Our family loves Japanese Culture. Granted in Wisconsin, we don’t have many opportunities to really explore and enjoy it. The two times we’ve been to Walt Disney World Epcot, we’ve made sure we had enough time to spend exploring Japan.

Have you seen Rilakkuma?

Rilakkuma – Making Mischief Trendy!

AQI Partners With San-X To Launch The Japanese Lifestyle Brand Rilakkuma

TORONTO, March 10, 2014 – Everyone wants to know the mystery behind the popular Japanese brand Rilakkuma. Who are the three loveable characters and how did they end up living in Tokyo?

In 2003 San-X launched Rilakkuma in Japan and saw great success with the brand. Now, AQI brings Rilakkuma to America to continue the story about the beloved characters- Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma and Kiiroitori.

These three unlikely companions live with a hard working Tokyo woman named Kaoru. Every day they take on a new adventure and find ways to keep themselves occupied while Kaoru is at work.

“The mysterious brand has been a staple in the Japanese market for over a decade,” said David Ringer, CEO/President of AQI. “Rilakkuma is about an attitude and a lifestyle that allows people to create their own adventure with the characters. The fact that so much is left up each individual’s interpretation is what makes the brand so open-ended.”

Rilakkuma encourages imagination and creativity. There is no right or wrong answer to how one sees Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma or Kiiroitori. The excitement and craze around the brand stems from having the control to make each Rilakkuma character unique.

Rilakkuma and friends are currently available at FAO Schwarz and Hot Topic locations across North America and range from $8.99 to $199.99 in price.

I had no idea that Rilakkuma is a combination of the Japanese pronunciation of relax and the Japanese word for bear. Interesting, huh?!