Rilakkuma 20th Anniversary USA Tour 2023! Featuring Rilakkuma USA Tour Plush Numbered Edition from San Francisco!

Yes, it has been over FIVE YEARS since I last posted! In the interim, I completed my internal medicine residency and gastroenterology fellowship so now I’m a full blown independent gastroenterologist! This was all perfect timing because this year is not only Rilakkuma’s 20th anniversary, but also the first time Rilakkuma is touring the US!

To celebrate Rilakkuma’s 20th, there is a Rilakkuma tour bus spending the summer in six US cities: Newark, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Chicago. The tour bus sells exclusive USA-themed Rilakkuma merchandise, and there are also meet and greet events on the weekends to meet jumbo Rilakkuma and Korilakkuma. Notably, for each of the cities, there are 100 special Rilakkuma/Korilakkuma plushies that have a special serialized number seal.

I have a friend who lives in San Francisco who I had already been meaning to visit for years, so when the tour dates and cities were announced, I knew the stars had aligned.

In probably the most unhinged decision I’ve made in my life, I decided to line up at 4:20AM to get the numbered Rilakkuma, and I was #42 in line. Shortly after, lots of other Rilakkuma fans continued to line up and there were over 240 by the time the merchandise time slot tickets were given out at 9:00AM. I was assigned the first time slot, 11:00AM – 12:00PM.

I love that the tickets have a unique color and design to each city and day, this has evolved since the tour started!

The merchandise tour bus before it was opening! Someone brought their (very obedient) dogs for a quick photoshoot!

You have a choice of Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma, Kiiroitori, or Kogumachan pins: I chose Rilakkuma!

Being number 42 and knowing there were only 30 Rilakkumas available on Friday (40 on Saturday, 30 on Sunday), I was initially afraid I wouldn’t make the cut, so I was very relieved when I was able to! Surprisingly, being in line was actually not so bad because there were lots of other diehard Rilakkuma fans like me. In San Francisco, the event was held at the Crossing at East Cut, and it was very safe and well-lit. Furthermore, we were lucky to have a weekend that wasn’t too cold and windy, so it wasn’t a big deal to be outside of so long. I did see a couple sleeping bags and even tents in line!

I was very fortunate to obtain #28 Rilakkuma plush!

Here he is! I am so proud!

28/100, San Francisco seal!!

Lovely stars and stripes design on the ears, and the usual black thread for the facial features are replaced with a stunning navy blue.

The fabric is pattern is then repeated on the paws. One of my favorite details is the leather textured fabric tag, and that the paper tag also has a special “San Francisco” detail as well!

Bright red zipper with stars pattern in the inner pocket.

A little bigger and standing more upright compared to my M classic from Japan (who is 11 years old now), very American!

The rest of my haul, including: 20th anniversary Rilakkuma king plush, Rilakkuma USA keychain, yellow crop top, blue t-shirt, cloud wash spirit jersey, tote, plush coin purse, 3 enamel keychains, sticker sheet. Not pictured: Travel Drinking Mug, still in box!

If you are interested in the 20th anniversary Rilakkuma plush with the King design and the golden plush (not the USA tour plush yet), they are available at JellyBeet!

In addition to the merchandise, I was also able to go the Rilakkuma Meet and Greet on Saturday as well! It was important for my to have my Rilakkuma meet jumbo Rilakkuma. I was impressed at how quickly they were able to get through so many people! I also went to the Korilakkuma one but I was unprepared and Korilakkuma wasn’t facing the camera and neither was my own Rilakkuma plush haha! The Rilakkuma one turned out a little better.

We are all looking at the camera for this one!

Overall, I had an absolute blast of a weekend, and I would do it again in a heartbeat!

One of my favorite parts of the weekend was meeting other Rilakkuma super fans! Especially living on the east coast, most of my interaction with other Rilakkuma fans is online, which is wonderful, but being able to meet and talk in person is so special.

I hope the popularity of this tour means that we will have more Rilakkuma events stateside in the near future. What would you like to see next from Rilakkuma? A permanent Rilakkuma store? Personally, I’d love to see a Rilakkuma cafe!

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!

They’re more than good, they’re Tiger Rilakkuma plush!

Hello from sunny Florida! Ecstatic to share with you all today TWO Tiger Rilakkumas plush!

Twin tigers are two of a kind!

Two plush Rilakkumas from the AQI Tiger Series, which also features Korilakkuma as a grey tiger in similar poses, as well as a great set of head pillows (Simon’s favorite).

First to highlight is Tiger Rilakkuma Eating Fish/Taiyaki Plush!

Tiger Rilakkuma enjoying an afternoon snack!

A few lovely details here: the soft shape of the taiyaki embroidery make the taiyaki look good enough to eat! You can also see the cute pink paw print embroidery on the feet, as well as the striped mitts on his paws.

And in the back, you see Rilakkuma’s signature zippered pocket, as well as a tiger tail replacing his normal round bear tail.

His tiger hood has deep orange stripes along the top and sides, and his normally spherical ears have been replaced with fluffy and soft cat ears! Tag art shows Tiger Rilakkuma and friends playing around with each other.

I think this design is so, so clever because it’s a cat/tiger eating a fish, and simultaneously also Rilakkuma eating dessert/taiyaki—what a perfect match!

You can get this hungry Tiger Rilakkuma plush now at ShopAQI.com! You can also find him in-stock at your local Books A Million, JapanLA and P!Q.

This design looks like it was inspired by a combination of the taiyaki theme from the 2014 Cats Series Loft Exclusive design with the position and tiger elements of the Net Shop Exclusive! Most of the Rilakkuma cat designs from Japan have him as a calico cat, but I do rather like the tiger version because it makes Rilakkuma look so ferocious!

I’m absolutely overjoyed about having this Rilakkuma in my collection now because taiyaki is one of my favorite desserts of all time!

Taiyaki (鯛焼き) is a fish-shaped cake originally from Japan that are commonly filled with delicious custard, chocolate, or red bean. As someone who lives on the East Coast of the United States, we are very behind on the trends, but taiyaki places are even popping up all over around here because of how amazing and delicious they are.

Next is a relaxed Tiger Rilakkuma Laydown Plush!

Ready to pounce, or ready to relax?

Bird’s eye view shows his stripes, and I love how the dorsal stripes look a little bit like a fishbone outline!

Bottom view shows a big soft belly that is ideal for snuggling.

A perfect tiger Rilakkuma plush for your lap, your bed, and your home.

Love this plush so much, he just hangs out on my lap at all times, and is less scratchy than an actual pet cat. I adore the shape, and I think the design is very well done.

Reminds me a lot of the 2015 Cats Series Net Shop Exclusive in the pose, except calico now turned tiger—you can check out my previous post on that set to compare the two. Though hint: this version is much more affordable if you live in the US!

Like the taiyaki-eating Rilakkuma above, you can add this relaxed Tiger Rilakkuma plush to your collection at ShopAQI.com! Also available in your local Books A Million, Kappa Toy, JapanLA, and IT’SUGAR.

What kind of cat are you? Are you more of a calico, or a tiger?

Hope everyone is enjoying the warm sun! It’s beautiful here in Florida right now, and all I want to do is have Rilakkuma photoshoots outside all day!

You OTTER get this Rilakkuma!

At long last, I’m proud to begin featuring Rilakkuma plush and products that are designed here in the US!

Aliquantum International (AQI) manages all of the Rilakkuma merchandising in North America, and with an official license from San-X in Japan, they are now producing their own Rilakkuma plush designs! Many are inspired by previous Rilakkuma designs, but the materials, patterns, and construction are unique to AQI! So consider these authentic American Rilakkumas ;)

First feature is Sea Otter Rilakkuma!

Just like any otter day.

Hello, Sea Otter Rilakkuma!

The otter hood has crisp, proportionate, and symmetric embroidery—and I love the little triangular otter ears!

Big flat otter tail to keep him balanced!

Side by side comparison of the North American AQI Sea Otter Rilakkuma (left) to the Japanese San-X Sea Otter Rilakkuma from 2016 (right)! Notable differences include the obvious size difference, texture of the suit (AQI with a smoother plush feel, and San-X with a fluffy terry cloth feel), and the presence of yellow scallop shell. Otherwise, many of the details I love the most are similar!

Wow, I’m super impressed—excellent quality and cute proportions! And I think this is a hilariously fitting cross-over design as otters are indigenous to Japan and North America. The otter series is one of my favorites, and I’m overjoyed to see a version now available here in the US!

This lovely otter and his friends are available at a Books A Million, Hot Topic, and IT’SUGAR retailer near you! And you can buy online at Hot Topic and IT’SUGAR while supplies last.

There are versions of Rilakkuma in a grey otter suit facing forward and laying down, Korilakkuma in a pink otter suit facing forward and laying down, and Kiroitori in a white fish suit—check out my previous post from the Rilakkuma Shop pop-up store for more close-ups of those!

I LOVE these medium-sized Rilakkuma plush that tend to be the standard sizing for the AQI Rilakkumas (very big and huggable), though I will say it will make me run out of shelf space faster hahaha.

I really appreciate that us Rilakkuma fans in the US now have local options! The North American AQI Rilakkumas are crafting their own identity that pays homage to their Japanese counterparts while also bringing something new to the table. I’m really excited to see how their products evolve in the future! Can’t wait to see some USA specific ones hehehe.

So what do you think of this otter Rilakkuma? What do you want to see in the future for AQI Rilakkumas?

Rilakkuma Casual Plush! + Rilakkuma Strawberry Party preview!

Channeling the trendy hipster aesthetic, here’s Casual Rilakkuma!

Casual cool, everyday Rilakkuma!

Beautiful tomato red knit beanie with a fluffy pom pom on top and embroidered bear motif!

Comfy, minimalist hoodie with a lovely front pocket that cannot ostensibly fit his paws.

Back of the hoodie with the series design with Rilakkuma’s radio saying “Sorry, that’s it!” with Rilakkuma replying “…”. I… I’m not sure what this means, but I do love the mystery of it.

Lovely canvas tote bag on his right paw, simple black and white design with a bear motif. You can actually order a somewhat matching tote so you can match your Rilakkuma!

Tag art with the illustration from the back of the hoodie, with the tag line “Rilakkuma feels happy and relaxed everyday.” Fabric tag with a simple blue outlined “R” for Rilakkuma.

I really love this design, enjoy this aesthetic, and I want a matching hoodie! He looks like he’s from Portland, OR hahahaha

A cool and hip plush to complete the Rilakkuma Casual Series, which was released in September 2017, which features several kitchen and lifestyle goods in addition to standard stationary designs.

You could totally find me wearing an outfit like this! Though I don’t look as effortless as Rilakkuma haha.

Thanks to my parents and my sister for picking up this casual kuma for me when they visited Japan!

In other news, are you excited for the Rilakkuma Strawberry Party campaign?

Delicious! And you can even see a bear-bee dressed up as a strawberry, too!

One of the products I’m looking forward to the most: a combo playset and recipe set so you can cook for a Rilakkuma strawberry party yourself!

Standard plush, holding strawberries in anticipation for the strawberry party! Unique details include a metal strawberry charm on their ribbons, and patches with decorative powder blue, pink, and yellow strawberry pattern.

Nothing fancy or overstated, just a fluffy, airy, and cute campaign with Rilakkuma and friends living their strawberry dreams. Scheduled to debut in March 2018!

Looks like they took a lot of inspiration from the Sweet Happy Series from May 2014, and even more recently, the Korilakkuma Store Opening Series from August 2017!

I’d love to attend a strawberry party myself. Back when I lived in North Carolina, I used to go to pick-your-own strawberry and blueberry farms, and they were a blast!! Would highly recommend if you have a chance,

Which Rilakkuma series matches your aesthetic the best?

In addition to the Rilakkuma Casual series, I adore the Rilakkuma Factory color scheme! If there were a Rilakkuma wearing old hospital scrubs, that’d be me too haha.

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!

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!

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!

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

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

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!

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!).

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.

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

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!

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!

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!

Excited to go today and see what’s new!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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

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!

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

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

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:

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.

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.

Can you find him in the front display?

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

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!

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

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!

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.

Beautiful and welcoming storefront!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I bought this shirt!

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!