE! And what about the amazing new Rilakkuma Store Plus Sumikko Gurashi Shop opening in Fujimi on April 10?

Fujimi Rilakkuma Store Opening - Fujimi exclusive Rilakkuma

Fujimi Store exclusive Rilakkuma plushies featuring Mt. Fuji! 1,900円 each.

Fujimi Rilakkuma Store Opening - Fujimi exclusive Sumikko Gurashi

Fujimi Store exclusive Sumikko Gurashi plushies, 600円 each.

Fujimi Rilakkuma Store Opening - Rilakkuma all

Lemon Series playset available at all Rilakkuma Stores to celebrate the opening – yum! 3,800円.

Fujimi Rilakkuma Store Opening - Sumikko Gurashi all

And a Sumikko Gurashi special plush to celebrate the opening, too! 2,600円.

Really great that Sumikko Gurashi is really rising up, and even getting store space for themselves – woohoo!

Lots of cool things to be excited about! What are you most excited for?

Also everyone should check out Liemzie’s post about getting the Hankyu Rilakkuma at the Osaka pop-up store! So awesome! I already placed my pre-order at Mira Plush, and can’t wait for him to arrive!!

New! Rilakkuma x Hankyu Railway + Rilakkuma x Lawson Lemon Series playset!

Quick update: more train bears! WOW – Rilakkuma is partnering with Hankyu Railway!

Rilakkuma x Hankyu - full

Rilakkuma x Hankyu (リラックマ×阪急電車) stationmaster plushie: 2052円.

Definitely a “must get” for me! My family took the Hankyu Railway (阪急電車) when we were visiting Kyoto and Osaka 2 years ago (wow, doesn’t time fly?). This amazing collaboration comes out April 2 at the Umeda Rilakkuma Store, and April 9 at other stores (see the official press release for more details).

So awesome, and I’m sure my other transportation bears (Yamanote Line, Shinkansen, and Dr. Yellow) are looking forward to meeting this Hankyu Rilakkuma, too! I love these collaborations!!

Also, check out this Lawson x Rilakkuma Fresh Lemon Series plush playset!

Rilakkuma x Lawson Fresh Lemon Series - full

Where can I get a sleeping bag like that! Playset: 4212円.

Wow, a lemon sleeping bag!! Very, very adorable – of course Rilakkuma and friends could make something as sour as a lemon look sweet! Pre-orders are open now, and this snug plush playset is planned to be officially released on July 2!

Okay back to studying for me!! Let me know what Rilakkuma items you have your eye on!

Happy Lunar New Year!

Valentine's Day

Hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine’s Day! Hope it was full of bears, whether they were Rilakkuma bears or gummy bears hahaha.

Wow, it’s really been so long since I’ve posted! Medical school has really been a whirlwind lately: I’m almost done with my coursework for this year, and will be taking my first national board exam at the end of April!! Apologies for the spottiness in posting, but school comes first right now!

By the way…

Instagram - Rilakkuma Lifestyle

Rilakkuma for your daily life!

You can catch me on Instagram when I’m not posting here! Recently, I haven’t had long stretches of time where I could sit down for an hour or two to write these posts on WordPress, but do get a chance to snap a quick shot of some Rilakkumas from my collection for Instagram. Check it out!

In the meantime, whoa there’s been a lot going on in the Rilakkuma World! Let’s run through some highlights!

Fresh Lemon Series - cover

Hello, Lemon Rilakkuma!

Fresh Lemon Series - standard release

Super cute farmers for the standard release! 1,900円 each.

Fresh Lemon Series - Rilakkuma Store Exclusive

For the Rilakkuma Store Exclusive, Rilakkuma and Korilakkuma turn into… lemon/bee hybrids!? And Kiiroitori shapeshifts into a lemon hehehe. Love their poses! 1,780円 each.

Fresh Lemon Series - hanging charms

Another Rilakkuma Store exclusive: lovely hanging charms featuring the whole team inside of lemons! 1,380円 each.

lemon-5

For Caravan: a sitting Rilakkuma with a lemon hat and a Kiiroitori lemon! 1,800円.

Fresh Lemon Series (フレッシュレモン) – March 2015

Wow, what an incredibly detailed line to ring in the spring season! The illustrations are beautiful as always, and I love the creativity they’ve brought into their designs! I absolutely love that they actually morphed Kiiroitori into a lemon shape for the Store Exclusive Series hehehe, and then completely transformed him into an entire lemon for the Caravan plushie! Kinda reminds me of those Animorphs book covers haha.

I think I’m going to pick up at least one of the plushies from this series, just haven’t decided yet! I use lemons enough in my daily eating and tea-drinking so I should probably get a Rilakkuma tribute for that hehe.

Mochi Series - full

Plushies from all sorts of famous San-X lines! 600円 each.

Mochie Series - Rilakkuma close up

Wow!! Check out this ultra-cute photo taken by the San-X Net Shop!

Mochi Series – February 2015

Hahaha they remind me a lot of Disney Tsum Tsums! Really cute, and I love how round and squishable they look! I have a really big Winnie the Pooh Tsum Tsum so I’d really love to get a really big mochi Rilakkuma to match too – hope they come out with larger sizes soon!

Valentine's Day 2015 - full

What a lovely bouquet of hearts! Korilakkuma got all pink hearts hehehe. 1,780円 each.

Valentines Day 2015 Series – February 2015

These lovely plushies came out just in time for Valentine’s Day this year! I always love these holiday-themed sets, and I especially love the little “I love” tag attached to their fabric tag – such a romantic detail!

Tokyo Station Rilakkuma Store 6th Anniversary - cover

Traveling in style! 1,500円 each.

Tokyo Station Rilakkuma Store 6th Anniversary Series – February 2015

Whoa! Can you believe the Tokyo Station Rilakkuma Store has been open for 6 years already? The Tokyo Station Rilakkuma Store was actually the first Rilakkuma I visited, back in 2013, so it holds a special place in my heart!

The whole crew looks super fashionable and ready to travel in style! What an appropriate design for Tokyo Station, since it’s such a travel hotspot! I have to admit, it was hard transitioning from the standard sized plushies they used to release for the store anniversaries, but since getting mini-plushies such as the plushies from the Vegetable Series, the JINS PC series, and the Factory Series I’ve really warmed up to this mini-style of Rilakkuma plush!

Fukuoka 5th Anniversary - cover

Yum, looks delicious! 1,580円 each.

Fukuoka Rilakkuma Store 5th Anniversary Series – March 2015

What a beautifully detailed anniversary series! This year’s Fukuoka anniversary series is mentaiko themed! Mentaiko (明太子) is marinated pollock and cod roe, and is the most popular souvenir from Fukuoka! It’s a popular complement to noodle dishes (like this Rilakkuma plush), with rice, or on its own (like Korilakkuma’s!). Perfect as this year’s anniversary plush!

I love learning about Japanese food and culture through Rilakkuma plushies! I might want to pick up the Rilakkuma from this line if I do well on my next exam – his noodle bowl looks delicious!!

So what do YOU think? Any of these bears catching your eye?

 

Kobe Rilakkuma Store Opening Rilakkuma Plush Set!

In honor of these wintery months, I present the Kobe Rilakkuma Store Opening Plush Set!

Kobe Rilakkuma Store Opening Plush Set - full

Rilakkuma and friends get to relax on a giant polar bear!

Kobe Rilakkuma Store Opening Plush Set - Rilakkuma detail

Rilakkuma’s arms back in a perfect relaxed pose!

Kobe Rilakkuma Store Opening Plush Set - Korilakkuma detail

Korilakkuma lazes around with her favorite toy penguin!

Kobe Rilakkuma Store Opening Plush Set - Kiiroitori detail

The bears get their own striped boots, while Kiiroitori gets… some shorts? Looks kind of like a diaper hehehe.

Kobe Rilakkuma Store Opening Plush Set - polar bear detail

The polar bear! Whose ear features a blue and white striped pattern, and is continuous on the back side of the plush, too!

Kobe Rilakkuma Store Opening Plush Set - xiao stripes

One of my favorite Rilakkuma details from this year: little striped bear! Wow, so adorable! Wish they also sold a larger plush bear like him!

Kobe Rilakkuma Store Opening Plush Set - tag art

Tag art: just like the plush itself!

Awesome! I absolutely love plush sets like this :3

This plush was a Rilakkuma Store exclusive honoring the opening of the 9th Rilakkuma Store in Kobe back in April! This plush follows the Stripes Series theme, which debuted a month prior to the Kobe Rilakkuma Store grand opening. How great to have this little piece of Rilakkuma history!

Big thanks to my Auntie Lulu for helping me acquire this cuddly plush! She has been so wonderful in helping me get new Rilakkumas lately :3

There have been quite a few new happenings in the Rilakkuma world since I last posted, but here are a couple of recent highlights!

What do you all think about this Mobile Exclusive Space Series Set?

Space Rilakkuma - mobile site exclusive

Whoa! Check out this cosmic Rilakkuma diorama!

Hehehe, what a unique plushie design! This boxed plush set costs 7,800円 (6,800円 for those with a paid membership), and orders will be taken until January 13.

What about these fancy Rilakkuma contact lenses?

Rilakkuma Contacts - full

A Rilakkuma Hearts Series theme for your eyes!

Manufactured by Refrear, these cute contacts are 1,800円 for 10 contacts (5 single-day uses). They’re a nice, subtle look – I wonder how many people would even notice a change if I wore these though?

What about this Hatsuyume Rilakkuma plushie?

Hatsuyume - full

I dream of Rilakkuma!

Wow! I really love this concept and design! This auspicious plushie is 8,230円, and will be released on January 1 and 2 in all Rilakkuma Stores.

Hatsuyume (初夢) is the Japanese word for the first dream had in the new year. Traditionally, the contents of the dream would foretell the luck of the dreamer, and it is considered to be particularly good luck to dream of Mount Fuji, a hawk, and an eggplant – how awesome to see these 3 symbols in this plushie! I’m guessing a dream with Rilakkuma would make you even luckier! ;)

Apologies for the lack of updates recently: schooling and responsibilities just get in the way of things sometimes, eh?

How has your winter been going this year? Any Rilakkumas for gifts?

My family surprised me with an XL Winnie the Pooh Tsum Tsum last night!

Rilakkuma + Tsum Tsum - Pooh Bear

Rilakkuma and Pooh Bear Tsum Tsum wish you a happy new year!

My family is so thoughtful! That Tsum Tsum game is way too addicting! Hope everyone is having a wonderful time as 2014 comes to a close!

Hot Pot (Nabe, 鍋) Rilakkuma Plush Set!

Now that it’s starting to get chilly around these parts, how about a warm hot pot stave off the cold?

Presenting… the Hot Pot (Nabe, 鍋) Rilakkuma Plush Set!

Hot Pot Set - box

Who could be inside?

Hot Pot Set - in box ぬいぐるみ鍋ギフトセット リラックマ

It’s a plush Rilakkuma hot pot!

Hot Pot Set - pot full ぬいぐるみ鍋ギフトセット リラックマ

Out of the box!

Hot Pot Set - inside ぬいぐるみ鍋ギフトセット リラックマ

Every item, all snug inside!

Hot Pot Set - ingredients full ぬいぐるみ鍋ギフトセット リラックマ

All of the ingredients inside, laid out!

Hot Pot Set - characters ぬいぐるみ鍋ギフトセット リラックマ

Rilakkuma is a green onion (長ネギ), Korilakkuma is a squid (イカ), and Kiiroitori is a shiitake (しいたけ) mushroom!

Hot Pot Set - bears only ぬいぐるみ鍋ギフトセット リラックマ

Rilakkuma holds a green onion like a backpack!

Hot Pot Set - ingredients only ぬいぐるみ鍋ギフトセット リラックマ

Ingredients: 3 x napa cabbage (白菜) with 1 x that is bear-shaped, 1 x tofu (豆腐) with a Rilakkuma face, 3 x carrot pieces (にんじん) with 1 x that is bear-shaped, 1 x shrimp (エビ), 1 x shiratake noodle (しらたき) bunch, and 1 x shiitake (しいたけ) mushroom.

I was really excited about this purchase, and it’s probably going to my major investment this winter! Since I have a bad habit of splurging during the spring/summer, I usually cut down significantly on buying during the winter months, but this year, this hot pot set is my exception!

I definitely have too much fun with this set – assembling and reassembling them in different configurations can be quite therapeutic haha.

This wonderful plush set was released as a Rilakkuma Store Exclusive on November 1st.

Nabe (鍋) refers to a variety of Japanese hot pot dishes that are traditionally cooked and kept hot by portable stoves in the middle of the dining table – a really great way to share a meal among family and friends!

Amazingly, this plush set not only comes with an adorable collection of Rilakkuma hot pot ingredients, but since it was originally intended to serve as a gift set, it also comes with a gift certificate to order hot pot ingredients out of a choice of 11 different hot pot combinations!

Hot Pot Set - gift certificates

This one I put in the front looks the closest to the plush hot pot, I think! (Cameo appearance in the corner by hard-working paperweight, Factory Rilakkuma)

Yum! Haven’t picked which one I’d like yet – they all look really great! Just in time for winter, too!

What kind of noodle dishes is your favorite? Personally, I am quite partial to udon soups.

In other news, check out the Year of the Sheep (未) 2015 plush design!

Year of the Sheep 2015 - cover

Cute and fluffy sheep for the new year!

Great! Love their little daruma of each other. Would love to see a combo plush with all three of them like they did for this year’s Year of the Horse 2014 Rilakkuma Store Exclusive. The sheep is Simon’s zodiac year, so hopefully I can pick one up for him!

Miniplush Double Feature: JINS PC Rilakkuma and Rilakkuma Factory Plushie!

A special double feature showcasing my first two miniplushies – I usually collect the standard 22 cm plushies, and have been pretty hesitant about miniplushies… but I gotta say, after seeing and holding these two in person, I’m a true miniplush believer now!

First up is the Rilakkuma x JINS PC plushie!

Rilakkuma x JINS PC - full

Great commitment to eye protection, Rilakkuma!

Rilakkuma x JINS PC - glasses detail

Unlike the sunglasses in the Aloha Series, his glasses do not have an elastic band in the back.

Rilakkuma x JINS PC - gadget detail

His new glasses protect him from the light from his electronics! Do you think he’s holding an iPhone or an iPad?

Rilakkuma x JINS PC - tag art

Tag art: I love how the tag art matches his face and fabric tag art, too!

He reminds me a lot of my sister because she has a Rilakkuma iPhone case like he does, and she used to wear glasses too hehehe.

This smart bear was released as part of the Rilakkuma x JINS PC collaboration, which debuted September 2014. This campaign centered around a special kind of eyeglasses that blocks harmful light from electronic devices, preventing eye strain. I honestly don’t know if they have any major benefit to your eyes, but it is a stunningly adorable collaboration regardless.

Next is the Rilakkuma Factory Series plushie! Well, he’s more of a soft and cuddly paperweight rather than a standard collectible plush, but super cute nonetheless!

Rilakkuma Factory Series - full

Ready to work!

Rilakkuma Factory Series - medal detail

His lovely red and blue bowtie also has a special metal Rilakkuma medal!

Rilakkuma Factory Series - tag art

One of my favorite designs, this tag art gives you instructions on “how to use” this plush as a paperweight! And lets you know that he weighs 230 g – wow!

Rilakkuma Factory Series - merchandise

Not only did I get the plush paperweight, but a pencil case and holder for Simon’s art projects, too!

Cute! He’s really dense and heavy, and truly does make a great paperweight hehehe. He’s from the Rilakkuma Factory Series, which was a special line for the professionals and office workers of the Rilakkuma fan community that was released April 2014. As you may recall, Rilakkuma Factory was also the theme of this year’s Rilakkuma x Tower Records collaboration!

I’m super thankful to my aunt for helping me get these plushies! Every time she goes (or hears of one of her friends going) to Japan, she always sees if she can pick up a Rilakkuma plushie or two for me – so thoughtful! My favorite part of collecting Rilakkuma is that everyone helps each other out!

School has been pretty wild on my end as modules are now only 6 weeks long, meaning I am studying for an exam just about every month! But Rilakkuma news keeps on rolling, so let’s do a quick run of what’s new in the Rilakkuma world:

Rilakkuma La Fraise Series (パリのいちご): this sweet, Parisian revisit of the 2010 Bonjour Series is scheduled for release on December 6!

Rilakkuma La Fraise - cover

A beautiful Parisian-themed strawberry series!

Rilakkuma La Fraise - standard

How posh! Standard series: 1,880円 each

Rilakkuma La Fraise - Store Exclusives

These plushies can fit inside their strawberries! Well, except for Kiiroitori… Rilakkuma Store Exclusive Series: 1,780円 each.

Interesting choice of fruit – I thought that since Rilakkuma has had so many strawberry themed series in the past (like in 2009), they would pick another fruit, but hey, I love strawberries and strawbears, so I can’t complain haha.

Rilakkuma & Sumikko Gurashi Knit Goods (ニットグッズ): out already this November, this cute combo knit series takes the success of the Winter Heart Series from last year and makes Rilakkuma and Sumikko Gurashi even more bundled up!

Rilakkuma & Sumikko Gurashi Knit Goods - standard plushies

I love the color scheme they gave to Rilakkuma! Standard plushies: 1,780円 each.

Rilakkuma & Sumikko Gurashi Knit Goods - hanging plushies

They’re in mittens!! Hanging plushies: 1,200円 each.

Wow! Such a cute poncho design! I love these Rilakkuma and Sumikko Gurashi collabs – combining my 2 favorite character series!

Rilakkuloset Winter 2014 (リラックローゼット): the Rilakkuloset Series debuted in 2013, and features furniture outfits that you can purchase for your M and S Classic Rilakkumas! This year, the outfits are more elaborate and were released this November – check it out!

Rilakkuloset 2014 - cover

Wow, look at all of those designs!

Rilakkuloset 2014 - frog raincoat

Ready for a rainy day! Frog raincoats and accessories (boots, umbrella, and teru teru bozu) for S Classics: 1,620円 each.

Rilakkuloset 2014 - pajama set

Sleepy time! Pajama top and pants set and accessories (hat and plush) for M Classics: 2,700円 each

Rilakkuloset 2014 - furniture

Don’t forget to get furniture too! Sofa: 1,500円, Bathtub: 2,500円, Bed: 2,500円.

I regrettably have not been tracking Rilakkuloset very closely, but they have some really fantastic outfits out! The above is just a sample of their Rilakkuloset line from this year, which also features a marine set, fuzzy coat set, and rabbit set!

Christmas 2014: also out now, this year’s Christmas series is super special, with a festive patterned stole for the standard series, and a cute limited edition plush Christmas tree, too!

Christmas 2014 Series - standard

Wow, they brought back the Indifferent Snowperson again! I love the bear-shaped wreath, too! Standard plushies: 1,800円 each.

Christmas 2014 Series - store exclusive tree

And Kiiroitori is the star on top of the tree this year! Rilakkuma Store Exclusive Christmas tree plush: 10,000円.

Really lovely! I always look forward to seeing what the Christmas specials are like!

Lemon Series: sneak peek for the series to be released in March 2015 – Rilakkuma and pals become lemon farmers!

Lemon Series - sneak peek

Wow, great overalls!

Wow! They look great! I love using lemons in my tea and when I cook, so I might pick up one of these! You can pre-order this series now over at Mira Plush.

That’s all for now! Any sets coming out that have piqued your interest?

Interview: Rilakkuma Day Event Planner Michelle Nguyen!

Rilakkuma Day was a special Rilakkuma event held at FAO Schwarz on October 11. This event featured so many cool aspects, such as: a special Rilakkuma photo booth, Rilakkuma prize packs for those who post their Rilakkuma day photos on social media, Rilakkuma freebies, Rilakkuma-themed lolita girls, as well as the latest Rilakkuma goods!

Rilakkuma Day 2014 - Michelle Nyugen

Photo of Rilakkuma Day display at FAO Schwarz taken by Michelle Nguyen!

I was honored to be able to interview Michelle Nguyen, lead event planner from Bubble Punch (the event production company responsible for Rilakkuma Day), to give you the inside scoop on Rilakkuma Day 2014 – enjoy!

What was your impression about the event overall?
The event was a huge success. We had so many fans from so many different places come and visit FAO Schwarz just to see Rilakkuma and get a chance to snap up the latest products! We had trouble restocking the shelves fast enough! We were also really happy that a lot of fans hung out and talked to our staff about their love of Rilakkuma, and it seems like a lot of fans even got together and made new friends there with like-minded Rilakkuma lovers!

What was your personal favorite moment from the event?
When Rilakkuma emerged for the first time in FAO, there was a palpable excitement in the air! People were clapping and yelling and trying to take photos as Rilakkuma slowly walked over to the photo area. It was so exciting and I was very happy with the response.

What aspect of the event did the fans enjoy most?
Meeting Rilakkuma was definitely at the top of all the mega-fans’ lists, I think, as well as buying the newly released products! A lot of fans had fun just hanging out in the store and meeting each other too!

What’s your favorite item out of all of the Rilakkuma products out today?
I love the Rilakkuma and Korilakkuma kigurumi outfits. I wear mine when it’s cold in the house and during Halloween basically every year.

Which one seems to be the most popular product among fans?
The medium sized Rilakkuma plushies were the first to run out!

What’s next for Bubble Punch, Rilakkuma/San-X-related or otherwise?
We have big plans for 2015, but we can’t quite talk about them yet! Stay tuned!

Who is your favorite: Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma, or Kiiroitori – and why?
I really like them all… they’re all so unique and weird (if that’s even the right word). I enjoy how they are kawaii characters, but that there’s another layer of awkward laziness to them all. They even fight sometimes, which I think is really hilarious.

Wow! So awesome to hear the medium-sized Rilakkuma were the first to run out – a medium-sized Rilakkuma plush was my very first Rilakkuma product, and launched the whole Rilakkuma obsession for me!

Thank you so much to Michelle for sharing your thoughts and experiences with the Rilakkuma community! We’re all looking forward to see what Bubble Punch will have in store for everyone in the future!

Fellow Rilakkuma blogger Ellie was able to go to Rilakkuma Day 2014 herself; read all about her awesome day over at her blog!

Speaking of which, in her Rilakkuma Day post, Ellie wrote a little bit about how she noticed that AQI (Aliquantum International) has begun expanding their licensed plushie line to include designs and costumes inspired by the existing Rilakkuma lines coming out of Japan like the Heart Bath Series and the Which Color Do You Like? Series – super cool! AQI is the officially licensed manufacturer of Rilakkuma plushies in the US, and sells Rilakkuma products domestically, showing great potential for us US Rilakkuma fans to expand our collections.

So I actually had a short conversation with David Ringer, the CEO of AQI, a couple months ago regarding their plans for the US market – so look forward to a write-up that in the near future (after I get through a bit of my backlog of Rilakkuma plushies to post)! I was originally intending on waiting until I got my own AQI Rilakkuma plush to give a more complete report, but seems like a better idea to share the info now while AQI is on everyone’s mind following Rilakkuma Day!

I’ll work on finding an AQI Rilakkuma for myself soon – seems like medical school doesn’t leave me with much time to go out and shop anymore haha.

In other news, Simon’s got a new tablet, and has started quick-sketching some classic Rilakkuma plushie designs!

I love this art style a lot! What do you think?

Rilakkuma & SHINKANSEN Plushie! + Rilakkuma Day @ FAO Schwarz NYC + New! Misdo Rilakkma 2014!

Please give a warm welcome to Shinkansen Rilakkuma!

Rilakkuma & Shinkansen - full

Bullet train bear!

Rilakkuma & Shinkansen - front

Front and center!

Rilakkuma & Shinkansen - top

S1 denotes the 8-car N700-7000 series train set!

Rilakkuma & Shinkansen - side

Cool detail that the side window/door design is slightly different from the Dr. Yellow series!

Rilakkuma & Shinkansen - back

And of course, reminding you which series this bullet train bear is from on the back!

Rilakkuma & Shinkansen - tag art

Tag art features Rilakkuma conspicuously not as a train haha, just riding one.

Rilakkuma & Shinkansen - with Dr. Yellow

The two bullet train bears meet! Will there be more to join them in the future?

Super adorable! This bear-turned-train/train-turned-bear was released August 2014 to commemorate the Tōkaidō Shinkansen’s 50th birthday!

The Shinkansen (新幹線) is a network of high-speed railways in Japan, and the Tōkaidō Shinkansen is the world’s busiest high-speed rail line – it has transported more passengers than any other line in the world!

Richelle mentioned that this Shinkansen Rilakkuma kinda looks like an airplane haha – especially since trains aren’t terribly commonplace where I’m from, I’d agree too haha.

You know, I never thought of myself as someone who was really fanatical about transportation, but I’ve collected all of the train line-related Rilakkumas so far (Yamanote, Dr. Yellow, and now Shinkansen) so who knows anymore haha.

NYC Rilakkuma fans! Rilakkuma Day is coming to FAO Schwarz NYC on October 11 from 1-4PM!

Rilakkuma Day 2014 - cover

Mark your calendars!

This event will feature a special Rilakkuma photo booth, Rilakkuma prize packs for those who post their Rilakkuma day photos on social media, Rilakkuma-themed lolita girls, as well as the latest Rilakkuma goods!

Even if you can’t make the event, Rilakkuma displays will be up at the NYC FAO Schwarz for the rest of October!

Since I’m all the way down south here in Florida, I unfortunately will not be able to attend T^T but! I’ll be interviewing the lead organizer of this event afterwards, so stay tuned!

If you do end up attending, shoot me an email at rilakkumalifestyle@gmail.com – I would love to hear how you thought the event went!

In other news, check out the newest iteration of Mister Donut x Rilakkuma for 2014!

Misdo Rilakkuma 2014 - cover 1

Yum!

Misdo Rilakkuma 2014 - cover 2

Three flannel blanket designs!

This year’s collaboration includes 3 blanket designs (70 cm x 120 cm) featuring Rilakkuma and pals with the many different donut types offered at Mister Donut!

From what I understand, for every purchase over 300円 at a participating Mister Donut, you get a card, and then you can redeem 8 cards for one of these special edition Misdo Rilakkuma blankets – wow!

If I can, I’m gonna try to snag one on the auctions! It’s about to start getting chilly (well, relatively), so I could use a nice warm blanket! I’m thinking the pink or blue design right now – which do you like best?

Rilakkuma’s collaborations with Mister Donut have always held a special place in my heart – my Misdo Rilakkuma plushie was one of the first in my collection!

Lots of cool Rilakkuma things for the month of October! What are you looking forward to the most?