A new anime adaptation featuring San-X’s beloved character Rilakkuma has been officially announced, set to premiere as a short-form series in April 2026. The production will be handled by the acclaimed studio Production I.G, with a key creative team already revealed.
Production I.G at the Helm
The new Rilakkuma anime marks a fresh direction for the character, transitioning from previous stop-motion series to a 2D animation style. Production I.G, known for works like Ghost in the Shell and Haikyuu!!, will be animating the series. This promises a polished visual experience while aiming to retain Rilakkuma’s signature gentle and relaxed tone.
Key Staff and Creative Team
The main staff for the upcoming anime includes a notable team. Yoshimi Itazu and Yumi Kamakura are slated to direct the series. Itazu previously directed The Concierge film, and many staff members from that project, including character designer and key animator Chiyo Morita, concept color designer Izumi Hirose, in-between animator Maiko Nogami, editor Junichi Uematsu, and cinematographer Hiroshi Tanaka, are involved in this new Rilakkuma production.
Short Anime Format and Theme Song
The new Rilakkuma series will adopt a short anime format, which aligns with the character’s laid-back and episodic nature. YOASOBI vocalist Lilas Ikuta will perform the official theme song for the anime, titled “stay with me.” Ikuta, a self-proclaimed fan of the Rilakkuma character, also penned the lyrics for the song, which is expected to complement the wholesome vibe of the show. An announcement trailer, featuring this theme song, has already showcased Rilakkuma and friends in various adorable scenarios.
April 2026 Debut
Fans can anticipate the new Rilakkuma anime to begin airing on television in April 2026. This announcement follows an initial reveal in October 2024 about a new Rilakkuma anime being in production. A teaser visual has been released, featuring Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma, Kiiroitori, and Chairoikoguma. The official anime website also opened recently, revealing character visuals.
Rilakkuma’s Enduring Popularity
Rilakkuma, meaning “bear in a relaxed mood,” was created by Aki Kondo in 2003 for the San-X stationery company. The character is known for its stress-free, lazy, and snack-indulging lifestyle, alongside friends Korilakkuma, Kiiroitori, and Chairoikoguma, who live with an overwhelmed office worker named Kaoru. The franchise has seen previous anime adaptations, including the stop-motion series Rilakkuma and Kaoru (2019) and Rilakkuma’s Theme Park Adventure (2022), both of which streamed on Netflix. The enduring appeal of Rilakkuma lies in its simple cuteness and its message of enjoying life at a slow, relaxed pace.
