The popular character “Rilakkuma’s” collaborative series will be added to the character line of the original kokeshi products produced by Usaburo.
Reservations for this kokeshi series including “Rilakkuma,” “Korilakkuma” and “Kiiroi Tori” were started on the online store “Hikidashi Store” (https://hkds.tokyo/) “Hikidashi Store” from the 18th of December (Mon.)
The “Usaburo Kokeshi” workshop located in Shinto Village on the east side of Gunma Prefecture’s Haruna Mountain and has been running business since 1950. In addition to the traditional method of making kokeshi using a lathe they have adopted a new way of coloring using Japanese brushes combined with pyrography. Usaburo is gathering a high reputation among persons in foreign countries and they are shipping their works to 18 different countries centering around European countries.
This time, they created a hand-sized cute, wooden “kokeshis” of “Rilakkuma,” “korilakkuma” and “Kiiroi Tori.”
Each Rilakkuma kokeshi handmade by artisans’ hands is carved out of natural wood and colored precisely and therefore has warm feel to them.
Let’s obtain the traditional crafts of Japan which are recommended to be used as interior sundries.
■Information
Rilakkuma Kokeshi by Usaburo Kokeshi
Variety: Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma, Kiiroi Tori
Place of production: Shinto Village, Kitagunmagun, Gunma Prefecture
Price: 4,000 yen (each) ＋ tax (Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma) 1,400 yen ＋ tax (Kiiroi Tori)
Release date: the products will be shipped subsequently from late December 2017.
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of Rilakkuma and his adorable friends, the Rilakkuma 20th Anniversary Cafe will open in Omotesando, Tokyo from March 9 until April 16, 2023. You’ll want to come and spend a peaceful time looking back at two decades of everyone’s favorite lazy bear!
The menu features colorful and festive dishes inspired by Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma, Kiiroitori, and Chairoikoguma. The characters express their thanks for 20 successful years, and fans can enjoy floats topped with Rilakkuma and friends wearing ribbons and topped with ice cream, a jelly soda inspired by Chairoikoguma and his friends in the honey forest, and a hot drink inspired by Rilakkuma's favorite pudding.
Menu
Rilakkuma’s Honey Mustard Hamburger
コリラックマのクリームパスタ
Korilakkuma’s Cream Pasta
Kiiroitori’s Egg Burger
Chairoikoguma’s Cheese Curry
Rilakkuma and Friend’s Celebratory Cake
Congratulatory Flower Parfait
You Can Choose♪ Rilakkuma and Friends Mini Ice Cream
You Can Choose♪ Rilakkuma and Friends Floats
Honey Forest Jelly Soda
Relaxing Pudding Drink
Take-Out Drink Bottle
Original Merch
Acrylic Clip (7 varieties, random)
Acrylic Keychain (5 varieties, random)
Mini-Bottle / Muddler with Charm (4 varieties)
Lunch Tote / Drawstring Bag
Acrylic Stand with Clip / Cork Coaster
Stuffed Animal
In addition, the cafe will offer original goods, special offers, and a Twitter campaign to celebrate Rilakkuma's 20th anniversary.
Come enjoy the elaborate original menu and goods while sharing memories at this limited time themed cafe!
RILAKKUMA 20th Anniversary Cafe
Venue: BOX cafe&space Omotesando
Running: March 9 – April 16, 2023
Address: Pine Under Flat B1F (5-13-2 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
Reservation Fee: ¥715 (Tax included) *Reservations include bonuses.
*Reservations can be made for up to four guests per application.
Global creative agency monopo is teaming up with Shokuraku Asano, a 100-year-old obi maker from Kyoto! The company is working to create a digital experience for interested viewers, sharing each artisan’s personal story. Those who love Japanese culture are welcome to enjoy traditional Japanese crafts in an entirely new way!Using a one-of-a-kind QR obi, a new storytelling method is showing off the hard work and love that goes into the company’s textiles. A special website and video allow interested viewers to experience the process of making an obi digitally, simply by using their smartphone. Even those unable to visit Japan to see these obi in person can dive into the history of the area’s textiles and become more acquainted with one part of Kyoto’s manufacturing culture. Kyoto was the ancient capital of Japan. The city is known for its history and preservation of Japanese culture, and prior to the pandemic, the city was constantly filled with visitors from around the world anxious to learn more about the country’s traditional culture. When the pandemic hit the world in 2020, it changed the city forever–tourists disappeared and the city became much quieter. Now that Japan has opened its borders, however, tourists are returning in droves.While Shokuraku Asano upholds tradition, it also seeks to leave a mark on new generations by embracing new technology. This unique project is worth noting, so get your smartphone out and start learning!We applaud monopo's attempt to share this incredible traditional Japanese craftsmanship with people around the world.
A Doraemon version of Hiroshige’s 1833 ukiyo-e painting Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido Hoeido Edition (Rainstorm) will be available to order on October 29!This work is said to be one of the most famous paintings by the artist, who was considered the last great master of ukiyo-e.The painter was best known for his depiction of rainscapes, and many of his paintings pushed the envelope of traditional art. This painting shows Ise Province, what is now present-day Mie Prefecture. Doraemon and his friends have been expertly placed into the famous piece of art, desperately climbing a steep hill during a sudden evening shower.For Doraemon and Nobita, the rain is a chance to have fun. Looking at the piece, viewers can see an image of hope in tough times and can remember that with friends, anything is possible and any difficulties can be overcome. The piece is made from high-quality materials, and you won’t want to miss ordering one of these rare works of art!
Information
Doraemon Ukiyo-e / Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido Hoeido Edition (Rainstorm)
Orders Open: October 29, 2022 at 12:00 Price: ¥45,000 (Excluding tax and shipping charges) Number Available: 300 Echizen-Manufactured Washi Paper Provided by Iwano Ichibei Online Shop: http://ukiyoework.com/
Attack on Titan Playing Cards Win Big at the Ani-Monozukuri Awards 2022
Maholova Minds Miura, a hot spring resort on the Miura Peninsula in Kanagawa Prefecture, celebrated its 30th anniversary in June 2022. Royal Salon Yamato, a popular spot for coffee and parties since its opening, was transformed into the Rita Cafe this summer.On September 23, Rita Cafe will begin selling its own original cream soda!
Rilakkuma’s Miura Ocean Cream Soda / Korilakkuma’s Watermelon Cream Soda
Rilakkuma Room (Bedroom/Living Room)
To celebrate the special Rilakkuma room and Korilakkuma room, guests can enjoy two new drinks: Rilakkuma’s Miura Ocean Cream Soda and Korilakkuma’s Watermelon Cream Soda. The rooms aren’t too easy to book, but even if you can’t, at least you can see plenty of adorable pictures on social media!
Information
Rilakkuma’s Miura Ocean Cream Soda / Korilakkuma’s Watermelon Cream Soda
