Blab Entertainment
Rilakkuma Short Anime Receives Third Season After Episode 24
When the final frame of episode 24 faded to black on Saturday, September 9, 2026, viewers were already hearing the next chapter in Rilakkuma’s calm adventures. A new season of the San‑X short anime has been officially announced, confirming that the series will return with a third season titled Rilakkuma: Ki Mama ni Manpuku Biyori (Carefree, Well‑Fed Days).
The series, which first premiered on April 4, 2026, airs on Japan’s TBS network every Saturday at 9:25 a.m. and is streamed worldwide on Crunchyroll. The first season was called Rilakkuma: Goyurori Yume no Tabi (Leisure Trip of Dreams), while the second ran under the title Rilakkuma: Tekuteku Sekai Ryokō (Steadily Traveling the World). Each season follows the laid‑back bear as he explores everyday moments and gentle adventures.
Narration and music are handled by YOASOBI vocalist Lilas Ikuta, who also performs the series’ theme song, “stay with me.” The collaboration between the singer and the animation studio Production I.G. has been highlighted by fans for its soothing tone and the way it complements Rilakkuma’s relaxed atmosphere.
Rilakkuma was created by illustrator Aki Kondo in 2003 for San‑X, a Japanese character‑design company that has produced a wide range of kawaii figures. The character quickly became San‑X’s flagship property, with merchandise sales exceeding 250 billion yen by the end of 2016. In addition to stationery and plush toys, Rilakkuma has appeared in picture books, comics, and several television series. The first Rilakkuma‑based anime, Rilakkuma and Kaoru, premiered on Netflix in 2019, followed by a stop‑motion series, Rilakkuma’s Theme Park Adventure, in 2022.
The short‑anime format, which typically runs a few minutes per episode, has proven popular with both children and adults. The series’ light‑hearted storytelling and gentle pacing fit the brand’s image of calmness and comfort. According to Anime News Network, the third season will continue this trend, offering new episodes that explore Rilakkuma’s daily life and interactions with friends Korilakkuma, Chairoikoguma, and the bird Kiiroitori.
From a business perspective, the continuation of the series reflects San‑X’s strategy to expand its media presence beyond merchandise. By partnering with a major broadcaster like TBS and a global streaming platform such as Crunchyroll, San‑X can reach a broader audience while reinforcing brand loyalty among existing fans. The partnership with YOASOBI also brings a contemporary musical element that may attract younger viewers.
The announcement of the third season follows a pattern of regular seasonal releases. The first season’s promotional video was released in February 2026, and the second season’s teaser appeared in June 2026. Each season has been accompanied by a new title that reflects the thematic focus of the episodes. The latest title, Ki Mama ni Manpuku Biyori, suggests a focus on leisurely, well‑fed days, aligning with Rilakkuma’s reputation for enjoying simple pleasures.
As of now, the exact premiere date for the third season has not been disclosed. Production I.G. has confirmed that the animation team is preparing new episodes, and Crunchyroll has indicated that the series will continue to be available on its platform. Fans can expect the next batch of episodes to air on the same Saturday morning slot on TBS.
In summary, the Rilakkuma short anime has secured a third season after the conclusion of episode 24. The series, narrated and musically supported by Lilas Ikuta, will continue to air on TBS and stream on Crunchyroll. The move underscores San‑X’s ongoing efforts to broaden its media footprint while maintaining the gentle charm that has made Rilakkuma a global icon.
The series, which first premiered on April 4, 2026, airs on Japan’s TBS network every Saturday at 9:25 a.m. and is streamed worldwide on Crunchyroll. The first season was called Rilakkuma: Goyurori Yume no Tabi (Leisure Trip of Dreams), while the second ran under the title Rilakkuma: Tekuteku Sekai Ryokō (Steadily Traveling the World). Each season follows the laid‑back bear as he explores everyday moments and gentle adventures.
Narration and music are handled by YOASOBI vocalist Lilas Ikuta, who also performs the series’ theme song, “stay with me.” The collaboration between the singer and the animation studio Production I.G. has been highlighted by fans for its soothing tone and the way it complements Rilakkuma’s relaxed atmosphere.
Rilakkuma was created by illustrator Aki Kondo in 2003 for San‑X, a Japanese character‑design company that has produced a wide range of kawaii figures. The character quickly became San‑X’s flagship property, with merchandise sales exceeding 250 billion yen by the end of 2016. In addition to stationery and plush toys, Rilakkuma has appeared in picture books, comics, and several television series. The first Rilakkuma‑based anime, Rilakkuma and Kaoru, premiered on Netflix in 2019, followed by a stop‑motion series, Rilakkuma’s Theme Park Adventure, in 2022.
The short‑anime format, which typically runs a few minutes per episode, has proven popular with both children and adults. The series’ light‑hearted storytelling and gentle pacing fit the brand’s image of calmness and comfort. According to Anime News Network, the third season will continue this trend, offering new episodes that explore Rilakkuma’s daily life and interactions with friends Korilakkuma, Chairoikoguma, and the bird Kiiroitori.
From a business perspective, the continuation of the series reflects San‑X’s strategy to expand its media presence beyond merchandise. By partnering with a major broadcaster like TBS and a global streaming platform such as Crunchyroll, San‑X can reach a broader audience while reinforcing brand loyalty among existing fans. The partnership with YOASOBI also brings a contemporary musical element that may attract younger viewers.
The announcement of the third season follows a pattern of regular seasonal releases. The first season’s promotional video was released in February 2026, and the second season’s teaser appeared in June 2026. Each season has been accompanied by a new title that reflects the thematic focus of the episodes. The latest title, Ki Mama ni Manpuku Biyori, suggests a focus on leisurely, well‑fed days, aligning with Rilakkuma’s reputation for enjoying simple pleasures.
As of now, the exact premiere date for the third season has not been disclosed. Production I.G. has confirmed that the animation team is preparing new episodes, and Crunchyroll has indicated that the series will continue to be available on its platform. Fans can expect the next batch of episodes to air on the same Saturday morning slot on TBS.
In summary, the Rilakkuma short anime has secured a third season after the conclusion of episode 24. The series, narrated and musically supported by Lilas Ikuta, will continue to air on TBS and stream on Crunchyroll. The move underscores San‑X’s ongoing efforts to broaden its media footprint while maintaining the gentle charm that has made Rilakkuma a global icon.
