Watch Rilakkuma and Kaoru

Rilakkuma and Kaoru is a heartwarming stop-motion animation show on Netflix, that follows Kaoru (voiced by Lana Condor/Kaoru's Japanese voice actress is Miyuki Sawashiro), a 25-year-old office worker living in Tokyo, and her three fuzzy roommates - Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma and Kiiroitori (voiced by Veronica Taylor, Abby Trott, and Barbara Goodson respectively). Each episode is around 11 minutes long and there are 13 episodes in total.

Rilakkuma and Kaoru is based on the San-X characters, created by Aki Kondo, and the show is directed by Masahito Kobayashi. The show explores themes such as love, friendship, family, and self-discovery. Through Kaoru's relationship with her furry friends, the audience also learns about Japanese culture and customs.

In the show, Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma and Kiiroitori are mysterious creatures who magically appear one day outside Kaoru's apartment. From then on, they become permanent roommates who share in her joys and sorrows. Rilakkuma, the cuddly bear who never takes off his kigurumi (a Japanese onesie), loves to eat pancakes, lounge around, and listen to music. Korilakkuma, the white bear with a red button nose, is playful and mischievous, and always tries to get Kaoru to play with her. Kiiroitori, the yellow canary bird, acts like a mother hen who cleans, scolds, and takes care of his two bear friends.

The plot revolves around Kaoru's daily life, her struggles with work and relationships, and her relationship with her furry roommates. Kaoru is a somewhat pessimistic and introverted person who is struggling with her job at a guesthouse. Her family members often call her to ask when she will get married and settle down, but Kaoru feels uncertain about her future. However, her life takes a turn for the better when Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma, and Kiiroitori become a part of her life.

In each episode, Kaoru faces a new challenge, such as looking for a lost item, dealing with a crush, or dealing with her difficult boss at work. However, her furry friends always find a way to help her through it. They do everything from preparing lunch for her, to singing and dancing, to doing the laundry. Watching the animals interact with Kaoru is a charming and heartwarming experience.

The show has a unique visual style, as it is stop-motion animated with the use of puppets. The design of each character is faithful to the original San-X designs. Each episode is set in a different season, so the animators have created a breathtaking visual experience by capturing the changing colors of the environment. The show's soundtrack creates a whimsical atmosphere with its use of xylophones, bells, and wind chimes. The stop-motion animation, combined with the music and sound effects, creates a comforting and relaxing atmosphere that is perfect for winding down after a long day.

Rilakkuma and Kaoru is a show that is suitable for all audiences. It is an excellent show for children, as it teaches them about friendship, kindness, and empathy. Adults will also enjoy the show's emotional depth, humor, and relatable characters. The show's themes promote a positive outlook and will make you appreciate the little things in life. It is a perfect show to watch when you need a break from the stress of daily life.

In conclusion, Rilakkuma and Kaoru is a delightful show that is a must-watch for anyone who loves animation, cute characters, or heartwarming stories. The stop-motion animation, charming soundtrack, and relatable characters create a beautiful and relaxing atmosphere that is perfect for those who want to escape into a world of warmth and kindness.

Rilakkuma and Kaoru is a series that ran for 1 seasons (13 episodes) between April 19, 2019 and on Netflix