Production I.G Unveils New Rilakkuma Short Anime for April 2026 Premiere, YOASOBI's Lilas Ikuta to Perform Theme Song

Fans of San-X's beloved, laid-back bear, Rilakkuma, have exciting news to anticipate as a brand new anime adaptation is officially slated to premiere in April 2026. This charming short anime series promises to capture the same heartwarming and tranquil essence that has captivated audiences globally. The esteemed Production I.G, renowned for high-profile works such as Ghost in the Shell and Haikyuu!!, is leading this production, ensuring a top-tier animation experience.

This highly anticipated announcement follows an initial reveal in October 2024, which generated considerable excitement among the fanbase. A recently unveiled teaser visual offers a delightful first look at the main characters: Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma, Kiiroitori, and Chairoikoguma. They are all rendered with a fresh, polished 2D aesthetic that beautifully honors their classic appeal.

A Closer Look at the Creative Minds

The character designs are expertly crafted by Chiyo Morita, an artist whose distinctive touch was also evident in The Concierge anime film. Guiding the series are co-directors Yoshimi Itazu and Yumi Kamakura, who bring a wealth of experience from their previous projects. Their involvement ensures that the gentle pace and inherent charm of Rilakkuma's universe will remain perfectly intact.

The auditory landscape of the series is set to be equally enchanting. A compelling soundtrack is composed by Kōta Yokoseki, Yoshiya Ikeda, and Mizuki Kanno, under the meticulous music production of Legendore. Adding a modern and soothing vocal layer to the experience, Lilas Ikuta, the acclaimed vocalist of the popular music group YOASOBI, performs the anime’s theme song, 'stay with me.'

The production boasts a stellar team, including Keiko Matsushita as animation producer. Several veterans from The Concierge are also contributing, such as Izumi Hirose (concept color designer), Maiko Nogami (in-between animator), Junichi Uematsu (editor), and Hiroshi Tanaka (cinematographer).

Rilakkuma's Enduring Charm and Legacy

This new adaptation proudly continues the enduring legacy of Rilakkuma, a character conceived by Aki Kondo in 2003. Rilakkuma is revered for promoting a relaxed, stress-free bear lifestyle that champions slow living and simple pleasures. Building on the success of prior Netflix stop-motion series like Rilakkuma and Kaoru (2019) and Rilakkuma's Theme Park Adventure (2022), this upcoming series is poised to offer a fresh yet familiar heartwarming atmosphere.

Enthusiasts can now follow updates via the newly launched official anime website and social media accounts, as excitement builds for this endearing return to the world of Rilakkuma.