This angelic-looking bear is a relaxing pet. It’s very popular among stressed-out young Japanese women.
Rilakkuma, Ko-Rilakkuma and Kiiroitori
Who is Rilakkuma?
It’s brown with a big head and an angelic little face. Rilakkuma is a very popular pet among young Japanese women in their 20’s and 30’s. Its first product was launched in September 2003. Today, Rilakkuma stuff is everywhere and you can see it and buy it in just about any corner of Japan. It was designed by Kondouaki, for a company called San-X.
Rilakkuma and Kaoru-san
Rilakkuma lives free-of-cost in Kaoru-san’s home. Kaoru-san is a 25-year old woman who works in Tokyo. She takes care of Rilakkuma and sometimes makes a sheep disguise for him. Actually, we don’t know what sort of animal he is, because sometimes his blue-polka-dotted underwear pokes through the zipper on his back. He has several outfits, does laundry, and loves pancakes, Omu-rice (a Japanese dish made of fried rice and egg omelet), and flan. His hobbies include watching TV and going to the spa. He likes saying, "I’d spend my life lounging about, if I could..." and "Make yourself comfortable".
Rilakkuma’s Friends
Ko-Rilakkuma
He’s a mischievous bear, a bit younger than Rilakkuma. He’s always pestering Rilakkuma, sometimes trying to unzip the zipper on his back as a prank. He looks like a polar bear, but it’s not very clear where he’s from, since he has buttons down his chest. He likes strawberries, apples, and cherries, and he loves playing with stuffed ducks and penguins. He listens to really loud music and sometimes dresses up as a rabbit or cow.
Kiiroitori
Kiiroitori is a yellow bird that was Kaoru-san’s first pet. He likes scolding Rilakkuma for lounging about, though the bear could care less. He often fights with Ko-Rilakkuma, but they also play together. Kiiroitori likes cleaning house and, will put any coins he finds away to save up money.
Rilakkuma Collaborations and Products
Rilakkuma has collaborated with several Japanese entities such as the Ministry of Health and Social Security, but my favorite Rilakkuma appearance is the ad campaign for the Toyota Vitz. You almost imagine while watching these ads that Rilakkuma really exists. Notice how he’s always eating something.
Rilakkuma’s productsare very varied: books, cell phone straps, limited edition dolls, cups, plates, towels, stickers, stamps... There’s no end to them. A Rilakkuma exhibit that displays the mascot’s products, including a recreation of his room, has been traveling all over Japan since 2005.
Videogame arcades throughout Japan are also featuring Rilakkuma dolls as a prize. The link below shows a video of the Rilakkuma doll shot in front of videogame arcade in Tokyo:
A videogamefor Wii featuring Rilakkuma will be launched on the market in March 2009, click here to check it out. And to see animationsfeaturing Rilakkuma and his friends, click here.
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Rilakkuma, Ko-Rilakkuma and Kiiroitori
