The popular character Rilakkuma was recently appointed as the tourism ambassador for Chiyoda City in Tokyo. To commemorate this lofty position, Tokyo Daijingu Shrine will begin offering Ema decorated with Rilakkuma starting December 1, 2021. Ema are small wooden plaques found at shrines, and visitors can write their wishes or prayers on them before hanging them up for the Gods to receive them. 

Tokyo Daijingu was built in the early Meiji period so that residents of Tokyo could worship the many deities enshrined at the Grand Shrine of Ise from afar. Originally built in Hibiya, the shrine was moved to Iidabashi in 1928 after the Kanto Earthquake. 

Rilakkuma became the tourism ambassador for Chiyoda in August and aims to convey the many charms of the area to as many people as possible. These Ema feature an original Rilakkuma design along with the crest of Tokyo Daijingu.

The cute characters from Rilakkuma and Sumikko Gurashi are coming together in a new event being held at Sapporo Factory in Hokkaido! The Rilakkuma & Sumikko Gurashi Festival is now underway, and we’ve some new details to share about the goodies fans can expect. 

Guests attending the event will be greeted by their favorite characters at the entrance, and through the doors, tons of events will be underway! A collection of special goods and memorable photo spots will also leave fans of both series starstruck. 

Rilakkuma & Sumikko Gurashi Gelato: ¥750 each / Sally’s Cupcake (Located on 2F) 

Relaxing and Restful Rilakkuma Chocolate Baumkuchen (2 piece set) / Haus Von Frau Kurosawa (Located on 2F)

Rilakkuma & Sumikko Gurashi Festival Cup: ¥900 each

Enjoy a ton of delicious and adorable original sweets and drinks, served in original cups made for the event! All items are available for takeout. 

For each eligible food or drink item purchased, a special magnet featuring a brand-new illustration will be gifted to guests at random. 

The ‘#Kumafes in Ginza Mitsukoshi’ event will be held at the Ginza Mitsukoshi New Building 7F between September 15 and September 27. San-X have announced that a Rilakkuma will be participating with merchandise available to purchase at the event.

Rilakkuma Store Nagoya / Ueodai Store: Oda Nobunaga Plush: ¥1,848 (Tax Incl.)

Rilakkuma Store Abeno Q’s Mall: Kushikatsu Wrapped Rilakkuma: ¥1,518 (Tax Incl.)

Rilakkuma Store Kansai: Rilakkuma with Takoyaki & Sauce : ¥1,738 (Tax Incl.)

Limited Edition Kusatsu Souvenir Onsen Rilakkuma: Kusatsu In-The-Onsen Rilakkuma: ¥2,200 (Tax Incl.)

Limited Edition Miyajima Teahouse Rilakkuma: Even Though He’s a Deer, He Still Carries Momiji Manju Rilakkuma: ¥2,420 (Tax Incl.)

Rilakkuma Store Sabou: Lucky Cat Korilakkuma: ¥2,420 (Tax Incl.)

Soft & Fluffy Rilakkuma Plush: ¥4,400 (Tax Incl.)

Dangling Korilakkuma Plush: ¥2,200 (Tax Incl.)

Plush Rilakkuma Pouch: ¥2,200 (Tax Incl.)

A huge collection of regional and limited edition Rilakkuma products  will be available at the event, including items from regional Rilakkuma stores, Rilakkuma Onsen/Teahouse collaborations, and “Rilakkuma & Kaoru-san” items, so don’t miss out!

©2021 SAN-X CO., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

The ‘Rilakkuma & Sumikko Gurashi Festival Commemorative Photo Event’ will be held between September 17 and November 28 2021 on the third floor of the Sapporo Factory San Jō-kan Building.

After enjoying yourself at the joint event, you can take some commemorative photos with Rilakkuma and the Sumikko’s, who will be wearing new costumes especially for this event! 

October 9: 11:00/ 13:00/ 15:00/ 17:00 (Approx. 30 slots) (Each session lasts approx. 30 minutes)
Featured Characters: Korilakkuma and Tokage

October 31: 11:00/ 13:00/ 15:00/ 17:00 (Approx. 30 slots) (Each session lasts approx. 30 minutes)
Featured Characters: Chairokoguma and Neko

Weekday Limited Admission Freebies: ‘RilaSumi Festival’ Original Bookmark (Selected from 8 random designs: Rilakkuma & Kiirotori, Korilakkuma, Chairokoguma, Shirokuma, Penguin?, Tonkatsu & Ebifurai no Shippo, Neko, Tokage)

Don’t miss out on this limited time opportunity! 

Popular Japanese accessories brand Maison de FLEUR is releasing a new collection of grown-up Rilakkuma-inspired goods, the second such collaboration for the brand. All goods will go on sale September 10 at Maison de FLEUR shops online, and at the STRIPE CLUB Online Store.

Goods

Square Tote Bag: ¥4,389 (Tax Included)

Rilakkuma & Kiiroitori Frilly Tote Bag: ¥5,489 (Tax Included)

Korilakkuma & Chairoikoguma Frilly Tote Bag: ¥5,489 (Tax Included)

Rilakkuma & Kiiroitori Tissue Case: ¥3,949 (Tax Included)

Korilakkuma & Chairoikoguma Tissue Case: ¥3,949 (Tax Included)

Rilakkuma Card Case: ¥4,059 (Tax Included)

Korilakkuma Card Case: ¥4,059 (Tax Included)

Kiiroitori Card Case: ¥4,059 (Tax Included)

Chairoikoguma Card Case: ¥4,059 (Tax Included)

Rilakkuma Bag Charm: ¥2,750 (Tax Included)

Korilakkuma Bag Charm: ¥2,750 (Tax Included)

Kiiroitori Bag Charm: ¥2,750 (Tax Included)

Chairoikoguma Bag Charm: ¥2,750 (Tax Included)

Lining Design

Maison de FLEUR released their first collection of Rilakkuma-inspired goods last year, focusing on the character Korilakkuma. Many of the goods sold out instantly, and restocks were necessary to keep up with demand for these adorable items. This new collection focuses not only on the popular Korilakkuma, but on Rilakkuma, Kiiroitori, and the honey-loving Chairoikoguma.

This limited-time collaboration features tote bags, tissue cases, card cases, and bag charms, for a total 0f 15 different products to collect. Each features these popular San-X characters adorned with the quintessential Maison de FLEUR ribbon. The tote bags are large and spacious, while the tote bags bring a more adult flair to those wanting a touch of playfulness in their wardrobe.

Which of these fluffy goods is on your wishlist?

On August 18, 2021, an official inauguration ceremony was held in Chiyoda City, Tokyo, to appoint SAN-X’s lazy and loveable bear Rilakkuma as the new tourism ambassador for the locale. To celebrate the new partnership, some special merchandise will also be released.

Collaboration Merchandise

Clear Folder: ¥300 (Tax Included) Release Date: August 19

Labels (2 designs per pack): ¥350 (Tax Included) Release Date: September 16

Ballpoint Pen: ¥600 (Tax Included) Release Date: October 8

Chiyoda City contains many of Tokyo’s most visited attractions, such as the Imperial Palace, Hibiya Park, the National Museum of Modern Art, and beloved concert hall the Budokan. Many government agencies are also located within its borders, and anime fans will recognize Akihabara, an area specializing in Japanese popular culture.

SAN-X, the company behind Rilakkuma and his friends, is headquartered in Chiyoda City. The area hopes to use the globally-loved characters to convey the charm of Chiyoda to younger generations and families alike. The catchphrase for the campaign is “Let’s take a detour and relax in Chiyoda.”

How would you like to visit Chiyoda?

©2021 SAN-X CO., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Kiddyland is collaborating with San-X to open a Korilakkuma Store in the Yurakucho MARUI 1F Canlendarium between August 19th and August 9th.

Limited Goods

Stuffed Toy / Rilakkuma & Strawberry Cat: ¥2420 (Tax Included)

Stuffed Toy / Korilakkuma & Chococat: ¥2420 (Tax Included)

Stuffed Toy /Chairokoguma &Vanillacat: ¥2420 (Tax Included)

Stuffed Toy / Vanillacat, Chococat: Each ¥1790 (Tax Included)

Left) Hair Iron Pouch ¥2200 (Tax Included) / Lingerie Pouch ¥3080 (Tax Included)

Cosmetics Basket ¥3080 (Tax Included) / Rucksack ¥6390 (Tax Included)

Korilakkuma Hoodie: ¥7480 (Tax Included)

Limited Purchase Benefits

August 19~21: Stainless Steel Tumbler

August 20~22: Cat Mini Pouch

September 4th onwards: 2-piece Magnet Set

Tokyo Station Store: Tote Bag/Nagoya Station Store: Cat Mini Pouch

Korilakkuma is a small, white young bear who appeared suddenly alongside the popular character Rilakkuma.

Kiddyland has been hosting the Korilakkuma pop-up stores in Yurakucho MARUI since 2016,  with the store proving a hit with San-X fans. 

The pop-up will be hosted again in 2021, previously theming the store around Korilakkuma and their small rabbit friends in 2020.

The main art features Korilakkuma’s beloved strawberries, along with Korilakkuma surrounded by three adorable cats. The cat-ear wearing Korilakkuma artwork is a must-see!

The wonderful daily freebies are only available in limited quantities, with the Tokyo Station and Nagoya Station stores taking part to commemorate the opening of their very first Korilakkuma stores. 

Don’t miss out on these precious limited Korilakkuma goodies! 

©2021 SAN-X CO., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Tower Records has announced Rilakkuma x Tower Records Campaign 2021, an event set to run from August 4 to August 29. The retail music chain is joining paws with Rilakkuma and company for a campaign with the theme “Wow, what a surprise!” at Tower Records stores, their online shop, and Tower Records Cafe.

Merch collab line-up

Tower Records has collaborated with Rilakkuma every year since 2009. This year sees the arrival of brand new original merchandise, a CD, and themed cafe.

The merchandise will be available at 27 Tower Records stores, Tower Records Cafe Omotesando, and online. Enjoy adorable original artwork of Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma, Chairokoguma, and Kiiroitori. There’s lots of freebies to get your hands on too – check out the line-up below.

Available at 27 Tower Records stores, Tower Records Cafe Omotesando, and the online shop

Available at Tower Records Shibuya, Tower Records Cafe Omotesando, and the online shop

Free character cards with every purchase

Red Rilakkuma zabuton floor cushion

For this year’s campaign, Rilakkuma fans can win themselves a zabuton floor cushion too. For a chance to win, you need to sign up online.

Tower Records x Rilakkuma CD cover

Postcard included with CD

The eighth Tower Records x Rilakkuma CD includes background music for doing yoga. There are 15 popular J-pop tracks in total which can be enjoyed for just chilling out to as w2ell.

Themed cafe menu

The cafe collaboration at Tower Records Cafe Omotesando takes on an American diner theme. Takeout drinks will also be available at the Nagoya Sakae SKYLE and Umeda NU Chayamachi branches too.

At Tower Records Omotesando

Table mats at Tower Records Omotesando

Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma, Chairokoguma, and Kiiroitori themed dishes, drinks, and desserts

Receive a free fan when you book a table in advance

Receive a free postcard when you order from the collab menu

Set of 3 original stickers

Free postcard when ordering from the Special Menu

Free postcard when you order a takeout bottle

Collect all six stamps in the stamp rally to win a poster

During the campaign, for every piece of merchandise ordered, you’ll receive one of four possible character cards. 20 people who also scan the QR codes included on the cards by September 12 will be randomly chosen to win either a white Rilakkuma zabuton cushion or a ¥3,000 Tower Records gift card.

©2021 San-X Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

With just a small bit of ingenuity, turn everyday food into something cute using Kaori’s Easy Recipe! With a few simple ideas, an ordinary recipe magically transforms into a cute dish.

In this recipe, I’ll show you how to make a delicious banana cake that is tasty even if refrigerated!

Ingredients

Makes a 18cm pound cake

2 ripe bananas

100g unsalted butter

50g granulated sugar

2 eggs

100g weak flour

1

Bring the butter to room temperature and mix it with the sugar until it becomes white. I used unsalted margarine for this.

2

Gradually add both the egg whites and yolks and pour slowly into the mixture while mixing. Mash the banana with a fork, add to the bowl, and mix.

3

Sieve in the flour and mix lightly.

4

Bake at 160℃ for 40-45 minutes and it’s ready! I used a 15cm pound cake tin and muffin tin to make mine. If using a muffin tin, bake for 30 minutes.

Leave to cool and use the edge of the pound cake tin to cut ears. Finish by using a chocolate pen to draw on Rilakkuma’s face.

Kaori invites you into her world of character-themed food dishes in her recipe series. Be sure to check out her Instagram where she has uploaded many pictures of her character dishes!

KIDDYLAND has announced that Rilakkuma will take on the role of shop manager at 18 Rilakkuma Stores this summer from July 1.

All the Rilakkuma managers to be appointed

The appointment of these Rilakkuma managers was held out in cooperation with San-X, the creators of the character. Each store will have a completely different Rilakkuma each with its own personality. Some will even have Korilakkuma. If you head on over to the official Rilakkuma Store Instagram and Twitter pages, you can see the Rilakkumas at their stores doing work, prepping for events, and more, so be sure to follow and cheer them on.

©2021 SAN-X CO., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Bandai’s character-inspired Japanese confectionery series Tabemas released a new collection of traditional Japanese wagashi confections and tarts inspired by the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba anime series at Lawson convenience stores across Japan on June 15.

Tabemas Demon Slayer

‘Tabemas’ is an abbreviation of the Japanese words taberareru masukotto, meaning ‘mascots that you can eat.’ It is a Japanese confectionery series that combines well-known characters and Japanese sweets made from ingredients like red bean paste, sugar and rice flour.

Their line-up of three confections are based on Tanjiro, Nezuko, and Zenitsu from the series, each of which captures their charm points in terms of colour and design. Tanjiro is chocolate flavoured, Nezuko is strawberry, and Zenitsu is custard.

Tabemas Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba 2021 | ¥285 Each (Tax Included)

Demon Slayer Tarts

Tabemas has also baked up some no-baked cheesecake tarts featuring designs of Tanjiro, Nezuko, Zenitsu, Inosuke, Tomioka, Kyojuro, and Shinobu.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Tarts | ¥249 Each (Tax Included)

©︎ 吾峠呼世晴／集英社・アニプレックス・ufotable

Sanrio teamed up with the convenience store chain FamilyMart to commemorate the 25th anniversary of their popular character Pompompurin with a special soufflé and macarons that hit shelves up and down Japan on June 8.

Pompompurin Soufflé Pudding | ¥276 (Before Tax)

Pompompurrin & Cinnamoroll Macarons | ¥350 (Before Tax)

Pom’s Kitchen Campaign

The Japanese pudding-style soufflé is made with smooth and velvety custard and caramel. It’s sold in a cup in three different original designs. Also available as part of the celebration is a set of macarons made to look like Pompompurin as well as Cinnamoroll, another one of Sanrio’s most popular characters. They are wearing cute king and queen crowns respectively.

A campaign is also being held where you can win some special Pompompurin merchandise by posting a photo of a rice dish inspired by Pompompurin on social media. More details can be found on the campaign website below.