Rilakkuma and Kaoru

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Category:Use mdy dates from March 2025

Rilakkuma and Kaoru
KanjiリラックマとカオルさんCategory:Articles containing Japanese-language text
Genre
Created byAki Kondo
Written byNaoko Ogigami
Directed byMasahito Kobayashi
StarringMikako Tabe
Ending theme"Sampo" by Quruli
ComposerShigeru Kishida
Country of originJapan
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes21
Production
Executive producers
  • Hiroshi Chida
  • Kaata Sakamoto
  • Masao Chida
  • Taro Goto
Producers
  • Hiroki Ito
  • Noriko Matsumoto
  • Yuriko Okada
Running time12 minutes
Production companies
[1]
Original release
NetworkNetflix
ReleaseApril 19, 2019 (2019-04-19) –
August 25, 2022 (2022-08-25)

Rilakkuma and Kaoru (リラックマとカオルさんCategory:Articles containing Japanese-language text, Rirakkuma to Kaoru-san) is a stop-motion animation television series created by Dwarf Studio in cooperation with San-X, based on the Rilakkuma character franchise.

The series premiered on Netflix on April 19, 2019. In October 2020, it was renewed for a second season, titled Rilakkuma's Theme Park Adventure (リラックマと遊園地Category:Articles containing Japanese-language text, Rirakkuma to Yūenchi), featuring the same production staff.[2] Rilakkuma's Theme Park Adventure was released worldwide exclusively on Netflix on August 25, 2022.[3]

Characters

Rilakkuma (リラックマCategory:Articles containing Japanese-language text, Rirakkuma)
A soft, toy-like brown bear whose interests are mostly limited to sleeping and eating. He appeared in front of Kaoru's apartment one day and started living with her afterwards.
Korilakkuma (コリラックマCategory:Articles containing Japanese-language text, Korirakkuma)
A small, toy-like white bear and Rilakkuma's close friend. She also appeared at Kaoru's front door one day and began living with her too.
Kiiroitori (キイロイトリCategory:Articles containing Japanese-language text)
Kaoru's pet yellow chick. Rather than sleeping and eating like Rilakkuma, Kiiroitori has a hard-working nature and loves cleaning.
Kaoru (カオルさんCategory:Articles containing Japanese-language text, Kaoru-san)
Voiced by: Mikako Tabe[4] (Japanese); Lana Condor (Rilakkuma and Kaoru); Abby Trott (Rilakkuma's Theme Park Adventure) (English)
An office lady in her twenties who lives with Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma and Kiiroitori.
Hayate (ハヤテくんCategory:Articles containing Japanese-language text, Hayate-kun)
Voiced by: Takayuki Yamada[4] (Japanese); Chris Hackney (English)
A delivery man who is Tokio's cousin and Kaoru's love interest.
Tokio (トキオCategory:Articles containing Japanese-language text)
Voiced by: Souki Matsumoto[4] (Japanese); Veronica Taylor (English)
A lonely boy who lives in Kaoru's apartment complex.
Sayu (サユCategory:Articles containing Japanese-language text)
Voiced by: Mai Kanazawa[4] (Japanese); Melissa Fahn (English)
One of Kaoru's colleagues.

Production

An initial pitch was made by Tokyo representatives at Netflix in 2016.[5] The series was announced publicly in 2017 and was originally slated for a 2018 release.[6]

Director Masahito Kobayashi drew inspiration from Wes Anderson's films, such as Fantastic Mr. Fox and Isle of Dogs.[5] Kaoru, who had appeared as a silhouette in the original Rilakkuma comic series, was given a physical presence and her experiences were drawn from the female staff members.[5] The fictional city that the show takes place in, Ogigaya, is a mash-up of the Ogikubo and Asagaya neighborhoods in Tokyo.[5] The series was made at Dwarf Studio, who previously made stop motion Domo-kun animation.[7] 10 separate stages were set up, with the staff filming about 10 seconds of footage per day simultaneously.[5]

In 2018, Netflix announced the show would be released on April 19, 2019, and star Mikako Tabe as Kaoru.[8] Original characters created for the series, Tokio, Hayate, and Sayu, were introduced in March 2019.[4] Aside from playing Hayate, Takayuki Yamada also played an assortment of minor roles in the series, including the shaved ice stand man in episode 4, the man in the Yuriko horror movie, Kaoru's landlord, Kaoru's boss, the fisherman in episode 8, the photographer in episode 10, and the alien in episode 11.[9]

Episodes

Series overview
SeasonTitleEpisodesOriginally released
1Rilakkuma and Kaoru13April 19, 2019 (2019-04-19)
2Theme Park Adventure8August 25, 2022 (2022-08-25)

Season 1 (2019)

No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date
11"Cherry Blossom"
Transliteration: "Hanami" (Japanese: 花見Category:Articles containing Japanese-language text)		Masahito KobayashiNaoko OgigamiApril 19, 2019 (2019-04-19)
In April, Kaoru prepares for a hanami with her circle of friends from college, only to find out that none of them can attend. Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma, and Kiiroitori take her out for a viewing at night.
22"Kidnapped"
Transliteration: "Koinobori" (Japanese: こいのぼりCategory:Articles containing Japanese-language text)		Masahito KobayashiNaoko OgigamiApril 19, 2019 (2019-04-19)
In May, Kaoru is harassed by anonymous messages and Rilakkuma is kidnapped. Kaoru discovers the culprit is Tokio, a lonely boy living in her apartment complex. Kaoru forgives him and invites him to help set up the koinobori.
33"Rainy Season"
Transliteration: "Tsuyu" (Japanese: 梅雨Category:Articles containing Japanese-language text)		Masahito KobayashiNaoko OgigamiApril 19, 2019 (2019-04-19)
In June, Kaoru overhears her co-workers mentioning she is too serious for a group date. Heavy rain causes mushrooms to grow in her house, and she considers eating them to change her personality.
44"Fireworks"
Transliteration: "Natsu Matsuri" (Japanese: 夏祭りCategory:Articles containing Japanese-language text)		Masahito KobayashiNaoko OgigamiApril 19, 2019 (2019-04-19)
In July, Kaoru attends the summer festival, and Rilakkuma helps her become less indecisive.
55"Ghost Girl"
Transliteration: "Obon" (Japanese: お盆Category:Articles containing Japanese-language text)		Masahito KobayashiNaoko OgigamiApril 19, 2019 (2019-04-19)
In August, the typhoon season approaches and a ghost girl visits Kaoru's apartment. Kaoru offers her advice to move on.
66"Fortune-Telling"
Transliteration: "Uranai" (Japanese: 占いCategory:Articles containing Japanese-language text)		Masahito KobayashiNaoko OgigamiApril 19, 2019 (2019-04-19)
In September, Kaoru becomes concerned about her fortune and begins buying items she believes will improve her luck, which causes tension between herself and her animal friends. After discovering the fortune teller is a scammer, Kaoru apologizes and realizes she is lucky after all.
77"Slim Down"
Transliteration: "Daietto" (Japanese: ダイエットCategory:Articles containing Japanese-language text)		Masahito KobayashiNaoko OgigamiApril 19, 2019 (2019-04-19)
In October, Kaoru and Rilakkuma gain weight, causing Kaoru to buy exercise equipment. After discovering that Hayate delivers her packages, she begins buying more equipment to see him, causing her bills to skyrocket. In the end, Kaoru and Rilakkuma lose weight from eating frugally.
88"Getting a Job"
Transliteration: "Arubaito" (Japanese: アルバイトCategory:Articles containing Japanese-language text)		Masahito KobayashiNaoko OgigamiApril 19, 2019 (2019-04-19)
In November, Kaoru becomes concerned about money as her winter bonus is cut by 10% and she is notified that the apartment complex will be demolished next year. Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma, and Kiiroitori get jobs to help, but Rilakkuma is fired from all of them. Kaoru apologizes for making them worry and doesn't accept their money, saying that the landlord will compensate them.
99"Snowman"
Transliteration: "Yukidaruma" (Japanese: 雪だるまCategory:Articles containing Japanese-language text)		Masahito KobayashiNaoko OgigamiApril 19, 2019 (2019-04-19)
In December, Korilakkuma and Kiiroitori make snowmen. Rilakkuma gets sick and has a dream where he plays with them at night.
1010"Hawaii"
Transliteration: "Hawai" (Japanese: ハワイCategory:Articles containing Japanese-language text)		Masahito KobayashiNaoko OgigamiApril 19, 2019 (2019-04-19)
In January, Rilakkuma and friends recreate a luau for Kaoru, but Kaoru tells them she'd rather go to Hawaii with her future partner. Their performance goes viral on the Internet and they are invited to perform in Hawaii, but they decide to take Tokio with them instead of Kaoru.
1111"Sleepless Night"
Transliteration: "Hoshizora" (Japanese: 星空Category:Articles containing Japanese-language text)		Masahito KobayashiNaoko OgigamiApril 19, 2019 (2019-04-19)
In February, Korilakkuma attempts to contact aliens and meets one in a dream-like sequence.
1212"The First Day"
Transliteration: "Deai" (Japanese: 出会いCategory:Articles containing Japanese-language text)		Masahito KobayashiNaoko OgigamiApril 19, 2019 (2019-04-19)
In March, Kaoru reflects on the first time Rilakkuma and Korilakkuma first appeared in her apartment a year ago.
1313"Moving Out"
Transliteration: "Hikkoshi" (Japanese: 引っ越しCategory:Articles containing Japanese-language text)		Masahito KobayashiNaoko OgigamiApril 19, 2019 (2019-04-19)
In April, Kaoru, Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma, and Kiiroitori clean up and move out of their apartment, reflecting on the past year they spent together.

Season 2 (2022)

No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date
141"An Uneasy Feeling"
Transliteration: "Toraburu na Yokan" (Japanese: トラブルな予感Category:Articles containing Japanese-language text)		Masahito KobayashiNaoko OgigamiAugust 25, 2022 (2022-08-25)
152"Game Battle with Emiri"
Transliteration: "Emiri to no Gēmu Batoru" (Japanese: エミリとゲームバトルCategory:Articles containing Japanese-language text)		Masahito KobayashiNaoko OgigamiAugust 25, 2022 (2022-08-25)
163"Eiji and the jungle tour"
Transliteration: "Eiji to Janguru Tsuā" (Japanese: 永治とジャングルツアーCategory:Articles containing Japanese-language text)		Masahito KobayashiNaoko OgigamiAugust 25, 2022 (2022-08-25)
174"Clown in Love"
Transliteration: "Piero no Koisuru Jaguringu" (Japanese: ピエロの恋するジャグリングCategory:Articles containing Japanese-language text)		Masahito KobayashiNaoko OgigamiAugust 25, 2022 (2022-08-25)
185"Suzune's an Idol"
Transliteration: "Suzune wa Aidoru!" (Japanese: スズネはアイドル！Category:Articles containing Japanese-language text)		Masahito KobayashiNaoko OgigamiAugust 25, 2022 (2022-08-25)
196"The Secret of the Theme Park"
Transliteration: "Yūenchi no Himitsu" (Japanese: 遊園地の秘密Category:Articles containing Japanese-language text)		Masahito KobayashiNaoko OgigamiAugust 25, 2022 (2022-08-25)
207"Strategy Meeting in the Dark"
Transliteration: "Kurayami no Sakusen Kaigi" (Japanese: くらやみの作戦会議Category:Articles containing Japanese-language text)		Masahito KobayashiNaoko OgigamiAugust 25, 2022 (2022-08-25)
218"The Last Parade"
Transliteration: "Saigo no Parēdo" (Japanese: 最後のパレードCategory:Articles containing Japanese-language text)		Masahito KobayashiNaoko OgigamiAugust 25, 2022 (2022-08-25)

Reception

Petrana Radulovic from Polygon called the show endearing and complimented the juxtaposition of the "whimsy" with Kaoru's struggles with her adult life.[10] James Whitbrook from io9 described the show as "a love letter to the need to escape", noting its message that sometimes even small acts of escape from everyday life are necessary.[11] Anime News Network praised the animation and concept, but mentioned that there was little exploration and resolution towards Kaoru's troubles.[12]

References

  1. ↑ "About｜dwarf studios".
  2. ↑ "Rilakkuma Returns With Rilakkuma's Theme Park Adventure Series on Netflix". Anime News Network. October 26, 2020. Retrieved May 25, 2021.
  3. ↑ "Netflixシリーズ『リラックマと遊園地』配信開始日が8月25日に決定！" [The Netflix series "Rilakkuma and the Amusement Park" will be released on August 25th!]. San-X (in Japanese).Category:CS1 Japanese-language sources (ja)
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 "『リラックマとカオルさん』だけじゃない! 個性豊かなキャラクター初解禁" [It's not just "Rilakkuma and Kaoru-san"!]. Oricon (in Japanese). March 27, 2019. Retrieved April 22, 2019.Category:CS1 Japanese-language sources (ja)
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 St. Michel, Patrick (April 18, 2019). "Bear essentials: Rilakkuma's adorable stop-motion debut". The Japan Times. Retrieved May 17, 2019.
  6. ↑ "「リラックマ」初のこま撮りアニメ、脚本は『かもめ食堂』の荻上直子氏が担当" [Rilakkuma's first stop-motion animation, written by Naoko Ogiue of Kamome Shokudo]. Oricon (in Japanese). October 18, 2017. Retrieved April 22, 2019.Category:CS1 Japanese-language sources (ja)
  7. ↑ Pineda, Rafael Antonio (November 26, 2018). "Rilakkuma and Kaoru Stop-Motion Anime Unveils Cast, Trailer, April 19 Debut". Anime News Network.
  8. ↑ Pineda, Rafael Antonio (November 26, 2018). "Rilakkuma and Kaoru Stop-Motion Anime Unveils Cast, Trailer, April 19 Debut". Anime News Network. Retrieved April 22, 2019.
  9. ↑ "山田孝之、『リラックマとカオルさん』で一人何役?" [Takayuki Yamada, what role do you play in "Rilakkuma and Kaoru-san"?]. Oricon (in Japanese). May 2, 2019. Retrieved May 2, 2019.Category:CS1 Japanese-language sources (ja)
  10. ↑ Radulovic, Petrana (April 19, 2019). "Rilakkuma and Kaoru is a delightful, magical slice of life". Polygon. Retrieved April 22, 2019.
  11. ↑ Whitbrook, James (April 27, 2019). "I Really, Really Needed Rilakkuma and Kaoru This Month". io9. Retrieved April 28, 2019.
  12. ↑ Pfeiffer, Andy; Jones, Steve (April 25, 2019). "This Week in Anime: Is Rilakkuma and Kaoru Worth Watching?". Anime News Network. Retrieved April 29, 2019.
Category:2019 anime ONAs Category:Animated television series about bears Category:Japanese-language television shows Category:Netflix original anime Category:Slice of life anime and manga Category:Stop-motion animated television series Category:Workplace comedy television series
Category:2019 anime ONAs Category:Animated television series about bears Category:Articles containing Japanese-language text Category:Articles with short description Category:CS1 Japanese-language sources (ja) Category:Japanese-language television shows Category:Netflix original anime Category:Official website not in Wikidata Category:Pages containing links to subscription-only content Category:Short description is different from Wikidata Category:Slice of life anime and manga Category:Stop-motion animated television series Category:Use mdy dates from March 2025 Category:Workplace comedy television series